Category: MIL NZ OSI

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Minister to attend Munich Security Conference

Source: New Zealand Government

Defence Minister Judith Collins departs today for Germany to attend the international Munich Security Conference. 

“In a turbulent and unpredictable world, the Munich Security Conference is an important opportunity to debate key security issues that impact New Zealand,” Ms Collins says.

“This year the conference brings together global decision-makers and military leaders from more than 100 countries, working to bolster cooperation, collective security and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.”

During the three-day conference Ms Collins will hold bilateral meetings with a number of New Zealand’s long-standing defence partners, including the United Kingdom’s Secretary of Defence, John Healey, and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte.

She will also speak at a session focused on the interconnected nature of security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions.

“I look forward to sharing New Zealand’s perspectives on a range of international issues, particularly the interconnected security challenges facing both of our regions such as Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and escalating strategic competition. 

“As a small nation reliant on trade at the bottom of the southwest Pacific, we must take every opportunity to sit at the table and advocate for our interests and values.”

Ms Collins will return to New Zealand on 16 February.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/minister-to-attend-munich-security-conference/

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Govt Cuts – MSD plan to cut security guards risks repeating mistakes of the past – PSA

Source: PSA

The PSA is calling on the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to pause a proposal to cut security guards from three to two at 20 offices around the country until the union is satisfied that proper risk assessments have been carried out.
MSD is planning to introduce the two-guard model at smaller centres across the country from Waiuku through to Gore (see note below).
“Every worker deserves to be safe at work, and this decision risks repeating the mistakes of the past,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The PSA formally asked for site specific risk assessments to be undertaken in a letter to MSD on 3 February 2025.
“The PSA met with MSD this week to discuss concerns that the proposal to reduce security guards was developed without consultation with workers who would be most impacted.
“MSD claims to have undertaken a site assessment, but this has not yet included consultation with workers on the sites or the union. The voice of workers and the union is critical for risks to be properly considered.
“We have asked for a copy of the so-called site assessments so we can determine if they adequately assess risk facing our members. MSD has not agreed to provide the assessments but has agreed to discuss them further with the PSA.”
MSD has now committed to engaging with PSA members at each site which is a welcome development, but we have no commitment that decisions to reduce security guard numbers will be re-visited.
“We remain concerned that the approach from MSD disrespects the vital role security guards play in keeping both MSD workers and members of the public safe. They can de-escalate tense situations before they spiral out of control.
“People often come to MSD offices at the most stressful times of their lives – dealing with unemployment, housing insecurity, or financial hardship. Sometimes they take their frustrations out on frontline staff.
“In an environment of increased unemployment and lack of housing, this is exactly the wrong time to be reducing security.”
The PSA will continue to press MSD for specific risk assessments that reflect the concerns of workers for each of the 20 impacted sites before the proposal can be finalised.
Note: the impacted offices are in Alexandra, Balclutha, Cambridge, Dannevirke, Feilding, Foxton, Gore, Greymouth, Marton, Matamata, Ngāruawāhia, Ōtaki, Queenstown, Stratford, Taihape, Te Kūiti, Wainuiomata, Waitara, Waiuku and Westport
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/govt-cuts-msd-plan-to-cut-security-guards-risks-repeating-mistakes-of-the-past-psa/

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Real Estate – Does size really matter? In the New Zealand property market – yes, it does!

Source: RealEstate.co.nz

Kiwis prepared to pay almost 50% more for a three-bedroom home
Getting the bedroom/bathroom combo right can add up to half a million to a home’s price
Renovations can pay dividends, but not all are created equal

Latest data from realestate.co.nz shows an extra bedroom can add anywhere from $150,000 to more than $450,000 to a home’s asking price.

In 2025, the national average asking price for a two-bedroom home was $640,794. This increased to $844,009 for a three-bedroom home, an increase of 31.7%. But the real gains come with the addition of a fourth bedroom, with the average asking price increasing 44.1% to $1,216,635.

 Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, says the price increases highlight how additional space remains a key driver for property value.

“Kiwis are still attracted to more space and see value in that, whether it’s to accommodate a growing family, work-from-home flexibility, or future-proofing an investment.”

However, it is the combination of bedrooms and bathrooms where the biggest gains can be seen.

In 2025, the average asking price of a 3-bed 2-bath home was $987,609. This increased by almost 40% to $1,376,229 for a 3-bed, 3-bath home, a difference of $388,620.

For a bigger home, the average asking price of a 4-bed, 2-bath home was $1,173,682 but increased 44% to $1,690,982 with a third bathroom, a difference of more than half a million dollars.

Within every bedroom category, adding bathrooms pushes prices significantly higher – showing that bathrooms are a major price driver across all home sizes.

Not all upgrades are equal: know your market

Williams says for those homeowners considering a renovation, look at the bigger picture before picking up a hammer, because a reno isn’t always a sure-fire way to increase their sale price.

” We know bedrooms and bathrooms affect average asking prices but before homeowners embark on a renovation, liveability needs to be factored in. An odd layout that adds a bedroom or bathroom but reduces living, dining, or entertaining space, or negatively impacts the flow within a home, is less likely to bring the gains owners are hoping for.”

“Not all renovations are created equal, as buyers are drawn to homes that suit their lifestyle. We always encourage homeowners to think about who they’re renovating for – themselves or future buyers.”

About realestate.co.nz | New Zealand’s Best Small Workplace (2025)

Realestate.co.nz – your home for property search.  

We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996. Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry. We are certified carbon neutral (2024 & 2025) and in 2025, realestate.co.nz was crowned Best Small/Micro Workplace in New Zealand by Great Place to Work.

Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.    

Whatever life you’re searching for, it all starts here.  

Want more property insights?  

Market insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and trends over time.  

