Category: New Zealand

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Wellington Airport completes major runway safety upgrade

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke next to the completed engineered materials arresting system bed. WELLINGTON AIRPORT / SUPPLIED

Wellington Airport has installed new runway safety zones with energy absorbing blocks at the end of each runway.

It said the engineered materials arresting system (EMAS), would provide additional safety in the unlikely event an aircraft accidentally overran the runway during take-off or landing.

It also effectively extended the usable length of the runway, providing a landing distance increase of 143m and a take-off distance increase of 37m.

Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said it had been hard work, which was done mainly between 1am and 6am each night to avoid impacting flights.

He said the most complicated part of all, occurred on Monday overnight, with the final changeover involving about 80 people.

“All of our line markings had to be updated in one go, for which we used 15 line marking trucks – pretty much every crew available in the lower North Island.

“We planned and rehearsed the sequence of everything to the minute to ensure we were all set for flights to begin on the new settings from 6am this morning.”

The new runway dimensions would mean the airport was now capable of handling widebody aircraft non-stop from major hubs in Asia and North America, Clarke said, along with enabling full passenger loads on outbound services to destinations which had previously been out of reach.

But, new services were not being announced at this stage, Clarke said, however, Wellington was the largest market in Australasia that did not have a direct connection to Asia.

“The turbulence currently felt by the travel industry will settle in time and we can all look forward to celebrating the arrival of long-haul flights to the capital when the time is right.”

Each EMAS bed was about 55 by 90 metres and made up of more than 3000 individual blocks which were made in the United States and shipped to Wellington in 2025.

Preparation on the project began in April 2025, and was completed a week ahead of schedule and within the $35m budget, Clarke said.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/wellington-airport-completes-major-runway-safety-upgrade/

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Is fuel support package ‘generous’ or not enough?

Source: Radio New Zealand

The payment would continue until the price of 91 drops below $3 a litre. (File photo) RNZ / Quin Tauetau

Commentators are split on whether the fuel support package announced by the government on Tuesday is generous – or leaving out some of the most needy New Zealanders.

The government announced it would give $50 a week to families who qualify for the in-work tax credit.

This means they must be a parent or caregiver working at least 30 hours a week combined as a couple or 20 hours as a single parent, not receiving a main benefit.

In the current tax year, the income cut-off for receiving the tax credit was around $89,000 of annual household income for a family with one child, $112,000 for a family with two children and $135,000 for a family with three children.

The payment would continue until the price of 91 petrol drops below $3 a litre for four consecutive weeks, or a year, whichever comes first.

About 143,000 households would receive the $50 in full, from April 7. Another 14,000 would receive payment at a lower rate.

Isaac Gunson, spokesperson for the Child Poverty Action Group, said it would help working for families but there was nothing for people relying on benefits.

“Close to a quarter of a million children live in households receiving a core benefit and the idea that there’s no additional support for them that will be made available is pretty outrageous.”

While Finance Minister Nicola Willis said they were potentially less affected because they did not have to travel to work, Gunson said they would still need to travel for groceries or job interviews.

He said the 3.1 percent increase in benefits from April 1 would not be enough.

“The idea that benefit dependent households won’t face as big a downturn in their finances because they don’t have the same obligations to go to work… that just doesn’t stand up.”

But Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub said the policy was surprisingly generous, because the average amount that households spent on fuel each week before prices started to rise was $65.

“The immediate sticking point is going to be people who need to travel to work … this at least takes away one of those critical concerns that people might have had.”

The support package would cost up to $373 million and be paid from the Budget 2026 operating allowance.

Eaqub said the government might earn an extra $180 million in GST revenue as a result of higher petrol prices.

But Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen said it was likely that would be diverted spending from other things, if the petrol price was higher.

“If you have to spend a whole bunch more on fuel that will attract more GST but unless your income has magically increased by the same amount, which it clearly hasn’t, you’re spending less on other things in the economy.”

He said the support plan made sense because the government wanted it to be timely and targeted.

“The fact that it can come in so quickly, and probably most importantly for the government politically, is that you see direct money in your account rather than having to wait for a cashback or not noticing that it’s come off your headline tax figure or something. That’s useful. And I think also the government has been quite clear that it was going to be limited.

“It highlights that for the government, they can’t control what’s happening across the world.

“And emitting a whole bunch of tax money they don’t have anyway, and therefore having to borrow for it to fund much wider support, would be a fairly reckless economic decision. This one coming from within the current operating allowance has kicked something else that the government might have done at budget time out and put this in instead. That seems to be a reasonable swap.

“The fact that it is targeted towards those who are already getting something like the in-work tax credit, does seem to be a pretty reasonable way to try and tightly target as much as possible the support and just get it out the door.”

Gunson said the winter energy payment should be increased.

“At the moment it’s about $20 a week for single parents and $31 a week for couples and people with children. That needs to go up irrespective of the current crisis that’s going on.

“We’d like to see the government lift it by at least 30 percent to make up for inflation as well as the current crisis to really help low-income families receiving a core benefit out.”

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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/2026/03/24/is-fuel-support-package-generous-or-not-enough/

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McCain to close Hastings vegetable processing plant by January 2027

Source: Radio New Zealand

Roberto Machado Noa

McCain has announced it will close its Hastings vegetable processing plant by January 2027.

In a letter to growers, McCain said it reviewed operations at the site but was unable to find a sustainable pathway under the current model.

“The closure follows a review of our Hastings operations, which considered a range of options to strengthen the long-term position of the site.

“Despite meaningful effort, we were unable to identify a sustainable pathway under the current model. As a result, we will transition to sourcing vegetable products through trusted supply partners within our broader network.”

It’s not clear how many workers at the plant and growers this will affect.

McCain said it will honour all existing contractual commitments through the current season.

“Production at Hastings will continue through the remainder of the processing and packing season as planned.

“We recognise that this decision may have implications for future growing seasons and we are committed to working with you directly to discuss what this means for your individual circumstances.”

It said the company’s agriculture team would be in contact with growers to ensure they have clarity and support as we move through this transition.

It comes as Watties proposes to stop all production of frozen vegetable lines in New Zealand, affecting 220 growers in Canterbury.

