Category: New Zealand

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Government Cuts – Latest proposed health cuts will leave public health system worse off – PSA

Source: PSA

The PSA is deeply concerned about the long-term consequences of the proposed restructure of the Ministry of Health’s Corporate Services function, which will see 46 roles disestablished and workers forced to reapply for fewer jobs.
The proposed cuts would, if finalised, see a net loss of 25 roles.
“This is the direct result of the Government’s relentless spending cuts,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Those who could lose their jobs are skilled and committed public servants who do important work – they have more to give our health system.”
The proposed restructure would see design services outsourced, financial advisory roles cut from five to two, and information management and digital workplace roles reduced with some IT training reduced to self-service online models. The Ministry itself acknowledges that ‘some service levels within information and knowledge services will need to reduce’.
“These are the people managing finances, information systems, business analysis, and digital infrastructure. When you gut this function, the impacts are real, the work just gets pushed onto other staff who are already stretched. And right now, the last thing the health system needs to lose are IT specialists.
“The Ministry has been told it must ‘live within a reduced baseline’ over the next three years, but what that really means is fewer people doing vital work that keeps the public health system running.
“This is just more hollowing out of our health system, part of the pattern we have seen right across the public sector for more than two years now. The Government keeps cutting, agencies keep shrinking, and the services New Zealanders rely on keep getting worse.”
The cuts follow several other restructures at the Ministry, alongside massive job cuts at Health NZ Te Whatu Ora where 2,800 roles have been axed over the past two years. The PSA will be strongly opposing the cuts in its submission to the Ministry on the proposal.
“The Government’s priorities are all wrong when you consider it’s giving away $20 billion in tax cuts to business, landlords and big tobacco and not funding the health system properly,” said Fitzsimons.
“New Zealanders deserve a public health system that can meet the challenges of an ageing population, growing demand, and increasing complexity. These cuts take us further from that goal, not closer to it.
“Make no mistake, come the election, we will be reminding New Zealanders of the damage the Government is doing to the public health system we all rely on.”
Recent statement
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/2026/03/12/government-cuts-latest-proposed-health-cuts-will-leave-public-health-system-worse-off-psa/

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Ex Chatham Islands Council chief executive Paul Eagle apologises as audit exposes ‘excessive’ spending

Source: Radio New Zealand

Former Chatham Islands Council chief executive Paul Eagle. RNZ / Richard Tindiller

An auditor-general’s report into Chatham Islands Council spending has found former chief executive Paul Eagle should not have been in control of a project to upgrade his own accommodation, after costs ballooned by more than $250,000.

It also revealed Eagle edited or created quotes and contracts, and said the former Rongotai MP’s handling of documents was misleading and demonstrated exceptionally poor judgement.

The report – tabled in Parliament on Thursday – was instigated following concerns about spending that could be seen to give private benefit to staff.

Eagle took up the position as council chief executive in the Chatham Islands shortly after the retirement of the previous chief executive in August 2023. The job included the use of a home which – ahead of Eagle’s appointment – had a $200,000 project approved to address overdue maintenance.

The inquiry found Eagle made multiple additions to the project, including expensive kitchenware and electrical work, that suppliers considered to be excessive.

Supplied / Jenny Siaosi

It also uncovered an array of deficiencies in council policies relating to procurement, conflicts of interest, staff expenses and fiscal reporting as well as “misalignment” between existing policies and how they were put into practice by Eagle and council staff.

In a letter included in the report findings, Eagle – who resigned last month – apologised and said his actions did not meet the standards expected of himself and his role.

Inquiry raises ‘serious integrity questions’

The council – which served about 600 people living on Chatham and Pitt Islands – relied heavily on Crown funding for both its operational and capital spending.

Auditor-General Grant Taylor and Assistant Auditor-General Melanie Webb said a project to refurbish the home which housed the council’s chief executive was not well managed, and changes Eagle requested “increased the costs beyond what was necessary”.

Quotes and contracts for the work on the property were found to have been created or edited by Eagle, as well as procurement memorandums created by him in 2025 had been backdated to the previous year.

Eagle ran for mayor of Wellington in 2022. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

“Individually, any of those examples would be concerning. Together they raise serious integrity questions for the council to contend with,” the report’s authors wrote.

“The information that the chief executive provided was misleading. Specifically, it created an incorrect picture about when certain events occurred (for example, when a contract was signed) or whether they had happened at all.

“We consider that the chief executive’s actions were unacceptable and demonstrated exceptionally poor practice and judgement.

“We have not reached a view on the legality of the chief executive’s actions. In this case, we consider it sufficient to draw the council, Parliament, and the public’s attention to the matter.”

The report said the significant cost of the project and the risk the upgrade to the house could be perceived as benefiting Eagle and his family should have instigated approval by the council or one-up approval by the mayor or deputy mayor, in line with the council’s sensitive expenditure policy.

“However, the chief executive effectively had sole control and oversight of the house upgrade project. He incurred that expenditure on the council’s behalf and approved most of the spending,” they wrote.

Eagle apologises: ‘I panicked’

In a letter accompanying the report, Eagle acknowledged its findings and apologised for the impact of his performance in the role.

“I started as chief executive of the council in late 2023, three months earlier than planned and, because of the illness of the outgoing chief executive, did not receive a formal, structured induction process covering the policies, processes, systems and documentation expected of the role. I wholeheartedly accept now that I should have sought clarity and support for this process.”

Eagle said that documentation and information provided to explain his actions to the inquiry also “fell short” of expected standards.

