New Zealand Government – LiveNews.co.nz

Palestine Forum of New Zealand Condemns Israel’s Escalating Assault on Al-Aqsa Mosque and Calls for Immediate New Zealand Action

LiveNews Publisher — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 04:16:54 +0000

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand unequivocally condemns the latest Israeli assault on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, where thousands of illegal Israeli settlers, escorted by heavily armed occupation forces and led by the extremist Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, stormed one of Islam’s holiest sites in a deliberate act of provocation and religious aggression.

These actions are neither isolated incidents nor spontaneous events. They form part of a long-standing Israeli policy aimed at asserting control over occupied East Jerusalem, erasing Palestinian identity, and fundamentally altering the historic and legal status quo of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The repeated military raids, restrictions on Palestinian worshippers, and intimidation of Islamic religious authorities constitute grave violations of international law, international humanitarian law, and the fundamental right to freedom of religion.

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand is deeply alarmed by the continued silence and inaction of much of the international community. Every failure to hold Israel accountable emboldens further violations, fuels instability, and undermines the very international legal order that democratic nations claim to uphold.

New Zealand Must Not Remain Silent

New Zealand has long presented itself as a principled defender of international law and human rights. That commitment must extend to Palestine.

The New Zealand Government cannot continue to issue generic statements of concern while Israel systematically violates international law with complete impunity. Silence in the face of injustice is not neutrality, it is acquiescence.

We therefore call on the New Zealand Government to:

Publicly and unequivocally condemn the Israeli government’s escalating violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Reaffirm that East Jerusalem is occupied Palestinian territory and reject any attempt to alter its legal or historical status.
Demand an immediate end to Israeli military incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the ongoing restrictions imposed on Palestinian worshippers.
Support meaningful international accountability measures, including investigations into violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
Work with like-minded nations to ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians, religious sites, and cultural heritage under occupation.

An Assault on International Law

The targeting of Al-Aqsa Mosque is not merely an attack on a place of worship. It is an attack on the religious freedoms of millions of Palestinians, on the cultural heritage of humanity, and on the international legal framework governing occupied territory.

The repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, the denial of access to Palestinian worshippers, and attempts to impose a new reality by force directly challenge decades of international consensus and numerous United Nations resolutions.

If the international community continues to tolerate these violations without consequence, it sends a dangerous message that international law is optional and that powerful states may act with impunity.

A Call for Principle, Justice and Accountability

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people in Jerusalem and throughout occupied Palestine.

We call upon political leaders, faith communities, civil society organisations, and all people of conscience across New Zealand to speak out against these grave violations and to demand accountability.

The protection of Al-Aqsa Mosque is not solely a Palestinian or Muslim issue. It is a universal issue of justice, human dignity, religious freedom, and respect for international law.

New Zealand has a proud history of standing on the right side of history. The time has come to do so again.

MIL OSI

Climate News – Greenpeace says new report reveals devastating impact of Luxon’s climate policy reversal

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:32:03 +0000

Source: Greenpeace

A new report from New Zealand’s independent Climate Change Commission has shown that efforts to reduce emissions have stalled since the Luxon Government took power, and that New Zealand is no longer on track to meet its emissions reduction targets.

Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says, “This report is a stark warning – the Luxon Government is undermining climate action, putting everyday New Zealanders at risk.

“From day one, this Government has abandoned New Zealand’s climate credibility – bringing back offshore oil and gas exploration, removing the clean car discount, cancelling the Lake Onslow Battery Project, and letting agribusiness off the hook for their climate pollution. Now, we’re seeing the consequences of this climate denialism.”

The Commission’s report warns in particular that agricultural emissions are a ‘significant risk’ and that New Zealand will not meet existing methane emissions reduction targets without significant action from the Government.

Appelbe says, “Everyday New Zealanders – including farmers – are already experiencing the impacts of climate change. It’s going to get worse, unless we take action now – and this report shows that the Government is falling dangerously short.”

In 2025, the New Zealand Government became the first in the world to change the law to weaken climate targets. They reduced the methane target and adopted the controversial concept of ‘No Additional Warming’, against advice from the international scientific community.

Simultaneously, they confirmed that they would not make the agricultural industry pay for its climate pollution – a move that this report says will limit emissions reduction.

Appelbe says “Methane is our climate emergency brake. Reducing methane emissions from the intensive livestock industry now will give us a fighting chance of preventing the worst of the climate crisis.

“That’s why it’s so concerning to watch this Government recklessly cave to agribusiness lobbyists like Federated Farmers, and undermine any attempt to reduce methane emissions from intensive livestock farming.”

“New Zealanders want to see urgent climate action that keeps us safe and protects future generations. This Government’s war on nature goes against what New Zealanders stand for – and Luxon should expect resistance.”

MIL OSI

Animal Welfare – Help Them Escape This Future: Octopus Farming Ban Campaign Goes Huge in Wellington

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:31:55 +0000

Source: Animals Aotearoa

177 organisations worldwide stand with New Zealand against factory farming of highly sentient animals.
Giant octopuses have appeared on billboards overnight, with a key message: Ban Octopus Factory Farming.

The billboards come after advocacy charity Animals Aotearoa wrote to every New Zealand political party, requesting that they include a commitment to prohibit commercial octopus farming in their policy platforms for the upcoming election. The letter, cosigned by the Aquatic Animal Alliance coalition of 177 organisations across 75 countries – including NZ-based SPCA and SAFE – points to scientific evidence that octopuses are highly sentient animals with advanced cognitive abilities. Also highlighted are the absence of validated welfare safeguards, lack of humane slaughter methods, and environmental concerns about farming carnivorous species dependent on animal protein.

“Octopus factory farming is a bad investment in every sense,” says Marianne Macdonald, Executive Director of Animals Aotearoa. “Octopuses are sentient wonders. With three hearts, blue blood, and minds that dream, they navigate their ocean world with intelligence that rivals our own. They solve puzzles, navigate elaborate mazes, use tools, recognise individual humans, and even decorate their dens with shells. These are creatures to be in awe of, not to exploit in sordid factory farms.”

Steve Abel of The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand responded positively to the call to ban octopus farming, “We are concerned about efforts to introduce octopus farming to Aotearoa and support prohibiting octopus farming before this harmful practice can be established”, adding, “Octopus are extraordinary species and farming them is totally unacceptable”. Karen Singleton, Animal Justice Party Aotearoa NZ said, “Progress isn’t measured by what we can commercialise, but by the wisdom to know who should be left in the ocean. We already ask billions of animals to pay the price of economic growth. We don’t need to add octopuses to that list.”

“New Zealand has a unique opportunity to prevent the suffering associated with octopus factory farming before this industry begins to operate,” said Catalina López Salazar, Director of the Aquatic Animal Alliance. “Around the world, governments are increasingly recognizing that these highly intelligent, curious, and sentient animals cannot be raised humanely in intensive farming systems. By acting now, New Zealand can demonstrate global leadership in protecting animal welfare and set an example for other countries considering this emerging industry.”

Octopus aquaculture – a new form of intensive farming still in the research phase – would cause extensive harm. The New Zealand Government has already granted $1 million of public funds to the University of Auckland to advance this new form of exploitation. But because the octopus farming industry has not yet been established, there is a rare window of opportunity to prevent it from taking hold.

“We showed the octopus reaching out to show how often they’ve sought to connect with people,” Macdonald explains. “We also wanted to highlight that octopuses are escape artists of the highest calibre. These animals can fit through the tiniest of gaps, the size of their beak. But they need our help to escape a future in factory farms.”

A specially commissioned animation by Auckland-based artist Timothy Armstrong provides a glimpse of the risk octopus farming poses. Based on an industry research report, it features Octopus tetricus, the native octopus studied for exploitation in Aotearoa.

“In Aotearoa, the petition calling for a ban on octopus farming has gathered 7,770 petition signatures so far. New Zealanders are making clear they want their country at the forefront of this progress”, says Macdonald.

The campaign reflects a growing global movement. Washington State and California have already banned octopus farming. Legislation has been introduced in Mexico and Chile.

The petition is being officially launched at an event in Wellington, next Tuesday, 28 July. Sign at www.animalsaotearoa.org/stop-octopus-farming/
About Animals Aotearoa
New Zealand’s Animals Aotearoa is a registered charity whose mission is to improve the well-being of farmed animals and end their suffering. They work to protect the welfare of aquatic animals, with a particular focus on preventing octopus factory farming. They also improve the lives of chickens bred for meat by securing welfare commitments from food businesses and raising public awareness of the suffering caused by the way chickens are bred and farmed.