Consultation on the Watties proposal closes on Wednesday.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/mccain-to-close-hastings-vegetable-processing-plant-by-january-2027/

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Fuel-crisis package is paper-thin

Source: NZCTU

The Government’s proposed support package for families in a fuel crisis is woefully inadequate, says NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey.

“Some families will get limited relief from this package. But the Government is doing nothing for families who don’t receive the in-work tax credit. They are doing nothing for pensioners. They are doing nothing to make this country more energy secure.

“92% of households won’t get anything from this package. New Zealanders already doing it tough – pensioners, welfare recipients, single people – won’t see any relief. It won’t help those working in rural communities who are facing huge price increases.

“Industries across the country are under pressure from rising fuel costs. We are already in a cost-of-living crisis, and now fuel prices risk flowing through to the price of food and other essentials. And yet the Government is choosing to provide minimum relief while Kiwi families are struggling.

“During the global financial crisis and the pandemic, the Government worked with working people and their unions on solutions to the nation’s problems. Now is the time for Government to talk with unions about what real, long-term solutions might look like,” said Grey.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/fuel-crisis-package-is-paper-thin/

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Brooke van Velden resignation is a chance for U-turn

Source: NZCTU

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey is calling on the Government to pause harmful employment legislation in light of Brooke van Velden’s resignation.

“Brooke van Velden’s legacy as Workplace Relations and Safety Minister is one of the worst in this country’s history. Much of the legislation passed on her watch has wrecked the longstanding landscape of employment relations in New Zealand.

“Stealing pay equity overnight from more than 300,000 workers in low-paid, female-dominated sectors. Delivering real-term pay cuts for workers on the minimum wage for three years running. Letting multinational corporate lobbyists dictate our contractor law. These decisions demonstrate van Velden’s priorities as Minister.

“The Minister has two bills before the House that continue her track record of trampling on workers’ rights. In light of the Member’s resignation, we are calling on the Government to halt any further progress on the Employment Leave Act and the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill, and to work with unions on real, long-term solutions to the issues these Bills raise.

“The Government now has an opportunity to do right by working people. The next Minister for Workplace Relations should be one who truly understands the struggle of workers in a cost-of-living crisis, and who listens to working people and their unions,” said Grey.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/brooke-van-velden-resignation-is-a-chance-for-u-turn/

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Who will be eligible to get an extra $50 a week as part of the fuel crisis package?

Source: Radio New Zealand

The policy was estimated to cost $373 million if it ran for a full year. (File photo) RNZ / Quin Tauetau

The government announced almost 150,000 families will receive an extra $50 a week to help ease the pain caused by soaring petrol prices, but who can expect to see that money show up in their account next month?

Speaking at a media conference on Tuesday, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the relief would come through a boost to the in-work tax credit – part of the Working for Families scheme.

People would start seeing the full benefit in their bank accounts from 7 April, if they were paid weekly, or 14 April, if they were paid fortnightly.

Who will get $50 a week?

Only low-to-middle-income workers who have children would be eligible for the payments, Willis said.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis making the announcement on Tuesday. Samuel Rillstone/RNZ

It excluded beneficiaries, superannuitants and those without children.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Willis said for beneficiaries, there would be usual increases on April 1 which “working families” did not automatically get.

“And I’d also note, working families face the obligation to get to and from work each day. Beneficiaries do not face that obligation,” Willis said.

“The policy is carefully targeted to families in the squeezed middle – parents who are working hard for a living, are not eligible for main benefits, and yet have modest household incomes with which to support their children,” Willis said.

“We know these families will be hit particularly hard by the global fuel-price shock. We are delivering them timely relief.”

In the current tax year, the cut-off for receiving the tax credit was around $89,000 of annual household income for a family with one child, $112,000 for a family with two children and $135,000 for a family with three children.

Willis said the government could not relieve price pressures for all businesses and families who were feeling price pressures. She said “large, untargeted government spending programmes” could make the situation worse by driving up inflation and debt.

She said while families that missed out would also have welcomed support, the government was “limited by the big increase in debt that occurred in the aftermath of Covid”.

“If it’s not you getting the support today, just know it might be your friend, it might be your family member, it might be the person serving you at the cafe today. Working families who cannot easily avoid higher fuel costs.”

How long will it continue?

The temporary increase would last for as long as one year, or until the price of 91 octane petrol dropped below $3 a litre for four weeks in a row, Willis said.

How do you get it?

Families who were already receiving the in-work tax credit (IWTC) payments, would not need to do anything to receive the money, the government said, with Inland Revenue automatically delivering the increase.

For people who didn’t receive the IWTC payments who thought they might be available, they needed to contact Inland Revenue.

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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/2026/03/24/who-will-be-eligible-to-get-an-extra-50-a-week-as-part-of-the-fuel-crisis-package/

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Black Ferns grapple with eligibility rules as players seek more rugby

Source: Radio New Zealand

Amy Rule and Georgia Ponsonby during the anthem before a test against Canada in 2025. © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz

Amy Rule knows how much playing top flight rugby in the UK has elevated her game – but it has also left her facing a dilemma that the Black Ferns have not encountered until now.

Before this season, no Black Fern had played in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) competition in the UK. Eight New Zealand internationals took up contracts for the current 2025/26 season.

Rule was the first Black Fern to sign to the competition when she announced in June last year that she was joining Exeter Chiefs after the World Cup.

Five of the eight players provided injury cover for respective clubs.

Maia Roos, Tanya Kalounivale, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, and Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant are in that group and will travel from England at the end of this month to join the squad for the Pacific Four series.

Loose forward Layla Sae will miss much of the 2026 season after suffering a serious knee injury on duty for her English club Harlequins.

Three veterans – Amy Rule, Alana Borland (nee Bremner), and Georgia Ponsonby – gave up Black Ferns contracts to play full seasons in the UK competition, making them ineligible for Whitney Hansen’s first squad as Black Ferns coach.

Ponsonby however, was granted an exemption by the NZR board due to injuries leaving depth at hooker thin, and was on Monday named in Hansen’s 30-strong squad for next month’s series.

Rule said she wanted a new experience after last year’s World Cup, which was a disappointing campaign for the Black Ferns when they finished third.

“I ended my contract with the Black Ferns to play a full season here because I had been with New Zealand Rugby and the Black Ferns for over five years and I wanted to live in a different country, and experience a different type of rugby. We can’t play this game forever, and I just want to play as much rugby as possible,” Rule said.

