Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is currently working to contain a large building fire in Brisbane Street in Sydenham, Christchurch.

Firefighters have contained the blaze to the single-storey 60m by 60m building, and do not expect it to spread further.

There are eight fire trucks in attendance from Christchurch, Spreydon, Woolston, Ilam and Wigram fire stations, including two ladder trucks.

There is a significant amount of smoke blowing towards Moorhouse Avenue.

We advise people to avoid the area if possible, as the air is likely to be smoky.

Health New Zealand advises that people who are sensitive to smoke, including those with heart or lung conditions, those who are pregnant, young children, and older adults, may experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

People affected by smoke are encouraged to:

• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Set air conditioning systems to recirculate or turn them off.
• Air out homes once smoke conditions have improved.
• Check on children, older people, and others who may be more vulnerable to smoke.
• Keep pets indoors where possible and ensure they have access to clean water and food.

For health advice contact your GP or call Healthline free, anytime 24×7 on 0800 611 116.

For more information on fires, smoke and health: Fires, smoke and health

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Seven Fire and Emergency New Zealand firefighter crews are currently attending a building fire in Brisbane Street, Sydenham in Christchurch.

There is a significant amount of smoke blowing towards Moorhouse Avenue, and we advise people to avoid the area if possible.

If you are in the area, please close doors and windows. Anyone with health concerns can call Healthline 24/7 on 0800 611 116 for free health advice, or contact their own family doctor.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to think before they light fireworks this Guy Fawkes following several fires on Monday and Tuesday.

Acting National Manager Community Readiness and Recovery Tom Ronaldson says there have already been seven suspected fireworks-related incidents this week.

“On Monday, three vegetation fires involving trees and bushes look like they were set alight by fireworks in Papatoetoe, Kawerau and Fernside,” says Tom Ronaldson.

“On Tuesday, there were three vegetation fires in Rangitaiki, Ferrymead and Seddon, and a car fire in Rangiora, all likely caused by fireworks.

“We haven’t seen as many fireworks-related fires as in previous years, but all of these fires are preventable. So it’s so important people who choose to light fireworks take responsibility and do it safely.

“This Thursday, the weather is forecast for scattered showers in the North Island and cloudy with possible showers across the South Island on Guy Fawkes night.

“However, low risk doesn’t mean no risk. The number of fireworks-related fires has been on the increase over the past two years. We would like to see that trend turn around this year.

“Always check local fire conditions and restrictions at checkitsalright.nz before lighting them. Your fireworks are your own responsibility,” Tom says.

If you’re lighting fireworks, please take some simple precautions to keep everyone safe:

• Before setting fireworks, go to checkitsalright.nz to check the weather conditions and the fire restrictions for your area.
• Many public areas have year-round fireworks bans in place. Check with your local council before setting off fireworks at beaches or parks.
• Don’t set fireworks off when it’s windy.
• Have a large bucket of water or hose at hand.
• Ensure your fireworks are pointed at the sky and won’t end up in anything that can catch fire including buildings or vegetation.
• Be a good neighbour. Let people know around you if you’re planning to set fireworks off, especially those with pets and livestock.
• Dispose of your used fireworks safely – soak them in water before you throw them out.

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Source: Porirua City Council

The District Plan is the city’s rulebook for how land can be used and it applies to every property in Porirua. Porirua City Council is proposing changes to the Porirua District Plan 2025 through Proposed District Plan Changes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and submissions are open on the proposed changes.

Two of the proposed changes to the District Plan are designed to make parts of the District Plan easier to understand and use.

Responsible natural hazard planning by people working in councils includes helping communities manage the risk from hazards such as flooding – now and into the future. With this in mind we are proposing four changes to the District Plan to insert new and updated flood hazard overlay mapping into the District Plan.

Porirua City Council would like to know what you think about these proposed plan changes.

Plan Changes 1 and 2 propose amendments to the District Plan to:

• make it easier to understand, clearer, more consistent, and to correct errors
• to update documents referred to in the District Plan
• remove a heritage listing and remove the approved locations for temporary signs appendix.

Plan Change 3 (Mana catchment) proposes the following:

• updates to flood hazard mapping for the Mana catchment to be consistent with other flood hazard mapping methodology across Porirua.

Plan Change 4 (Pukerua Bay catchment) proposes the following:

• updates to flood hazard mapping for the Pukerua Bay catchment to be consistent with other flood hazard mapping methodology across Porirua.

Plan Change 5 (Aotea/Paremata catchment) proposes the following:

• updates to flood modelling and flood hazard mapping for the Aotea/Paremata catchment to account for changes in topography due to recent development.

Plan Change 6 (Whitby (Duck Creek) catchment) proposes the following:

• to include new flood modelling and flood hazard mapping for the Whitby (Duck Creek) catchment using new topographical data following significant development in the area.

You can view the proposed changes to the District Plan and supporting information online at: poriruacity.govt.nz/district-plan-proposed-changes or the Have Your Say consultation website: https://haveyoursay.poriruacity.govt.nz/proposed-changes-to-the-porirua-district-plan-2025

Submissions can be made online, via email or post and close at 5pm on Monday 14 December 2026.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to think before they light fireworks this Guy Fawkes following several fires on Monday and Tuesday.