About the Aquatic Animal Alliance
Founded by the Aquatic Life Institute (ALI), the Aquatic Animal Alliance is a coalition of more than 190 advocacy organisations across 75 countries dedicated to improving the welfare of aquatic animals within the global food system. ALI is an international non-profit organisation that works on advancing aquatic animal welfare in both aquaculture and wild capture fisheries globally. They work with certifiers, nonprofits, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, governments, and the public to improve the welfare of aquatic animals.

Notes

Petition to ban octopus farming
Washington State and California have already banned octopus farming; seven more U.S. states are pursuing legislation against octopus farming, including Hawaii and New York, together with Mexico and Chile.
Information about octopus farming
The petition is being officially launched at an event in Wellington on Tuesday, 28th July.

MIL OSI

China Tests Missile in South Pacific – Peace Action Wellington says No missile launches wanted in the Pacific

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:11:39 +0000

Source: Peace Action Wellington

The Chinese government test launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a submarine that landed in the South Pacific Ocean Nuclear-Free Zone.

“Peace Action Wellington universally condemns all nations using the Pacific for weapons testing and deployments. This includes the United States, Australia and New Zealand along with China and all others that are militarising the region,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“Pacific peoples have been very clear that they do not want a war in the region, and they do not want weapons testing in the Pacific. The US has tested at least 10 ICBMs in the Pacific since 2022, most of them landing in Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The government of Kiribati has been vocally opposed to these US missile launches into the Pacific.

“The New Zealand government did not condemn any of the US launches.”

“Just last week, the NZDF tested its own guided missile capability from the P8 Poseidon as part of US military training around Guam. The people of Guam have been very clear that they don’t want their homelands turned into a giant US military base and weapons testing zone.”

“This ratcheting up of military training and weapons testing and training in the Pacific must stop. It is imperative that the great Pacific ocean, Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa, become totally weapons-free, not just nuclear weapons-free zone. Instead of training and preparing for war, we need all hands on deck to de-escalate this dangerous military contest.”

“A war with China in the Pacific would be a disaster not just for everyone in Aotearoa NZ, but for the entire globe. The New Zealand government’s decisions to pull closer to the US, including weapons testing and training in the Pacific, seriously threatens a principled, independent and nuclear-free foreign policy.”

MIL OSI

First baby born by C-section at new Save the Children hospital in world’s largest refugee camp

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:53:02 +0000

Source: Save the Children

The first baby born by caesarean section (C-section) was safely delivered at a new Save the Children hospital in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, at a time when global aid cuts are putting essential services at risk in the world’s largest refugee settlement.

The new Maternal and Child Hospital opened earlier this year and is the first facility to specialise in maternal and neonatal health in the Rohingya camps, where an overall reduction in donor funding has led to the closure of some health centres and learning facilities.

Health workers at the hospital realised the need for the C-section and safely delivered the baby last month after the baby’s mother, Shirin-, who has three other children, experienced prolonged labour with reduced amniotic fluid causing an irregular heartbeat for her baby and rising blood pressure.

Golam Mostofa, Cox’s Bazar Area Director, Save the Children International, said:

“Every birth is a moment for celebration but this birth in particular deserves a moment because our teams were able to support the mother throughout a delivery that came with complications.

“We opened this hospital to bring specialised care closer to those who need it the most and to ensure mothers feel safe and supported. Hopefully this will be the first of many successful deliveries that reinforce our commitment to strengthen healthcare for mothers and babies in Cox’s Bazar.”

The hospital, which has 59 beds, offers services including emergency newborn care and stabilization, antenatal care, nutrition support and services for gender-based violence survivors.

It is designed to care for both Rohingya refugee and women from host communities in Cox’s Bazar, where access to specialized healthcare is limited and maternal and newborn mortality rates remain high.

Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh is home to the world’s largest refugee camp and hosts over one million Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar, with more than half being children.

Some Rohingya women experience high-risk pregnancies in the camps because of poor nutrition, limited pre-natal healthcare access, and underlying health conditions as well as other factors including the distance to and the cost involved in getting to a health facility.

Shirin-, the mother, said:

“The doctors and nurses took such great care of me that I felt safe throughout the procedure. The doctors also spoke to my family so they would understand why the surgery was necessary. The hospital is so clean, and they maintain hygiene well.”

Save the Children has been working in Cox’s Bazar since 2012 and significantly increased its activities following the 2017 exodus of refugees to Bangladesh, with programmes in education, health and nutrition, food, water, shelter, and child protection services.

The New Zealand Government has been supporting Save the Children health facilities inside the camps through the New Zealand Disaster Response Partnership since 2018, while a generous legacy gift from a New Zealander is also supporting the new hospital’s specialist treatment services.

-Name changed to protect anonymity.

About Save the Children NZ:

Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.

Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

MIL OSI

Greenpeace slams issuing of High Seas permit for Tasman Sea bottom trawlers

LiveNews Publisher — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:56:37 +0000

Source: Greenpeace

The Tasman Viking, a bottom trawling vessel that pulled up protected coral in international waters two years ago, has been issued an international fishing permit by the New Zealand government this month, in a move environmentalists are calling outrageous.

Greenpeace oceans campaigner Ellie Hooper says the move to issue a permit is embarrassing, and flies in the face of widespread public opposition to bottom trawling in the Tasman Sea.

“New Zealand is now the only country bottom trawling out in the South Pacific high seas, including the ecologically diverse waters of the Tasman, and the public have made it abundantly clear they object to it. Polling shows that 78% of people want bottom trawling gone from this area and the majority are calling for more protection, not more trawling destruction.”

The Tasman Viking, owned by Westfleet, was convicted for dragging up deep sea coral in the Tasman and failing to report it properly in 2020. In 2024, the vessel also dragged up a further 37kg of coral from a biodiverse Lord Howe Rise seamount, triggering the temporary closure of the area.

“The decision to permit a bottom trawler with a recent history of non-compliance, and the cause of coral destruction less than two years ago, is egregious,” says Hooper.”It’s well past time that New Zealand stopped permitting this ocean destruction out on the High Seas.”

Following the incident in 2024, Greenpeace carried out deep sea camera surveys of the seamount where the vessel pulled up coral. The surveys and subsequent scientific analysis revealed hundreds of corals, sponges and other deep sea lifeforms that qualify it as a vulnerable marine ecosystem. Some corals found on the site measured almost two metres in height, and many were estimated to be well over a century old.

“There is no question that we have evidence of vulnerable, ancient coral ecosystems in the High Seas of the Tasman. But if permits continue to be issued New Zealand bottom trawlers could destroy this precious life in the deep. We know what is there, how can trawlers still be permitted?”

Karli Thomas of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition says protection for all seamounts in the High Seas is well overdue.

“New Zealand has been kicking the can down the road on this issue for far too long. As other countries have pushed for the protection of these vulnerable and important habitats – oases of life in the deep – New Zealand is the country that stands in the way, continuing to trawl on seamounts and blocking international efforts to protect them.

“New Zealanders are sick of the free rein given to bottom trawlers by a Minister that is wined, dined and donated to by industrial fishing companies. Trawling on seamounts is last-century ocean vandalism, and it’s got to stop.

“Along with our allies we are calling for all seamounts and features to be closed to destructive bottom trawling and for the New Zealand Government to protect the seamounts of the High Seas of the Tasman.”

Public opposition to bottom trawling continues to grow. Over 100,000 people have signed petitions calling for an end to bottom trawling on seamounts, and for the government to stop issuing international fishing permits to bottom trawlers. Tens of thousands got onside with Jono Ridler who swam the length of the North Island to draw attention to the need for a ban.

New Zealand bottom trawlers must apply for an International Fishing Permit issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries before being able to fish in the South Pacific High Seas. The Tasman Viking was issued a permit on June 12, and on June 22 turned off its location outside of Nelson.

“This vessel, with a history of bulldozing coral out in the biodiverse Tasman, could be out there right now causing more destruction. We are calling for this to stop,” says Hooper.

MIL OSI

NZ Minerals Council – Let reality rule

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:56:40 +0000

Source: New Zealand Minerals Council

Advancing the Conservation Amendment Bill has become a contest that we hope reality wins, says New Zealand Minerals Council chief executive Josie Vidal.

“What began as an overdue plan to modernise law to make it more workable for tourism, so that visitors could contribute to maintaining the conservation areas they use, turned into a political football,” Vidal says.

“A misinformation campaign with flaming red maps shouting that 60 percent of the conservation estate was going to be sold and/or dug up spread through social media without any real evidence, but rather a very loose interpretation of what the bill might make possible. In reality we all know that no New Zealand Government would get public agreement to sell off vast tracts of conservation land.

“The groups behind this campaign were jumping the shark to try and derail the parliamentary process they are also part of. That is, submitting to and appearing before the Environment Committee considering this bill so that it can be changed and/or improved as it progresses.