“In hindsight, I recognise I panicked when I realised documentation was incomplete and I tried to fix this. I deeply regret that those actions did not meet the standards I expect of myself and my role.”

Cost soared as Eagle took control

Ahead of Eagle’s appointment, a 2021 estimate of the cost of the building’s upgrades was $152,250 (plus GST) and the original budget was set at $200,000.

The final cost of the project was $460,001.65. Another $37,739.19 was also spent on rent to house Eagle and his family as the work went ahead.

In early November 2023 a revised quote from builders (dated 25 October) – which included some, but not all of Eagle’s suggestions for additional upgrades to home – allocated $10,000 for Fisher and Paykel kitchen appliances.

Eagle had contacted the building company on 26 October about installing Miele kitchen appliances at a cost of $18,102.45. The revised quote was approved by the mayor and deputy mayor after Eagle sent it on to them on 7 November. But the inquiry found Eagle had ordered the Miele appliances over a month earlier, on 30 September.

Basalt columns on the Chatham Islands Judi Lapsley Miller

“We saw little sign of any consideration of containing costs during the project. We also consider that the chief executive made spending choices that were not moderate and conservative,” the authors wrote.

“Purchasing expensive appliances for the kitchen and carrying out extensive electrical work that suppliers working on the project widely considered to be excessive were particularly questionable.”

Eagle’s wife caught up in potential conflict of interest

Eagle was found to have directly engaged with consultancy services without following council procurement processes and failed to store contract documentation in the council’s systems.

“There was a pattern of the chief executive failing to ensure that contracts were prepared and signed before work started. The contracts signed on the council’s behalf were generally retrospective, in whole or in part,” the authors wrote.

The council also failed to properly manage a conflict of interest which arose after a proposal to subcontract Eagle’s wife, Miriam Eagle, as on-island project lead on the council’s 30 year strategy. This occurred as a part of a $109,600 contract variation signed off by the mayor in July 2024.

“The only measure that the council took to manage the conflict was one-up approval of the contract by the mayor. The chief executive continued to manage the contract and the council did not hold the contract centrally in its system,” the authors wrote.

The report noted no conflict of interest policy was in place at that time, but a policy was put in place in December 2024.

Inconsistencies were also identified with information provided to the inquiry by Eagle concerning consultancy services.

Lack of detail and control of credit cards and expense claims

The inquiry also found deficiencies for the management of council credit card use and reimbursement claims.

It said staff did not provide enough detail to justify claims and separate systems for reviewing credit card spending and reimbursement claims hampered oversight of expenses.

The report identified insufficient detail on “unusually high” spending for Eagle and other council staff on food and other purchases.

Flights to and from the Islands which were allocated specifically to Eagle – as a part of his employment contract – were also used to transport his wife and child.

“Staff were generally aware that the chief executive had this contractual entitlement, but there were no procedures to govern how the contractual entitlement was used. In our view, this left staff in a difficult position because they had no guidance about what the council considered acceptable use of the entitlement.

“Using the contractual entitlement for family members’ travel does not appear to be consistent with the principles of the sensitive expenditure policy,” the authors wrote.

Recommendations

The report highlighted concerns over “the misalignment between the council’s policy and practice, the lack of effective controls over spending and/organisational integrity and ethical leadership”.

“The combination of these factors makes it difficult for Parliament and the public to have confidence in the council’s decision-making about how it spends public money,” the authors wrote.

The report said the council needed to examine staff training around spending, and more effectively track and monitor invoices.

“In response to our draft report, the council told us it had engaged with another local authority to obtain advice about improvements to the council’s internal controls,” the authors wrote.

“The council acknowledged that more transparent reporting to the elected membership is necessary and said it would establish a framework of transparent and regular updates to the elected membership.”

During the inquiry some staff spoke of a “toxic” working environment and said concerns raised about spending had been dismissed by senior leaders although this was refuted by the former mayor.

The council said it planned to “reflect on its organisational culture” and had established a chief executive review committee to monitor chief executive performance.

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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/2026/03/12/ex-chatham-islands-council-chief-executive-paul-eagle-apologises-as-audit-exposes-excessive-spending/

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Four accused in Gulf Harbour body in bag case argue to have their manslaughter charges dismissed

Source: Radio New Zealand

The victim, Shulai Wang, 70, of China Supplied / Police

Four people charged with manslaughter, over the death of a woman whose body was found in the water in Aukcland’s Gulf Harbour, have made arguments to have their charges dismissed.

The body of 70-year-old Shulai Wang wrapped in black plastic bags was discovered by a fisherman in March 2024.

Two men and two women were facing charges of kidnapping and manslaughter.

The hearing for the defendants’ application to stay charges took place at the High Court at Auckland on Thursday, just months out from the trial set down for May.

All details of the hearing were suppressed.

Justice Mathew Downs reserved his decision.

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/2026/03/12/four-accused-in-gulf-harbour-body-in-bag-case-argue-to-have-their-manslaughter-charges-dismissed/

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Tech tool used to target pest plants at precious wetland

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  12 March 2026

Whangamarino is 7000 ha wetland an hour north of Hamilton, comprising open water, swamp, fen and peat bogs. It is listed as significant under the international Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and is home to numerous threatened plant and insect species.

A recent report on the wetland to the Convention identifies a concerning decline in water quality, indigenous wetland habitat, the wetland’s Australasian bittern/matuku population, and cultural values recognised by mana whenua.

One of the biggest threats to Whangamarino is invasive weeds, which outcompete native plants and alter the waterways and food sources essential to taonga species.