Acting National Manager Community Readiness and Recovery Tom Ronaldson says there have already been six suspected fireworks-related incidents this week.

“On Monday, three vegetation fires involving trees and bushes look like they were set alight by fireworks in Papatoetoe, Kawerau and Fernside,” says Tom Ronaldson.

“On Tuesday, there were three vegetation fires in Rangitaiki, Ferrymead and Seddon, and a car fire in Rangiora, all likely caused by fireworks.

“We haven’t seen as many fireworks-related fires as in previous years, but all of these fires are preventable. So it’s so important people who choose to light fireworks take responsibility and do it safely.

“This Thursday, the weather is forecast for scattered showers in the North Island and cloudy with possible showers across the South Island on Guy Fawkes night.

“However, low risk doesn’t mean no risk. The number of fireworks-related fires has been on the increase over the past two years. We would like to see that trend turn around this year.

“Always check local fire conditions and restrictions at checkitsalright.nz before lighting them. Your fireworks are your own responsibility,” Tom says.

If you’re lighting fireworks, please take some simple precautions to keep everyone safe:

• Before setting fireworks, go to checkitsalright.nz to check the weather conditions and the fire restrictions for your area.
• Many public areas have year-round fireworks bans in place. Check with your local council before setting off fireworks at beaches or parks.
• Don’t set fireworks off when it’s windy.
• Have a large bucket of water or hose at hand.
• Ensure your fireworks are pointed at the sky and won’t end up in anything that can catch fire including buildings or vegetation.
• Be a good neighbour. Let people know around you if you’re planning to set fireworks off, especially those with pets and livestock.
• Dispose of your used fireworks safely – soak them in water before you throw them out.

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Crews on the ground at the fire in the Waiouru Military Training area have used the improved weather conditions today to extend and strengthen containment lines.

Fire and Emergency Incident controller Craig Cottrill says that ground conditions have improved enough to get vehicle access to some of the harder to reach areas of the fire.

“As of this afternoon the fire is 83% contained including a 30m wide strip that has been checked by drones and ground crews. The remaining areas will take a bit of hard work for crews to dig out and extinguish remaining hot spots.”

Planning has been completed today by the Incident Management Team for a handover of control back to the New Zealand Defence Force tomorrow Monday 2^nd November.

“Fire and Emergency will continue to support the New Zealand Defence Force Incident Management Team by providing firefighting crews and specialists through the coming week” says Craig Cottrill.

Waiouru Firemaster & Operations manager for this incident, New Zealand Army Staff Sergeant Matthew Anker says “Working alongside FENZ through such a complex and challenging incident over the past seven days has been invaluable for me and the team. On behalf of the NZDF, I want to thank Fire and Emergency crews, incident management teams and specialists for their exceptional support, expertise, and dedication in helping us manage and control this fire.

“While we are achieving good containment over the fire ground, significant work remains within the bush sectors to fully extinguish underlying hot spots. Our combined teams will continue working tirelessly in the days ahead to safely return the military training area to standard operations as quickly as possible.”

Captions

• IMT team.jpg — Outgoing Fire and Emergency New Zealand Incident Management team members with some of the incoming NZDF members on Sunday 1st Nov 2026.
• Incident Managment team..jpg — Incident Management Team members discussing todays progress with a Sector supervisor while the crew take a break.
• Department of Conservation Firefighters .jpg — Department of Conservation Firefighters assisting on the fireline take a quick break on Sunday.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Deteriorating weather conditions have forced Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Defence Force and Department of Conservation crews to halt work on the fire in the Waiouru Military Training Area, which began on Monday.

Incident Controller Ben Cozens said rain has started falling and wind speed has picked up around the fireground this afternoon, so crews have withdrawn as planned for their safety.

“This morning crews were working along the fire edge to check and extinguish hot spots,” he said.

“Drone teams will, weather permitting, be able to identify areas of interest overnight for crews to concentrate on tomorrow.”

The fire is currently approximately 36% contained, with the majority of the identified hot spots in two areas of dense trees and bush.

“Our priority is still to contain the fire as soon as possible,” Ben Cozens said. “However, the safety of our crews is the most important aspect of the work we are carrying out.

“With the change in weather conditions the likelihood of any flare-ups is relatively low. “We will continue to monitor conditions and get crews back onto the fireground when it is safe to do so.”

Crews will continue working over the weekend and will be back on the fireground tomorrow to continue extinguishing hot spots and extend the containment lines.

Editors’ note: Our next two updates are expected to be on Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. If there are any significant developments, we will provide additional updates.

Captions:

Waiouru fireground.jpg – All teams are working together, meeting at one of the main work areas.

Waiouru NZDF .jpg – Fire and Emergency and NZDF crews take a break to discuss changing weather conditions on the fireground.