“Their actions to force a section of the bill to be removed threatens to undermine the tried and true process. We hope it hasn’t been derailed completely. We must maintain order in law making.

“We give a dose of reality in our submission on the bill and present the facts as responsible users of the conservation estate. Mining companies make significant contributions to pest and predator control and improving conservation outcomes with money and resources not always accessible by the Department of Conservation.

“Reality is:

– Stakeholders were consulted by the Department of Conservation over many years about this modernisation, including what it intended, and equally importantly, what it didn’t intend.

– The mining industry is a small, but important client of the Department of Conservation with permission to access the conservation estate given on a case-by-case basis. We are not seeking to change that.

– Mining to-date has impacted just 0.04 percent of the vast conservation estate. There are no plans to buy and mine swathes of the conservation estate; it makes no economic sense.

– It is possible to balance economic imperatives with positive environmental outcomes.

“We hope the Government holds its course to modernise outdated conservation laws. We believe all stakeholders continue to have opportunities through this process to give their views and make their cases.

“We also believe stakeholders have the same end goal; our truly precious conservation land is preserved and there are adequate funds to maintain it. Those funds are not unlimited.

“We urge all stakeholders to respect the process and it is our sincere hope the select committee, and the bill, are allowed to work through the prescribed process without any more fantasy scenarios.”

MIL OSI

Advocacy – Gaza Cannot Wait: A Call for Justice and Accountability

LiveNews Publisher — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:38:00 +0000

Statement by Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand expresses its profound alarm at the latest documentation by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, which details the continuing humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. The report presents further evidence of the systematic destruction of civilian life, infrastructure, and the conditions necessary for survival.

These are not isolated incidents. They form part of a sustained pattern of conduct that demands urgent international attention, accountability, and action in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law.

We call on the New Zealand Government to uphold its longstanding commitment to human rights by:

Demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
Supporting unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.
Holding perpetrators of violations of international law accountable.
Working alongside the international community to ensure justice for the Palestinian people.

Silence in the face of documented atrocities is not neutrality, it is complicity.

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for justice, accountability, freedom, and a future founded on equality, dignity, and lasting peace.

Palestine Forum of New Zealand

MIL OSI

Education Trends – ERO finds the number of students leaving mainstream schooling is rapidly increasing; calls for urgent reform

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:32:11 +0000

Source: Education Review Office

The Education Review Office (ERO) has found that the number of students leaving mainstream schooling to learn in alternative settings has doubled over the past last decade.

ERO recommends major changes to keep them in school – and a new model for those who leave.

ERO Senior Manager Rebecca Bjarnesen says more than 8,000 12 to 16-year-olds are now learning in alternative settings – twice as many as ten years ago.

Many schools work hard to support students to stay in mainstream education. Schools that are most effective at retaining students build strong relationships, provide tailored support and create a sense of belonging to the school. But some schools are much more likely to refer students to alternative settings. About 60 percent of referrals come from just 12 percent of schools.

Students who aren’t in mainstream schools often get their education in alternative settings like Activity Centres, Alternative Education or the Engagement and Wellbeing gateway at Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura). ERO research has found these young people too often receive a limited education, leading to poor outcomes that can last through their lives.

“We found that students in these alternative settings make less progress than students in mainstream schools and four in five leave without any NCEA qualifications,” Ms Bjarnesen said.

ERO found that:

– students typically lose three months of learning while waiting to access an alternative setting. Fewer than one in six students return to mainstream school.

– not all students are taught by a qualified teachers – for example fewer than half of the teachers in Alternative Education have a teaching degree.

– students’ opportunities are limited by too few subjects and lack of access to formal qualifications. Almost half of students say there is no clear pathway for them when they leave alternative settings.

– worse education leads to worse lifetime outcomes for these students. Compared to similarly disadvantaged students, they are more likely to rely on benefits and more likely to enter the criminal justice system.

“We are failing the students who most need a quality education and missing an opportunity to change the lives of these young people. A step change is needed to reverse the trend of students disengaging from school,” Ms Bjarnesen says.

ERO is calling for urgent reform to strengthen mainstream schooling, so more students are supported to stay and succeed. ERO is also calling to put in place a new model of quality alternative provision so that all students in New Zealand receive a high-quality education, no matter where they study.

Notes

– Bridging the gap: How well do we support students learning in alternative settings? can be found on the ERO’s Evidence website: https://www.evidence.ero.govt.nz/documents/bridging-the-gap-how-well-do-we-support-students-learning-in-alternative-settings-main-report

– ERO has also published insights for school leaders and school boards – these are available at https://www.evidence.ero.govt.nz/.

– ERO is the New Zealand Government’s external evaluation agency for the education system.

MIL OSI

Advocacy – Peters’ ‘bulldust’ claim is bulldust – PSNA

LiveNews Publisher — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:46:40 +0000

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

PSNA is challenging the government to obtain medical records held in Türkiye to prove the truth of Global Sumud Flotilla activist Hāhona Ormsby’s claim that he was beaten and injured by Israeli guards in Israel in late April.

In a confrontation at today’s hearing of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Select Committee, Peters claimed Ormsby’s charges against Israel were ‘bulldust’.

“But when other countries, such as Italy, Malaysia, France and Australia, are actively investigating Israeli torture against their citizens, then the New Zealand government position, that Peters’ claims against Israel are lies, is untenable.”

“There are plenty of witnesses who will testify that Israeli Prisons’ Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir personally spat on Ormsby when he was held in Israeli detention.”

The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa says Israel captured members of the flotilla on international waters in the Mediterranean, and then deported Ormsby, and other activists, from Israel to Türkiye, where their injuries were medically assessed.

PSNA spokesperson Rinad Tamimi says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs needs to urgently request those records from Türkiye. Sumud activists have so far not been able to procure their own files.

“It might be embarrassing for MFAT to go through diplomatic channels get real evidence to show up their minister,” says Tamimi.

“There were three Opposition MPs at the Select Committee, Deputy Chair Damien O’Connor, Labour Foreign Affairs spokesperson Vanushi Walters and Greens’ Foreign Affairs spokesperson Tuiono Teanau.”

“They should demand Peters instruct his ministry to interview Sumud Flotilla participants captured by Israel, get their medical records from Türkiye and liaise with other countries, and the International Criminal Court, doing real investigations of Israeli violence.”

“If the Ministry finds Hāhona’s claims vindicated, then these Opposition members should make sure Hāhona’s trespass order from Parliament is revoked, and he is invited to share his experiences with the Select Committee, along with other New Zealanders who were likewise illegally detained and beaten by Israeli thugs.“

Rinad Tamimi

National Spokesperson

PSNA

MIL OSI

Advocacy – Members of Global Sumud Aotearoa Delegation come to Wellington this week to challenge the Minister of Foreign Affairs

LiveNews Publisher — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:37:48 +0000

Source: Global Sumud Aotearoa Delegation

Members of Global Sumud Aotearoa Delegation come to Wellington this week to challenge the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, over Government inaction following the abduction and mistreatment of New Zealand citizens by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF/IDF) in both 2025 and in May 2026.

Unlike Australia, France, Spain, Malaysia, Türkiye and other countries, New Zealand and its Israel First Foreign Minister Winston Peters have failed to launch a government investigation into the mistreatment of New Zealand citizens.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP), under instruction from Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, have now launched an investigation into rape and torture by Israeli forces on Australian citizens who were detained in international waters.

“Knowing we were coming to Wellington, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent us an email yesterday asking us to provide information on what happened to our activists,” Rana Hamida of Global Sumud Aotearoa said. “The message was that they would put this to the Israelis – in other words: they will leave it to Israel to be both the criminal and the judge. That’s not good enough. Malaysia, for example, is taking Israel to the International Court of Justice over the kidnapping and violence dished out to their citizens.”

Returning Sumud member Hāhona Ormsby, who endured multiple beatings by the Israelis after being seized in international waters and taken to Israel, says, “Calling in the Israeli ambassador and slapping him with a wet bus ticket over tea and scones does not count as meaningful action.”

The government has treated people like Ormsby as a “threat” whilst doing nothing to hold Israel to account.

“I had two detectives come and interview me this week to assess if I was a “threat”. Imagine that? I joined the Sumud flotilla armed with nothing other than aroha and I – a New Zealand citizen – get treated as the problem! But some Israeli soldier fresh from killing women, children, and babies in Gaza and Lebanon knows they can holiday in New Zealand no questions asked. Hey, Winston, are you Israel First or New Zealand First?” Hāhona Ormsby asked.

Global Sumud Aotearoa is demanding that the New Zealand government launch its own non-Israeli-led investigation. New Zealand should coordinate with the other governments who have already launched inquiries into the attack on their citizens.