The tighthead prop said unless she plays some domestic rugby in New Zealand later this year, she will not be eligible for the Black Ferns for the whole of 2026.

“I want to finish off the season with Exeter Chiefs and when I finish I don’t know what that looks like after, it’s still up in the air.

“New Zealand Rugby have been pretty strict on how they do their rulings and to be eligible for Black Ferns you have to play in the New Zealand domestic competition. I’m not showing 100 percent intention of coming back this season but time will tell.”

Black Fern veteran Amy Rule. Paul Yates / www.photosport.nz

The 25-year-old admits she will have some “big decisions to make” in the next couple of months, knowing if she were to re-sign with Exeter for the 2026/27 season it could rule her out of a big year for the Black Ferns.

The inaugural British and Irish Lions Women’s Series will take place in New Zealand in September 2027.

“It is historic and I definitely want to be a part of it and put my hand up for it but it’s just going to be dependent on how the calendar falls into place, what I decide to do this year and moving through into next year.

“Time will tell, it’s all kind of happening at the moment what the next couple of years look like, or even heading towards the 2029 World Cup.

“Definitely got a close relationship with New Zealand Rugby and having those conversations, obviously I’ve got a good relationship with Whitney and all the management so conversations are being had.”

Ponsonby and Borland too will have to start thinking about whether they sign on for another year with Ealing Trailfinders.

It remains to be seen whether NZ Rugby will continue to allow players to sign with UK-based clubs on short-term contracts, without it affecting their eligibility.

Ponsonby said those conversations would happen shortly.

“I’m not really sure what path I want to take but I need to have conversations with coaches here and coaches back home to see what can or cannot happen,” Ponsonby said.

“I think the Black Ferns are still having conversations about what they will and won’t allow. Obviously there are girls who have come over here this season for injury cover, who are just signed until the end of March.

“Whether or not that will be an option for players again for the next season I’m not sure. I hope they create that opportunity for players to come over here and play a half season because it’s really beneficial. I’m not sure if the option will be available again or not.”

More rugby needed

One of the reasons so many Black Ferns took up contacts in the UK was the fact that they faced months without playing.

Last year New Zealand Rugby announced it was shifting the dates of Super Rugby Aupiki so it would not clash with new international windows.

Previously played through March and April, Super Rugby Aupiki has been pushed back to June, with six regular season games and a grand final.

Black Fern Alana Borland (nee Bremner) was part of the Black Ferns loose forwards. www.photosport.nz

It meant from October to April there was no top-level rugby for women’s players in New Zealand.

The quirk with PWR is that it breaks for seven weeks during April and May, before resuming for the final two rounds of regular season, then semi-finals and a final.

During that break the northern hemisphere players can compete in the Six Nations for their respective countries, while Rule and Borland will watch the Black Ferns Tests from afar.

As for what she’s getting out of playing PWR, Rule said it was pushing her to a new level.

“In New Zealand the only real opportunities to really hone your craft was in Aupiki and then international level – so I had six games to grow my craft before playing international rugby.

“Whereas here week in week out, I can really push myself, take risks, make mistakes and you just can’t beat playing rugby compared to training, I think it’s helped my game immensely.”

While it’s seen as a semi-professional competition, with some players working full-time jobs, Rule said the amount of training resembled a full-time programme.

Rule said the sheer number of minutes players got across the 18-game regular season made a huge difference.

“Here we are training nearly every day, we do Monday, Tuesday, we have Wednesday as recovery day, and Thursday is another training day and then you play on the weekends. And we get about triple the amount of games here so it’s intense.”

Change needed?

Hansen said the feedback from Black Ferns who took up contracts in the UK had been overwhelmingly positive.

“They’ve really enjoyed it, they’ve had some really good learnings across that time and I think it’s been cool having that come back and help to grow us as well. It’s been the right thing for them in this moment and we’re excited to have them back with us for the next bit of their journey,” Hansen said.

The All Blacks eligibility rules have been thoroughly dissected over the years but this is the first time it has really been tested when it comes to the Black Ferns.

New Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen. photosport

Apart from exceptions for senior All Blacks on approved sabbaticals, players must play for a New Zealand-based Super Rugby team to be eligible for New Zealand.

The policy aims to protect the domestic game and prevent a talent exodus to overseas leagues in countries like France and Japan, which attract top international talent with high salaries.

But Black Ferns players haven’t been lured by big salaries because they don’t exist. What they have been drawn to is the level of competition they are getting in the PWR.

The Black Ferns also have some ground to make up if they want to be on top of the world again. England looked untouchable at last year’s World Cup, winning the title on the back of a record-breaking streak of 33 consecutive Test wins.

Hansen said any exemptions under the eligibility rules, would have to go through the NZR board.

“We’ve got an exemption around Georgia [Ponsonby] because we’ve got a couple of injuries and niggles that are sitting in our hooker depth at the moment, so we had to go back to the board and talk about that and what that would look like and ultimately it was the best decision for the team to ask her to come back in and to make that exemption.”

Hansen confirmed Rule and Borland could become eligible for Black Ferns tests in the back end of this year if they played some domestic rugby.

“It’s for this campaign they are ineligible, essentially we’ll go in to Super Rugby Aupiki and we might still see someone come in the back end of that, cover a position or end up in that space, playing NPC. There’s lots of opportunities to be selected again or contracted again for the Black Ferns but that will really depend on what they decide to do next for their rugby journey.”

At this stage Hansen does not believe the eligibility rule needs re-visiting for the Black Ferns.

“I don’t think so at the moment, it’s been really clear on what is and isn’t and when we’ve needed to go back to the board to talk about that then we’ve got the exemption that we’ve needed because it’s been a clear and obvious choice that it was the right thing to do so not at this time.

“We’ve got some athletes who we’ve worked together with clubs that are over there who are covering injury. And for those other three, it was a look at like what’s next for them, it’s at the back of a world cup and them making some decisions on what’s next in their rugby.”

Ponsonby said playing PWR had “massively” helped her game.

“Getting to play with world class players …in our team we’ve girls from England, Ireland, Wales, Spain, Canada, USA … all over the show. I think that’s the beauty of this competition, it is the best in the world for that reason.