 Glossary of terms:  

Average asking price (AAP) is neither a valuation nor the sale price. It is an indication of current market sentiment. Statistically, asking prices tend to correlate closely with the sales prices recorded in future months when those properties are sold. As it looks at different data, average asking prices may differ from recorded sales data released simultaneously.  

Price drop reflects the difference between a property’s original asking price when listed on realestate.co.nz and its price at the point of sale or withdrawal. While it doesn’t show the final sale price, it provides a strong signal of how much sellers are adjusting to meet buyer demand.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/real-estate-does-size-really-matter-in-the-new-zealand-property-market-yes-it-does/

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Energy Sector – Power prices predicted to surge – Consumer NZ

Source: Consumer NZ

Consumer NZ expects power prices to increase by about 5% in 2026 – a blow to households already hit with a 12% increase to power bills last year.

Households should brace for another big bump in power prices in the year ahead. The price predictions from Consumer NZ come at a time when nearly half of all New Zealanders are concerned about the cost of their household energy.¹

“Power bills are hiking up because of an increase in lines charges’ costs – that’s the cost of delivering power to your house, and it’s the amount on your bill that stays the same regardless of how much power you use,” said Paul Fuge, Powerswitch manager.

The lines charge makes up just over one-third of the power bill, and a small hike to that fixed cost makes a big difference to monthly bills.

Consumer recommends budgeting for an increase to power bills from the end of April. Customers can expect line charges alone to climb by an average of $5 per month through to 2029.  

“The lines charge will add an average of $5 per month to your bill, but this figure will vary depending on where you live and who your retailer is. As well as the fixed costs, we expect consumers will face increases to the cost of the electricity they use too,” said Fuge.

Why power prices keep going up

The cost of running and maintaining the electricity networks has increased, and this cost flows through to people’s power bills.

“It’s an unfortunate reality that households are being asked to shoulder higher charges to have electricity delivered to their homes. But at the same time, heavy rainfall over summer – so extensive that major hydro lakes are spilling water –has driven down wholesale electricity prices. Those lower generation costs should be easing the pressure on consumers by offsetting these rising lines charges. That doesn’t seem to be happening. And that’s deeply unfair.”

The impact of ever-increasing power bills

Consumer’s research found that, last winter, one in five New Zealanders went to bed early to stay warm, one-quarter of people went without heating when it was cold and nearly one in five people cut back on food or other essentials to pay a power bill.²

“These drastic measures to manage power bills are not limited to one age group – young adults, older New Zealanders and everyone in between are being forced into uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe choices.  

“Based on our price predictions for 2026, we think the situation will only get worse,” says Fuge.

Consumer’s tips for managing power price surges

Check you’re on the cheapest plan – Power retailers are constantly changing their offers. Just because you picked the cheapest plan last year, it doesn’t mean it’s the best plan available now. You can find if there’s a plan that’s better for you through the free and independent power comparison website Powerswitch.

Keep your eye out for April price rises – Power retailers typically increase their prices from April. Mark a date in your diary for after 1 April to check in with Powerswitch to see if there are further savings you could make by switching then.

Understand your power usage – If you can do most of your power-hungry activities, like running your washing machine and dryer, in off-peak periods, you could make big savings. Off-peak periods are usually late at night, the middle of the day and weekends. You need to be on a time-of-use plan to save the most from your off-peak power usage. Being careful with when you use your power could potentially help you offset the price rises that we are predicting.

Notes

¹ Consumer NZ Sentiment Tracker January 2026
² Consumer NZ Sentiment Tracker October 2025

Consumer NZ’s Sentiment Tracker is an online survey based on a nationally representative sample of the New Zealand population. Results are weighted by age, gender and region based on Stats NZ 2018 Census data. Respondents are sourced from Dynata, an external panel provider. Surveys are conducted quarterly with at least 1000 respondents, with a margin of error of +/-3.1%.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/energy-sector-power-prices-predicted-to-surge-consumer-nz/

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How rugby and NZ are giving hope in war-torn Ukraine

Source: Radio New Zealand

Anton Shashero with Sir Graham Henry. Sarah Gloyer Waiheke Gulf News 

While the country has been dragged into a devastating war, two Ukranians are ensuring that rugby stays alive in their home, and that young players have a potential path to safety.

Anton Shashero is coach of Ukraine’s national under-16 side, and thanks to a collaboration between some prominent rugby minds in Aotearoa, he and best friend Maksym Dulia have spent the past week in the country learning from some of the best in the business.

Shashero said the invasion has had an horrific impact on players and the sport in Ukraine.

“A lot of players from the senior national team and from the under-18 team have already died. A lot of them are in the war. In almost in every family now in Ukraine, someone have lost someone. It’s huge. It’s huge.”

He said rugby acts as a beacon for young men during dark times, and for Shashero and Dulia, it had a significant impact.

“When we were kids, rugby was everything for us. You can travel, you can have friends, you can share your moments with boys on the field and it’s the values rugby which rugby gave us.”

That path was able to be extended across the other side of the world,

“We knew that we wanted to come to New Zealand and try to learn from the best. So it was our dream.

“When our boys see that we’re here with the All Blacks, it has a huge impact for them, for their families and for everyone in Ukraine, when they see that we here, it’s big moment now for Ukraine.”

Upon arrival, the pair spent time with Sir Graham Henry, the Hurricanes and at the IRANZ institute.

Anton Shashero and Maksym Dulia at IRANZ in Upper Hutt. supplied

The initiative is part of a broader plan to bring Ukrainian youth boys and girls teams to play in Aotearoa a joint effort between IRANZ, Henry and Brent Impey of Kiwi KARE, a foundation which provides New Zealand aid to Ukraine.

IRANZ general manager Wayne Taylor said it felt like the right thing to do.

“The country has been through a lot of hardship and sport can be something really positive, obviously the timing wasn’t great though with the war but it’s still something we are really keen to do, we are hoping to still get some funding and that it will still happen in the future.”

