The crew aboard the Police Eagle helicopter had their work cut out for them during the long weekend, assisting with a number of water rescues across Tāmaki Makaurau.
On Saturday evening Police received a report of a boat which had capsized near Kawakawa Bay.
Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen, of the Auckland Marine Rescue Centre, says the two people were reportedly in the water with no lifejackets and appeared to be in distress.
“Eagle arrived on scene quickly, where they immediately located the capsized vessel and established that the two men had swam back to a secluded area of shoreline.
“Thankfully both were unharmed and were able to communicate that, along with their location, to all involved in the rescue.
“It was a lucky outcome for both men, and for our crews.”
A short time later, at about 6.40pm, Police received a report of a diver missing in the Manukau Harbour.
“Eagle were tasked to conduct a shoreline search of the inner Awhitu Peninsula,” Senior Sergeant Larsen says.
Due to the outgoing tide Eagle expanded their search, including a drying area east of the diver’s original last known position.
“After an hour of searching, the pilot saw a light flashing from the water.
“They got overhead and confirmed it was the missing diver.
“The crew hovered above, indicating his position to nearby coastguard vessels who were able to uplift him.”
Senior Sergeant Larsen says the diver was cold, but otherwise uninjured.
“Without locating him before nightfall, the search would have become increasingly difficult and the likelihood of finding him would have decreased.
“This is a great example of some of the exceptional work our Eagle crew does day in and day out.
“It’s also a timely reminder as the weather gets warmer and more people head out onto the water to ensure they are prepared.
Police are urging all water users to:
• Inspect your vessel or kayak thoroughly — check fuel lines, batteries, ignition systems, and safety gear.
• Test your communications — ensure your VHF radio works, and your phone is charged and waterproofed.
• Know the weather forecast — conditions can change rapidly.
• Wear your lifejackets and ensure they are correctly fitted and are in service.
• Carry the essentials — flares, extra clothing, and emergency supplies.
• Have a plan — tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
• Carry an EPIRB or PLB – If you’re going out of mobile phone or VHF range, a beacon may become your lifeline.
• Become a member of Coastguard.
Anyone who gets into trouble is reminded to please call 111 as soon as possible, as this will enable an emergency response at the earliest opportunity.
Motorbike, power tools and over $9000 in cash have been seized in Christchurch.
Following lines of investigation into commercial burglaries, Canterbury Rural and Christchurch Tactical Crime Units joined forces on Friday last week, executing a search warrant.
Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker, the Area Prevention Manager, Canterbury Rural, says that during the search warrant they were pleased to locate brand new power tools from the burglaries.
“We also found other items of interest including drug utensils, rifle ammunition, firearm parts and multiple new retail items.”
The house occupant also had unpaid fines despite having over $9,000 in cash lying around in the garage and a motorbike.
“Court bailiffs seized the motorbike to pay off the outstanding fines,” said Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker.
Enquiries are ongoing and further charges are being considered.
The Tactical Crime Unit is committed to disrupting large scale dishonesty offending and aims to hold everyone involved to account.
Police encourage any suspicious behaviour to be reported online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105.
Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 October 2025 – Shanghai Commercial Bank (the Bank) is pleased to celebrate its 75th anniversary with a series of events starting with a landmark exhibition, “From Shanghai to Hong Kong, Connecting the World”, which will be open to the public from 8 November to 5 December 2025. The exhibition chronicles the Bank’s storied journey from its origin in Shanghai to its incorporation in Hong Kong, showcasing decades of pioneering banking services and its abiding commitment to connecting customers internationally. The Bank currently has presence in major financial hubs such as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, London, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. This international reach is further strengthened by the Bank’s strategic Tribank alliance with Bank of Shanghai* in Chinese Mainland and The Shanghai Commercial and Savings Bank^ in Taiwan, creating a combined network of over 400 outlets across China, Southeast Asia, as well as the United Kingdom and the United States.
Visitors can print their own 75th Anniversary Time Cheque in different currencies and amounts as a special souvenir.
