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Aoraki Salmon’s outstanding quality, sustainability, and innovative problem-solving hit the sweet spot to take out Primary Sector Award

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Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Aoraki Salmon topped a distinguished field of finalists to win the Primary Sector Award at the 2025 New Zealand Food Awards in Palmerston North last night (Thursday 16 October) for their cold smoked salmon – blackcurrant with Kāmahi honey.

Aoraki’s cold smoked salmon product is a result of a unique curing process using all New Zealand-made ingredients that achieves flavour infusion and food safety – without heat treatment – expanding the boundaries of the cold smoking science.

“Blackcurrant with Kāmahi honey cold smoked salmon hits the sweet spot of quality, sustainability, and innovative problem-solving to produce a smoked product without heat treatment,” says Vincent Arbuckle, deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety.

Mr Arbuckle said the range and calibre of entries in the Primary Sector category this year reflects New Zealand’s thriving food and fibre sector and its constant innovation.

The other finalists were Airborne Honey (Mānuka honey MGO 300+), Gut Comfort (Prebiotic kiwifruit powder), Kiwi Sorbet (Red & Green), Mitchells Nutrition (Beef tallow), and Mīti (Smokey kānuka and honey beef bites).

“The finalists all showcase the strong commitment to quality without compromising on safety that underpins New Zealand’s food production sector,” Mr Arbuckle said. “These values continue to drive innovation and excellence across the industry.”

The New Zealand Food Awards are held annually by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University to celebrate food and beverage excellence and innovation in Aotearoa.

New Zealand Food Awards

New Zealand Food Safety has been involved with the awards for more than 20 years, and has been a sponsor since 2008.

Fonterra Co-operative’s Easy Bakery Cream took out the 2025 Supreme Award.

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz 

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328. 

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Police name man being sought in relation to Pahiatua homicide

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Source: New Zealand Police

Police are urgently seeking a man in relation to a homicide investigation underway in Pahiatua.

Jeremy Robertson, pictured, is in his 50s and is of solid build.

Officers want to speak with him in relation to an incident on Thursday 15 October, where a woman was located deceased in a residential property that afternoon.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson, Area Investigations Manager, says it is believe Jeremy was driving a red Mitsubishi ASX, registration QGU91 (an impression is attached).

“This vehicle was taken from the victim’s address in Pahiatua, and Police located it unoccupied at the Blue and Green Lakes lookout on Tarawera Road, Rotorua,” he says.

It is believed Jeremy arrived in the Tarawera Road area in the Mitsubishi around 2am on Thursday 15 October.

Members of the public have seen the vehicle parked at the lookout carpark from around 8am on Friday 16 October.

“Police are keen to hear from anyone that may have seen this vehicle, in this area, between 2am on Thursday 15 and 8am on Friday 16 October,” Detective Senior Sergeant Thompson says.

“We are also interested in any sightings of Jeremy in the Tarawera Road, Rotorua area from Thursday 15 October.”

It is not clear if Jeremy is still in the area or has left. Should you see him, do not approach him but call 111 immediately and advise Police.

Non-urgent information can be passed to please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 251015/6286.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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Supporting school leaders to drive change

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Source: New Zealand Government

Education Minister Erica Stanford has launched the Curriculum Roadshow for Leaders, a nationwide initiative designed to support school leaders as they lead curriculum change across New Zealand. 

“The Roadshow was developed in direct response to requests from the sector for more support. It’s about the importance of collaboration, leading through changes, and sharing best practice. It focuses on helping schools implement a strengthened national curriculum with greater clarity and confidence,” Ms Stanford says. 

The programme brings together national and international experts, including keynote speaker Dr Nathaniel Swain, who share evidence-based insights on structured teaching approaches. 

It offers a clear overview of the curriculum changes, practical strategies for implementation, and resource packs to support planning and professional conversations with staff.

As part of the wider curriculum refresh, the Roadshow also supports school leaders to prepare for the staged release of curriculum content. The final curriculum content for Years 0-10 English and Mathematics is available now for use from the start of Term 1, 2026.

Other learning areas (Social Sciences, Science, Health and Physical Education, the Arts, Technology, Learning Languages) will be rephased and introduced in two stages in 2027 and 2028. This provides schools with more time to plan and progress their implementation. 