Impey said that despite everything going on in Ukraine, their passion for sport persists as the five team senior mens rugby competition continues to run.

“Their goal is to reach the 2032 Olympics in sevens, so i thought how can New Zealand help make that happen? We can be a part of reconstruction through sports diplomacy. It represents an opportunity, for New Zealand to be a visionary. “

Infrastructure in Ukraine has been significantly compromised as a result of Russian strikes, forcing Shashero to host junior camps to be held outside of the country.

“We usually do camps outside of Ukraine, in Poland and Georgia and now we go to Portugal for international tournament,” Shashero said.

Shashero and Dulia will take what they have learned home as his young side prepare to take on the best in the Northern Hemisphere.

“We have been given some fundamental things which we implement, now we have to fight to try to become the best team in the Europe. We want to show we can win against the best teams like France, Ireland, England.”

The game has come a long way in Ukraine, as Shashero vividly recalls his first trip to the European champs as a youngster where his team was soundly beaten.

“All we did was trained one week and went there and we couldn’t play well against them.”

Shashero said he has been blown away by the passion for rugby in New Zealand.

“I was at a rugby club and saw a boy maybe one years old, he cannot speak now but he already passing the ball and it’s amazing.”

Having seen some secrets behind competing on the global stage, Shashero also hopes to one day bring a Ukrainian side to Aotearoa.

“I hope that one day one will come in the future. I hope and I believe that if we prepare them for such long period, they can be on the same level with them, especially with New Zealand specialists helping us with this. I hope that it’s going to rise.”

Shashero and Dulia mixing with Hurricanes players. supplied

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/how-rugby-and-nz-are-giving-hope-in-war-torn-ukraine/

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International Convention Centre a major win for tourism and hospitality

Source: New Zealand Government

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed the official opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), the country’s largest conference, exhibition and entertainment venue, describing it as a significant milestone.

“Today’s grand opening of this multi-purpose convention space is a game changer for New Zealand’s capacity to host world‑class events,” Louise Upston says.

“The opportunities this venue creates for New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality sector are enormous, whether it be hosting large international conferences, national ceremonies or local events.

“The NZICC strengthens our ability to attract major conventions and events, showcasing the very best of New Zealand to the world. With capacity for more than 4,000 attendees, the NZICC is an incredible space designed not only for business, but for a wide range of cultural events and activities.

“This is a huge moment for New Zealand, helping attract more international visitors to our shores and giving a significant boost to our economy.”

Located in the heart of Auckland, the NZICC has been designed to support large‑scale conventions and events, incorporating state‑of‑the‑art technology, flexible meeting spaces, and sustainable design features intended to serve both domestic and global audiences.

To date, more than 120 events have been confirmed for 2026, including two of Australasia’s largest association conferences – The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).

“The strong pipeline of events NZICC already has confirmed means more job opportunities for our people in the tourism and hospitality sector,” Louise Upston says.

“I can’t wait to see the first conferences and concerts filling these spaces, putting New Zealand firmly on the map as a go-to-destination.

“New Zealand is open for business – and we’re ready to welcome many more visitors in 2026 and beyond.”

The New Zealand International Convention Centre is owned by SkyCity Entertainment Group, operating in partnership with the New Zealand Government.

Notes to Editor:

  • The NZICC is the largest conference, exhibition, and entertainment venue in New Zealand, with capacity for more than 4,000 attendees. The NZICC theatre is the largest seated theatre in the country, seating 2,850 people, while the hall will be able to host 3,300 people for a banquet.
  • In 2013, the Government and SkyCity agreed to build a new international convention centre for Auckland, including a 300-room hotel and 1,300 car parks. The Agreement was codified in law under the New Zealand International Convention Centre Act 2013 (the Act).

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/international-convention-centre-a-major-win-for-tourism-and-hospitality/

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‘It whacked my snowboard’: Olympian Zoi Sadowski-Synnott’s medal breaks

Source: Radio New Zealand

Silver medallist New Zealand’s Zoi Sadowski Synnott poses on the podium after the snowboard women’s big air final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. AFP/KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV

New Zealand snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott has joined an elite club of Olympians – those who will be bringing home broken medals.

After a rough start, Sadowski-Synnott earned her second consecutive silver medal in the Big Air event at the Winter Olympics in Italy, matching her result from four years ago.

“You set goals and you dream about it, and when it actually happens, you still can’t really believe it,” the 24-year-old told Morning Report.

“But yeah, I’m really grateful that I was able to put it down when it mattered and just thankful for all the support from back home and grateful to have my family out here too.”

There have been reports of medals from this year’s Games breaking easily – including from American downhill skiing champion Breezy Johnson, Swedish cross-country skier Ebba Andersson and United States figure skater Alysa Liu.

Asked if she had kept hers safe, Sadowski-Synnott admitted “not exactly”.

“Mine actually broke. But it’s chill. It whacked my snowboard and fell off the thing, but it goes right back in. It’s all good.”

It was suspected the fault stemmed from the medal’s clasp and ribbon, which are designed to split if pulled with force to prevent strangulation.

Organisers on Thursday (local time) said they had found a fix.

Sadowski-Synnott, who has won five Olympic medals in her career, was going to cherish her latest prize regardless.

“It’s pretty sick. It’s pretty special, so beautiful and can’t really believe that I’m holding another Olympic medal.”

She next competes in slopestyle, where she will be defending the gold she won in Beijing in 2022.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/it-whacked-my-snowboard-olympian-zoi-sadowski-synnotts-medal-breaks/

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Ministry of Social Development set to cut security guards

Source: Radio New Zealand

The number of security guards at Work and Income offices are being reduced throughout the country (file image). supplied

The Ministry of Social Development is planning to cut the number of security guards at Work and Income offices throughout the country.

Twenty jobs are set to go at 20 offices in regional towns next month – reducing the number of guards at these sites from three to two.