“You’ve got the best players in the world spread out across the teams and it shows in the results so far. Every single game is a tough match and you don’t know who’s going to win.”

Georgia Ponsonby has played hooker for NZ for many years. Photosport

Borland was the first to sign with Ealing Trailfinders, then Ponsonby received a message from the coach gauging her interest and ultimately decided it was an opportunity she couldn’t turn down.

The 26-year-old is flatting with Borland and her husband, who she lived with for two years in Christchurch.

“We moved our lives over here, I’m just the third wheel,” she laughs. “But it’s great, we love our life over here.”

Ponsonby had got used to the idea that she was not going to be part of the Black Ferns this year so was grateful to be given an exemption for the PAC4 series.

Ponsonby said the demand for New Zealand players was high.

“There’s definitely the appetite over here, they love us as rugby players and what we bring. There’s other countries, the likes of France and Spain that are trying to recruit international players.

“I hope NZ Rugby do open those doors for people, but at the same time we’ve got a great competition back home with Aupiki and my hope is that expands into something bigger and we get to play Australia because that would only grow our own competition as well, I see the merit in both.”

Competition dates

PWR 2025/26

  • 25 October – 30 March
  • Two month break for international window
  • Resumes 30 May – Final 29 June

Black Ferns 2026 Pacific Four Series

  • 12 Apr – v USA, Sacramento
  • 18 Apr – v Canada, Kansas City
  • 25 Apr – v Wallaroos, Sunshine Coast

Super Rugby Aupiki 2026

  • 13 June – 25 July
  • Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Final – 1 August

Farah Palmer Cup 2026

  • Kicks off 29 August
  • Finals set for late October

Remaining Black Ferns Tests confirmed for 2026

  • O’Reilly Cup – 22 Aug vs Wallaroos
  • 5th Sept vs South Africa, Johannesburg
  • 26 Sept vs England, Twickenham
  • Home Series vs France – 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 31 Oct

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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/2026/03/24/black-ferns-grapple-with-eligibility-rules-as-players-seek-more-rugby/

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$50 a week for lower-income working families

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is moving quickly to provide extra support for low-to-middle-income working families as conflict in the Middle East drives up fuel prices and adds pressure to household budgets.

From 7 April, about 143,000 working families with children will get an extra $50 a week through a boost to the in-work tax credit. The boost will also expand eligibility to around 14,000 additional working families, who will receive the tax credit at an abated rate.  

The increase will be temporary, lasting for one year or until the price of 91 octane petrol drops below $3 a litre for four consecutive weeks. 

“This temporary boost will deliver support to working families who are under significant cost-of-living pressure, without making inflation worse or further driving up Government debt,” Nicola Willis says.

“The policy is carefully targeted to families in the squeezed middle – parents who are working hard for a living, are not eligible for main benefits, and yet have modest household incomes with which to support their children. We know these families will be hit particularly hard by the global fuel-price shock. We are delivering them timely relief. 

“The Government will implement these changes at pace. Tomorrow we will introduce an Amendment Paper to the Taxation Bill currently before Parliament, so these changes can be enacted from 1 April.

“Most eligible households will not need to do anything to receive the increase. It will be paid directly into their bank accounts, starting on 7 April if they are paid weekly, and 14 April if they are paid fortnightly. 

“We are very aware that almost all Kiwi businesses and families are feeling price pressures as a result of the global shockwaves hitting New Zealand, but equally we know that responding with large, untargeted Government spending programmes could make things worse for Kiwis by adding more pressure to inflation and debt. We are making careful choices in order to protect New Zealand’s economic future. 

“The Government is conscious that a careless response to this crisis could have long-lasting and painful consequences. We saw this in the aftermath of Covid, where excessive spending more than doubled debt and sent inflation soaring and mortgage rates skyrocketing. Kiwis are still grappling with the effects of that today.

“That is why we are focused on temporary, timely support that is targeted to the workers who need it most, while continuing to manage the public finances carefully. 

“The policy is estimated to cost a one-off $373 million if it runs for the full year and less if it does not. There is no ongoing cost in future years because the change is time-limited. 

The cost will count against the Government’s operating allowance for the 2026 Budget so has already been factored into the Treasury’s fiscal forecast.

“Funding the policy this way will not add to forecast debt or inflationary pressures. It is consistent with the Government’s fiscal strategy which seeks to balance the books and bend the debt curve down.

“We cannot control global oil markets or international conflicts.

“But we can soften the impact on working families who cannot easily avoid higher fuel costs by delivering support in a responsible and well-targeted way.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/50-a-week-for-lower-income-working-families/

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Orange heavy rain warnings issued for parts of North Island

Source: Radio New Zealand

An orange heavy rain warning is in place for Northland. MetService/Screenshot

Some heavy rain watches forecasted for the Upper North Island have been upgraded to an orange heavy rain warning.

The heavy rain watch which was in place for Northland is now an orange warning from 7pm Wednesday until 9am Friday.

The chance of wet weather due to a deep subtropical low has now also spread with a heavy rain watch issued for other parts of the Upper North Island including Auckland.

Northland is set to get around 130 to 200 mm of rain but Metservice have said up to 250mm is possible about the northern and eastern areas.

Peaks rates of 20 to 40mm of rain an hour are possible around the north and east of Northland from Thursday afternoon through to Friday morning with a moderate chance of upgrading to a red warning.

The area is also under a strong wind watch with east to northeast winds possibly approaching severe gale in exposed places.

Other parts of the Upper North Island are under a heavy rain watch from Thursday including Auckland, Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane, Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island.

A strong wind watch is in place for Auckland including Great Barrier Island from Thursday to Friday.

Both wind and rain watches are set to be in place for between 30 to 42 hours in most regions.