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Source: Amnesty International

29 October 2026

• Five private security companies identified where guards committed or facilitated abuses
• Members of political elite, military and police linked to security companies at multiple scam compounds
• Accountability lacking despite government crackdown

Cambodian private security companies connected to the country’s military, police and powerful business networks have helped sustain a scamming industry built on trafficking, forced labour, torture and slavery, Amnesty International said in a new report published today.

Official Business: Security companies and authorities at scamming compounds in Cambodia (https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/research/2026/10/cambodia-scam-security-firms/) identifies five private security companies that provided services at scamming compounds – and details their links to members of Cambodia’s military, police and business elites. Amnesty also identified multiple members of the military and police who worked as security guards, trained or supervised guards at more than 20 compounds.

“For years, survivors of these nightmarish compounds described encountering members of the Cambodian military or police inside. These accounts could not be independently verified – until now,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

“This report demonstrates Cambodian corporate actors’ direct involvement in scamming compounds. Our findings also begin to expose the long-suspected links between Cambodia’s billion-dollar criminal scamming networks and politically connected figures who have remained largely beyond scrutiny.

“At the heart of these connections are security companies whose guards controlled compound exits, hunted down people who escaped and enforced compliance through fear and violence. Without them, this system of mass exploitation could not have functioned.”

Guards central to confinement and abuse

Building on its previous investigations that exposed slavery, human trafficking, rape, forced labour and torture inside Cambodia’s scamming compounds (https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/06/cambodia-government-allows-slavery-torture-flourish-inside-scamming-compounds/), and documented the failures of the government’s subsequent crackdown (https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/06/cambodia-evidence-suggests-scamming-compounds-bypassed-despite-high-profile-crackdown/), Amnesty’s latest investigation examines the security infrastructure that allowed the compounds to confine and control trafficked people and forced them to scam people globally.

Between January 2023 and September 2026, Amnesty International interviewed 151 scamming compound survivors and reviewed records concerning more than 400 additional victims. Researchers identified 86 compounds, visiting 82 of them, and found security guards at every compound.

In this latest report, Amnesty identifies the private business companies responsible for guarding the compounds and abusing the victims. We also geolocated videos from more than 200 security guards’ TikTok accounts to 23 compounds across Cambodia until August 2026. The new evidence collected by Amnesty links more than 20 members of the military and police to the private security companies that guard scamming compounds and to at least 22 of the 86 compounds.

Amnesty’s report also connects various prominent business and political figures to these security companies – including a former bank CEO, a property developer and the son of a former deputy prime minister.

Survivors consistently described guards as responsible for preventing escape, while many reported guards beating people who attempted to flee. Survivors also described guards administering electric shocks and beatings, detaining people in “dark rooms” and standing guard while compound managers raped women.

At the compound Park 8, also known as PV01, “Maia”, a woman from Cameroon, said guards restrained her on arrival and later took her to a dark room where managers raped her while guards stood outside. “Gabe”, a Ugandan survivor at the same compound, described being chained above basins of water, beaten for hours and shocked with an electric baton.

Most of the 151 survivors interviewed said guards carried or had immediate access to electric shock batons. Several reported seeing guards or other people carrying firearms.

“When guards escort trafficked people to punishment rooms or stand watch during rape and torture, they are enabling these abuses – and so too are the supposedly legitimate corporate actors who employ them,” Agnès Callamard said.

“Investigations must assess and follow responsibility from the lowest ranks all the way upwards to the companies, including the managers and owners who recruited, deployed and controlled security guards at scamming compounds.”

Five companies linked to at least 23 compounds

Amnesty International identified five private companies that guarded compounds where serious human rights abuses were documented. Three had links to Cambodian authorities.

Leap Somnang had the largest footprint of the companies identified and was linked to at least 15 compounds across eight provinces. Twelve survivors identified the company’s guards, uniforms or logo. All said its guards stopped them leaving compounds under threat of violence, while several described guards participating in beatings, electric shocks and keeping the victims in prolonged isolation.

Security Response, a company with close links to the Panda Bank and Huione corporate network, was linked to five compounds, including Park 8 (PV01).

ZD Security, formerly BIC Security, was linked to two compounds in Botum Sakor, including Long Bay (BS04), where survivors described torture and other ill-treatment, forced labour, unlawful confinement and violence against people trying to leave.

Dara Security was linked to two compounds in Sihanoukville, while Best Security was linked to a Bavet compound where Amnesty documented human trafficking, forced labour and child labour.

Amnesty’s report finds that at least three high-ranking military and police officers had links to compounds, strongly indicating involvement with the industry:

The company Leap Somnang is controlled by Ban Sophat , who publicly served as its chairman while also being a Colonel in the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.

Amnesty’s analysis showed phone numbers for Deputy Police Chief Lay Channy listed on an advertisement for Best Security. Channy was involved in the crackdown in Bavet, where Best Security guarded a compound.

Brigadier General Tek Bunthoeun has a direct, and potentially controlling, interest in the property development comprising the BM02 compound, where Amnesty documented torture, confinement and forced labour.