Security guards and unions are blaming cost-cutting and are alarmed at the safety risks the lay-offs pose, following the murders of two Ashburton Work and Income employees in 2014.

The Ministry of Social Development, which employs Allied Security as a contractor, told RNZ the changes aren’t driven by cost-cutting and follow safety upgrades and changes to office lay-out, including bringing outside guards inside.

E tū union said the offices affected are in Alexandra, Balclutha, Cambridge, Dannevirke, Feilding, Foxton, Gore, Greymouth, Marton, Matamata, Ngāruawāhia, Ōtaki, Queenstown, Stratford, Taihape, Te Kūiti, Wainuiomata, Waitara, Waiuku and Westport.

Russell John Tully in the Ashburton Work and Income office during his killing spree in 2014. Supplied

‘The risk is real at any office’ – security guard

Security guard Henare Eynon, who works in Marton, told RNZ he was worried for the safety of Work and Income staff, his colleagues and the public.

“Going from three guards to two guards is a significant change, it’s not just one person less, it’s a 50 percent increase for the remaining two, and the loss of a spare pair of eyes.”

In 2014, Russell John Tully walked into the Ashburton Work and Income offices armed with a shotgun and killed two staff members, Peggy Noble and Leigh Cleveland. Tully was sentenced to life in prison for murder.

Eynon said that could happen again.

“The risk is real at any office – it depends on the person that’s coming in, and what condition the person is in – there are a lot of mental health clients out there that will go off their rockers at times.”

He said while many clients are respectful, he’s dealt with dangerous situations over the past several years as a guard in the lower North Island – including a client threatening to drive into a Work and Income office, and another attempting to come inside with a knife.

One man threatened violence when he was asked to sign in at the front desk, Eynon said, but he talked him out of it.

“He says I’m coming over there to punch you in the f***ing head, and I said come on then, you’re welcome to try, but you’re going to end up in jail if you do that, and I said it calmly.”

Eynon said he’s not taking aim at his employer Allied Security or the Ministry of Social Development staff – but believes the government is behind a decision to cut costs.

Another security guard from the lower North Island, who RNZ has agreed not to name, said even small offices could deal with “nasty” experiences on a monthly basis.

“The vulnerability of the staff is a big concern to me, because once trouble happens, especially in small sites, it’s hard to get away from.”

He disagreed with a recent change to bring guards standing outside inside the offices.

“We have no ability to check people’s intoxication, mental health, level of aggression before they enter the building, and once they’re in, they’re in, and it’s far more difficult to get somebody out of an office, rather than just stop them at the door.”

E tū national secretary Rachel Mackintosh said the government and Allied Security should immediately stop the changes.

She said the Ashburton shooting drove MSD to employ extra security guards, and ensure three were stationed at each office.

“It’s as if everyone involved has forgotten about the tragic events that occurred in Ashburton, or they are willing to risk it happening again to save a few bucks?

“What we don’t know is any rationale for reducing the number of guards – we haven’t seen that – we don’t know whether the employer Allied Security has been provided that information from MSD, but certainly we haven’t seen it.”

Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimmons said she had requested a full risk assessment from MSD over the changes, but that consultation with MSD workers at offices had so far not happened.

“There is widespread anxiety amongst staff over these changes.

“People come to these MSD offices in times in their lives which are distressing, and too often they take their frustrations out on staff. The security guards are an absolutely critical safety initiative for staff and members of the public,” Fitzsimmons said.

Ashburton’s Work and Income office following the shooting. RNZ / Alexander Robertson

‘Confident’ we’ve responded to Ashburton – MSD

The killings in Ashburton prompted MSD to launch an internal review, and employ an extra 100 security guards at Work and Income centres.

Worksafe brought charges against MSD and in 2016, Judge Jan-Marie Doogue found the ministry had failed to ensure there was no physically unrestricted access to the staff working area.

Ministry of Social Development deputy chief executive for organisational and risk assurance, Melissa Gill, told RNZ MSD had invested $80 million over the last 10 years in a major upgrade to all its sites, including implementing lockdown zones and upgrading security equipment.

She said MSD took the safety of all staff and clients at offices seriously.

“I’m confident that we have responded to the events in Ashburton, we’ve had a concerted programme of work over the past 10 years, we’ve created safer and more secure spaces in our sites, we ensure our staff are well-trained and supported to respond to incidents should they occur.”

Ministry of Social Development’s Melissa Gill. RNZ

She said reducing guard numbers was not due to cost-cutting, but part of a review of security settings including a decision to move guards standing outside, inside.

Gill said MSD’s data had shown a drop in serious incidents being reported, and there would still be between two and five security guards across all 121 Work and Income offices.

She said the agency had done a risk assessment at every office, had “planned and tested” the specific changes over a number of years, and kept the PSA informed.

Gill said bringing the security guards inside was safer for them, and guards could watch for a client’s behaviour from inside offices.

“The guards receive training from Allied on how to observe people’s action as they are approaching an environment, so they are able to monitor that as the person is approaching the site.”

She said if a serious incident occurred, guards and staff were trained to go into lockdowns, and worked closely with the police.

Gill did not rule out further cuts to guards at other sites.

“It would be fair to say this is an ongoing programme of work but I can’t comment on that at the moment because we are still working through the process with our sites and with the PSA.”

Allied Security general manager of operations Chris McDowall said MSD advised the company of a change of operating model for selected sites within the wider contract.

He said Allied supported the changes following a trial in 2025.

“We expect minimal role losses as part of this process and remain focused on the wellbeing of our staff and all those affected by any change process.”

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/ministry-of-social-development-set-to-cut-security-guards/

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Morning Report live: Paul Goldsmith defends pulling the plug on retail crime group

Source: Radio New Zealand

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The Justice Minister says it’s uncharitable to say a government retail crime advisory group was a waste of time.