Royal fern is among those. It’s an introduced, tough and adaptable deciduous plant, which grows rapidly and can take over wetlands by crowding out slower-growing, rare native species found in Whangamarino.

Department of Conservation Biodiversity Ranger Lizzie Sharp says two drones, operated by specialist pilots, were used to map the royal fern and implement targeted herbicide control during fine weather periods in late February.

“Slogging through the peat bog to carry out ground control would be very hard going for our teams and could also risk damaging the surface of the bog,” Lizzie says.

“The drones took to the air and used a targeted jet of herbicide on the royal fern in the centre of the bog, before moving out toward the edge of the bog in an effort to push the invasion back.”

It’s the first time royal fern has been controlled using an aerial device, and the success and efficiency of the method may lead to it being used to control other weeds in future. The contractors carried out half a day of mapping their work area before three days of control using the drone.

Lizzie says with weather increasingly unpredictable due to climate change, numerous approaches to pest plant control will be needed – and drones will be valuable for protecting important habitats like Whangamarino.

Left uncontrolled, royal fern will appear in most habitats, especially bare damp ground. It produces thousands of spores distributed by the wind and unintentional human carriers and forms dense forests shading out all other species. At Whangamarino, this includes native peat bog vegetation which has adapted to exposed sunlight. After the fire of October 2024, royal fern has used the disturbed ground to grow into dense canopies at a faster pace than native plant species.

Lizzie says contractors used a helicopter to control willow species across the wetland during summer. Willow is another introduced pest plant which can cover the breeding and feeding habitat for matuku-hurepo/Australasian bittern. The helicopter method was similar to the use of the drone, with half a boom used to apply herbicide to the willows. Precision spot-spraying on individual trees complements aerial control and means surrounding vegetation is not impacted.

Willows also absorb water from the surrounding area. Their root systems create mounds of earth where water should be running, altering fish populations. Whangamarino locations where willows were controlled a few years ago have native plants returning to support insects, fish and birds in the area.

The aerial application of herbicides is strictly controlled through DOC’s operating procedures and a set of rules and regulations that DOC and its contractors must follow.

Whangamarino is precious and fragile eco-system, and as it recovers from the fire of 2024, people are asked not to go naturing in the wetland to protect the fragile peat bog.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/tech-tool-used-to-target-pest-plants-at-precious-wetland/

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Consumer NZ – Tens of thousands of people face cancelled flights – they have rights

Source: Consumer NZ

Consumer NZ says passengers disrupted by Air New Zealand’s flight cuts are entitled to ask for a refund if they don’t want to accept a replacement flight.

“Air New Zealand has announced it will be cutting over a thousand flights in the coming weeks because of rising fuel costs. While most travellers will be rebooked onto same-day flights, we want people to know that if that new flight doesn’t suit them, they can choose not to take it and ask for their money back instead,” says Jon Duffy, chief executive of Consumer.

When an airline cancels flights due to events out of its control, like severe weather or airspace closure, passengers usually have to accept the disruption and wear any associated expenses or claim on their insurance. Consumer believes Air New Zealand’s cancellations are within its control.

“The decision to amend the flight schedules is driven by rising fuel costs. We think this is an operational decision, which means impacted passengers have rights if the rescheduled flight doesn’t suit them.”  

Your domestic flight rights
If your domestic flight is cancelled for a reason within an airline’s control and you do not want to accept a replacement flight, you can ask for a refund under the Civil Aviation Act (CAA).

Under the CAA, you can also claim back additional expenses such as meals, accommodation and any other costs incurred in getting to your destination.  

In total, you can claim back the lesser of up to 10 times the cost of the ticket, or the actual cost of delay.

Your international flight rights
Consumer says that because Air New Zealand’s flight cancellations are a financial decision, and the airline will struggle to show it took all reasonable measures to avoid the cancellations or delays, it is also likely to be liable for disrupted international flights under international laws, including the Montreal Convention.  

For international flights, your rights differ depending on where you’re flying and the airline you’re flying with. However, at a minimum, you’ll be entitled to a refund if you don’t want to accept the alternative flight that’s offered to you. You may also be able to claim back any additional costs you incur. In total, the maximum amount you can claim for a delay under the Montreal Convention is  $15,134 – this includes alternative flights to get you to your intended destination.  

Disrupted passengers who are set to depart from airports in the EU could be entitled to additional financial assistance. Consumer has further detailed information on its website: https://consumernz.cmail19.com/t/i-l-ztjuyit-ijjdkdttjk-y/

Consumer’s flight rights petition
Airlines in New Zealand don’t have to tell passengers their rights.

Despite amendments to the Civil Aviation Act last year, giving the minister the power to require airlines to inform passengers about their rights, no action has been taken.

“People impacted by flight disruptions deserve clarity – it shouldn’t be up to them to interpret complex laws to figure out who is at fault for a cancellation, and what that means for their own situation. Air New Zealand’s flight cuts highlight precisely why the current information gap needs to be filled,” says Duffy.

On Tuesday, Consumer presented a petition to parliament calling on the Government to require airlines to tell passengers their rights when flights are delayed or cancelled. The petition was signed by over 10,500 people.

 

About Consumer

Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to championing and empowering consumers in Aotearoa. Consumer NZ has a reputation for being fair, impartial and providing comprehensive consumer information and advice.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/consumer-nz-tens-of-thousands-of-people-face-cancelled-flights-they-have-rights/

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Statement on behalf of the Leman family

Source: New Zealand Police

Today’s verdict brings justice for Richard.