In the South Island Tasman west of Motueka is under a heavy rain watch from Thursday until Friday.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/orange-heavy-rain-warnings-issued-for-parts-of-north-island/

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Conflict – Israeli forces using Gaza playbook in Lebanon, decimating water infrastructure – Oxfam

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

Oxfam fears that Israel’s military blueprint of attacking water infrastructure, used throughout its genocide in Gaza, is now being rolled out across parts of Lebanon.
Israeli forces are destroying water and sanitation infrastructure including strikes near sites that were being rehabilitated after having been destroyed or damaged in the last war, Oxfam analysis has found.
The Geneva conventions prohibit attacks on water installations and other objects that are critical for people to survive. Using deprivation of water as a method of warfare is outlawed. Any intentional deprivation of water or obstruction of aid may constitute a war crime.
In a span of four days in the first weeks of the latest escalation, Israel damaged at least seven critical water sources including reservoirs, pipe networks and pumping stations that supplied water to almost 7,000 people in the Bekaa area alone.
In Southern Lebanon, where hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes after Israel’s blanket mass forced displacement orders, Oxfam and partners are responsible for carrying out rehabilitation work at 19 important water facilities that provide clean water for up to 60,000 people. Six were damaged by Israeli bombardment in last year’s escalation. There have been confirmed strikes in many of the areas where these facilities are located.
Due to the intensity of the attacks in these areas, Oxfam teams cannot now safely access these sites to assess whether they too are now destroyed or damaged or ensure they are functioning properly so that people remaining in the villages have water. Long term impacts will also be devastating for communities if they don’t have clean water when they are able to return home.
The destruction of civilian infrastructure has not been limited to critical water facilities. Israel has also destroyed electricity networks and bridges, cutting off vital supplies and services for entire towns and villages.
Bachir Ayoub, Oxfam Lebanon Country Director, said: “It’s clear that the Israeli Forces are repeating the same pattern in Lebanon as they did in Gaza. Attacking civilians, critical civilian infrastructure, emergency services personnel – including 12 medics killed in a single strike – and aid workers. Aiming to maximize disruption and fear among the population, while ignoring international law.”
Carlos Calderon, Oxfam Aotearoa’s Head of Humanitarian and Partnerships said: “Water is a lifeline, not a military target. Turning critical water infrastructure into a weapon of war disproportionately affects civilians fleeing for their lives. No family should be forced abandon their homes or have their basic lifelines cut off.”
Ayoub continues: “The impunity Israel enjoyed in Gaza as it committed water war crimes is again on full display. The world has shown Israel can do what it wants, whenever it wants, without repercussion and again it is civilians who are paying the ultimate price for this inaction.”
During the 2024 escalation, Israel damaged more than 45 water networks in Lebanon, impacting almost half a million people, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks and contributing to the loss of livelihoods and green areas. Given the ongoing lack of accountability that has allowed Israel to consistently violate international law across the region, Oxfam is concerned these renewed attacks will see a sharp rise in the destruction of civilian infrastructure that is already occurring.
Despite the scale of destruction and mounting evidence of Israel’s atrocities in Gaza, Oxfam says the international community remains complicit in its silence and, in many cases, support to Israel as it continues to occupy and invade parts of Lebanon.
“There must be an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and end to this war” said Ayoub. “The international community stood by in Gaza and watched Israel’s weaponization of water and its catastrophic consequences to men, women and children there. The same devastation must not be allowed to play out again in Lebanon. Israel must be held to account for its violations and must not be allowed to occupy more land, deny more civilians of their basic rights, and continue to abuse international law without consequence.”
Calderon concludes: “Our team is on the ground to provide water, this most essential human right, and we need your help to keep that lifeline open.”
Notes:
In the Policy Brief Water Under Fire: Supporting Lebanon’s Water Services Amid Escalating Conflict Oxfam reached out to water establishments across three highly impacted regions in Lebanon after Israeli attacks.
In July 2024 Oxfam released the report Water War Crimes: How Israel has weaponised water in its military campaign in Gazapresenting a detailed analysis of how the Government of Israel systematically weaponized water against the Palestinians in its latest assault on Gaza.
Before the latest escalation, Oxfam was rehabilitating eight water pumping systems in Mansouri, Nmairiyyeh, Srifa, Zaita, Ankoun, Allousiyyeh, Kfardounin, Jbal Al Botom; three water networks in Tyre, Kherbit Silm, Khiam; four reservoirs in Ater, Toura and Zebkin; and four water filtration systems in Mais Eljabal, Bintjbeil, Kfartebnit, and Deir Knaoun Nahr.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/conflict-israeli-forces-using-gaza-playbook-in-lebanon-decimating-water-infrastructure-oxfam/

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Green light for Te Awa Lakes

Source: New Zealand Government

Around 1,500 new homes are set to be built as part of the new Te Awa Lakes development thanks to the Government approving the use of an Infrastructure Funding and Financing (IFF) Act Levy for this development, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop.

“To make New Zealand’s housing more affordable, our cities need to grow both up and out – we need bigger cities, and we need more houses. Te Awa Lakes is one of many developments that is making our growth agenda a reality,” Mr Bishop says.

“One factor holding back new housing is infrastructure. We’ve heard loud and clear from developers and councils that there are significant bottlenecks when it comes to the provision of enabling infrastructure, including local government authorities’ financing constraints.

“Councils are responsible for delivering infrastructure such as water and roading but have maximum levels of debt that they’re allowed to take on. These borrowing constraints can delay investment in infrastructure for new, otherwise commercially viable housing developments.

“Developers with viable housing projects should not be held back by this.

“The IFF Act was originally enacted to make it easier for developments to get off the ground through innovative approaches to funding infrastructure that bypass these constraints.

“The model works by establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for a project – separate from council’s balance sheets. The SPV then repays any finance raised by charging a levy to homeowners and landowners who benefit from the infrastructure.

“Essentially, the IFF Act model allows growth to pay for growth.

“The Government has approved an IFF Act levy for Te Awa Lakes, an approximately 2,500-property development northwest of Hamilton. The Levy will fund up to $50 million of water and roading infrastructure, supporting 1,500 of these new properties. The first homes are expected to be delivered as early as 2029.

“This is a fantastic outcome for Hamilton, one of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities.

“The Levy will be administered by Hamilton City Council and will be repaid over a 30-year period beginning 1 July 2027. The levy will be fully disclosed to potential buyers, allowing them to factor it in before making any decisions.

“To date, only two IFF Act Levies have been authorised, and neither were for new housing developments – falling well short of the intent and ambition of this legislation.

“While the Te Awa Lakes development is a good start, we know there are other viable, developer-led projects that are being held back by these constraints.

“That’s why in November 2025, the Coalition Government introduced the IFF Act Amendment Bill, which enhances the Act’s usability, removes unnecessary barriers to uptake, and broadens project eligibility.