Paul Goldsmith has confirmed the group will wind down four months early, after three of its five members walked away.

Labour this week said it was a stunt from day one, and that it came up with was ideas previously dismissed as ineffective or unsafe.

Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said the group recycled the bad plans, instead of listening to retailers, victims, and police, and that its wind-down is embarassing for the government.

But Goldsmith said retail crime was a real problem, and suggestions the group put forward had been enacted in legislation to make a real difference.

He dismissed criticism of chairman Sunny Kaushal’s behaviour, saying he was a fierce defender of victims.

Kaushal said his priority was to deliver reform for victims of retail crime, and not to have an “endless talking group”.

“I’m very relaxed about the ministerial advisory group winding up in May,” he said.

“I made sure the MAG delivered our advisory work quickly, so that victims could see legislation in the House before we wrapped up.

“I thought this more important than pursuing endless ‘frameworks’ that other MAG members would have prioritised.”

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/morning-report-live-paul-goldsmith-defends-pulling-the-plug-on-retail-crime-group/

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The Secret Art of Naturing: A Beginner’s Guide

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

I’ll admit it: I’m addicted. Not to coffee (well, that too), but to naturing. It started small, a quick stroll outside, a sneaky breath of fresh air. Next thing I know, I’m knee-deep in bush tracks, whispering encouragement to kererū, and declaring “this counts as exercise” while holding a pie.

Let’s zoom in on a classic naturing move: the walk.

Walking might sound simple, but with these tips, you’ll be naturing like a pro.

Step 1: Dress the Part

The best thing about naturing is there’s no dress code. Depending on what you’re doing, you’ll see it all: people in activewear that look straight out of an ad campaign, gumboots from the farm, jandals and a sunhat at the beach. Basically, whatever you wear instantly becomes “naturing gear”. As long as it’s right for the activity and the conditions, you’re good to go.

Pro tip: pack an extra layer, because naturing weather loves a surprise.

Step 2: Embrace the Awkward Moments

Naturing isn’t all poetic bird song and Instagram sunsets. Sometimes it’s tripping over a tree root like you’re in a slapstick comedy. Sometimes it’s noticing a harmless-but-scary-looking insect crawling across your sleeve and giving you a mini heart attack. These moments? That’s peak naturing. Own it.

Step 3: Snack Like a Pro

Half the joy of naturing is snacks. The rule is simple: whatever food you bring outdoors instantly becomes gourmet. Warm squashed muesli bar at the bottom of your bag? Five-star cuisine. Banana bruised to oblivion? Still a delicacy.

Remember: calories consumed while naturing don’t count. (Probably.)

Step 4: Know When to Say “I’m Naturing”

Next time someone asks what you’re doing this weekend, skip the boring “oh, just going for a walk.” Look them straight in the eye and declare, “I’ll be naturing.” Watch as they nod respectfully, unsure what it means but too embarrassed to ask. That’s power.

Step 5: Keep Calm and Keep Naturing

Naturing isn’t a hobby. It’s a lifestyle. A calling. A spiritual obligation to trip over logs, get sand in weird places, and develop a deep appreciation for tui singing louder than your morning alarm. Once you start, you’ll never stop.

The best part? There are heaps of great spots for naturing all over Aotearoa, and the DOC website is your ultimate guide. From hidden walking tracks to iconic national parks, you can plan adventures, keep up to date on safety and weather advice, discover tips, and even learn about the native plants and wildlife you might meet along the way.

So grab your boots, pack your snacks, and keep embracing the art of naturing, whether it’s around the corner from your house or in the heart of a forest. Because life is just better when you’re always naturing.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/the-secret-art-of-naturing-a-beginners-guide/

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Christchurch terrorist just seeking attention with his appeal bid, survivor says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Temel Atacocugu, who was shot during the massacre at Al Noor Mosque. RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon

One of the survivors of the Christchurch terror attack says the terrorist is just seeking attention with his Court of Appeal bid.

White supremacist Brenton Tarrant is serving a life sentence without parole for the mass shootings in March 2019 and has gone to the Court of Appeal to overturn his convictions and sentence.

Temel Atacocugu, who was shot during the massacre at Al Noor Mosque, said he believed this was all for the terrorist’s entertainment and so he could get the public’s attention again.

“He doesn’t want to be forgotten, but he lost that chance. He is forgotten already. I don’t think it will make any difference to his conditions in jail after all this court case is finished,” Atacocugu said.

Atacocugu was shot nine times in the attack and said it was still challenging for him physically and mentally.

He has been watching the court hearing via livestream in Christchurch and said it was difficult to see the terrorist’s face on screen.

March 2019 massacres happened at Christchurch’s Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

“When I saw his face on the screen, flashbacks started bombarding my mind, and remembering that day. And my body reacted and was aching and my disabled arm on my left side. So it’s not easy for us to be still dealing with this court case,” he said.

The terrorist should stop with the self-pity and face what he had done like a man, Atacocugu said.

Federation of Islamic Associations chair Abdur Razzaq said the latest court appearance by the Australian terrorist followed a well-known pattern used by convicted right-wing terrorists globally to exploit legal systems in order to regain publicity, amplify their ideology and inspire online supporters.

The white supremacist was following an almost identical trajectory to the man responsible for the 2011 Norway attacks that killed 77 people, he said.

“After initially confessing guilt, the Oslo terrorist systematically exploited the Norwegian and European legal systems through repeated court actions following his 2012 conviction, including cases in 2016, 2017, and again in 2024, largely focused on alleged prison conditions. This is quite similar to the Australian 15 March terrorist who is now exploiting the NZ legal system claiming he pleaded guilty under duress by torture,” Abdur Razzaq said.

The terrorist was using the New Zealand legal system not to seek genuine redress but to re-enter the public arena, garner repeated media reporting and ensure continued visibility, he said.