A first step would be for the government to formally interview our returning activists. Second, the government should liaise with the Turkish authorities who sent planes to Israel to bring over 400 detained Sumud activists to safety in Istanbul. It should be noted New Zealand provided absolutely no support whatsoever to their citizens.

All the Sumud people who were flown out of Israel, including the New Zealand citizens, were given medical examinations and forensic interviews in Türkiye. Some, including Hāhona Ormsby and fellow Kiwi Mousa Taher, received hospital treatment for their injuries. MFAT requesting medical records from Türkiye would be a useful place to start.

Below is a detailed response to Israeli propaganda that ludicrously suggested that the black eyes, broken noses and ribs inflicted on citizens from over 40 countries was an elaborate hoax. The photo of the damaged face of New Zealand citizen Julien Blondel, beaten by Israelis in an attack in international waters on April 29, should have triggered immediate action by the government. The Israelis, realising that New Zealand and other Western governments stood with them, not their own citizens, increased the level of violence in their June attack on over 50 vessels.

New Zealand First should mean standing up for our citizens not providing cover for Israeli crimes. New Zealand should also stand up for the suffering people of Palestine and Lebanon and demand that the United Nations Charter and the Genocide Convention be upheld and enforced.

MIL OSI

Ministerial Appointments – Surgeons respond to Minister’s decision not to reappoint MCNZ councillors

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:52:31 +0000

Source: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons notes that four senior leaders of the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) have not been reappointed to further terms including the Chair, ENT surgeon Dr Rachelle Love.

MCNZ plays a critical role in safeguarding patient safety and maintaining public trust through the impartial regulation of the medical profession.

The Minister of Health holds the statutory authority to make appointments to MCNZ.

Dr Ros Pochin, Chair of the RACS Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee, says the exercise of this power must be carefully balanced against the fundamental principle of professional independence.

“The Medical Council’s effectiveness relies on its perceived and actual independence.”

RACS acknowledges Dr Love’s strong leadership during her time as MCNZ Chair. Her guidance during the response to the Royal Inquiry into Abuse and the work with Lake Alice survivors was a particular standout.

Dr Pochin describes her as a “strong and inspirational leader who has garnered huge respect amongst her profession and the support of the full Medical Council.

“She has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to patient safety and the surgical community.”

Improving all patient outcomes and supporting the growth of the medical workforce are at the heart of both RACS and the Medical Council ‘s core business. The promotion of cultural safety and competence improves the health of all New Zealanders. It is fundamental to an equitable model of care and accepted as a key competency for all RACS Fellows and members of all other medical colleges.

“Cultural safety and its impact on improved health outcomes for all New Zealanders is supported by evidence and data,” says Dr John Mutu-Grigg, Chair of the RACS Māori Health Advisory Group.

“This fact is accepted nationally, internationally, and is recognised in law and is fundamental to an equitable model of care.”

Dr Pochin adds: “We need independent institutions that provide evidence-based leadership and make decisions in the best interests of patients and the profession. The Medical Council is key in this respect.”

RACS welcomes Dr Ken Clark as the new Chair of MCNZ and remains committed to working constructively with the New Zealand Government and all relevant stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of medical professionalism, governance, and patient care.

About the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

RACS is the leading advocate for surgical standards, professionalism and surgical education in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The College is a not-for-profit and supports the ongoing development, maintenance of expertise and lifelong learning that accompanies the surgical practice of more than 8500 Fellows, 1300 surgical Trainees, and Specialist International Medical Graduates. RACS also supports healthcare and surgical education in the Asia-Pacific region and is a substantial funder of surgical research. www.surgeons.org

MIL OSI

Greenpeace – Seamount closures for world’s largest orange roughy fishery as population plummets

LiveNews Publisher — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 05:52:49 +0000

Source: Greenpeace

The New Zealand Government has announced temporary seamount closures in the world’s largest orange roughy fishery, following news that deep sea fish numbers are plummeting. The closures, set for six weeks, will mean that several seamounts will be off limits to bottom trawling. But environmentalists say the closures don’t go far enough.

Greenpeace says while it’s pleased to see the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries finally recognise seamount protection as vital, they add that permanent protection of these ecosystems is what’s required to protect fish populations and vulnerable coral habitats.

“It’s great that the penny has finally dropped,” says Greenpeace ocean campaigner, Ellie Hooper

“Seamounts are vital habitats that require protection, whether you’re looking at fish numbers or the important coral species that live there. Yet every year New Zealand bottom trawlers smash seamounts in their bid to catch breeding orange roughy. It is no surprise that after decades of bulldozing coral and spooking spawning fish, we are seeing a drastic decline in these fish numbers.

“But temporary closures are the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. What’s needed is proactive, precautionary, preventive action – closing all seamounts to bottom trawling – to ensure long term health of the ocean and everything in it.”

A 2025 scientific stock assessment revealed populations in the Chatham Rise, the world’s largest orange roughy fishery (ORH 3B) were plummeting. Models showed orange roughy numbers could be as low as 8-18% of their original population size.

Karli Thomas, from the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, says it’s well established that protecting seamounts and similar features from bottom trawling is vital for ensuring healthy oceans and abundant fisheries.

“The importance of seamounts is acknowledged in this decision, but the closures announced today only give an annual six week reprieve from trawling. This leaves deep-sea coral reefs at risk from destructive bottom trawling for the other 46 weeks of every year.

“Imagine how this fishery, which is on the verge of collapse, and the coral habitats of the deep could rebuild if seamounts were permanently closed to trawlers. Biodiversity could return, spawning fish be protected, and their increased numbers spillover into the surrounding area, having a long term benefit for all.”

Orange roughy are a slow growing species that reach breeding maturity late, making them especially vulnerable to overfishing. They were fished to collapse in the ‘90s, and rebuilding this Chatham Rise population from where it stands today is expected to take decades.

Barry Weeber for ECO says it’s time to learn from the lessons of the past and get serious about permanently protecting all orange roughy spawning areas including on seamounts and features.

“We have already lost important orange roughy spawning areas on the Chatham Rise, East Coast of the North Island, and on the edge of the Challenger plateau.”Internationally, it’s recommended that vulnerable marine ecosystems like seamounts be closed to bottom trawling because of their fragility, complexity and slow-growing nature.

Over 100,000 New Zealanders have signed petitions calling for a ban on bottom trawling on seamounts in domestic waters and the high seas of the South Pacific – where New Zealand is the last country to conduct the practice.

MIL OSI

Climate Policies – Governments falling 90 percent short of climate adaptation finance needs, Oxfam warns ahead of Bonn climate talks

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:37:53 +0000

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

Governments are falling 90 percent short of adaptation finance targets and leaving people in climate-vulnerable communities drastically under-equipped to cope with the devastating impacts of climate change, Oxfam warns ahead of Bonn climate talks (8-18 June).

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), as of 2024, governments mobilized $32 billion in public adaptation finance – around 90 percent short of the $310 billion to $365 billion projected needs for developing countries by 2035. To bridge this gap, rich countries would have to increase their adaptation financing tenfold.

“The New Zealand Government has failed to renew our climate finance commitment that ended in 2025. This is depriving our neighbours in the Pacific of at least $100 million every year,” said Nick Henry, Oxfam Aotearoa’s Advocacy and Policy Lead.

“While climate impacts on communities in the Pacific are accelerating, our Government is falling behind on our fair share of support for our neighbours.

“Oxfam Aotearoa calls on our Government and all political parties to commit to funding our fair share of climate adaptation needs for our Pacific neighbours.”

The total climate finance of $137 billion reached in 2024 is also just a fraction of what countries need to transition away from fossil fuels.

This shortfall highlights a stark global inequality, that those who have done the least to cause the climate crisis are being hit by the heaviest damage and short-changed from the funding promised to help them deal with it. People living across the Global South, women, girls and Indigenous groups are overwhelmingly bearing the costs of environmental devastation.

Meanwhile, super-rich corporations and individuals – largely based in the Global North – have seen their wealth skyrocket.

The profits of the six biggest fossil fuel corporations are projected to hit $94 billion in 2026, continuing to attract mega-investors. Almost 60 percent of billionaire investments are classified as being in high climate impact sectors, such as mining or oil and gas corporations.

“For too long, governments have coddled a super-rich elite whose huge emissions and dirty investments in polluting industries are throttling climate action. At Bonn, leaders must tackle this unequal concentration of wealth and power. It’s time to make rich polluters pay, and channel that wealth into accessible, participatory climate finance in a way that reaches the communities who need it most,” said Mariana Paoli, Oxfam International’s Climate Lead.

Recent polling commissioned by Oxfam across seven countries found that approximately two-thirds (68 percent) of the public support increasing taxes on the profits of large oil and gas corporations to help fund a fair transition to renewable energy.