Nothing will ever undo what was done to him, and nothing will ever bring him back to the people who loved him. Richard was not just a name in a courtroom or a case in a trial. He was a son, a father, a brother, an uncle, and a man who was deeply loved by those closest to him.

For weeks we have had to sit through the most confronting and painful evidence imaginable. We have been forced to hear and see the devastating reality of how Richard’s life was taken. No family should ever have to endure that.

Today, the jury has recognised the truth of what happened. Someone has been held accountable for Richard’s death.

While this verdict cannot heal the grief we carry, it does acknowledge that Richard’s life mattered and that what happened to him cannot simply be ignored.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the Police who worked tirelessly to investigate Richard’s death and ensure the truth was brought before the court. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Crown for presenting the evidence and to the Judge for overseeing this difficult process.

We would also like to acknowledge Victim Support, who were with us throughout the trial process and supported us during this incredibly difficult time.

Today we remember Richard not only as a victim in this case, but as the son, father, brother and uncle he was to those who loved him.

He mattered. His life mattered. And today, justice has recognised that.

At this time, we will not be making any further comments to the media as we continue navigating this incredibly difficult journey together as a family.

ENDS

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/statement-on-behalf-of-the-leman-family/

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Building the future of coastal shipping resilience

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is committed to building the resilience of New Zealand’s coastal shipping network, through six critical investments to deliver a more productive economy and ensure essential supplies can reach communities in times of crisis.

Associate Transport Minister James Meager has confirmed $400,000 towards a national digital platform to improve supply chain efficiency and coordination across ports, in partnership with PortConnect.

“Historically, the siloed nature of New Zealand’s port operations has resulted in limited ability to anticipate, respond and adapt to disruptive events. This funding will address the fragmented coordination of berthing windows and vessel visits,” Mr Meager says.

“Recent weather events have reinforced the value of clear, shared information when under pressure. Our ports are an economic lifeline to the outside world. If we are to grow productivity, we need greater resilience to external impacts on the way we trade.”

This is the final investment from the Government’s $30 million Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, which also includes:

Container-handling equipment in Gisborne to support rapid freight movement
Modifications to the Rangitata coastal vessel to improve self-sufficiency in cargo handling
Reconstruction and return to service of the Greymouth wharf
Training berths on domestic vessels to give maritime students the sea time required to qualify as mariners
A cost-effective dredging capability, built in Northland, to support smaller regional ports

“Coastal shipping is a critical piece of our freight network, moving large and heavy cargo such as containers, cement and aggregate efficiently and safely. It is also a low-emissions mode of transport and has repeatedly proven its value following natural disasters,” Mr Meager says.

“After Cyclone Gabrielle, coastal shipping delivered essential supplies to Tairāwhiti when land routes were severely constrained. These six investments build on that experience and help ensure we are better prepared for future events in practical, tangible ways.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/building-the-future-of-coastal-shipping-resilience/

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New appointment to the TEC Board

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Vocational Education, Penny Simmonds, has announced the appointment of Scott Haines JP to a vacancy on the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). 

“I am pleased to confirm the appointment of Mr Haines to this role. He brings significant school leadership experience, which is important for the Board of the TEC to have,” Ms Simmonds says.

“Mr Haines’ appointment follows the resignation of Yvonne Browning MNZM at the end of 2025 for personal reasons. I would like thank Mrs Browning for her valuable contribution.”

Mr Haines is Principal of Burnside High School in Christchurch, one of New Zealand’s largest secondary schools. He has also been principal of Motueka High School and Waimea College in the Tasman region.

Mr Haines has made significant contributions at a national level as Vice-President of the Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand (SPANZ) and as member of the Professional Advisory Group for NCEA, a Ministerial Forum on Raising Student Achievement and NZQA advisory panels.

“The TEC has a statutory role to facilitate and strengthen connections between schools, employers and tertiary education organisations. Mr Haines’ expertise in this area will be valuable to its Board,” Ms Simmonds says. 

“Scott’s experience and skills will ensure the TEC’s investment in and steering of the tertiary education and training system, and its provision of careers services, are directly informed by expertise from the schooling sector. 

“The Government’s new Tertiary Education Strategy, which the TEC is responsible for giving effect to, has a strong focus on access, participation and achievement to ensure all learners gain the skills needed to achieve strong careers. Mr Haines’ knowledge will help the TEC deliver the workforces New Zealand needs to succeed.”

Mr Haines’ appointment is for a three-year term, beginning 1 July 2026. This reflects his availability for Board meetings in the coming months, including SPANZ commitments. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/new-appointment-to-the-tec-board-2/

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‘We’re just meant to say thank you’: Government u-turns on disability funding

Source: Radio New Zealand

Supplied

Disabled people and their carers are welcoming a government back-track on funding for support services, but say the past two years have been deeply traumatic and won’t be forgotten.

The Government has wound back controversial cuts to disability support services it made in 2024.

Two years ago Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People – which at the time was in charge of the disability budget – abruptly introduced new purchasing guidelines which severely restricted what disabled people and their carers could use their allocated budgets for.

Following a review into the funding system, and a commitment the system is now “stabilised” the Government has confirmed as of 1 April the restrictions will be lifted.

Most recently people were told that as of 1 April their new budgets would reflect what they had spent between June 2023 and June 2025 – which for many had not been their full budget due to the restrictions on purchasing.

The Minister Louise Upston has now promised budgets won’t be cut to match the limited spending.

Carer Katy Thomas told Nine to Noon the trauma caused to families when the cuts were abruptly made, will not be easily overcome.