The legal challenges brought societal costs to the March 15 families, who were already suffering from PTSD and large financial costs, Abdur Razzaq said.

“Unfortunately, as a society, we must confront an uncomfortable reality.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/christchurch-terrorist-just-seeking-attention-with-his-appeal-bid-survivor-says/

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Government needs to ‘sit down and have a conversation with us’ on India trade deal – Hipkins

Source: Radio New Zealand

Labour leader Chris Hipkins. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Labour is getting closer to confirming support for the India Free Trade agreement, but says the full text has raised more questions that need answering.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade Minister Todd McClay announced the agreement three days before Christmas, touting wins for several industries.

During the announcement, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters revealed he would not be supporting the deal, saying it gave away too much – particularly on immigration – for too little, including dairy.

The divide between the coalition parties means National and ACT will need support from at least one opposition party to get legislation as part of the deal through Parliament.

McClay later revealed NZ First had [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/585343/nz-first-pulled-support-for-india-fta-before-it-was-secured-todd-mcclay-reveals expressed its disagreement before the announcement.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins on Tuesday said the party expected to write to the prime minister by the end of the week setting out conditions for Labour’s support.

“Just got to do a little bit of wordsmithing on that,” he said. “We clearly have some concerns about the potential exploitation of migrant workers, where we think the government is not doing enough, and we’re going to set out things that we want to see the government doing in that area. And I’ll set the rest of it out in due course.

“The government will need to do something that they have not yet done, which is that they’ll need to sit down and have a conversation with us rather than saying ‘this is the agreement that we have signed, you should just support it’.”

Coalition members had previously been relying on summaries provided by officials, as is usual.

Hipkins and Peters both confirmed their teams had received copies of the full text of the agreement in recent days, with Hipkins indicating that had added complications.

“We’ve got more questions now than we might have had based on the information the government gave us when they announced the deal,” he said.

He said US President Donald Trump’s tariffs had opened the path to securing the deal.

“Everything changed in India as a result of recent developments around Trump, a lot of countries suddenly got access to negotiate trade agreements that they had been really struggling to get,” he said.

He said New Zealand had come out of the process “with a deal that isn’t as good as other countries have been able to secure”.

Rather than blame the negotiators, he pointed the finger at Luxon’s public commitment to secure a deal before the 2026 election.

“Ultimately, those negotiators work within the parameters set by the government. Christopher Luxon tied their hands behind their back. When he said that he was going to secure a deal before the election come hell or high water, that immediately made their job a lot harder.”

He again expressed frustration at the process.

“They could have spoken to us through these negotiations so that we would have been fully familiar with what it is that they were signing us up to. They chose not to do that.”

McClay said the deal was being “legally scrubbed and verified”, and once that was complete “it’ll be available to not only all parties, it’ll be available to the public”.

He said he was happy to keep answering Labour’s questions.

“There is nothing pressing over the next few weeks. But I think the business committee would like to know their position soon.”

He was asked if he regretted not approaching Labour earlier, given he knew NZ First’s stance.

“We have absolutely no regrets at all in doing a trade deal with one of the most populous countries of the world, and probably the best trade deal that India has done with anybody so far. It more than levels the playing field for Kiwi exporters,” McClay said.

He could not remember Labour ever having approached National for support on the EU trade deal, he said – and rejected the idea that was because Labour had a majority, so did not need National’s support.

“In essence I think they probably did, because they didn’t put it … into law when they were a government.”

Student migration stoush

Confusion has continued to surround aspects of the deal relating to student migration.

Documents released by the government point to a handful of provisions for migration:

  • 1667 three-year work visas a year, capped at 5000 total visas at any one time. Focused on priority roles on the Green List like doctors, nurses, teachers, ICT and engineering jobs, specialised health services, traditional medicine practitioners, music teachers, chefs and yoga instructors
  • Up to 1000 places on New Zealand’s Working Holiday Scheme (ages 18-30)
  • Codifies the right for Indian students to work up to 20 hours a week (within the current policy of up to 25 hours)
  • Post-Study Work Visas: 2-year for Bachelors students graduating from a NZ institution, 3-year for STEM bachelors and masters, 4-year for PhD students

A document released by the Indian government claimed the FTA would also remove numerical caps on Indian students, but no such cap exists.

International Students seeking visas need funds to be a student, and need to have been accepted to a place at a university or other learning institution, naturally limiting the number of students who can arrive.

Rules were also changed in 2022 to limit international students learning below degree level from working. It meant such students could only work in-demand sectors related to their study, based on the Green List.

While the text of the deal is still secret, McClay and Luxon have both maintained it makes no changes to the government’s ability to impose a cap at a later date.

“No, the New Zealand government, going forward, can make its own independent decisions about what it wants to do with respect to export education, what it wants to do with respect to visas, and any government can make changes to that,” Luxon said.

ACT leader David Seymour agreed.

“And I don’t believe that it’s significant if there was for the simple reason that we have never had a cap … when you restrict the quality and the price of the courses, that changes the quality of the people coming, so you can control it that way,” he said.

Peters claimed something different, however.

“There is a cap now, but the cap is controlled by the country of origin, and the parents of origin paying for the export education. This has changed, and that’s why it’s dramatically different. Our economy will be paying for the export education. So it’s not truly export education,” he said.

Hipkins said he was “still working my way through that”.

“There is conflicting advice coming from the government on that, particularly if you look at their public statements … once we understand what the government is signing us up for, then we’ll set out, set out our views on principle.”