Oxfam urges governments to:

Slash the emissions of the super-rich and make the richest polluters pay, through taxation on extreme wealth, excess profits taxes on fossil fuel corporations, and a carbon capital levy on investments in polluting sectors.
Remove the financial barriers blocking a Just Transition by cancelling debt, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and overhauling a financial architecture systemically skewed against Global South countries.
Substantially increase climate finance to support communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. This means fulfilling the $300 billion annual target agreed at COP29, including tripling funding flows specifically for adaptation, and substantially increasing resources to address loss and damage.

Notes

According to the OECD, in 2024, wealthy countries mobilized $137 billion in total climate finance to support climate action in low- and middle-income countries. Of this, $102 billion came in the form of public finance, mostly as loans. Public finance for adaptation amounted to $32 billion.

The UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2025 calculates that the cost of adaptation finance needed in low- and middle-income countries is $310 billion per year in 2035, when based on modelled costs. When based on extrapolated needs expressed in Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans, this figure rises to $365 billion a year.

Oxfam research finds that six of the biggest fossil fuel companies (Chevron, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, Exxon and TotalEnergies) are projected to earn $2,967 a second in profits in 2026. Download the methodology note.

Download “Climate Plunder: How a powerful few are locking the world into disaster”, the executive summary and the methodology note. The report is also available in Spanish, French and Portuguese.

The global poll, conducted by market research company Norstat in April 2026, gathered responses from people in seven countries (UK, France, Brazil, Turkey, Australia, the Netherlands and Colombia). The polling also showed that support for taxing oil and gas corporations to fund the renewable energy transition crossed party lines. In six of the countries, there were more far-right respondents who supported such a tax, than those who opposed it.

MIL OSI

Events – Anti-War Aotearoa and Greenpeace announce a March for Peace

LiveNews Publisher — Fri, 22 May 2026 01:38:01 +0000

Source: Greenpeace

Anti-War Aotearoa and Greenpeace have announced a joint March for Peace, calling on New Zealanders to gather at Aotea Square on 20 June 2026. The hīkoi will demand that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and the Coalition Government prioritise people and the planet over imperial aggression and immediately halt any involvement in US-led wars.

The groups are urging the Government to implement fully independent foreign policy grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, diplomacy, and international law.

Niamh O’Flynn, Programme Director at Greenpeace Aotearoa, says the nation’s environmental and international priorities are fundamentally linked.

“We oppose Luxon and the coalition Government allowing Aotearoa to be drawn into Trump’s wars, and we strongly oppose the minerals deal being negotiated to fuel those wars,” says O’Flynn. “We call for an independent foreign policy in Aotearoa that prioritises peace, upholds the UN charter, and supports the wellbeing of people and the planet. We must not sell off Aotearoa’s natural places to the highest bidding war-monger.”

A spokesperson for Anti-War Aotearoa says the march is a necessary public response to escalating imperial aggression, the erosion of international law, and a dangerous shift in domestic priorities.

“We are marching because Aotearoa needs to become a voice for peace and reason in an increasingly unstable world, rather than acting as a supporting player in these illegal, foreign wars,” Anti-War Aotearoa spokesperson Gabriella Brayne says. “We demand that the New Zealand government places immediate sanctions on Israel to end the genocide in Gaza, gets fully behind the ICC and ICJ cases against war crimes, and pulls public funding from militarisation so it can be invested into health, housing, and education,” said Brayne.

The marchers will unite behind several core demands:

1. The government must condemn the illegal US-Israeli attack on Iran, which has caused global instability. 2. No military support or deployment of New Zealand troops, aircraft, naval assets, rockets, or intelligence support to US-led wars of aggression.

3. New Zealand must refuse any war minerals deals with the Trump administration.

4. Implement immediate and meaningful sanctions on Israel to help end the genocide in Gaza. New Zealand must stand with those living under occupation and demand an end to the collective punishment of civilians.

5. Consistently uphold the UN Charter and support the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ) cases regarding war crimes, including South Africa’s case against Israel.

Organisers are encouraging the public to bring a friend, a banner, a sign, or a drum to hīkoi for peace over power.

EVENT DETAILS:

What: March for Peace

Hosted by: Anti-War Aotearoa & Greenpeace Aotearoa

When: Noon, Saturday, 20 June 2026

Where: Aotea Square, Auckland.

MIL OSI

Advocacy – Nobody wants to share building with Genocide Embassy of Israel – PSNA

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 20 May 2026 07:29:36 +0000

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

PSNA says the shift of the Israeli embassy into the Fisher Funds building in Wellington has concerned other tenants in the office high rise.

The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa is citing the Wellington Post front-page article which reported only some occupants of the 13-storey site had been told that Israel was moving in.

PSNA spokesperson Rinad Tamimi says the building’s owner was obviously trying to keep the arrival of the embassy a secret until it was too late to object.

“It’s pretty obvious why. The Fisher Funds building is owned by Prime Property Group, which is controlled by rich-lister and former Israeli Defence Force major, Eyal Aharoni.”

“He’s looking after his own.”

Tamimi says the solution to the embassy location concern was the New Zealand government could expel the ambassador and his staff.

“We broke off diplomatic relations when it was discovered Israel’s Mossad spy agency had been getting fake New Zealand passports. So, there is a precedent.”

“It all comes down to the fact that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. It’s the world’s worst atrocity of this century and shamefully its ongoing perpetrators are flying their flag over our capital city,” Tamimi says.

“At this very moment, Israel is firing on the Sumud Flotilla trying to bring aid to Gaza and kidnapping and assaulting New Zealand citizens on that convoy.”

“Our ministers are shaking hands with the people who represent this illegal violence in international waters.”

Tamimi says though Fisher Funds does not own the building it operates out of, it must have powers as the holder of naming rights.

“If Fisher Funds’ CEO was to represent its KiwiSaver stakeholder interests, then he would tell Aharoni to find somewhere else for the Israelis to go to.”

“But since the CEO is an ex-minister of the National Party – Simon Power – then the head of Fisher Fund appears to part of the problem and not the solution.”

Rinad Tamimi

National Spokesperson

PSNA

MIL OSI

Advocacy – All boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla Confirmed Intercepted, Including Three New Zealanders

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 20 May 2026 00:29:44 +0000

Source: Global Sumud Flotilla

All boats sailing with The Global Sumud Flotilla are now confirmed to have been illegally intercepted by the IOF. Three New Zealanders are now being illegally held in IOF custody: Mousa Taher, Hāhona Ormsby, and Julien Blondel.

Mousa Taher was aboard the Kasri Sadabat, one of the final 10 boats to be intercepted. A father of seven, Mousa left his children a message before being illegally abducted, writing on a sign for the livestream camera, “I love you”, and “Salaam Baby!”

Mousa, who was previously illegally intercepted by the IOF on April 29th alongside Julien Blondel, returned to the flotilla for a second time. Yesterday, before his illegal interception, Mousa sent us a message announcing, “I have a message to my fellow kiwi and the New Zealand Government. I’m on my boat which has humanitarian aid, on the way to Gaza to break the illegal siege of the Israeli occupation forces.”

He continued, “what I would like to say is that, for three years, I watched the uncontested demolition and obliteration of a people. It was on the TV for all of us to watch. Our government chose time and time again to do nothing. To be complicit, and to allow this to happen. There has been war crime after war crime, and yet the New Zealand Government has been investing and shaking hands with these war criminals who are committing war crimes.”

“Our government has a choice. Are you going to uphold international law? Are you going to uphold humanitarian values? Are you going to be the New Zealand that we know and love? Or are you going to allow these oppressors to continue?… Please just be humans. And stop the killing of babies… this is my request and my plea. Kia Kaha, and we will see you in Gaza hopefully.”

Also abducted is New Zealander Julien Blondel, dual citizen to Switzerland, who was beaten in the face in IOF custody after the first interception on April 29th. Despite the beatings, sexual harassment, and abuse that flotilla participants experienced during this abduction, both Julien and Mousa have returned to the flotilla to try and break the siege once more. They returned because they remain steadfast in their solidarity with the palestinian people and their belief in a liberated world.

Hāhona Ormsby (Ngāti Maniapoto), father of five children, is the third New Zealander to be illegally abducted. Prior to interception, he said, “we are now only days away from Gaza… we need your eyes on us. Your eyes then become the government’s eyes on us. It keeps us safe. It keeps us out of harm’s way by the IOF… My freedom is not real if yours is denied. Free Gaza.”

To echo Hāhona’s words, we implore New Zealand to keep its eyes on the abducted flotilla participants to keep our whānau safe. We demand that the New Zealand Government does everything in its power to protect them.