The exhibition features a curated collection of 75 exhibits, documents, photographs and interactive displays that illuminate the Bank’s rich heritage. The journey began in 1915 when The Shanghai Commercial and Savings Bank was established, which later became the largest privately-run bank# in China. In 1927, China Travel Service was established as a subsidiary. In 1933, its representative office was established in Hong Kong, which was then upgraded the following year to a full Hong Kong Branch. In 1950, this branch was locally incorporated as Shanghai Commercial Bank and has since grown into a modern international financial institution with 50 branches and offices worldwide. These exhibits, drawn from the Bank’s own archives, offer a unique glimpse into the evolution of banking in Hong Kong.
Visitors will have an exclusive opportunity to view historical items, many of which are being shown to the public for the first time, including:
A replica of the massive 1931 Vault Door from the original Shanghai Head Office, embodying the grandeur, trust and security of classic banking. This gateway connects the visitor to the world.
Intricate architectural models of the Bank’s iconic buildings, including the 1968 Hong Kong Head Office in Central and its overseas branches.
A Cheque Writer machine, used for printing secure cashier’s cheques in the 1970s and 1980s. Visitors can print their own 75th Anniversary Time Cheque in different currencies and amounts as a special souvenir.
The exhibition is not just a reflection on the past but also a window to the future. A dedicated Digital Experience Zone will feature the interactive installation “AI Chief Executive”, which showcases the Bank’s digital vision and latest fintech applications. Visitors can engage in a dynamic dialogue with our AI-powered Chief Executive to discover how fintech is shaping the future of banking.
A Legacy of Visionary Banking
Mr. Wallace LAM Wing-ted, Chief Executive of Shanghai Commercial Bank, said, “For 75 years, Shanghai Commercial Bank has grown alongside Hong Kong, fostering deep trust and long-term relationships with our customers that span generations and geographies. Through the Tribank alliance with Bank of Shanghai in Chinese Mainland and The Shanghai Commercial and Savings Bank in Taiwan, we help customers expand their business, investment, and personal banking reach, connecting them to opportunities across China, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“This exhibition presents a comprehensive narrative of our Bank’s historical journey and future vision. We reflect on the foresight of our founder, Mr. CHEN Kwang-pu, who laid a solid foundation through his mission to drive industrial and commercial development and to foster financial inclusion. Today, while serving our local community with dedication, we are actively expanding into global opportunities, steadfast in our commitment to providing customers with premium services. Looking ahead, we will continue to build on our traditional strengths while embracing innovation and technology. Staying true to our founding purpose, we will move forward steadily in a rapidly changing environment, creating lasting value for our customers and society.”
Shanghai Commercial Bank 75th Anniversary Exhibition
Theme:
From Shanghai to Hong Kong, Connecting the World 傳承滬港‧連繫國際
Dates:
8 November to 5 December 2025
Venues:
2/F & 27/F, Shanghai Commercial Bank Tower, 12 Queen’s Road Central
Admission:
Free (Online registration is required for access to the 27/F exhibition area)
Guided Tours:
Reservations must be made through online registration. Further details will be provided shortly
About the 75th Anniversary Logo The 75th Anniversary logo features a primary colour palette combining the Bank’s distinctive red with purple, which represents Hong Kong in the proud Tribank branding. The numeral “75” is designed to resemble both a ribbon and a petal, symbolising the Bauhinia flower. This design underscores the inseparable bond between Shanghai Commercial Bank and Hong Kong, seamlessly integrating the Bank’s identity with its milestone celebrations. Embracing the spirit of adaptability and innovation embodied by the ribbon, the Bank moves forward to explore new possibilities, creating lasting value for society, customers, employees, and the Bank itself.
Hashtag: #ShanghaiCommercialBank
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Whanganui barrister Bernadette Arapere as a District Court Judge.
Judge Arapere (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Maniapoto) was admitted to the bar in 2005. She was a Director at Wackrow Williams and Davies Ltd in Auckland before joining the Crown Law Office in Wellington as Crown Counsel. In 2021 she joined the independent bar.
Judge Arapere has a broad practice in public and administrative law, Treaty of Waitangi and general litigation. She is a Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission and a Deputy Chair of the Teachers’ Disciplinary Tribunal. She has appeared as counsel in the courts at all levels including the Supreme Court and is regularly appointed as counsel assisting the court.