Amnesty also identified multiple prominent figures with apparent business connections to compounds, without making any finding as to their personal responsibility for the abuses documented in the report. Amnesty International wrote to each corporate actor and individual identified in this report, and the full responses received are included in the report.

Links to military and police demand investigation

Amnesty International analysed official uniforms, insignia, identification numbers, public records and social-media timelines to help pinpoint precisely where and when military and police personnel were present at compounds.

In three compounds, apparent active military personnel were seen training, leading or supervising guards. In other cases, Amnesty identified apparent state personnel carrying firearms or occupying guard positions.

“The evidence suggests military and police involvement in a number of scamming compounds that helps explain how abuses at these sites persisted despite years of public reporting and repeated law-enforcement operations,” Agnès Callamard said.

Closure without accountability

Following a government crackdown launched in July 2025, large-scale scamming compound operations currently appear to be dormant. However, Amnesty International is unaware of investigations into the five security companies profiled in the report, their owners and managers or the wider commercial and state connections documented.

Prior to the publication of Amnesty’s report, Cambodian authorities responded on 15 October noting that 77 police officers had been disciplined in connection with scamming compounds.

Meanwhile, in response to Amnesty’s findings, Sophat Ban denied holding any ownership, director or management role in Leap Somnang, stating that he had “served as an advisor to the company owner”.

Best Security denied Lay Channy had any control over the company despite acknowledging that his phone number appeared on a company sign. Security Response denied all allegations made in Amnesty’s report, and Best Security responded that it “has no history of providing services at location BA06” and said would consider “legal action if someone has stolen (the) company’s uniform.”

Amnesty International is calling on the Cambodian authorities to establish prompt, independent and adequately resourced investigations into private security companies connected to compounds; investigate apparent serving military and police personnel involved in compound security; suspend company licences while credible allegations of serious abuse are investigated; and ensure victims have access to effective remedies and reparations.

Many of the abuses documented could constitute serious crimes under international law and Cambodian law. This includes by security guards who participated in abuses, as well as managers, executives and directors of the security companies who were aware of them.

“Even if scamming compounds are dormant at the time of publishing this report, our findings clearly show that the infrastructure of impunity has not been dismantled,” Agnès Callamard said.

“Largely in response to international outcry over the scamming compounds, the Cambodian authorities have announced a range of crackdown measures. But a crackdown measured only in raids, arrests and deportations risks leaving the architects and enablers untouched. Cambodia will not have ended this abusive industry until it has held to account those who staffed, managed, financed and protected this abusive system.”

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Source: Save the Children

Children in Gaza in need of life-saving medical treatment are becoming increasingly trapped inside the Strip with the number of child medical evacuations falling by 75% since the first year of the war despite tens of thousands awaiting urgent care, Save the Children said. [1]

Since the start of the war in October 2023 and decimation of health systems across Gaza, nearly 14,000 Palestinians have been evacuated for medical treatment, nearly two-thirds of them (8,940) to Egypt, along with companions, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This includes those evacuated by the Ministry of Health in Gaza and others before the WHO became the principal co-ordinator of evacuations.

But data provided by the WHO to Save the Children shows that the number of child medical evacuations is falling, with 1,010 children medically evacuated between 7 October 2025 and 6 October 2026, compared to 1,241 the previous year and 4,163 during the first year of the war. [2] The Ministry of Health in Gaza has said 21,000 people – a quarter of them children – are still awaiting medical evacuation from Gaza. (ref. https://www.newarab.com/news/over-2000-gazans-died-awaiting-medical-evacuation-amid-siege )

Meanwhile, support for those who leave Gaza is at risk due to funding cuts, the child rights organisation said.

For those who reach Egypt, the severe consequences of three years of war are evident. Palestinian children arrive experiencing deep psychological distress, including anxiety around food, speech disorders, aggression and trauma-related autoimmune conditions, according to Save the Children staff.

Save the Children runs a child-friendly space in Cairo – nicknamed “Little Gaza” – where about 750 children and their families are starting to find some glimmers of hope and healing but staff said the support is just a “drop in the ocean” next to the soaring scale of need, with a waiting list now at nearly at 5,000. These services will need to close next year without urgent and sustained funding, staff said.

Save the Children staff spoke of one boy arriving in Cairo having developed a stammer following years of distress inside Gaza. With psychological support, and finding community with other Palestinian children, he began to overcome his stammer, even narrating a play the children put on in the community. Staff said there are several stories like this.

But despite this community it is lonely for many Palestinians from Gaza. Some of those evacuated are unable to take their loved ones with them.

Reem-, 38, left Gaza earlier this year for breast cancer treatment in Egypt. She took her daughter Layan-, 9, whose experience of war has been so distressing that she suffered from the autoimmune condition vitiligo.

They were unable to take Reem’s 10-year old Mohamed-, who remains in Gaza and spend his time between his paternal and maternal aunts as his father has died.

At the child-friendly space, Save the Children supports Layan with education through the Palestinian curriculum after war prevented her from going to school for two years.

Both are desperate to reunite with Mohamed-.

“All I want is to reunite with my son and to live in a safe place,” said Reem.