The abducted participants are being taken to a port in occupied Palestine. The Global Sumud Flotilla demands the immediate, unconditional release of all our participants, alongside the more than 9,000 unjustly detained Palestinian political prisoners facing a codified regime of state-sanctioned terror. GSF also calls on world leaders to demand the release of the flotilla participants, release of the Palestinian political prisoners and hostages and an end to the genocide and blockade on Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Global Humanitarian Convoy has been blocked on the outskirts of Sirte while attempting to reach Gaza. This is despite the unambiguity of the Fourth Geneva Convention: all parties are obligated to allow the free passage of humanitarian aid and personnel.

The international community must act now and protect the lives of the vulnerable. Blocking humanitarian aid is a violation of international law both at sea and on land. Our governments must speak up.

We call on the New Zealand government to protect Mousa, Hāhona, and Julien.

We call on the New Zealand government to condemn Israel’s illegal actions.

We call on the New Zealand government to demand safe passage of the Global Humanitarian Convoy.

We call on the New Zealand Government to demand the liberation of the 9,000 Palestinians still in illegal IOF custody.

MIL OSI

Universities – Six remarkable New Zealand climate solutions nominated for the 2026 Earthshot Prize – Vic

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 19 May 2026 23:59:37 +0000

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

As the only university that’s an official nominator in New Zealand, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is privileged to announce its choice of nominees for the The Earthshot Prize.

The six local climate solutions nominated for the multimillion-dollar funding represent the very best of Kiwi innovation, and the power of people coming together to tackle global environmental challenges.

They include bale wrap made from jute, packaging made from mushrooms, and interior design panels made from recycled plastic. Collective efforts are helping to clean the ocean from plastic pollution, to support farming be more sustainable, and to grow kelp forests.

Andrew Wilks, Manutaki—Director, Sustainability at Victoria University of Wellington, says, “As a sustainability thought leader in New Zealand, Vic Uni is charged as an official nominator in a global network of 361 nominators for The Earthshot Prize.

“There were remarkable applications again this year, but Vic Uni is excited to elevate these six New Zealand solutions to the world stage through The Earthshot Prize because every single one has the power to change the world. They’re affordable, immediately scalable, and could create true global transformation.”

Mr Wilks says the prize is awarded to projects that highlight human ingenuity, drive change, and inspire collective action.

“The very best national qualities are clear in our successful New Zealand nominees. There’s the No. 8 wire ingenuity that’s led to developing alternatives to plastic or reusing it by Critical, Mushroom Material, and KiwiEconet. Meanwhile, the power of the Kiwi working bee is evident in the community-building work of AgriZeroNZ, Mountains to Sea Wellington Trust, and Sea Cleaners.”

Our six New Zealand nominees for the Earthshot Prize 2026 are:

AgriZeroNZ: The public-private partnership AgriZeroNZ invests to accelerate the development and deployment of tools for farmers to reduce agricultural emissions while staying profitable and productive. Half-owned by the New Zealand government and half-owned by major agribusinesses and banks, it’s driving solutions for pasture-based farms that can be scaled globally.

Critical.: Critical. is a Māori-led clean-tech company transforming hard-to-recycle plastic waste into near carbon-neutral circular building materials called Cleanstone. Made in Aotearoa from 100 percent reclaimed plastic waste, Cleanstone replaces short-life interior materials that typically end up in landfill after only a few years. Critical. is now developing compact microfactories designed to help communities around the world transform local waste into high-value materials, jobs, and circular economic opportunity through regenerative manufacturing.

KiwiEconet: This Southland invention of 100 percent natural and organic jute fibre netting, KiwiEconet, replaces the plastic wrap used for baling hay and silage. It is eco-friendly, biodegradable and edible by livestock, with nutritional benefits.

Mountains to Sea Wellington Trust: The Love Rimurimu project, led by the Mountains to Sea Wellington Trust, is restoring declining kelp forests in Wellington Harbour through science, community action, and Indigenous partnership. It also empowers communities with hands on education and open source knowledge sharing.

Mushroom Material: A fully biodegradable alternative to expanded polystyrene on which the packaging industry relies is Mushroom Material. The innovation lies in mycelium-based pellets, designed to integrate seamlessly with existing moulding equipment, making the switch to a sustainable solution a truly viable option.

Sea Cleaners: Sea Cleaners operates a fleet of purpose-built vessels intercepting plastic pollution at the final point before it disperses beyond recovery, removing millions of litres of waste from waterways each year. Now expanding into the Pacific, it is building an island-led clean-up network that combines on-water recovery, data, and circular recycling to stop plastic pollution at scale.

The Sustainable Business Network encouraged applications for nominations from its Next List—the innovators, entrepreneurs, projects, and organisations who were finalists in its Sustainable Business Awards. Mushroom Material and Critical are successful nominees from these recommendations.

James Griffin, General Manager at Sustainable Business Network, says, “What’s exciting about these nominations is that they show world-class sustainable innovation is already emerging in Aotearoa New Zealand—not as distant ideas, but as practical, scalable solutions solving real problems right now. We’re thrilled to see Critical and Mushroom Material nominated for the world’s most prestigious environmental award. Both were selected because they’re on our Next list, which exists to help elevate the innovators building tomorrow’s economy today.”

About the Earthshot Prize

Every year in the 2020s, The Earthshot Prize Trust, led by Prince William, will award £1 million ($1.9 million) each to five environmental solutions. The global search identifies the most ambitious and inspiring solutions to the planet’s greatest environmental challenges across five goals or ‘Earthshots’: ‘Protect and Restore Nature’, ‘Clean our Air’, ‘Revive our Oceans’, ‘Build a Waste-Free World,’ and ‘Fix our Climate’.

In 2023, one of Victoria University of Wellington’s nominees, Sea Forest Ltd, made the highly-competitive global shortlist to be one of the fifteen finalists for The Earthshot Prize. This year’s finalists will be announced in September, and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in Mumbai in November.

MIL OSI

Greenpeace – New Fuel Crisis Scorecard: Coalition Flunks, Labour Offers Few Commitments

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 18 May 2026 22:40:24 +0000

Source: Greenpeace

As fuel prices remain high and the Budget looms closer Greenpeace has released a scorecard ranking political parties on practical solutions to cut dependence on imported fossil fuels and shield households from oil and gas price shocks.

Parties were asked nine yes-or-no questions about whether they back concrete measures including cancelling the proposed LNG import terminal, financing rooftop solar, shifting freight from roads onto rail, making public transport free, and restoring EV incentives.

The scorecard revealed starkly different policy responses to the fuel crisis. ACT scored 0 points out of 18, National scored just 1 and NZ First scored 2. Labour sat firmly in the middle scoring a 9, while Te Pāti Māori scored 18, and the Greens and Opportunity scored 16.

“We put parties to test to see who has a plan to take decisive and concrete action to cut energy costs and reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels,” says Greenpeace campaigner Gen Toop.

“National, ACT, and NZ First flunked the test, with plans to burn more money on mega-roads, and an LNG import terminal. Their abysmal ranking doesn’t bode well for the upcoming Budget,”

“Te Pāti Māori, the Greens, and TOP ranked highly, after giving clear commitments to policies that would deliver homegrown renewables as the cheapest, most secure energy option, alongside electrified public transport and rail.”

“Labour sat in the middle of the ranking. While they often supported the intent of the policy in question, they rarely gave a clear unconditional commitment to actually delivering it,” says Toop.

One of the most striking findings was that all the current governing parties continue to back the proposed LNG import terminal, despite the soaring imported gas prices and widespread warnings against it from a range of experts including the OECD.

‘”Kiwis are already being hit hard at the pump, the supermarket and on their power bills because of expensive, imported fossil fuels. Those same fuels are driving the climate crisis, and supercharging the storms damaging our communities and environment.”

“Building an LNG terminal in the middle of a global gas crisis is like trying to put out a fire with gasoline.”

“Instead of wasting billions on an LNG terminal, the Government should be supporting rooftop solar to reduce household bills, cut climate pollution, and stop further obscene profits flowing to the trillion dollar oil and gas industry at the public’s expense,” says Toop.

Greenpeace points to Australia as an example of effective Government policy on solar. Supported by $11 billion in government incentives, one in three Australian households now has rooftop solar. The New Zealand Government offers no financial support for household solar and only one in every 35 Kiwi homes have it.

“There are proven solutions to the fuel and climate crises already being rolled out around the world, like rooftop solar and free public transport. Our scorecard shows which political parties plan to ramp up those solutions here and which are choosing to double down on fossil fuels.”

National and NZ First were the only two parties that chose not to participate in the scorecard. Their scores were assessed using their public policies and voting records.

Greenpeace has published the scorecard on its website, along with its scoring methodology.

Greenpeace is an independent environmental campaigning organisation and does not take any money from political parties or corporations. It provides independent analysis of political party policies and actions, but does not endorse any political party or tell people how to vote.