Judge Arapere will be based at the Hastings District Court and will be sworn in on 29 November.
The Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act officially passed into law on Saturday 25th of October. It’s important that you have a good grasp on what the protection act is, why it’s coming into effect and what it means for you.
Diver with fish Mokohinau islands – : Monique ladds
What’s the problem?
There’s no sugar-coating it — the Gulf’s been doing it tough.
Years of overfishing, pollution, sediment washing in from the land, and the growing impacts of climate change have really taken their toll. The State of the Gulf reports paint a pretty clear picture: things have been sliding downhill for a while. We’re seeing more kina barrens popping up, precious habitats disappearing, and local fish stocks struggling to bounce back.
Yeah, that’s pretty bad.
What’s the Act’s purpose?
The new act is more than a bit of a game changer – it’s the biggest boost to Aotearoa’s marine protection in more than a decade.
This law is all about focusing on key habitats where sea life breed and grow and restoring the mauri (life force) of the Gulf and giving its marine life a fighting chance. The new network of protected areas focuses on safeguarding rare and important habitats – the kinds that act as nurseries for young fish, to help rebuild fish stocks over time. These habitats support whole communities of species like the rich reef systems around The Noises.
It’s a big step towards bringing the Gulf back to life, so future generations can enjoy clear waters, thriving sea life, and a healthy, resilient ecosystem.
To recap, here’s what’s included in the new protection network:
Two expanded marine reserves – adding to the iconic Te Whanganui-o-Hei (Cathedral Cove) and Cape Rodney–Okakari Point (Goat Island) reserves.
12 High Protection Areas (HPAs) – these spots are all about restoring marine habitats and ecosystems, with room for active habitat restoration and customary practices by tangata whenua.
Five Seafloor Protection Areas (SPAs) – these safeguard seafloor habitats while still allowing low-impact activities like non-bottom-contact fishing.
The new network of marine protections across the Hauraki Gulf is designed to give the ocean a real chance to recover. Each type of protection plays a different role in helping restore the Gulf’s health and mauri.
High Protection Areas (HPAs)
These areas are all about protecting and restoring marine life by easing the pressure from human activity. Unlike a marine reserve, which creates an area with no human input – even to help the ecosystem – mainly for research purposes, a High Protection Area allows us to do conservation in these areas to improve the habitat. This could be things that kickstart a healthier ecosystem like removing kina from kina barrens or reseeding shellfish beds.
In an HPA, you can still get out there and enjoy the moana – swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, or carefully anchoring your boat – but fishing and taking seafood are off the cards. Even collecting by hand or diving for kai moana isn’t allowed. There are a couple of limited exceptions: in two areas – Rangitoto and Motutapu HPA and Kawau HPA – small-scale commercial ring-net fishing for species: kahawai, mullet, and trevally is still allowed for 6 months of the year under strict conditions, and it’ll be reviewed after three years.
Snapper – : Paul Caiger
Seafloor Protection Areas (SPAs)
SPAs focus on what’s happening on the seabed – protecting fragile seafloor habitats like sponge gardens and corals – even sandy areas, there’s a lot of life there.
Recreational fishers CAN fish in a Seafloor Protection Area.
You can still enjoy low-impact activities like line fishing, diving, surf-casting from the beach or gathering by hand, as long as you’re not disturbing the seafloor. SPAs stop heavy-impact activities like bottom trawling or dredging, which can cause serious damage. It also limits things like sand-mining, drilling, aquaculture, and discharging sewerage and waste.
In the Mokohīnau Islands SPA, a few extra rules apply – no set netting, potting, or bottom longlining – to make sure these unique underwater ecosystems stay intact.
Marine reserves are the Gulf’s most protected zones —safe havens for sea life and research hubs for scientists. No fishing, collecting, or disturbing marine habitats is allowed here. These areas are left completely untouched so that ecosystems can function naturally and researchers can study them. .
Feeding fish, removing shells or rocks, or dumping waste is also off-limits — it’s all about letting nature do its thing.
What have we done to make these rules easy to follow?