“We are making the Act more viable and flexible so developers, councils, and other infrastructure providers can get on with building the infrastructure our growing communities need. We expect to pass this Bill into law before the election.

“In addition to the IFF Act Levy, Te Awa Lakes is also being supported by this Government’s Greenfield Model, which we established in Budget 2025. The Greenfield Model is administered by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited and supports development by lowering financing costs during the project’s construction period – which will ultimately flow through to lower levies for future homeowners.

“This Government is committed to housing growth by freeing up land for development, improving infrastructure funding and financing, and incentivising growth. The IFF Act model is just one of several tools in our Going for Housing Growth toolkit to ensure that infrastructure is not an excuse to prevent growth.”

Notes to Editors

What this means for future buyers:

For people looking to buy in Te Awa Lakes, the levy means part of the cost of the enabling infrastructure is paid gradually over time rather than being built into the upfront purchase price. The levy is transparent and disclosed early and only applies to properties that benefit the most from the new infrastructure. This approach helps brings new housing options to the market at different price points sooner, while ensuring the development has the essential services it needs from day one.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/green-light-for-te-awa-lakes/

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Fuel crisis package: Nearly 150,000 families to receive $50 a week

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis announcing the fuel support package on Tuesday. Samuel Rillstone/RNZ

Almost 150,000 families will receive an extra $50 a week for up to a year to help ease the pain from soaring petrol prices driven up by the war in the Middle East.

Speaking at a media conference at the Beehive on Tuesday, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the relief would come through a boost to the in-work tax credit – part of the Working for Families scheme.

That means only low-to-middle-income workers who have children are eligible. It excludes beneficiaries, superannuitants and those without children.

“The policy is carefully targeted to families in the squeezed middle – parents who are working hard for a living, are not eligible for main benefits, and yet have modest household incomes with which to support their children,” Willis said.

“We know these families will be hit particularly hard by the global fuel-price shock. We are delivering them timely relief.”

The temporary increase would last for as long as one year, or until the price of 91 octane petrol dropped below $3 a litre for four weeks in a row, Willis said.

About 143,000 households would start seeing the full benefit in their bank accounts from 7 April, if they were paid weekly, or 14 April, if they were paid fortnightly. A further 14,000 households would receive the support but at a lesser rate.

In the current tax year, the cut-off for receiving the tax credit was around $89,000 of annual household income for a family with one child, $112,000 for a family with two children and $135,000 for a family with three children.

The policy was estimated to cost $373 million if it ran for a full year, or less if it did not, Willis said.

Willis said that cost would come out of the government’s operating allowance for this year’s Budget, meaning it had already been factored into Treasury’s fiscal forecast.

“Funding the policy this way will not add to forecast debt or inflationary pressures. It is consistent with the government’s fiscal strategy which seeks to balance the books and bend the debt curve down.”

Willis said the government could not relieve price pressures for all businesses and families who were feeling price pressures. She said “large, untargeted government spending programmes” could make the situation worse by driving up inflation and debt.

“The government is conscious that a careless response to this crisis could have long-lasting and painful consequences. We saw this in the aftermath of Covid, where excessive spending more than doubled debt and sent inflation soaring and mortgage rates skyrocketing. Kiwis are still grappling with the effects of that today.”

More to come …

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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/2026/03/24/fuel-crisis-package-nearly-150000-families-to-receive-50-a-week/

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Watch: $50 a week for some families as fuel crisis relief package unveiled

Source: Radio New Zealand

People struggling with fuel costs will be eligible for an extra $50 a week – if they qualify for the in-work tax credit.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced the support package at Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.

It would be available from April 7.

Petrol prices in some locations have reached $4 a litre for premium, while diesel is up more than $1 a litre in the past month, Gaspy data shows.

About 20 percent of the world’s supply usually transits through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has cut off in retaliation over the US-Israel attack.

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/2026/03/24/watch-50-a-week-for-some-families-as-fuel-crisis-relief-package-unveiled/

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Man from religious organisation with Pacific links charged with rape, strangulation, indecent assault

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Police have laid several serious charges against a man connected to a religious organisation with links around the Pacific.

Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Baillie said a 45-year-old man would appear in the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday.

“Police executing search warrants have arrested one person from a religious organisation that has a presence in New Zealand, Australia, Samoa and Fiji,” Baillie said.

  • Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz

    • The man has been charged with unlawful sexual connection, indecent assault, strangulation and rape.

    “Today’s arrest follows a number of allegations, and partner agencies are supporting those that have come forward.

    “It is possible there may be other allegations that we are not yet aware of, and I strongly encourage any survivor to speak with us, should they wish to. Your voice matters, and you will be treated with respect.

    “Our staff who work in this space are specially trained, and any reports will be made in confidence, and we will provide wraparound support.”

    Baillie asked for anyone with information to make a report by calling police on 105 or using police’s online service referencing Operation Aurora, or file number 260319/8197.

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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/2026/03/24/man-from-religious-organisation-with-pacific-links-charged-with-rape-strangulation-indecent-assault/

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Wellington businessman pleads not guilty to posting harmful digital communications

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Wellington businessman appeared in Wellington District Court on Tuesday. RNZ / Alexander Robertson

A Wellington businessman has pleaded not guilty to posting harmful digital communications.

The 57-year-old man appeared in Wellington District Court on Tuesday on charges of making a Facebook post that would cause harm to an ordinary or reasonable person and that in doing so, caused serious emotional distress to the complainant.

The charge related to an alleged offence on 13 January, 2026 in Wellington.

The maximum penalty for such an offence is up to two years imprisonment.

Interim name suppression continues for both parties.

In court on Tuesday, it was agreed that Judge Bruce Davidson would consider the matter of the accused’s suppression based on written submissions from the parties involved.

The judge also requested the contents of the alleged post be provided to him.

The man is due to reappear in court in June.