MIL OSI

New homes delivered for Defence families

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 18 May 2026 04:39:59 +0000

Source: New Zealand Government

Modern, high-quality new homes have been delivered for military families ahead of schedule and under budget, Defence Minister Chris Penk says.

The first homes built through the Homes for Families programme were officially opened with a ribbon-cutting at Linton Military Camp in Manawatū today.

“Just seven months after shovels hit the ground, I am delighted to join in celebrating the opening of 23 new homes for military families, including eight at Linton Military Camp, five at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea and 10 at Burnham Military Camp,” Mr Penk says.

“Thanks to the professionalism and drive of our Defence Estate and Infrastructure team, our partners at Penny Homes and other key stakeholders, these builds have been delivered ahead of schedule and under budget, allowing us to add more projects to the construction pipeline.

“This work will continue. More homes will be ready for military families in the coming months and, alongside new builds, additional homes are planned through long-term leases in Devonport, Trentham, and Whenuapai.

“This $7.8 million development opened today is part of an ambitious programme across New Zealand Defence Force camps and bases to deliver the warm, modern, high-quality homes our personnel and their families deserve.

“Decades of underinvestment have meant many military families were residing in homes that were no longer fit for modern family life. Some dated back to the 1930s and were run-down, poorly laid-out, and insufficiently insulated.

“The Homes for Families programme recognises that providing personnel and their whānau with a warm, safe, dry home is central to their wellbeing. It will also help ease housing affordability pressures by providing options in high-cost areas.

“In addition to giving Defence personnel and their families modern places to thrive, the construction of these homes supports jobs in the communities which surround our military camps and bases, boosting economic activity in the regions.

“Today’s ribbon-cutting represents an important construction milestone and reflects our commitment to improving living conditions for our sailors, soldiers and aviators, so they can give their best while serving and protecting New Zealand.

“I look forward to these houses becoming much-loved homes for our hardworking New Zealand Defence Force personnel and their families for many years to come.”

Notes to editors:

The Government intends to invest up to $600 million into the Homes for Families programme through the 2025 Defence Capability Plan (DCP).
Mr Penk, along with New Zealand Defence Force representatives, had turned the sod at the Linton site on 23 September 2025.

MIL OSI

Ukraine offers NZ deal to build military drones

MIL OSI — Sun, 17 May 2026 23:33:44 +0000

Source: Radio New Zealand

Drone warfare has proven to be a gamechanger in the Ukraine conflict. AFP / VACHESLAV MADIIEVSKYI

Ukraine has approached New Zealand about a deal to build military drones, in a new push to sell its Russian-killing technology around the world.

Ukraine has 20 countries interested and four signed agreements on drones, including Germany, Canada, Norway and Japan.

Ukraine’s ambassador to New Zealand and Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said his country could offer unique drone innovation and he had raised it several times with the government.

“They have the proposal on the table,” Myroshnychenko said on Friday.

The government said no decision had been made to an approach on drones in December, but officials were considering it.

Ukrainian President Zelensky has recently made statements that have been seen as a key step in defence diplomacy by Kyiv, leveraging the fact that the world had witnessed uncrewed systems rewriting the rules of warfare in both the Russia and Iran conflicts.

Many countries around the world have ramped up demand for drones this year – including both Australia and the US, which last months revealed a new $NZ90 billion plan to build a Defense Autonomous Warfare Group (DAWG).

Myroshnychenko said he did not need to raise the issue again in New Zealand.

“It’s up to New Zealand government” to consider either before or after the November elections, he told RNZ.

“That’s what we are now doing with a number of international partners and certainly would be open to discuss it with the New Zealand government.

“Certainly we would be open for it and we do believe that we could assist and we have some of the innovation which is only available in Ukraine, and we would be happy to work jointly on this investment together.”

Ukraine-US drone deal – ‘We are ready to deliver’

CBS reported last week that the US and Ukraine had drafted a deal to allow tech exports for the manufacture of drones in joint ventures with American companies.

Ukraine has been sending drone interceptors to the Middle East to combat Iran’s Shahed drones – which Russia has used against Kyiv.

“We are ready to deliver,” Zelensky said last month on X after doing deals with Middle East governments. “We want to help them defend themselves.”

“First, our expertise. Second, training missions and software to integrate different military equipment into one system. And cheap drones and co-production lines to make them … I think all of this needs to be shared with the US as well … We wanted to sign a big drone production deal with the United States, but we needed the approval from the White House.”

Myroshnychenko said a starting point was a bilateral security agreement – 28 countries had signed one with Ukraine.

“New Zealand is not one of those, but certainly we’d be keen to discuss it if they’re interested,” he said.

“Those countries who signed those agreements are now also signing drone agreements, or drone deals, as we call them. A drone deal is a starting point for creating those joint ventures in a way, because at the moment there is a ban on the export of any weapons or any defence technology out of Ukraine.

“But we’re trying to figure out a way how to release that technology. And for that, we need both governments to be on board.”

A soldier with the call sign ”Pavuk” (”Spider”) watches a drone take off from a ground robotic complex during trials at a training ground. AFP / DMYTRO SMOLIENKO

He said he had raised a drone deal with senior officials and former Defence Minister Judith Collins, and with her successor Chris Penk in December.

Penk at the weekend confirmed the approach.

“Those matters remain under consideration by defence officials and no decisions have been made at this stage,” Penk said in a statement.

“I look forward to receiving further advice in due course on potential next steps.”

Penk told RNZ last month that drone spending was at the right level, although the country had to make sure it did not fall behind.

Put a billion in – analyst

Myroshnychenko said Australia was expected to sign a bilateral security deal with Ukraine later this year.

“So certainly Australian, New Zealand government knows that there is a proposal to sign this long-term bilateral security agreement that could be a foundation for a drone deal.”

Geopolitical analyst Dr Del Carlini of Wellington said there was no time to waste with signs of a new world war approaching.

Dr Del Carlini. Supplied

“We should be putting a billion dollars of our defence spending into a joint venture with Ukraine to learn how to produce drones to manufacture them here and then to have them used – in Ukraine at the moment, could be in the Middle East,” said Carlini.

“But most importantly we know how to manufacture them and whatever the type of drone we need at some point in the future we know how to manufacture it, not purchase it … when warfare actually kicks off.”

Spending billions on frigates – as was intended in the Defence Capability Plan in the decade ahead – would be a waste when the Iran war had shown how quickly Tehran’s navy could be taken out of play, Carlini said.

Sovereign domestic production featured in Australia’s new plan to invest $14-18 billion on drone and counter-drone technologies over the next decade.

Thai geopolitical analyst Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak in Wellington last week also warned of signs of war spreading.

‘The money would be better invested in New Zealand and Australia’ – NZ drone maker

Myroshnychenko said New Zealand firms stood to benefit from a drones deal.

“Any joint ventures, you need a local producer and you have one of those companies in New Zealand …. catering to your needs, but also catering to some of the needs of … region, of the like-minded countries, including Australia.”

Mt Maunganui firm Syos makes drones that have been used in Ukraine and by UK armed forces.

But Philip Solaris – who has made drones for more than a decade at Obsidian Systems – said while he backed anything that helped Ukraine, a drone joint venture was not the way to go.

“The money would be better invested in New Zealand and Australia,” he said.

Not only was Ukraine a different operating environment, but he drew a different lesson from autonomous warfare there.

“There’s a lot of small companies throughout New Zealand that have really key parts to play in such a situation. Ukraine has been forced into doing that, and you’ll find that actually their defence industry is largely made-up from a lot of small players, not just a few big primes.”

Solaris said he had talked to Penk about his belief that getting the industry’s logistics right was the prime lesson from Ukraine. On that score, Budget 2026 needed to deliver not necessarily more money for drones, but a better, faster system for spending it.

“New Zealand and Australia already have the technological capability and the innovation and the know-how of how to do what is being done there,” said Solaris.

“So I don’t think the issue is around technology. I think that in many ways you may be talking about more of a political issue.

“The capability is there. It’s how it is developed and how it is employed. And we need to be building our own infrastructure.”

How does AUKUS fit?

Drones fit under the military emerging technology banner, and a key deal for sharing that type of tech for New Zealand’s main security partners is AUKUS.

Under its Pillar Two, the three nuclear-sharing AUKUS Pillar One members – the US, Australia and the UK – have recently lowered barriers to sharing or trading in arms technology. But the NZ Defence Force has had far fewer meetings about the option of joining Pillar Two in recent months than previously.

Myroshnychenko said he had not been briefed on AUKUS, and the issue of whether it was a barrier to drone deals was a matter for the Australian government.

The question was how to restore the international rules-based system and build deterrence together, he said.

Russia was belligerent and training North Korea, he said.