Firstly, we’ve put together a great web resource that gives a thorough overview of the new protections, with links to the technical analysis for the new rules and programmes of work that have fed into these new changes. This is a fantastic starting place to understand the new Act and how it will work.
We’ve also created an overview map of the new rules and boundaries in the Gulf which you can preview below, but you can also find a PDF file link to this overview as well as GPS files in GPX format to download too – So these updates can be integrated into your GPS system while you’re out in the Gulf.
This goes for all High Protection, Seafloor Protection areas and marine reserve extensions as well – We have both PDF files and GPS files in GPX format available to download.
In addition to this, the free Marine Mate App is being updated with all the new rules and protection areas, so we recommend downloading this to your devices too. If you notice things are buggy or might be incorrect on the app, it’s best to contact Marine Mate so they can make sure it’s sorted out for you and other users too.
Why have we allowed commercial fishing in HPA’s?
As stated above, recreational or commercial fishing is NOT allowed in HPA’s. However, there are limited exceptions in 2 of the 12 areas, for a handful of small-scale, authorised commercial fishing operators allowed to conduct ring-net operations. They can only fish between 1 March to 31 August, and they can only target kahawai, trevally and/or grey mullet. The area they are allowed to fish in represents 3% of the total protected area under this act. Even with these exceptions, the wider network of protected areas we have now is much greater that what we had before.
Regulations will be in place soon that will outline further conditions.
What are Customary Fishing Rights and why are they allowed in the Gulf?
Authorised customary fishing can take place in High Protection Areas. This recognises and supports Māori cultural knowledge, learning, and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the marine environment. Customary non-commercial rights are guaranteed under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and are managed under the Fisheries Act 1996.
Customary fishing can only happen with written approval from a tangata kaitiaki/tiaki — local guardians who manage customary fishing within their rohe moana (area). It must also be for a customary purpose, such as a hui or tangi.
The small amount of customary fishing that happens in the Gulf isn’t expected to affect the conservation goals of the new protection areas.
Customary fishing is not new, it is already authorised and regulated under Fisheries legislation. Customary fishing in these areas will be regulated under the same provisions. Customary fishers will need customary fishing authorisations.
Surfcasting – : Paul Craiger
Whether you’re a boatie, diver, fisher, or weekend explorer, it’s now up to all of us to learn the new rules and play our part in protecting this incredible place.
Before you head out on the water, take a few minutes to check the latest maps, download the GPS files, or use the Marine Mate app to make sure you know where the new boundaries are. A bit of prep now means fewer surprises later — and helps keep the Gulf on its road to recovery.
The changes coming into effect this weekend are a big step forward, but the real success of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana will come from what we all do next. Respect the rules, share them with your mates and whānau, and help give the Gulf the future it deserves.
Police urge farmers to be extra vigilant as they notice an increase in dishonesty offending throughout Taranaki.
Senior Sergeant Brad Pollock says his prevention team would like to stop crime before it starts.
“We’re asking our hard-working farmers to keep an eye out and let us know if they notice anything suspicious.”
A lot of reported thefts are committed by opportunistic criminals looking for an insecure shed, or a farm vehicle with keys left in the ignition or an open gate.
“We take burglary and theft incidents seriously, if you see anything suspicious get in touch,” he says.
Police encourage any suspicious behaviour to be reported online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105.
Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Prevention tips for farms:
It’s important to ensure your property, including fuel tanks, are secure and locked to restrict theft and tampering.
There are a range of measures you can take to ensure your property is safe and less appealing to burglars:
Secure your home, garage, farm buildings, fuel tanks and vehicles at night and when unattended.
Record the serial numbers or engrave tools, electronic and valuable items with your licence number.
Install an alarm system and get sensor lights fitted as a deterrent.
Always lock your property and auxiliary buildings when you leave, even if it’s only for a short time.
Always lock your vehicles when you leave them and take your keys with you.
Use chains and locks to secure openings and access.
Keep in contact with your neighbours and let one another know if you see anything unusual.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has begun work on developing a standards notice to supplement both the Organic Products and Production Regulations and the Organic Standards Regulations.
The standards notice will set out technical information for operators and recognised entities. It will be structured into sections based on information that is relevant to these 2 groups.