He said Peters’ claims about the deal did not seem to line up with the official advice.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/government-needs-to-sit-down-and-have-a-conversation-with-us-on-india-trade-deal-hipkins/

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Climate News – Earth Sciences NZ January climate summary – record rainfalls

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Exactly how wet was it last month? Very.
Fifteen locations recorded their wettest or second-wettest January, including an astounding 494 mm of rain at Whitianga in the Coromandel Peninsula. Kaikōura logged 266 mm of rain, which is 562 percent of normal January rainfall, and Tauranga and Whitianga both had 515 percent of their normal rainfall.
This was thanks to two significant areas of low pressure 18-20 January and 20-22 January.
More highlights:
– The highest temperature was 36.8°C, observed at Napier on 11 January.
– The lowest temperature was 0.0°C, observed at Waipounamu on 30 January.
– The highest 1-day rainfall was 274 mm, recorded at Tauranga on 21 January.
– The highest wind gust was 194 km/h, observed at Cape Turnagain on 11 January.
– Of the six main centres, Tauranga was the warmest and wettest, Dunedin was the coolest, driest, and least sunny, and Auckland was the sunniest.
– The sunniest four regions in 2026 so far are Taranaki (286 hours), Tasman (270 hours), Auckland (258 hours), and wider Nelson (254 hours).

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/climate-news-earth-sciences-nz-january-climate-summary-record-rainfalls/

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Legal Issues – High Court Confirms RNZRSA Acted Lawfully while Adopting New Constitution

Source: Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RNZRSA)

The Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RNZRSA) welcomes today’s High Court decision, which confirms that the organisation acted lawfully and in good faith when it adopted transitional provisions under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 to approve its new constitution.

The Court rejected a challenge brought by a small number of Auckland-based RSAs, finding that the RNZRSA was within its rights to rely on transitional provisions that allowed constitutional changes to pass with the support of 50 percent of votes cast, rather than the 75 percent threshold that previously applied.

In its judgment, the Court held that the 2022 Act intentionally grants incorporated societies greater flexibility during the transition to the new legal regime and allows them to adopt new constitutions using a simplified voting threshold, provided the process is transparent and properly notified.

The Court accepted that the RNZRSA had acted in the best interests of members, noting that they had obtained specialist legal advice before recommending the transitional approach and had clearly communicated the proposed process to its member RSAs. The Court found no evidence of improper purpose, procedural unfairness, or any attempt to circumvent members’ rights. The Court also found that the RNZRSA had undertaken a “careful and thorough planning, drafting and consultation process” for the new constitution.

“We are pleased the Court has confirmed that the RNZRSA followed a sound and legally robust process,” said Board Chair Rhys Jones. “This decision brings clarity and certainty, allowing us to continue modernising our organisation so we can better support veterans and their whānau.”

The Court also recognised that the RNZRSA’s adoption of the new constitution was necessary to ensure timely compliance with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, which requires all societies to transition to updated governance frameworks, and to allow member RSAs time to adopt their own constitutions.

“We undertook this process in good faith, guided by expert legal advice, and with the best interests of our members and New Zealand’s veteran community at heart,” Jones said. “The High Court’s findings affirm that commitment.

The RNZRSA’s National President Tony Hill welcomed the decision and the opportunity it has provided to continue strengthening the organisation.

“We look forward to moving on as a united group, working constructively with all member RSAs to continue building and strengthening the RNZRSA to meet the challenges of the future, and ensure we are able to support all of our veterans.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/legal-issues-high-court-confirms-rnzrsa-acted-lawfully-while-adopting-new-constitution/

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Fair and efficient military justice proposed in Bill

Source: New Zealand Government

Legislation to modernise the military justice system has passed its first reading today, Defence Minister Judith Collins says.

“The Armed Forces Discipline Law Amendment Bill modernises New Zealand’s military justice system so that it is fairer, more efficient, and more transparent,” Ms Collins says.

“The Bill will make our system easier to navigate, allowing commanders to focus on operational readiness in an increasingly volatile world.”

“The current military justice system is out-of-date, with no substantial changes made since 2007. These updates align it more closely with developments in the civilian justice system. 

The Bill will introduce a Minor Discipline Sanction System for very low-level offending, such as being late for duty, avoiding the need for a Summary Trial. Serious, complex and sensitive offending will follow a new streamlined and independent pathway to Court Martial, overseen by the Director of Military Prosecutions. 

New search powers will increase the New Zealand Defence Force’s ability to investigate alleged offending, while providing better protections for those subject to them. These include the power for officers in charge of Defence Areas to authorise searches within those areas, and for judicial warrants to be sought for sensitive searches of electronic devices and areas outside Defence Areas, aligning with Bill of Rights Act requirements.

The Bill extends the right to elect trial by Court Martial to most offences and introduces a new power to drug test members of the Armed Forces for disciplinary purposes.

“Our Armed Forces must maintain strong discipline so they are always ready to protect New Zealanders,” Ms Collins says.

“We hold our personnel to a high standard and they should expect the same from their military justice system.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/fair-and-efficient-military-justice-proposed-in-bill/

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Police arrest group over vehicle crime

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have caught up with a group of young people likely involved in a wave of vehicle crime across parts of Auckland.

Frontline units deployed across the North Shore and west Auckland in the early hours of this morning.

It all began just before 3.30am in Hillcrest.

Inspector Jason Edwards, of Waitematā Police, says a member of the public reported vehicles being interfered with on Stanaway Street.

“We received reports that vehicles parked on the street were being interfered with by a group of males before they fled in another vehicle,” he says.

“Units quickly responded into the area and enquiries began to locate this group.”

Four vehicles had been interfered with by the group, and Police also located an ignition barrel on the ground.

Meanwhile, the Police Eagle helicopter was watching as a group of young people abandoned a stolen vehicle in Massey around half an hour later.

Inspector Edwards says they were seen trying on foot walking onto Zefiro Drive.

“Ground units were directed to their location with all five quickly taken into custody,” he says.

“We have established this group had just been travelling with two stolen vehicles in tandem, before colliding with each other on the Royal Road offramp.

“They abandoned one vehicle and had carried on a short distance.”

Those arrested are aged between 13 and 16.

Four males have been charged with unlawfully getting into a vehicle and will appear in the Waitākere Youth Court today.