“So it’s all happening here in the region … The impact of this war and the implications of this war on the Indo-Pacific are pretty clear.

“You know, if New Zealand government is interested, we’d be very keen to follow up on this and work on this together.”

Penk said drones was one area of potential areas of cooperation and New Zealand remained steadfast in support for Ukraine.

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

Minister attending Pacific organised crime summit

LiveNews Publisher — Sun, 17 May 2026 21:33:35 +0000

Source: New Zealand Government

Customs and Associate Police Minister Casey Costello is visiting Samoa and Fiji as part of her Customs and Associate Polce responsibilities.

Ms Costello is in Samoa today and will attend the Pacific Transnational Crime Summit Minister’s meeting in Fiji tomorrow.

“Jointly hosted by Fiji and Australia, this is the only meeting of combined Pacific Police Ministers.” Ms Costello says. “It will bring together Pacific Ministers responsible for policing to strengthen regional cooperation and drive coordinated responses to transnational crime affecting the Pacific.

“More than 15 countries are attending and the Summit is an important opportunity for New Zealand to strengthen partnerships that support the Pacific’s resilience and are critical to our own efforts to prevent the harm from organised crime.” Ms Costello says.

In Samoa, the Minister is meeting with her counterpart, Samoan Customs Minister Masinalupe Leatuavao Makesi Pisi.

She will also be doing operational visits to the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre, Apia Port and the Samoan detector dog unit.

MIL OSI

Doocey to lead delegation to Australia

LiveNews Publisher — Sun, 17 May 2026 20:48:26 +0000

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health Matt Doocey will today travel to Australia to attend the Digital Health Festival 2026 in Melbourne and visit mental health commissions across Australia.

“HealthTech is one of New Zealand’s largest and fastest-growing technology subsectors, contributing $3.9 billion to the New Zealand economy in 2025,” Mr Doocey says.

“I’m looking forward to leading a delegation of 26 New Zealand HealthTech companies and organisations that are playing a pivotal role in developing innovative technologies to support the future of digital healthcare.

“This is the largest-ever New Zealand presence at the Digital Health Festival, with participation having grown every year, a sign of the strong momentum across the industry.”

Mr Doocey will also visit Mental Health Commissions in Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia.

“The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission has been an independent Crown entity in New Zealand for five years now. As a requirement, a review of the commission is to be undertaken.

“This is the first time there has been a review since establishment and it’s important that we get it right.

“This is an incredibly important role that holds any Government of the day to account. As we head into the review, I look forward to the opportunity to meet with commissions in Australia to hear directly from them about what’s working, what’s not and how they have best utilised the commission.”

Mr Doocey leaves on 18 May and will return on 23 May.

MIL OSI

Details of NCEA replacement confirmed

LiveNews Publisher — Sat, 16 May 2026 02:18:35 +0000

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s new senior secondary qualifications will provide clearer, more credible recognition of student achievement, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“We want young people leaving school with qualifications that are clear, rigorous and widely understood by parents, employers, tertiary providers and students themselves,” Ms Stanford says.

“In March, we confirmed that NCEA would be replaced by a new subject-based qualification over two years. The new qualification will be the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) at Year 12 and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) at Year 13.

“Today we are confirming how students will achieve the qualifications, the new grading scale, compulsory subjects, and assessment requirements. These changes are designed to provide clearer pathways, stronger foundations and greater confidence in what student achievement means.

“Under the new system, students in Years 12 and 13 will study at least five subjects each year, with a minimum of three subjects required to achieve each qualification. Obtaining the new literacy and numeracy Foundational Award, benchmarked at Year 11, will be will be a requirement to gain the new qualification.”

Certificates will clearly show how many subjects a student has passed, along with the grade achieved in each subject, creating incentives for students to work hard and achieve success across more subjects.

Students who achieve excellent results across all five subjects will also be eligible for endorsement awards, recognising outstanding academic and vocational performance.

“The new qualifications will introduce a six-point grading scale from A+ to E for every subject, making achievement easier to understand for parents, employers, tertiary providers and students themselves.”

Every subject will include internal assessments and an examination, with the weighting of the examination varying depending on the curriculum area and the nature of the subject. The qualification changes are being developed alongside the new knowledge-rich senior secondary curriculum so that what students learn and how they are assessed are properly aligned.

From 2028, Science | Pūtaiao will also become a compulsory subject in Year 11 alongside English | Te Reo Rangatira and Mathematics | Pāngarau.

“Science gives young people important foundational knowledge in today’s modern world, paving the way for our future scientists, problem-solvers and innovators.

“In 2025 we confirmed the subject list being developed by the Ministry of Education. Examples of exciting new subjects that have been confirmed for the curriculum are ‘Civics, Politics and Philosophy’, ‘Journalism, Media and Communications’ and ‘Advanced Mathematics’.

“Also included are industry-led subjects being developed by Industry Skills Boards that will be included in the qualification with parity of esteem alongside the Ministry subjects. These include subjects like Building and Construction, Outdoor Education and Primary Industries.

“This qualification rewards hard work and is designed to encourage young people to strive to do their very best, and ultimately to feel proud of what they achieved.

“Today’s Year 9 students will be the first cohort to progress through these changes, supported by a clearer curriculum and qualifications that properly recognise achievement and prepare them for the future.

“This is about ensuring every young New Zealander leaves school with qualifications that are credible, internationally comparable, and set them up for success.”

MIL OSI

Humanitarian Activism – Global Sumud Flotilla Calls Out the Playbook: Israel is Lying Again to Manufacture Consent for Potentially Deadly Force

LiveNews Publisher — Fri, 15 May 2026 23:48:41 +0000

Source: Global Sumud Flotilla

MEDITERRANEAN SEA – Once again, the Israeli regime has started its propaganda engine as the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) sails towards Gaza. The timing is not accidental; it is part of their playbook of depraved tactics to justify another crime and potential deadly force—the same playbook that has allowed them to operate their apartheid regime for nearly 80 years and carry out genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people.

Israeli regime-controlled media like N12 are falsely claiming our international, independent, and humanitarian mission to break Israel’s illegal siege of Gaza is violent and affiliated with governments and political parties. This predictable playbook mirrors past language used to justify Israel’s slaughter of 10 humanitarians onboard the Mavi Marmara.

We are calling out the New Zealand government to do everything in their power to protect the New Zealanders onboard the flotilla. Their names are Hāhona Ormsby, Mousa Taher, and Julien Blondel.

We are calling this out before they act: no government or leader can claim they didn’t know.

The Script is Obvious. Here is How They Are Doing It:

The “Violent” Lie: They are telling the world we are “more violent than predecessors.” This is a fabrication designed to give their commandos a “green light” to use lethal force against unarmed civilians. They want to claim self-defense after they attack us in international waters.
The “Terrorist” Scapegoat: Whenever the Israeli regime wants to commit a crime, they shout “Hamas” to excuse their violence and war crimes. By “examining connections” to “terror groups” in the news, they are trying to strip peaceful, nonviolent volunteers of their status as doctors, journalists, humanitarians and activists, attempting to rebrand a civilian-led flotilla into a military target.
The Victim Blaming: Israel is gaslighting the world by framing Shayetet 13, a lethal elite commando unit responsible for leading the Al-Shifa Hospital massacre, as the “victim” of slow-moving boats full of doctors and human rights defenders. This is a calculated setup by the Israeli regime, with facilitation from complicit and participating countries. It is a physical and logical absurdity to claim “self-defense” while committing state-sponsored piracy and crimes against humanity in international waters. You cannot “defend” yourself by launching a violent kidnapping against a legal humanitarian mission. The only “threat” here is that we might actually succeed in breaking the siege and opening up a humanitarian corridor.

A Blunt Warning to the Occupying Forces and States:

We have already placed the international community on formal notice. If you think you can hide behind “following orders” or “security estimates,” you are wrong.

To the Commandos: We are documenting everything in real-time. If you board these ships, kidnap or harm our participants in any way, your faces and your actions will be evidence in international courts and prosecuted.
To the Politicians: Arrest warrants have already been issued in Spain, Italy, and Türkiye for 37 high-ranking officials. We are not just sailing to deliver aid; we are sailing to expose the complicity that makes our sail a necessity.
To the World: The blockade isn’t a “security measure,” it’s a tool of genocide, occupation and ethnic cleansing. Any country that helps stop this aid is an accomplice to Israel’s crimes.

The participants of GSF are unarmed, non-violent humanitarians, doctors, journalists and volunteers. We affirm our purpose is to open a humanitarian corridor and reach the shores of Gaza with aid and work alongside the Palestinian people in their pursuit of freedom and collective liberation. We remain steadfast and will continue sailing in international waters with both aid and the law on our side.

The world is watching. The playbook is exposed. We call on the world to act.

MIL OSI