“This Government remains committed to getting 80 per cent of Year 8 students achieving at or above curriculum expectations by 2030. This Roadshow will help equip school leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to lead curriculum change that delivers better outcomes so more students reach their potential,” Ms Stanford says.

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Consultation on the Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive Material: ORS C5 2021

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Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

The Director for Radiation Safety (the Director) intends to review the Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive Material: ORS C5 2021 (ORS C5 2021) . The review will be conducted in accordance with section 90 of the Radiation Safety Act 2016 (the Act).  

The Director is appointed under section 76 of the Act.

About the review

The purpose of the review is to enable the Director to decide whether changes are required to improve ORS C5 2021. The review will consider information on the operation, technical accuracy and clarity of the code of practice.

Call for public submissions  

Before reviewing the code of practice, the Director invites public submissions on the review question: 

Are changes required to improve the Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive Material: ORS C5 2021?

To make a submission, please email ors.codes@health.govt.nz by 5pm, Friday 28 November 2025. It will be helpful if you use the subject line: Submission on the review of ORS C5 2021.

About ORS C5 2021  

ORS C5 2021 was issued under section 86 of the Act. The purpose of the code of practice is to specify the technical requirements that a person who deals with radioactive material must comply with in order to comply with the fundamental requirements for security of radioactive material set out in sections 11 and 12 of the Act. The scope of the code of practice includes the requirements for radioactive material that is in storage or is to be transported. 

The code of practice was issued to be appropriate to the level of risk posed by the radioactive material, its use, and its potential misuse.

The scope of the code of practice is set out in the Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive Material: ORS C5 2021

After the review is complete

If the review indicates that changes are required to improve ORS C5 2021, a further public consultation on the proposed changes will be conducted. Information on the review’s findings will be published on this webpage following the completion of the review and this information will indicate the ‘next steps’. 

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Proposed amendments to commercial fishing regulations

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Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Have your say

Fisheries New Zealand is seeking feedback on a package of 19 proposed changes, mostly to commercial fishing regulations. Most changes have been proposed by representatives of the commercial fishing industry as a means to remove redundant regulations and regulations that are overly complex, duplicative, or impose unnecessary compliance costs. Fisheries New Zealand has assessed these proposals and is now consulting on those outlined in the consultation document.

Consultation opened on 20 October and we will accept submissions until 5pm on 28 November 2025.

This work is related to the wider fisheries reform work programme. Other work as part of the reform has related to changes to the Fisheries Act 1996. The changes we are consulting on here are related but different, as they focus on changes to the commercial fishing regulations.

Consultation document

Discussion document [PDF, 2.5 MB]

What’s being proposed?

Summary document [PDF, 156 KB]

Making your submission

Email your feedback on options set out in the consultation document by 5pm on 28 November 2025 to FMsubmissions@mpi.govt.nz

While we prefer email, you can post written submissions to:

2025 Fishing regulation amendments
Fisheries Management
Fisheries New Zealand
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140

What to include

Make sure you tell us in your submission:

  • the title of the consultation document
  • the proposals you’re making a submission on
  • your name and title
  • your organisation’s name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation, and whether your submission represents the whole organisation or a section of it)
  • your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email).

Related document

Fisheries reform work programme – Cabinet paper [PDF, 1.1 MB]

Related consultation

Fisheries reform: proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

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Health – ProCare supports clinician-led ownership with sale of Mt Smart Medical

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Source: ProCare

ProCare is pleased to announce the sale of Mt Smart Medical Centre, one of its Elevate programme practices, marking a significant milestone in its strategy to support clinician and industry-led ownership pathways.

The practice, located in Auckland, settled on Friday 17 October, and has been purchased by Harpreet Kaur, a highly respected clinician with a strong commitment to patient care and community wellbeing. Harpreet brings a wealth of clinical experience and a passion for making a difference in primary care, making her an ideal fit to lead Mt Smart into its next chapter.

To support continuity, current Lead GP Dr Samuel Fuimano will remain with the practice. His ongoing presence complements Harpreet’s leadership, ensuring trusted clinical governance and continuity of care that the community and practice team value deeply.