“I just want to be with my brother,” said Layan.

Since the onset of the war, Save the Children has supported18,000 Palestinians from Gaza in Egypt with health, mental health and psychosocial support, education, child protection and cash assistance. Most of these cases are triaged through a support hotline that has found 93% of callers cannot meet basic needs such as food, rent and healthcare; 75% of families have no income; and 90% have no savings.

The most common wish children have is for there to be enough food for everyone, staff said, and cited the case of a mother who cannot bear to answer her husband back in Gaza when he asks her what she has eaten that day.

Doa Attia, Senior Operations Officer at Save the Children’s Gaza Response, described the fear of children and families on their arrival in Cairo, and how Save the Children’s support has helped them progress.

“At first it was hard, seeing all these needs in the children, like a child on his first day who kept grabbing onto his mother’s leg because he didn’t want to go in, he didn’t feel safe. But after that I saw the same child just playing about with the other children. That’s a big success. Another mother said her son used to be shy, even a little bit violent, but now he’s very respectful, he knows what to say and what not to say, he’s helping other children too. This is another success story.”

Children in Gaza are entitled to get medical treatment within the Strip [3], but three years of Israeli bombardment and restrictions on entry of aid and goods have left tens of thousands of children severely ill and injured. Amid decimated Gaza’s healthcare system, only half of hospitals even partially functional and all of them damaged, according to the UN.

One year after its signing, the so-called ‘ceasefire’ agreement exists in name only (https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.savethechildren.net%2Fnews%2Fgaza-ceasefire-exists-name-only-say-more-100-organizations&data=05%7C02%7Camie.richardson%40scnz.org.nz%7Cb81808c2bb4745c873a108df35a3f9ee%7Ccc586fccf9b04ce4b1e1e928aa024244%7C0%7C0%7C639288650635463492%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YjaFnyWz7Qvhb%2BZOO0vwHFecsiBUdiW48Ic8a3jkTec%3D&reserved=0), Save the Children and more than 100 other organisations said earlier this month. Ongoing Israeli restrictions on humanitarian and commercial access into the Strip are preventing recovery efforts, and Israeli military activity continues (https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ochaopt.org%2Fcontent%2Fhumanitarian-situation-report-26-june-2026&data=05%7C02%7Camie.richardson%40scnz.org.nz%7Cb81808c2bb4745c873a108df35a3f9ee%7Ccc586fccf9b04ce4b1e1e928aa024244%7C0%7C0%7C639288650635473412%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FqFEJdbBvkrg96iy1yQfXPwA5ZSi66o6l3rILYeXLRg%3D&reserved=0) on a near daily basis, including airstrikes, artillery, and naval fire across Gaza.

Ahmad Alhendawi, Save the Children’s Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, said:

“Three years after the war began, children in Gaza have been denied a childhood. What should have been years spent learning, playing and imagining their futures have instead been marked by violence, loss, famine, and displacement. Our programmes in Egypt offer a lifeline and temporary reprieve, but this is under threat if funding comes to an end.

“The international community must step up to ensure Palestinian children and families affected by the Gaza war can access the care, protection and support they need. In Egypt, this means sustained donor funding for these child-friendly-spaces to maintain safe learning and critical mental health support.”

“As well as sustained humanitarian access and essential services, we need the international community to secure access to specialised medical treatment, first by reopening the medical corridor to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and, where treatment is unavailable in the occupied Palestinian territory, through referrals to other countries, while safeguarding patients’ right to return, particularly given the Government of Israel’s history of denying Palestinians that right.

“Inside Gaza we need to ensure Palestinian-led, child-centred reconstruction, with Palestinian civil society, communities and children shaping their own recovery and rebuilding.”

“Until then, children and families trapped outside Gaza are caught between two impossible realities: struggling to cope with a life away from home, while unable to return to a place that has been devastated – and where the decimated health system means staying alive is a daily challenge.”

Save the Children has been providing essential services and support to Palestinian children impacted by the ongoing conflict since 1953 and has had a permanent presence in the occupied Palestinian territory since 1973. We are present in the West Bank and Gaza.

In Egypt, since the onset of the current war in Gaza, Save the Children has supported 18,000 Palestinians from Gaza with health, mental health and psychosocial support, education, child protection and cash assistance.

[1] Data submitted to Save the Children by the World Health Organisation on request

[2] This is due to a complex combination of reasons, including the closure of the Rafah border crossing, a lack of supply of ambulances, and other medical equipment; the halting of patient referrals to health facilities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and more restrictions and bureaucracy, as well as escalations in hostilities, despite the so-called ‘ceasefire’ agreement. Before October 2023 between 50-100 patients were exiting Gaza daily for medical treatment and continued up until the closure of the Rafah crossing, according to the WHO.