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/2026/03/24/wellington-businessman-pleads-not-guilty-to-posting-harmful-digital-communications/

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Govt. response fails home support workers facing fuel crisis – must do better – PSA

Source: PSA

Time to raise mileage allowance for first time in four years
The Government’s decision to increase income support for low paid workers will not go far enough for 23,000 home support workers hit hardest by sharply rising petrol prices, and that a faster, simpler fix remains available right now.
Today’s announcement on increases to income support for working families fall well short of what home support workers need given many are filling up their own cars at least twice a week and many do not have dependent children.
“This is a really disappointing decision and completely ignores the financial pressure on these essential workers,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. “These workers have already had their pay equity claim cancelled by this government.
“Nicola Willis promised to help workers ‘acutely impacted’, but she has ignored home support workers. They are low paid, predominantly female workers who provide critical care to elderly and disabled New Zealanders every day. They are the only publicly funded workers required to use their own vehicles in this way. Rising petrol prices hit them directly in the pocket with every shift.
“If the Government is serious about protecting working people from this fuel crisis, it needs to do better and it still can. The Government has a fast, ready fix available by raising the mileage allowance.”
The Home and Community Support (Payment for Travel Between Clients) Settlement Act 2016 requires Health NZ Te Whatu Ora to pay home support workers a mileage rate. The allowance was last adjusted four years ago and is due for review (see explainer below).
“The Health Minister could direct that rate to be lifted immediately, no complicated fiddling with the tax and transfer system, no delay, just fast, real help for the people who need it most.”
Palmerston North home support worker Susan Miers is very disappointed. “It’s not very much really – it’s not going to make a difference to us,” In a typical day, Susan drives between clients across the city and the wider Manawatū region.
“I’m paying $40, $50 more a week than I was just a couple of weeks ago. It’s coming out of my food budget, because it’s the only thing I can change. I’ve already had to borrow money off of people to make things work.”
Fleur Fitzsimons: “The Government has ignored these workers in their time of need, rubbing more salt into their wounds. It’s disgraceful.
“The PSA will continue to fight for workers doing essential mahi in this crisis, workers who have no choice, but to drive to the people they care for every day. They deserve help now more than ever.”
Explainer – In-Between Travel Allowance
What is it? The In-Between Travel (IBT) allowance compensates home and community support workers for the time and vehicle costs of travelling between clients. It is governed by the Home and Community Support (Payment for Travel Between Clients) Settlement Act 2016.
Who does it cover? Around 23,000 home and community support workers who visit the elderly, disabled and injured in their homes, funded by Health NZ, MSD or ACC.
How does it work?
– Workers are paid a flat travel time payment (at their ordinary wage rate) for all trips between clients up to 15km of $2.35.
– It is meant to be a contribution to both maintenance and petrol costs.
– For trips over 15km (“exceptional travel”), workers are paid actual time and distance for that leg based on Google Maps
– Travel to the first client of the day and from the last client is not covered unless it exceeds 15km.
The rate and the problem: The mileage rate is currently 63.5 cents per kilometre – unchanged since March 2022. There have been only two increases in the rate’s entire history (from 50c to 58.5c in August 2020, then to 63.5c in March 2022). The current IRD mileage rate is $1.17 per kilometre (petrol vehicles). Workers are being reimbursed at less than two-thirds of the IRD rate, and with the fuel price spike triggered by the Iran, they are now being reimbursed at well under half their actual costs.
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/2026/03/24/govt-response-fails-home-support-workers-facing-fuel-crisis-must-do-better-psa/

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Social Issues – Where is the support for benefit-dependent households? – CPAG

Source: Child Poverty Action Group

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) is calling for an increase to the Winter Energy Payment (WEP) to help offset the current surge in an already desperate cost of living crisis for families living on core benefits.
Minister Nicola Willis announced today that from April, 143,000 low-to-middle income families with working parents will receive $50 per week through the In-Work Tax Credit (IWTC).
CPAG spokesperson Isaac Gunson says while today’s announcement will alleviate some pressure in working families, there’s nothing for families relying on core benefits.
“Energy crises affect benefit-dependent families too. Where is their support?”
“Close to a quarter of a million children live in households receiving a core benefit. The idea that no additional support will be made available to that many tamariki is outrageous.”
“Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis stood before the New Zealand public today and pointed to the automatic 3.1% inflation adjustment to core benefits on April 1 as the support they’re offering to benefit-dependent households. In the last three weeks, the cost of 91 petrol alone has climbed nearly 40%, and diesel by more than 80%.”
“Our Income Floor research clearly shows many of those incomes are already woefully inadequate to cover even the bare essentials, in a year where the cost of those essentials, like electricity, meat and poultry, and dairy products, rose faster than inflation.”
Programmes like the Winter Energy Payment (WEP), first announced in December 2017 and introduced the subsequent winter, made statistically significant reductions to two financial hardship measures during winter months, in households with working age recipients of a core benefit.
It is here CPAG believes support should be targeted.
Since it’s introduction in 2018, there has been no increase in the WEP rate, held at $20.46/week ($450.12 total) for single parents with no children and $31.82/week ($700.04 total) for couples and people with children.
Between December 2018 (after the first year’s payment concluded) and December 2025, household energy costs have increased 30%.
During the same period at the gas pump, 95, 91, and diesel have increased 31.3%, 31.8%, and 46.2%, respectively. (Source: Household Energy from SNZ CPI & Petrol from FigureNZ’s visualisation of MBIE data)
“CPAG is calling on the Government to increase the WEP by 30% in time for the coming winter. It’s an approach that aligns with the Government’s move to use already-established systems to support low-income families, but which also recognises the pain being felt in households receiving core benefits.”
This would lift the total WEP payment to $585.16 or $26.60/week for singles, and $910.52 or $41.37/week for couples or people with children.
We’d also ask the Government to consider extending the period of this year’s WEP to 26 weeks, starting in April, bringing the total WEP to $691.60 total for singles, or $1,075.62 total for couples or people with children.
“To shield New Zealand’s most vulnerable from the ripple effects of rising fuel costs, the Government should make its response a two-pronged approach: temporarily increase work-related tax credits and provide unconditional cash support to people on benefits through the WEP.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/social-issues-where-is-the-support-for-benefit-dependent-households-cpag/

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NZNO apologises for abuses in state care