This sale reflects ProCare’s ongoing commitment to its Elevate programme, which was established to strengthen general practice sustainability and support ownership opportunities for clinicians and industry professionals.

Bindi Norwell, Group Chief Executive at ProCare says: “We’re incredibly proud of what the Elevate programme has achieved so far. The sale of Mt Smart Medical Centre is a great example of how we’re enabling passionate, skilled clinicians to step into ownership roles. Harpreet’s leadership will bring fresh energy to the practice, and we’re confident she will continue to deliver high-quality care to the community.”

ProCare will continue to support Mt Smart Medical Centre through the transition period, with Harpreet remaining part of the ProCare PHO Network, ensuring continuity of care and access to ongoing support.

New owner, Harpreet Kaur says: “I’m honoured to take on the ownership of Mt Smart Medical Centre. I look forward to building on the strong foundation and serving our patients with compassion and excellence to provide person-centred health services.”

We warmly welcome Harpreet to her new role and look forward to an exciting new chapter for Mt Smart Medical Centre.

As ProCare looks ahead, it remains open to further Elevate practice sales where they align with the long-term goals of its strategy – ensuring that general practice remains in the hands of those who are connected to the communities they serve.

About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.

As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

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Weather News – Significant weather systems set to impact the country – MetService

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Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 20th – Thursday 23rd October

  • Severe Weather Warnings for northwest winds and rain to start the week
  • Another, more intense, system due on Thursday
  • 30°C forecast in Hastings on Thursday after a run of warmer than average temperatures.

A slew of warnings and watches are in place as we start the working week, but this is a precursor for a potentially more impactful weather event on Thursday.

MetService is forecasting heavy rain and strong winds for much of the South Island and Central New Zealand on Monday and Tuesday, with morning thunderstorms and hail possible on Tuesday.

MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley details “Northwesterly wind gusts will rise to 130 km/h in exposed places about some regions. Peak rain rates of 20 to 30 mm/h are also expected about the Southern Alps and Westland Ranges. There will be decent spillover rain east of the main divide.”

See image below for watches & warnings at issued time. See http://bit.ly/AllWarnings for up-to-date details.

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Entries Now Open for the NZ Compare Awards 2025

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Source: NZ Compare

Celebrating Excellence, Innovation, and Impact Across New Zealand
Entries and public voting is now officially open for the NZ Compare Awards 2025 (https://awards.nzcompare.com/), recognising and celebrating the very best of New Zealand’s broadband, power and mobile industries. The annual awards, now a key event in the business calendar, shine a spotlight on companies, teams, and individuals who are driving excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction across Aotearoa.
This year’s awards continue to expand beyond the utilities sectors, inviting businesses, community organisations, and individuals from all industries to showcase their achievements within the hugely popular Making a Difference award.
Making a Difference Award – Open to All Sectors
A special highlight of the 2025 awards is the return of the Making a Difference Award, which recognises initiatives that create positive social, environmental, or community impact.
Unlike the other categories, this award is open to any organisation, business, or individual, regardless of sector. Whether it’s improving sustainability, supporting local communities, or driving inclusivity and wellbeing, this category celebrates those who are making meaningful change in New Zealand.
Previous finalists and winners of the Making a Difference award include Lodestone Energy, Canteen Aotearoa, Jobs for Mums and Digital Future Aotearoa.
Introducing New Judges for 2025
The NZ Compare Awards 2025 judging panel once again brings together a respected mix of industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders. Many previous judges are returning for 2025, these include respected technology journalist Bill Bennett and Craig Young, CEO of TUANZ – the Technology Users Association of NZ.
Bringing a global perspective to the awards, and new to the judging panel this year is Elysa Fenenbock, an internationally experienced innovation strategist and educator at Stanford University, and the second Edmund Hillary Fellow (https://www.ehf.org/) to join the judging team alongside Matthew Jackson, Commercial Director of Alimentary Systems. The remaining returning judges are as follows; Anna Carrick (GM of Data Services at Bluecurrent), Phil Campbell (Executive Director UBS), Nicole Crump (Growth Specialist Zib Digital), Jess Henderson (MD at Movinghub), Bronwyn Scott (Kaupapa Lead at DECA) and Alex Grace (CTO) & Gavin Male (CEO) of NZ Compare.
An exceptional collection of individuals who represent excellence in customer service, digital innovation, and sustainability leadership.
Public Voting Open Now for People’s Choice Awards
There is, once again, three People’s Choice Awards at the NZ Compare Awards 2025. Broadband, Power and Mobile. These awards celebrate the brands that New Zealanders love the most and give customers the power to recognise and reward their favourite service providers across broadband, energy and mobile services. Open to all companies in New Zealand, the People’s Choice Awards shine a light on the businesses that deliver outstanding value, service, and satisfaction – as voted by real Kiwis. Voting is open now at https://awards.nzcompare.com/ and closes 27th November 2025.
Celebrating Achievement Across New Zealand
The NZ Compare Awards continue to grow in scale and impact, offering a platform for businesses to be recognised for their hard work and to inspire others to raise the bar across their industries.
Entries are now open, and organisations are encouraged to submit their nominations early to secure their place in this year’s competition.
About the NZ Compare Awards
The NZ Compare Awards are an annual celebration of excellence across New Zealand’s broadband, power, and mobile industries. The awards recognise organisations and individuals who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding value, customer service, innovation, and positive impact for Kiwi consumers.