“I’m only aware of like one of my friends whose children are still in school there was just like a mass exodus of autistic children from mainstream schools.

“They just couldn’t cope without the supports.”

“Obviously it’s wonderful that it’s going to be reversed but I’m just going to hold my breath and wait and see because what I have seen is that they give with one hand and take with another.”

Emily Writes, the former director of Awhi Nga Matua – a charity supporting parents of disabled and medically fragile kids – told Nine to Noon she did not want to see the news turned around as a good news story.

“When we have literally thousands and thousands of families left utterly traumatised and having really long repercussions from the decisions that were made.”

“We had more than 10,000 people in just one week sign a petition begging for acknowledgment and an apology over the removal of supports. That was not even acknowledged by the Minister.

“And now we’re just meant to say thank you?”

Kristy Kewene is a Northland mother who carers for her adult son. She said it was shocking how quickly the supports were able to be taken away.

“It was scary that without consulting could just decide that they’re taking something quite significant from our lives and how we cope with our lives.

“We relied on that respite.”

Disability Support Service Tranformation general manager Alastair Hill said the community had been listened to, and he could assure certainty for them going forward.

“We heard a lot from carers through the community consultation… and they’re saying, for me, I’m best placed to know about what respite or what looking after myself looks like.

“And so they’ll be able to make those choices again.

He said the reintroduction of flexible funding was possible due the changes that had been made over the past two years.

“There is more money … our annual operating funding is around $500 million more than what it was two years ago.

He said under the previous system there was no way to forecast cost pressures and where the growth may come from, which lead to budget overruns almost every year, but now there was “commercial rigour” in place.

“We have a predictable growth track, we understand more and more the funding that we’re going to require.”

He acknowledged the past two years had been really difficult for people.

“It was a real privilegde to bge able to meet with people face to face around the country last year and to hear from them directly to hear their experiences, but also to hear what would make the biggest difference.

“We’ve worked really hard to rebuild the trust. It’s not for me to say whether that job is done.”

RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston said the changes reflected feedback from the disability community last year, and the recommendations of the 2024 Independent Review.

“The steps we have taken since 2024 to stabilise the disability support system have been successful. Because of this, we can now confirm two things: the current purchasing rules will be removed in April, and people’s flexible funding allocations will stay exactly the same as they are now.

“This means we no longer need to look at what people spent in previous years to set new budgets.

“People will also get more support, guidance or coaching to manage their flexible funding – in a way that reflects their situation.”

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/2026/03/12/were-just-meant-to-say-thank-you-government-u-turns-on-disability-funding/

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Christopher Luxon to visit Samoa, Tonga to meet new PMs

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is off to the Pacific this week. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

The prime minister has announced he will visit Samoa and Tonga later this week, for what will be the government’s first comprehensive engagements with two new leaders.

Christopher Luxon will bring with him a delegation of business leaders and community members, as well as the police minister, the minister for Pacific peoples, and opposition MPs.

The New Zealand delegation will be led by Savae Sir Michael Jones and Rachel Afeaki.

Luxon said the visit would reinforce New Zealand’s commitment to two of the closest members of the Pacific family, and he was looking forward to meeting with the two new leaders in Samoa and Tonga, and their cabinets.

“With more than 300,000 Samoan and Tongan New Zealanders, the family connection is woven into the fabric of our society,” Luxon said.

“Through our longstanding ties, we have built enormous trust between our nations. I’m looking forward to hearing my new colleagues’ points of view, and then agreeing how we can work together to build communities that are more prosperous and safer from threats like drugs.”

Samoa held an election last August, with La’aulialemalietoa (La’auli) Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt emerging victorious.

Samoa’s Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa (La’auli) Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt. RNZ / Mark Papalii

La’auli assumed control of the FAST party after former prime minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa was expelled. Fiamē continued to lead a minority government before calling the snap election.

Luxon and La’auli met previously, for a courtesy call, in November.

Lord Fatafehi Fakafānua has been prime minister of Tonga since December. He previously served as Tonga’s Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

The confirmation of the visit comes shortly after an announcement the government would temporarily reduce the fees Pacific travellers pay for visitor visas, from $216 to $161.

The delegation will leave Auckland on Sunday, and return on Wednesday.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/christopher-luxon-to-visit-samoa-tonga-to-meet-new-pms/

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DoC’s Kākāpo livstream attracts international attention

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rakiura a female kākāpō is being livestreamed from her nest. SCREENSHOT

A Department of Conservation (DoC) livestream of a nesting Kākāpo on a remote island off the coast of the South Island, has attracted international attention.

Through a hidden camera, viewers can watch Rakiura as she raises her chick, who looks more like a sentient ball of fluff than a bird, at this stage.

In the comments of the YouTube livestream, watchers announce they’re tuning in from places including Argentina, The United States and The Netherlands.

“She’s a star,” one commenter said, “I love to come here and watch Rakiura and her chick for a while every day it is so special,” another wrote.

More than 100 people are tuning in to the livestream at any given time.

The livestream is beamed across the world from a arge cavity beneath a rātā tree on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island.

Twenty-four-year-old Rakiura even laid an egg on the livestream back in January and was now raising her chick for the world to see.

According to DoC, there were only 236 Kākāpo left in the world, and as they were only in Aotearoa, many people would never see one in real life.

A Kākāpo with her chick. (File photo) JAKE OSBORNE

This was the first breeding season for Kākāpo since 2022, it said.

Kākāpō only breed every two to four years and this year’s season could the best yet following a bumper mast, or mass fruiting of rimu berries.