[3] the Convention on the Rights of the Child (https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ohchr.org%2Fen%2Fprofessionalinterest%2Fpages%2Fcrc.aspx&data=05%7C02%7Camie.richardson%40scnz.org.nz%7Cb81808c2bb4745c873a108df35a3f9ee%7Ccc586fccf9b04ce4b1e1e928aa024244%7C0%7C0%7C639288650635483225%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=i64BTu%2B7cmmB44t6WxGzajZY8v%2BCuW9NqP1ItXwp00Y%3D&reserved=0) states that children have the right to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health and access to healthcare services

Captions: CH295175_Layan (9) and her mother Reem (38) at a child-friendly-space in Egypt.jpg – Layan*, 9, and her mother Reem*, 38, were medically evacuated from Gaza to Egypt. They are supported by Save the Children in Cairo, where they attend a child-friendly-space, accessing mental health and psychosocial support, education in the Palestinian curriculum and protection support

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Clear space and calm conditions should be the priority for people planning to set off fireworks this Guy Fawkes, Fire and Emergency New Zealand says.

Acting National Manager Community Readiness and Recovery Tom Ronaldson reminds Kiwis to check the conditions before setting off fireworks and not to set off fireworks when it’s windy.

“Several large fires in recent weeks have already shown how easily fires can start and spread in windy conditions,” he says.

“Over the past decade there have been on average 160 firework-related fires each year, with the amount rising in the last two years.

“With parts of the country already starting to see El Niño conditions bringing warm and dry weather, it’s particularly important now and through the summer months that people take care if they’re planning to set off fireworks.

“If you choose to light fireworks it’s your responsibility to light them safely and make sure they don’t cause a fire. It is important people point them up to the sky, well away from anything flammable, and that they have water on hand in case it’s needed.

“We encourage everyone to go to checkitsalright.nz (http://www.checkitsalright.nz) to check the weather conditions and guidance on how to light them safely. Some parts of the country have fire restrictions in place, so it’s important to check.”

If you’re lighting fireworks, please take some simple precautions to keep everyone safe:

• Before setting fireworks, go to checkitsalright.nz (http://www.checkitsalright.nz/) to check the weather conditions and the fire restrictions for your area.
• Many public areas have year-round fireworks bans in place. Check with your local council before setting off fireworks at beaches or parks.
• Don’t set fireworks off when it’s windy.
• Have a large bucket of water or hose at hand.
• Ensure your fireworks are pointed at the sky and won’t end up in anything that can catch fire including buildings or vegetation.
• Be a good neighbour. Let people know around you if you’re planning to set fireworks off, especially those with pets and livestock.
• Dispose of your used fireworks safely – soak them in water before you throw them out.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Defence Force, and Department of Conservation are continuing to work to extinguish hot spots in the Waiouru Military Training Area today, although weather conditions may make it tough going for crews working on the ground.

Incident Controller Ben Cozens says crews are facing chilly temperatures, and the afternoon forecast includes the wind picking up significantly and rainfall, although not enough to extinguish the smouldering fires in bush areas.

“Drone crews confirmed overnight that the fire has still not increased in size since Wednesday, with the burnt area covering 3623 hectares,” Ben Cozens said.

“More hotspots have been mapped including through the Te Rei Bush area, where crews are working today.

“We have 68 firefighters supported by an 18-person Incident Management Team, and NZDF personnel and machinery are working to open existing access tracks so firefighting operations can continue in the steep terrain.

“Safety of all our crews is still our top priority, and we have safety teams setting thresholds for crews to work within.”

Parts of the Waiouru Military Training Area are beginning to be released for NZDF to return to normal operations, although firefighting activities are likely to continue for a number of days.

Captions: Waiouru pic 3.jpg – Friday morning Operational Briefing at the Waiouru Fire Station

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Source: Greenpeace

New research commissioned by Greenpeace International has revealed that an alternative greenhouse gas accounting metric, aggressively backed by agribusiness lobbyists, would allow major meat and dairy exporting nations to conceal their livestock sector’s impact on global warming by significantly overstating methane reductions.

The approach of measuring emissions in this way, known as ‘No Additional Warming’, has already been adopted by the New Zealand Government, which last year weakened New Zealand’s methane target by almost 50%, in defiance of both the independent Climate Change Commission’s advice, and warnings from respected international climate scientists.

Sophie Nodzenski, Campaigner at Greenpeace International, said: “Rapid methane cuts give us our best shot at keeping global heating overshoot to a minimum while we decarbonise the global economy. Yet, while temperature overshoot takes center stage at COP31, the industrial livestock lobby is pushing a dangerous accounting trick to shirk its fair share. Changing the metrics to hide real emissions isn’t climate action – it’s shifting the bill for massive pollution onto those least responsible for it.”

Rhiannon Mackie, Greenpeace Aotearoa climate spokesperson, said: “New Zealand is leading a global race to the bottom on climate action. If the world’s 10 largest meat and dairy exporters were to follow in our footsteps, we would see 10 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions go unaccounted for in just this decade: magically wiped off the books while remaining in the atmosphere, and continuing to superheat our climate.”

“If large livestock producers use this loophole to shirk their responsibility, we face a grim choice: either we suffer accelerated global warming, or taxpayers, other industries, and developing nations will have to work twice as hard to pick up the slack.”