Inspector Edwards says the group is also being spoken to in relation to other vehicle crime across west Auckland and the North Shore.

“This is an outstanding result for Police and our community,” he says.

“I would like to acknowledge all the frontline teams from the North Shore and Henderson, as well as our Crime Squad that responded this morning.”

Police continue to ask the community to report suspicious activity in their neighbourhood.

“Police acknowledge the vigilant member of the public for reporting the suspicious activity in the first instance,” he says.

“We know that stolen vehicles are used to commit further offending against the community, so to be able to disrupt this group is a great outcome.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/police-arrest-group-over-vehicle-crime/

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Fire crews battle blaze at workshop in Hawke’s Bay

Source: Radio New Zealand

Five fire trucks and two water tankers are at a blaze in Eskdale. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Multiple fire crews are battling a blaze that’s engulfed a workshop in Eskdale, north of Napier.

Emergency services were called to the rural Seafield Road property about 1.20pm.

Fire and Emergency says it has five fire trucks and two water tankers working in the building that is about the size of a three bay garage.

It could not say whether anyone was injured.

St John confirmed it was at the scene.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/fire-crews-battle-blaze-at-workshop-in-hawkes-bay/

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Two students hit by cars before school on Monday morning

Source: Radio New Zealand

Supplied / St John

Two Auckland students are in Starship Hospital after being struck by cars before school on Monday.

Police said one intermediate-aged student was hit by a car at about 8.15am while crossing Whangaparāoa Road in Stanmore Bay.

In a statement, Whangaparāoa College confirmed one of its students was hit.

It said the student was receiving medical treatment and would make a full recovery.

Police said another intermediate child was hit by a different car on Onewa Road in Northcote at 8.26am.

St John said both children who suffered moderate injuries were taken to Starship in ambulances.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/two-students-hit-by-cars-before-school-on-monday-morning/

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Third US lawsuit against author Neil Gaiman dismissed by judge

Source: Radio New Zealand

Neil Gaiman at an event in 2024. Jamie McCarthy / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA

All three US lawsuits accusing author Neil Gaiman of sexually assaulting his children’s nanny in Auckland four years ago have now been dismissed.

Scarlett Pavlovich filed lawsuits against Gaiman and his wife Amanda Palmer in the US states of Wisconsin, Massachusetts and New York last year.

She accused Gaiman of multiple sexual assaults while she was working as the family’s nanny in 2022.

The New York lawsuit was dropped last year, and the Wisconsin lawsuit was dismissed in October, with the judge saying Pavlovich needed to pursue the case in New Zealand.

AP has now reported that US District Judge Nathaniel Gorton in Boston threw out the Massachusetts filing late last week on the same grounds.

The British author has denied the claims, but argued that as the alleged abuses occurred in New Zealand – where Pavlovich is a citizen and Gaiman has permanent residency status – the US had no jurisdiction over the allegations.

Pavlovich sued Gaiman, author of The Sandman comic book series and the novel American Gods, while Palmer was accused of knowing that Pavlovich was vulnerable, and failing to warn that Gaiman had a history of predatory behaviour, according to court papers.

The lawsuits sought unspecified damages that were “reasonably believed” to exceed US$1 million (NZ$1.7m) on multiple claims, Reuters earlier reported.

In his motion to dismiss, Gaiman called the claims a “sham”, saying while he and Pavlovich did engage in “sexual activity”, they never had sexual intercourse and it was always consensual.

“None of Pavlovich’s claims are true,” Gaiman said.

Pavlovich painted a very different picture of the events in an interview last year with Vulture, a US entertainment news page for the New York Magazine.

Pavlovich said she agreed to baby-sit the couple’s child, but soon Gaiman began sexually abusing her, including by raping her, choking her, and assaulting her in the presence of his child, according to court papers.

The abuse allegedly lasted several weeks, until Gaiman and his child left for Europe.

At the time, she was 22 and Gaiman was 61.

Following the publication of the allegations, Gaiman wrote that he had “never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/third-us-lawsuit-against-author-neil-gaiman-dismissed-by-judge/

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New data shows record 2025 permitting activity

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s exploration and mining pipeline is strengthening, with record levels of mineral permit applications received and decided in 2025, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.

New data from New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M) shows the agency received 551 applications last year, up from 450 in 2024, and made 521 decisions, compared to an annual average of 363 since 2017. Of the 178 approvals for new activity, 163 related to gold.

“Nine out of 10 new permit applications granted last year targeted gold, with the South Island set to benefit most from this activity. The West Coast alone accounted for more than 40 per cent of new gold‑related approvals, reinforcing its position as one of New Zealand’s most active and enduring mining regions,” Mr Jones says.  

“What is particularly encouraging is the good spread of applications across the development lifecycle. The mix of prospecting, exploration, and mining permits reflects healthy progression through the development pipeline. Tier 2 hobby permits are being converted into the newly created Tier 3 permit class, which applies a more proportionate and fit‑for‑purpose regulatory burden to small‑scale activity.

“This demonstrates a sector that is gathering momentum and investing in New Zealand’s future. A strong exploration pipeline, coupled with a notable uplift in mining stage activity, shows companies are not only seeking new opportunities but progressing them with confidence.

“The results also highlight strong activity among mid‑sized mining projects — operations that play an important role in regional economic growth and capability building. Multiple operators advancing projects rather than a small number of large ventures dominating the landscape is positive for the sector’s resilience.”

Across the sector, 237 change applications were decided in 2025, reflecting a high level of variation and optimisation activity as operators refine work programmes and permit conditions — a clear indication of active management of mineral assets.

“What we’re seeing is a sector that is humming — investing, exploring, and planning for long-term activity. This momentum is good for regional economies, good for jobs, and good for New Zealand’s broader resource development strategy,” Mr Jones says

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/new-data-shows-record-2025-permitting-activity/