During this breeding season, Rakiura had laid three eggs – but only two of these went on to hatch. One of the chicks was transferred to a foster mum while the second, Nora-A2 2026, is still in the nest with her mum.

DoC said Rakiura had nine living descendants across six breeding seasons and also had many “grandchicks”.

The Kākāpo cam helped scientists learn about nesting behaviour along with letting people around the world watch without disturbing the birds, it said, and helped build support for protecting the species.

On its website, DoC urged people to share the video with friends and family because “the more people who care, the better the future for kākāpō”.

This year’s live stream set up involved four solar panels, 26kg of batteries, 300m of cable, satellite internet, routers, voltage converters and more.

The Kākāpo livestream could be viewed here.

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/2026/03/12/docs-kakapo-livstream-attracts-international-attention/

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Funding change will ensure more consistent emergency care for New Zealanders

Source: PHARMAC

A simple change in how ambulance medicines are funded is set to create more consistent emergency care.

Pharmac is proposing changes to the Pharmaceutical Schedule to support the Government’s decision to shift responsibility for funding ambulance medicines from Health New Zealand and ACC to Pharmac.

With Pharmac already funding community and hospital medicines, this proposal would see Pharmac funding most medicines used by publicly funded health services.

Pharmac’s Director Strategy, Policy and Performance Michael Johnson said it made sense for Pharmac to take over responsibility for funding ambulance medicines.

“The vast majority of medicines used across the public health system are already funded by Pharmac; therefore, it makes sense for us to take over the funding of ambulance medicines as well.

“Not only will this ensure more consistent treatment between ambulance services and hospitals, it will also ensure the best prices for medicines used by ambulance services.

Johnson said the funding change wouldn’t mean any changes to the care provided by ambulance services but could mean long-term benefits for providers and the health system.

“These changes support seamless care for people transferred by ambulance to public hospitals, with both hospitals and ambulances able to access the same medicines, through the same agency, at the best price.”

“We also plan to work with ambulance service providers to establish regular communication and clear guidance to support individual funding requests for new medicines and better understand the ambulance-unique working environment.”

Public consultation on the proposal is open from 12 March and closes at 5pm 2 April 2026. You can email your feedback to consult@pharmac.govt.nz or use the online form.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/funding-change-will-ensure-more-consistent-emergency-care-for-new-zealanders/

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Growing the frontline workforce in Wairoa

Source: New Zealand Government

A Rural Training Hub to grow the frontline rural health workforce will be established in the Wairoa District, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey announced today.

“This second Rural Training Hub shows the Government’s commitment to fixing the basics and building the future for the one in five New Zealanders who live in rural communities. Kiwis should have access to timely, quality care, wherever they live,” Mr Doocey says.

“Rural Training Hubs are designed to deliver exactly that. They aim to attract and retain frontline health workers in rural communities by coordinating clinical placements, training pathways, and pastoral support. This will make it easier for doctors, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals to live, work, and train locally.

“To bring healthcare closer to home, we also need to bring health worker education closer to home,” Mr Doocey says.

The Wairoa District Hub is the second of four hubs being rolled out nationally, following the first in South Taranaki. It will be co-designed with local communities, iwi, and health providers.

“One of the ways we can lift barriers to getting frontline workers settled in our rural communities is ensuring people feel connected to where they live. These coordinators will help people settle into life in Wairoa, whether that’s finding housing or helping find employment.”

Each hub will have a dedicated programme lead responsible for facilitating connections between local health services, universities, and training providers so students and staff can learn and work in the community.

The Hubs build on the work already underway to grow the rural health workforce. This includes the new medical school at the University of Waikato and the Rural Medical Immersion Programme, which places fifth-year medical students at local rural GP practices.

“These Hubs help ensure rural New Zealanders have access to timely, quality, and reliable care close to home.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/growing-the-frontline-workforce-in-wairoa/

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Common sense proposal will benefit patients and save money

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will shift responsibility for funding ambulance medicines from Health New Zealand (HNZ) and ACC to Pharmac because it will improve medicine procurement processes, and save the health system money, Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown say.

Consultation is now open on proposed changes to support the shift in responsibility. 

“This proposal means no matter where a patient is located, their ambulance and hospital will have access to the same emergency medicines they need, and Pharmac can get those medicines cheaper,” Mr Seymour says.

“Currently HNZ and ACC fund ambulance services, individual ambulance providers then purchase the medicines they need to treat their patients. This leads to some ambulance providers funding certain medicines which their local hospital does not, and vice versa. Patients need access to high quality continuous care, no matter where they are located. 

“This will benefit patients. It will improve the continuity of care provided to patients by ensuring ambulance providers and hospital staff have access to the same medicines.

“Pharmac’s proposal will also create a single nationally consistent list of medicines funded for use by emergency ambulance service providers. This helps ambulance providers, regardless of their location, to understand what is funded. 

“When it comes to medicine procurement, Pharmac are the experts. Transferring responsibility to Pharmac means we can get the best deals for medicines. Pharmac can leverage supply chains, utilise buying power, and take a more coordinated approach to funding medicines used in emergency care. 

“This proposal will also realise savings. Pharmac can utilise existing national agreements, including access to the best prices, reduced duplication of procurement activity, and the supply protections built into Pharmac’s commercial arrangements. 

“When you spend better you can afford more. These savings mean Pharmac could fund some emergency medicines that ambulance services haven’t previously been able to afford.”

Mr Brown says patients should be able to access the emergency treatment they need regardless of where they live.