The report investigates GWP-, a controversial metric that tracks whether methane emissions are going up or down rather than counting total emission changes. It assumes that steady methane emissions cause no extra warming because methane breaks down quickly – even though it traps 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide in the short term and is responsible for approximately 0.5°C of global heating.

Mackie said: “A worldwide attempt to weaken climate action is currently taking place at the behest of the agribusiness lobby – a global behemoth that is weaponising the same tactics as Big Oil and Big Tobacco before it, to cover up science and avoid accountability for the harm it is causing. That includes Federated Farmers, Beef and Lamb, and Dairy NZ here in Aotearoa, who have effectively been allowed to rewrite environmental laws and climate change policies under this Government.”

“The report we’ve released today makes it clear: any political party that claims to care about the Paris Agreement needs to abandon ‘No Additional Warming’; reinstall strong, science-based methane targets as recommended by the Climate Change Commission; and take action to cut methane emissions from intensive dairying immediately – that means regulating the industry, reducing herd sizes, and putting agriculture in the Emissions Trading Scheme.”

According to modeling in the report produced by the think-tank Cerulogy, GWP- allows countries to present negligible cuts in emissions as significant climate victories. A cut of a mere 0.6% in actual methane emissions by the world’s ten largest meat and dairy exporters between 2020 and 2030, could be reported as a 30% reduction under the GWP- metric.

A 30% reduction of actual emissions would allow these countries, if adopting the GWP- metric, to claim their emissions are actually cooling the planet – logging 898 million tonnes of “negative emissions” in 2030 without making any real change. Under the standard metric, 2030 would still see 640 million tonnes of methane released by livestock into the atmosphere, continuing to massively drive climate heating.

This bookkeeping trick wipes away real-world climate-heating gases, creating a massive 1,538 million tonne gap between reported figures under GWP- and atmospheric reality in a single year, and a cumulative 10 billion tonne gap if applied systematically in reporting between 2020 and 2030 – equal to nearly a fifth of the world’s current total annual global greenhouse gas emissions. The investigation highlights the extreme scale of these artificial ‘paper’ reductions.

For context, 1,538 million tonnes of carbon is:

• More than Indonesia’s total national greenhouse gas emissions in 2024.
• 86% of total global aviation emissions recorded in 2023.
• About 6.4 times the annual greenhouse gas footprint of JBS, the world’s largest meat producer, in 2023.
• Equivalent to three times the emissions from passenger cars driving across Europe’s streets each year (780 million vehicles).

If some countries unilaterally decide to report their methane emissions using GWP- within the framework of a global climate agreement that was built with absolute reductions in mind, this would effectively wipe significant emissions off the global emissions balance sheet, surreptitiously eating up our remaining carbon budget for limiting warming to 1.5°C. Over the 2020-2030 period, systemic GWP- reporting from these 10 countries would create a cumulative gap of obscured emissions .

The report also highlights a risk of governments using these paper savings in agriculture to justify slower decarbonisation in heavy-polluting fossil fuel sectors. Australia, for example, could use GWP- to report 76 million tonnes of negative emissions to justify continued pollution in its dirty coal sector equivalent to 20 coal-fired power stations running for a year. Meanwhile, the United States could hide emissions equivalent to 86 million passenger cars.

Greenpeace International warns that GWP- is a threat to global climate goals and is urging governments to reject GWP- for national target setting and reporting, establish binding agricultural emissions reduction targets aligned with 1.5°C, and support a just transition toward ecological farming.

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The extensive firefighting efforts undertaken yesterday by Fire and Emergency New Zealand and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel have made substantial progress in containing the blaze at the Waiouru Military Training Area.

Overnight, the fire remained at approximately 3,700 hectares in size, as confirmed by drone crews conducting thermal mapping.

Fire and Emergency Incident Controller Ben Cozens said additional resources are now supporting the response, with crews from the Department of Conservation joining Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers, NZDF personnel, heavy machinery operators, and aerial firefighting assets on the fireground.

“While containment efforts continue, several hotspots have been identified within areas of mature timber inside the Waiouru Military Training Area,” he said.

“Fire crews have been deployed to these locations today to suppress remaining areas of heat and strengthen containment lines.”

“Today’s focus is on targeting identified hotspots, consolidating containment lines, and building on the significant progress made over the past 24 hours.”

“Weather conditions are expected to become more challenging throughout the day, with forecast rain and strengthening winds likely to increase the complexity of operations and place additional demands on ground crews.”

“Despite these conditions, firefighting resources remain well positioned to continue suppression efforts and respond to any changes in fire behaviour.”

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) firefighters working on the fire at the Waiouru Military Training Area have worked hard to take advantage of more favourable weather today and have held the fire, stopping it from spreading further.

Fire and Emergency Incident Controller Nigel Dravitzki says that he is proud of the sustained efforts of ground teams working together in tough terrain and conditions, supported by air operations.

Thanks to their work, the fire size has not increased and only a small amount of smoke is being produced. However, Health New Zealand advises that people nearby who are particularly sensitive to smoke may experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Anyone with health concerns can call Healthline 24/7 on 0800 611 116 for free health advice, or they should contact their own family doctor.