We plan on consulting about the content of the organic supplementary notices in 3 stages in 2025.
Tranche1: technical content to supplement the Organic Standards Regulations.
Tranche 2: requirements for operators, organic management plans, record keeping, and imports to supplement both sets of regulations.
Tranche 3: requirements for recognised entities, including recognition, accreditation, verification, quality management systems, competencies and record keeping, to supplement both sets of regulations.
Have your say
We are seeking your input on the proposed notice for technical information for operators and recognised entities (Tranche 1).
Topics included in Tranche 1
Defined terms.
Prohibited procedures, organisms and products.
Records about inputs.
Identifying and storing inputs.
Duties relating to environmentally sensitive areas and biodiversity.
Managing waste and by-products.
Managing pests, weeds and disease.
Design, construction and use of facilities and production equipment.
Managing risks to product compliance with organic standard.
General sampling and testing.
Conversion.
Soil health and fertility.
Transport and storage.
Dispatching compliant products and receiving specified items.
Retail.
Packaging & products sold without packaging.
Technical requirements relating to:
the production of plants, plant products, and fungi.
livestock
aquaculture
bees and bee products
processed products
split or parallel production and processing.
In addition to your general feedback on the technical requirements of this first tranche, MPI is seeking feedback on specific sections listed in this table.
1. Are the proposed record-keeping requirements relating to livestock and aquaculture feed relevant to these types of operations, and are they set at the right level (i.e., are there too many or too few records being proposed)?
2. Can you identify any gaps for records that need to be captured in relation to feed?
5.9 Livestock housing (Standards Regulation 94)
3. Do you agree with the level of prescription given to the requirements for livestock housing (in other words, are they too constraining)?
4. What are the main factors that need to be considered and captured in the notice for livestock housing?
5. Would it be appropriate to set prescriptive stocking rates or to set stocking rates with an outcome-focused approach?
a. If you believe prescriptive stocking rates would be more appropriate, do you see any changes that need to be made to the numbers proposed in the notice?
b. If you believe an outcome-focused approach would be more appropriate, what are the factors that need to be taken into consideration and set out in the notice?
Note: ‘Outcome-focused approach’ means to place emphasis on the animal’s ability to have freedom of movement and exhibit natural behaviours. ‘Prescriptive stocking rates’ means to have set numbers for this purpose.
8.2 Grape wine: methods and conditions of production (Standards Regulation 147)
6. Should the oenological practices, processes and treatments set out in subclause (1) be prohibited for organic wine made in New Zealand?
a. If you agree that they should be prohibited, do you have any suggested changes to this list?
We welcome submissions on the proposals contained in the consultation document. Your feedback helps to ensure that the requirements set out in this first tranche of notice content is accurate and reflective of how organic operations operate. MPI will consider all feedback provided and review how your feedback can be integrated into the final notice.
Submissions sent by email or post will be accepted until 5pm on 5 December 2025.
Make sure you also include in your submission:
the title of the consultation document
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).
Cost Recovery Directorate Ministry for Primary Industries PO Box 2526 Wellington 6140.
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.
The Government has agreed to an integrated approach to reform the aged care system including the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Group to recommend changes to the funding model, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and Health Minister Simeon Brown announced today.
“Improving the lives of older people is a priority for the coalition Government,” Ms Costello says. “Today’s announcement is about two things – better health outcomes for the 900,000 of us who are over 65, and a better, fit-for-purpose aged care system.
“We know that New Zealand has very good aged care, provided by dedicated people. However, the way that these services are funded is outdated and does not recognise the connection between the various parts of the system or the future investment required.
“Essentially, our aged care model is out of date and piecemeal change isn’t the solution.
“We want a system that provides the right type of care in the right place – and that allows people to transition between these types of care, that’s easier to navigate and access, that’s fair, and that is sustainable and will endure as our population ages.
“That requires long-term thinking and a bipartisan approach to solutions. This Government continued the review of aged care funding and service models started by the previous government and supported the establishment of a select committee inquiry into aged care.”
Mr Brown said that there was widespread understanding of the issues within the current system. The Ministerial Advisory Group was now being tasked with identifying the changes necessary to build the aged care system New Zealand needs.