“This change will help ensure patients transferred by ambulance to public hospitals have access to the same medicines, supporting better continuity of care between ambulance crews and hospital teams.

“Funding ambulance medicines through Pharmac, alongside the medicines it already manages for the health system, should also save time and resources for providers, making it easier for them to focus on frontline care.

“We are committed to ensuring New Zealanders can access the care they need when they need it. This change will support more consistent treatment across the country so people can access the same emergency medicines regardless of their location or emergency care provider.”

Consultation on the proposal opens on Thursday March 12 and closes at 5pm on Thursday April 2. If the proposal is finalised the changes will be implemented from Wednesday July 1, 2026. Have your say here: Consultation: Updating the pharmaceutical schedule for ambulance medicines

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/common-sense-proposal-will-benefit-patients-and-save-money/

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Greenpeace – Luxon’s climate policies leave Kiwis hurting as petrol hits $3 a litre

Source: Greenpeace

As petrol prices climb to around $3 a litre, Greenpeace is pointing to a series of Government decisions that have left Kiwis hit harder by the oil price spike.
“The Luxon Government has spent the last two years dismantling policies that were helping wean New Zealanders off expensive imported oil,” says Gen Toop, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Aotearoa.
“Instead of helping households escape volatile and expensive petrol prices, they have crashed the EV market, slashed public transport funding and are spending billions on new roads.
“These decisions are making the climate crisis, and the cost of living crisis worse.”
Greenpeace points to a number of decisions that it says have increased New Zealand’s dependence on imported fossil fuels including:
“This Government is effectively turning New Zealand into a dumping ground for the world’s dirtiest, most oil-hungry cars while other countries rapidly switch to EVs,” Toop says.
“At the same time they are slashing public and active transport options which forces more people into cars leaving them facing more pain at the pump when petrol prices spike.
“This latest plan to build a multi-billion dollar LNG import terminal is ludicrous. Importing and burning another volatile fossil fuel is the last thing our climate, and power bills need. Especially when we have all the wind, sun and renewable energy potential we need right here at home.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/greenpeace-luxons-climate-policies-leave-kiwis-hurting-as-petrol-hits-3-a-litre/

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Man arrested over Whangārei firearms incident

Source: New Zealand Police

A man will face court today following a firearms incident at a Morningside property last week.

Whangārei CIB have been investigating the isolated incident which allegedly occurred on 3 March.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer says the following day, it was reported to Police a firearm had been allegedly discharged at the property.

“Enquiries were carried out, which resulted in the search of a motor vehicle and the recovery of the firearm used,” he says.

“Police also established a woman presented at hospital with a serious injury to her foot, which required surgery.”

Over the past week, enquiries have been ongoing to locate the alleged offender.

Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says Police checked a Raumanga address on Wednesday afternoon.

“Our staff were supported by the Offender Prevention Team (OPT) and located a person of interest.”

The 30-year-old man was arrested and has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm and driving while disqualified.

He will appear in the Whangārei District Court today.

“It’s a great outcome for the community that the man is now in custody and the firearm is also out of circulation,” Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.

A second man, aged 35, is also before the Whangārei District Court after allegedly being found in possession of a firearm and being an accessory after the fact.

The man was arrested on Thursday as part of enquiries into the original incident in Morningside.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/man-arrested-over-whangarei-firearms-incident/

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Retirement Com – New guides give schools clear pathway for implementing financial education

Source: Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission

 

Schools and financial education providers now have access to new Financial Education Implementation Guides, giving them practical support to plan and deliver high-quality financial education as it becomes compulsory in the curriculum. 

 

With 70% of New Zealanders agreeing school is a good place for young people to learn about money, the two guides, developed by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Education and financial education providers, provide a clear roadmap for what to teach, when to teach it, and how learning builds from Years 0 to 13.

 

Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson says the guides remove complexity and provide practical support for schools as financial education is mandated. “The Government’s decision to make financial education compulsory is an excellent step forward to increase New Zealanders’ financial capability.” 

 

“For financial education providers and funders, both current and potential future ones, these guides offer something they’ve long asked for, a shared framework, clear curriculum expectations, and visibility for programmes that meet the standard. These guides bring everyone onto the same page.”  

 

The release of the guides follows last year’s announcement that financial education will become compulsory within the national curriculum, including through the social sciences learning area, which is currently out for consultation. Financial mathematics is also explicitly included in the updated Mathematics & Statistics learning area. The guides provide practical support for schools as financial education becomes an increasingly important part of the curriculum.

 

“Every young person in New Zealand deserves to leave school with the skills and confidence to manage their money. These guides are about clarity and confidence. They show schools what good financial education looks like, how learning builds over time, how to work effectively with external providers, and how to plan programmes that are age appropriate and curriculum aligned,” Deputy Secretary for Te Poutāhū at the Ministry of Education, Pauline Cleaver says. 

 

The Retirement Commission has also released new maths resources as part of its Sorted in Schools programme, that apply the guides’ best practice principles and align with the Mathematics & Statistics curriculum, showing how financial education can strengthen learning across subjects.

 

The Financial Education Implementation Guides are available at: Financial Education Implementation Guides

 

Notes

Current providers who are part of the financial education providers’ advisory group include ASB, Banqer (supported by Kiwibank), BNZ, Life Education Trust, Money Time, SaVy, Westpac, and Young Enterprise Trust. Assistance will also be offered by the financial advice community. There will be opportunities for new providers as gaps are identified. Schools can choose which provider or providers they want to work with. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/retirement-com-new-guides-give-schools-clear-pathway-for-implementing-financial-education/

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Local News – Porirua keeping tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of the city

Source: Porirua City Council

A report to Porirua City Council’s Te Puna Kōrero Committee has highlighted Council’s commitment to the city’s younger residents.