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Stop with the politics and threats – PSA responds to Judith Collins ‘open letter’

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Source: PSA

Public Service Minister Judith Collins needs to stop with the political games and get back to the bargaining table with a fair offer for health workers striking on Thursday for safe staffing and decent pay.
The Minister’s open letter blaming unions completely misses the point – the public understands why health workers are taking action and backs them in their fight for fair pay and recognition of the vital work they do, said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Health workers are striking because after months of negotiation, the Government has failed to offer fair pay or address the chronic understaffing crisis putting them and patients at risk.
“These are nurses, allied health workers and other critical support staff who keep our health system running 24/7 and now work double shifts to cover vacancies because of the Government’s underfunding.
“It’s a problem of their own making and now the Government is blaming unions and making reckless threats to change the law and take away workers’ fundamental right to strike.
“None of this is helpful and just distracts from the real issue – this government’s political choice to underfund our health system while handing out tax breaks to landlords and tobacco companies.
“Health funding is a political choice. Listening to workers is a political choice. This government is making the wrong choices.
“It needs to stop the threats, stop the blame game, and start taking responsibility for the health staffing crisis it has created through short-sighted funding cuts.
“Health workers don’t want to strike – they want fair pay and safe working conditions so they can get back to caring for patients. The ball is in the Government’s court.”

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Advocacy – Judith Collins dog-whistles to her small choir to drown out Palestine – PSNA

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Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa – PSNA

PSNA says Minister of Defence Judith Collins’ open-letter attack on teachers, for daring to raise Palestine in their discussions with the government, says more about her own prejudices than teacher priorities.

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Co-chair Maher Nazzal says teachers, who have devoted their lives to educating children here, would be appalled at the wholesale slaughter of Palestinian school children in Gaza.

“Teachers who are committed to the education and development of the next generation of our country would feel a special affinity with the children of another nation, who are being killed by Israeli bombing in their tens of thousands, see all their schools destroyed, and who will suffer the consequences of two years of malnutrition for the rest of their lives.”

Nazzal says, only two months ago, Collins was on television, standing next to a damaged residential building in Kiev, condemning Russia for attacks which had killed Ukrainian children.

“But not a critical word of Israel from her, or her cabinet colleagues, despite Israel just now resuming its mass bombing in Gaza.”

“Ukrainian, Palestinian and New Zealand school children all deserve protection and we should expect our government to speak up loudly in their defence, without having to have a teachers’ union raise government inaction on Gaza with them.”

“But even after 24 months of genocide, Collins won’t find the words to express New Zealand’s horror at the indiscriminate killing of school children in Gaza.  But she’s in her element dog-whistling to her small choir in the pro-Israel lobby.”

“Collins has already been referred to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, for complicity in Israel’s genocide by facilitating the supply of military technology for Israeli use.”

“It’s more than time for Luxon to pull back his Israeli fanatic colleagues and uphold an ethical rule-based policy, and not default to blind prejudices.”

Maher Nazzal

Co-Chair

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa – PSNA

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