Drone teams will be working overnight again to survey and map hot spots that will be targeted by firefighters tomorrow.

Additional ground crews are being brought in tomorrow including Department of Conservation firefighters who will join the Fire and Emergency volunteers and NZDF personnel already at work. They will be supported by heavy machinery and aircraft.

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Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

28 October 2026

Updated Governor media interviews

Governor Anna Breman will give the following media interviews on 28 – 29 October 2026. Please note that interview times are indicative and broadcast times are at the discretion of individual media outlets.

28 October 2026

• Bloomberg TV, Insight with Haslinda Amin from 4.30pm to 4.45pm
• NewstalkZB, Drive with Heather Du Plessis-Allan from 5.05pm
• RNZ, Checkpoint with Lisa Owen from 5:25pm to 5.35pm

29 October 2026

• Herald Now, Ryan Bridge Today from 7.05am to 7.15am
• NewstalkZB, Mike Hosking Breakfast from 7:10am

Updated speaking engagements

MPC members will undertake the following speaking engagements:

2026 Bank of Canada Annual Economic Conference

29 October 2026

Monetary Policy Committee external member Prasanna Gai will attend the 2026 Bank of Canada Annual Economic Conference in Ottawa, where he will take part in a Policy Panel on the Future of the International Monetary Financial System. The panel will be moderated by Grahame Johnson of the Bank of Canada, and the other panellists will be Kristin Forbes (MIT) and David Wolf (Fidelity Investments Canada).

Prasanna Gai’s remarks will be published on Friday 30 November.

UBS Australasia Conference 2026

10 November 2026

Chief Economist Paul Conway will speak at the UBS Australasia Conference 2026 in Sydney. His presentation titled, How Is the New Zealand Economy Tracking? Assessing Economic Conditions in an Uncertain Global Environment” will include a discussion on New Zealand’s economic conditions in an uncertain global environment, drawing on the September Monetary Policy Statement and October Monetary Policy Review. His presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. Discussion of monetary policy and the economic outlook will draw solely on published material, including the September Monetary Policy Statement and October Monetary Policy Review.

An audio recording of the presentation will be available upon request. He will also participate in a roundtable lunch held under the Chatham House Rule.

Conversation with the Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

19 November 2026

Governor Anna Breman will speak to Institute of Directors Auckland Branch in a fireside chat followed by a Q&A session.

She will discuss the October Monetary Policy Review, including New Zealand’s economic outlook and conditions for households, businesses and communities. She will also discuss the Reserve Bank’s role and priorities and reflect on her first year as Governor. Discussion of monetary policy and the economic outlook will draw solely on published material, including the October Monetary Policy Review.

The event will not be livestreamed. An audio recording of the event will be made available upon request.

New Zealand Institute of International Affairs – Hawke’s Bay Branch Meeting

19 November 2026 (deferred event)

Chief Economist Paul Conway will speak at the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs – Hawke’s Bay Branch Meeting, sharing insights from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s October Monetary Policy Review. Using the presentation slides that will be published on 28 October, he will outline the key themes from the Review and answer questions from the audience.

No new insights beyond those contained in the October MPR will be shared. The event will not be livestreamed. An audio recording of the event will be made available upon request.

Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce

19 November 2026 (deferred event)

Chief Economist Paul Conway will provide an economic update at a Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce event. Drawing on the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s October Monetary Policy Review, he will discuss the implications for the New Zealand economy and the factors influencing the regional outlook for local businesses. The presentation will use the slides to be published on 28 October and will be followed by a Q&A session.

No new insights beyond those contained in the October MPR will be shared. The event will not be livestreamed. An audio recording of the event will be made available upon request.

More information

Upcoming events – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

Governor’s post-MPR media interview schedule and MPC’s speaking engagements October 2026 – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

A list of media interviews with other Monetary Policy Committee members will be published on 29 October 2026.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand firefighters are continuing their work today to contain the vegetation fire burning in scrub and grassland within the Waiouru Military Training Area.

Fire and Emergency Incident Controller Nigel Dravitzki says drone teams operated overnight to map hot spots.

“While some flareups did occur as expected, the fire has not grown in size,” he says. “A perimeter flight this morning has more accurately confirmed the fire to have covered 3700 hectares.”

“Firefighting has recommenced this morning with six ground crews from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and local Volunteer Fire Brigades, with assistance from air operations.”

Smoke from the fire has largely diminished this morning, but Health New Zealand advises that people who are particularly sensitive to smoke may experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Anyone with health concerns can call Healthline 24/7 on 0800 611 116 for free health advice, or their own family doctor.

Nigel Dravitzki says that firefighters have been careful to identify and protect culturally significant areas and infrastructure.

“Steep terrain and vegetation where the fire is still burning, as well as variable weather conditions including a forecast increase in wind speed today, continue to make this a challenging fire to contain and extinguish,” he says.

“Safety of all our firefighters continues to be the number one priority.”

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