Council has had “tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of the city” as a strategic priority since 2018, and in 2024 adopted a refreshed Tamariki and Rangatahi Strategy. Last week’s report outlined the ways Council is meeting the five focus areas in that strategy, and a roadmap for future action.
It highlights a number of initiatives already making a positive impact in Porirua, including:

  • Careers Expo – an annual event connecting rangatahi with local employers, training providers, and career pathways to prepare them for a thriving future Mahi Rangatahi programme:
  • Council’s inhouse work experience programme for rangatahi, offering mentorship and skill-building opportunities
  • Young Peoples Fund – empowering youth to lead their own projects, with funding for community initiatives designed and delivered by young people
  • Mau Te Rongo – navigators employed to maintain a safe and engaging presence at Porirua railway station and other locations across the city
  • Mana Taiohi and Inside Out training for staff – equipping Council and partner organisations with tools and professional development to better meet the diverse needs of our
  • youth.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker welcomed the report.
“We’re committed to putting our tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything we do. This report is a testament to our city’s vision – where every child and young person feels valued, listened to, and empowered to shape their future.
“Our youth have told us what matters most to them, and we’ve listened. By working together as a community, we are creating pathways for success and wellbeing for all Porirua’s young people.”
The full meeting agenda, including the report, can be viewed online at www.poriruacity.govt.nz/meetings

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/local-news-porirua-keeping-tamariki-and-rangatahi-at-the-heart-of-the-city/

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Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation board chair reappointed

Source: New Zealand Government

John Williamson has been reappointed as Chair of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Board, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

The Board manages the investment of government contributions to the NZ Super Fund and administers the Elevate NZ Venture Capital Fund.

John Williamson’s reappointment – for a further two years from October 1 this year – reflects his strong board leadership, Nicola Willis says.

“It also maintains stability and continuity during the pre-election period and beyond, particularly as five of the seven board members are in their first term.

“Mr Williamson brings extensive experience in senior leadership, private equity, and governance, including eight years as managing director of former NZX-listed Hellaby Holdings Ltd. He has held diverse governance roles and legal expertise in competition and Māori resource law.

“This reappointment underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring the Guardians continue to deliver robust investment performance and fulfil their mandate to grow New Zealand’s sovereign wealth funds for future generations.”

Mr Williamson has been a board member since 2016, and Chair since March 2024.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/guardians-of-new-zealand-superannuation-board-chair-reappointed/

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Economy – RBNZ working with industry to improve access to basic transaction services

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

12 March 2026 – Last year the Council of Financial Regulators (CoFR) consulted the public on whether New Zealanders should have the right to access a basic transaction account if they want one.

50 submissions were received and 22 community groups, financial institutions, fintechs, and support services were directly engaged, with 98% of submitters stating that action is needed to improve access to transaction accounts.

Acting Assistant Governor Financial Stability, Angus McGregor, says that the consultation clearly highlighted the challenges some groups face in accessing the basic banking services necessary to meet their everyday financial needs.

“This consultation process has allowed us to gather a wide range of perspectives, take on board industry feedback, and find pragmatic solutions.” Mr McGregor says.

“We received constructive input from the banking sector, and a willingness to work with us to solve this issue through a collaborative approach.”

The RBNZ is developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support this approach to addressing financial exclusion.

Under the MoU, participating financial entities will commit to provide access to all New Zealand consumers unless they have a compelling reason for declining to provide a basic transaction product. Public sector agencies will commit to clarifying regulatory requirements, co-ordinating efforts, and highlighting best practices that can be adopted to support financial inclusion.

The MoU will provide flexibility for participating entities to develop their own solutions to promote inclusion, while ensuring progress can be monitored through regular reporting.
This work aims to bring financial inclusion in New Zealand in line with other developed countries such as Canada, the UK, France, Denmark and Sweden.

The RBNZ will be leading co-ordination of the MoU, with support from the Financial Markets Authority, the Banking Ombudsmen, the Retirement Commission, the Department of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Department of Corrections.

“This work directly supports our statutory purpose of enabling economic wellbeing and prosperity for all New Zealanders, and aligns with recommendations in the Commerce Commission’s Market Study into Personal Banking Services.” Mr McGregor says.

It is anticipated that the MoU will come into effect later this year.

More information:

Read the CoFR Consultation Summary on Access to Basic Transaction Accounts: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=1545100f1e&e=f3c68946f8

Background information:

Issues Paper on Access to Basic Transaction Accounts – This Issues Paper builds on Recommendation 14 from the Commerce Commission Market Study into personal banking services, for the banking industry to collaborate to make basic transaction accounts widely available found here: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=86d03f3ba9&e=f3c68946f8
Financial Inclusion Indicators Base Set Report: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=1f879f66b8&e=f3c68946f8
First Steps to Financial Inclusion Report: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=d70d87a7b2&e=f3c68946f8
CoFR – CoFR represents five agencies: The Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the Financial Markets Authority, the Commerce Commission, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Treasury. Financial Inclusion is one of five priorities for CoFR. The CoFR Financial Inclusion Community also included Te Ara Ahunga Ora The Retirement Commission and the Ministry for Social Development as observer agencies. More information on CoFR’s financial inclusion work can be found here: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=2fa26e3350&e=f3c68946f8

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/economy-rbnz-working-with-industry-to-improve-access-to-basic-transaction-services/