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO apologises sincerely and unreservedly for the involvement of nurses in historic abuses in state care.
The apology was made in a video by NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku and published today on the organisation’s website. It has already been shared with survivors and their whānau.
NZNO has also apologised unreservedly for any role nurses may have had in ignoring and not standing up to abuse in state care.
Kerri Nuku says for decades from the 1950s, children in psychiatric hospitals and other state and faith-based care suffered horrific abuse. 
“And among those responsible were nurses-our own profession. Nurses who were entrusted to care, to protect, to heal. Instead, some inflicted harm. Others turned away. This is a double betrayal, because care and compassion are the very essence of nursing. 
“The experiences of survivors, told to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, were horrific, she says.
“These children were subjected to electric shocks, painful injections and degrading treatment. Nurses stood by while sexual abuse occurred. Some actively participated.”
Kerri Nuku says most of the children involved were Māori, placed in institutions because they were Māori. 
“Colonisation’s destructive intent was at work, and nurses became instruments of that harm. The scars left behind are not just physical. They are pervasive, lifelong, and intergenerational. Survivors and their whānau still carry the weight of trauma. Many do not trust nurses today – and that mistrust is justified.
“That this abuse occurred and for so long is a national disgrace. It is not only an issue of historical significance, but with abuse recognised up to 2019, it is also a contemporary issue. For this reason, NZNO joins calls for the swift implementation of all Royal Commissions’ recommendations.”
An apology without action is hollow, Kerri Nuku says. “Words alone cannot heal. We commit to ensuring this never happens again.” NZNO’s response is guided by the findings of the Abuse in Care inquiries and the Lake Alice Hospital investigation and is a pledge to:
  • Embed trauma-informed and culturally safe practice in nursing education and professional development.
  • Advocate for a robust redress scheme that meets survivors’ needs and honours international standards.
  • Protect whistleblowers and enforce transparency, ensuring no member can hide from accountability.
  • Collaborate with the Nursing Council of New Zealand to strengthen Codes of Conduct and Ethics, making care synonymous with safety and dignity.
These actions reflect NZNO’s commitment to tika and pono – or justice and truth – and to restoring the trust that was broken, Kerri Nuku says. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/nzno-apologises-for-abuses-in-state-care/

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NZ Drug Foundation – Alarming increase in low-level drug prosecutions undermining health efforts

Source: New Zealand Drug Foundation

An alarming increase in drug possession charges is causing harm and undermining progress on health-based approaches, the Drug Foundation says.

New Ministry of Justice data shows 2025 had the highest number of low-level charges for drug possession or use in a decade.

Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says the current approach is clearly not reducing drug use, but it is undermining efforts to reduce harm.

“Criminalising people clearly doesn’t deter use – in fact wastewater data out this week shows drug use is at record levels,” she says.

“What it does do is compound some of the worst drug harms by preventing people from seeking help and putting people through the justice system.”

“Our fifty-year-old drug laws have us stuck in this terrible loop where everyone loses. We are wasting huge amounts of money and Police resource on low-level prosecutions that discourage people from seeking support, and in the meantime drug use and harm are surging. We urgently need safer drug laws to break the circuit.”

The Drug Foundation released a blueprint for drug law reform last year in itsSafer drug laws for Aotearoa New Zealand report. (ref. https://drugfoundation.org.nz/news-and-reports/report-proposes-evidence-based-reform-to-new-zealands-drug-laws )

“The evidence from New Zealand and around the world is clear – we need a step-change in investment into harm reduction and health services, and safer drug laws that encourage people to seek support rather than punish them with criminal penalties,” says Helm.

Polling conducted by the Drug Foundation in 2022 showed 68% of New Zealanders supported ‘rewriting the Misuse of Drugs Act and putting in place a health-based approach’.

The increase in charges comes despite a 2019 amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act instructing Police that a prosecution should not be brought unless it is in the public interest, and to consider health-centred approaches first.

Helm says the data shows relying on Police discretion isn’t adequate, with low-level drug charges following a similar trend to total criminal prosecutions since 2019.

“Police discretion is not how we should be dealing with such an important issue. The law should very clearly set out when people should face criminal penalties and when a health response is needed.”

Key stats from the Ministry of Justice

  • The number of drug possession/use charges in 2025 is the highest in the last decade: at 8,474 charges. The number of people convicted for drug/use possession in 2025 (3,158) is the second highest in ten years.
  • Nearly two-thirds (65%, or 3,158) of all drug convictions were for drug possession or use as the most serious drug offence. The proportion of possession/use convictions relative to all drug offences is the second highest in a decade. 
  • Each year since 2016, more people have been convicted of low-level drug offences than for supply, trafficking, or distribution combined. In 2025, 3,158 people were convicted of unlawful possession or use of drugs—the highest number since 2016, compared to 1,657 for supply, trafficking, or distribution.

Ministry of Justice data can be found at https://www.justice.govt.nz/justice-sector-policy/research-data/justice-statistics/data-tables/#General

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/nz-drug-foundation-alarming-increase-in-low-level-drug-prosecutions-undermining-health-efforts/

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Advocacy – Call for Ethical Review of University of Otago Corporate Partnership

Source: Statement by the Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand expresses deep concern regarding the reported partnership between the University of Otagoand Palo Alto Networks, a company with well-documented ties to Israel’s military and intelligence infrastructure.

At a time when the world is witnessing unprecedented devastation in Gaza Strip and escalating violence across the occupied Palestinian territories, such partnerships raise serious ethical questions. Institutions of higher learning are not merely centres of education; they are moral actors with a responsibility to uphold human rights, justice, and international law.

Engaging with companies linked to systems of surveillance, control, and military operations connected to the ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people risks normalising and legitimising these practices. This stands in direct contradiction to the values that universities in Aotearoa New Zealand claim to uphold.

We remind our academic institutions that they carry a duty as the “critic and conscience of society.” This duty requires not only intellectual independence, but moral clarity, especially in times of profound global injustice.

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls on the University of Otago to:

Reconsider and suspend this partnership pending transparent ethical review
Engage openly with students, staff, and the wider community
Align its institutional decisions with international human rights principles

We further call on universities and institutions across Aotearoa New Zealand to carefully assess their relationships and ensure they are not complicit in systems that perpetuate injustice.

Our position is grounded in the principles of dignity, accountability, and solidarity. We support all peaceful and lawful efforts, including global civil society initiatives, that seek to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people.

In moments like these, neutrality is not an option. Institutions must choose whether they stand on the side of justice or risk being remembered for their silence.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/advocacy-call-for-ethical-review-of-university-of-otago-corporate-partnership/