The expert Group will provide an independent report and a set of recommendations around three areas:
The funding model needed to support sustainable services, particularly a sustainable supply of aged care beds
How the costs of providing aged care could be reasonably shared between those receiving care and the Government
The changes needed to support cohesion and integration between aged care services and health services, and between aged care and disability support services.
“Ensuring a sustainable supply of standard aged care beds is critical to ensuring all New Zealanders have the care they need as they age,” Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“The Government expects recommendations from this advisory group by mid-2026, with changes to the funding model able to be implemented in 2027.
“The Government is committed to a bipartisan approach to addressing these challenges as part of the commitment in the National-NZ First Coalition Agreement.”
“These are significant policy issues, with major political considerations attached and that’s why an independent group is required,” Ms Costello says. “The goal is that the Group’s recommendations will inform any future Governments policy and funding decisions.
“Encouragingly, there is great practice and innovation in different parts of the aged care system and standardising current good practice would be a significant step forward.
“We also need a system response that recognises most people want to stay at home if they can and allows them to access and move between the different levels of care they might need.”
The Ministers said that the Government was investing to ensure the on-going sustainability of the sector and continuing to drive operational improvements while the longer-term work was undertaken, with total funding to the sector increased by $270 million in the last two years.
“The funding increases are aimed at relieving pressure on the sector and improving care services for older New Zealanders while we work towards the longer-term reform needed to better help people age well.”
A shadow report for the UN warns racial discrimination is worsening.
A significant, ideologically driven attack on Māori rights, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and racial equity is occurring in Aotearoa New Zealand, according to the co-authors ofa shadow report for the UN.
The report, written by members of the Aotearoa Centre for Indigenous Peoples and the Law (Te Wai Ariki), will inform the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Te Wai Ariki co-director Professor Claire Charters (University of Auckland Law School) says the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has repeatedly found that constitutional transformation is needed in New Zealand to achieve equality for Māori.
She says the report will inform New Zealand’s 23rd and 24th periodic UN reviews, scheduled for November 2025.
The breaches of Māori rights by this Government are profound, says Charters: “They include an egregious abuse of its power to deliberately, explicitly, and brazenly trample on our rights under Te Tiriti and international law. It will undoubtedly be of concern to the Committee that the Government can do so with impunity, given the lack of constitutional protections of Māori rights.”
Te Wai Ariki’s submission argues that the current Coalition Government’s policies negatively impact Māori rights and remove certain protections. It states: “the Government is actively and profoundly aggravating New Zealand’s constitutionally racist foundation in a way we have not seen for at least half a century.” It calls for constitutional transformation, not incremental reform, “to protect Māori tino rangatiratanga and prevent further legislative breaches of human rights”.
The report warns that “without transformation, Parliament remains unchecked and continues to pass laws in breach of Indigenous peoples’ rights.”
It also says the Government has been openly hostile to UN oversight, pointing to Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour’s controversial response to the UN Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples in July 2025.
Two other reports – submitted by the People’s Action Plan Against Racism in Aotearoa (PAPARA), Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa (the Māori Law Society) will also inform the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Across all three reports, the organisations highlight legislative and policy reforms by the Government that they say breach New Zealand’s obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Te Hunga Rōia Māori describe the reforms as a “scorched-earth approach” to law and policy that has “systematically targeted Māori-specific policies, institutions and rights across health, justice, education, and the environment.”
In particular, their report cites the repeal of section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act (removing statutory obligations to support Māori children in state care), the disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ora (the Māori Health Authority), and the introduction of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Amendment Bill, which would alter legal recognition of customary marine title.
The People’s Action Plan Against Racism in Aotearoa, supported by the National Iwi Chairs Forum, describes the current situation as “a coordinated campaign of Treaty racism”. Collectively, the reports ask the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to:
Record that the 54th Government’s reforms are racially discriminatory and in breach of ICERD;
Reaffirm the constitutional status of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Waitangi Tribunal;
Recommend an independent investigation into racial discrimination and legislative harm in Aotearoa;
Urge constitutional transformation consistent with Matike Mai Aotearoa;
Establish enhanced UN monitoring and in-country consultations with Māori and affected communities.
