Teachers, principals and schools across New Zealand are being celebrated in the first inaugural Education Excellence Awards, Education Minister Erica Stanford hosted today.  

The inaugural New Zealand Education Excellence Awards — Ngā Tohu Kairangi Mātauranga o Aotearoa, were held at Parliament in Wellington to recognise the outstanding work of schools and kura across the country.  

“The Education Excellence Awards are about celebrating teachers, schools and kura that are driving change and achieving results,” Ms Stanford said. 

“Recognising that quality teaching and school leadership are the two of the most important factors impacting student learning. We need to celebrate the skills and dedication of those who bring that to life every day in the classroom.” 

The national awards programme, launched this year, highlights outstanding progress and performance across four areas critical to student success:  

Student engagement and attendance  
Raising student achievement
Quality teaching and instruction
Educational leadership. 

“Raising student achievement is fundamental. Every student needs a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy to successfully progress through their education.” 

“Attendance is equally critical; students need to be in the classroom to learn. Schools recognised today are using effective and innovative ways to get young people back into the classroom, engaged and excited about learning.” 

The awards also highlight the pivotal role teachers and leaders have in driving education success.

“High-quality teaching has the biggest impact on student outcomes, and strong leadership ensures that great practice is consistent across a school. 

“The award commendations, finalists and winners show what is possible when schools focus on evidence-based teaching, set high expectations, and provide the right environment for their community of learners,” Ms Stanford said.   

Ms Stanford says the awards are about more than prize money — they are about recognising the lasting impact of our teaching profession and lifting performance across the system.

“The leadership, professionalism, and commitment of our teachers and school leaders showcased today is making a real and lasting difference for communities. 

“While congratulating the schools recognised was a focus of today’s award ceremony, the real opportunity here is to learn from these examples,” Ms Stanford concludes.  

Finalists and winners were selected following a comprehensive selection process, including nominations from students, families, staff, and communities, and application assessment by panels of education experts.   

Editor notes: 

New Zealand Education Excellence Awards prize money, commendations, finalists and award winners

Each winning school will receive $20,000, other finalists will receive $5,000 and schools that were recognised with a commendation will receive $1,000. 

All winners, finalists and commendations will receive framed certificate, and winners also received a trophy.

School applications were assessed in the following education settings*

Primary school with 150 students or fewer (known as U1, U2 and U3 schools)
Primary school with over 150 students (known as U4 schools)
Secondary (any size)
Area schools could apply in either a primary or secondary setting category.

* Not all education settings had an award winner.

Finalists and Award Winners

Excellence in Raising Student Achievement finalists and award winners

Manurewa Intermediate, Tāmaki Herenga Waka | Auckland South/Southwest (Award winner – primary school over 150 students)
Long Bay College, Tāmaki Herenga Tāngata | Auckland North/West
Rutherford College, Tāmaki Herenga Tāngata | Auckland North/West
Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, Tāmaki Herenga Manawa | Auckland Central/East (Award winner – secondary school)

Excellence in Student Engagement and Attendance finalists and award winners

Kaihere School, Waikato (Award winner – primary school 150 students or fewer)
Kaiti School, Tairāwhiti | Hawke’s Bay(Award winner – primary school over 150 students)
Rāroa Normal Intermediate, Wellington
Iqra School, Tāmaki Herenga Tāngata | Auckland North/West
Nelson College For Girls, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast
Maniototo Area School, Otago, Southland(Award winner – secondary school)

Excellence in Quality Teaching and Instruction finalists and award winners

Sommerville School, Tāmaki Herenga Manawa | Auckland Central/East (Award winner – primary school over 150 students)
Long Bay College, Tāmaki Herenga Tāngata | Auckland North/West
Albany Junior High School, Tāmaki Herenga Tāngata | Auckland North/West
Avondale College, Tāmaki Herenga Manawa | Auckland Central/East (Award winner – secondary school)

Excellence in Educational Leadership finalists and award winners

Manurewa Intermediate, Tāmaki Herenga Waka | Auckland South/Southwest
Goodwood School, Waikato (Award winner – primary school over 150 students)
Gulf Harbour School, Tāmaki Herenga Tāngata | Auckland North/West
Nelson College For Girls, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast
Rolleston College, Canterbury, Chatham Islands
Westlake Girls’ High School, Tāmaki Herenga Tāngata | Auckland North/West (Award winner – secondary school)

Commendation recipients

School, region and commendation focus

Bayswater School, Tāmaki Herenga Tāngata – Auckland North/West – Embedding culturally responsive practice
Christchurch North College, Canterbury, Chatham Islands – Commitment to student wellbeing
Mairangi Bay School, Tāmaki Herenga Tāngata – Auckland North/West – Strong community focus
Ōpunake High School, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū – Engagement with students and whānau
Rotokawa School, Bay of Plenty, Waiariki – Innovative integration of AI

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/new-awards-celebrate-excellence-and-delivering-real-results-for-students/

The public’s views are being sought on proposed changes for catch limits and sustainability measures for 22 fish stocks, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

“Twice a year, formal reviews are done on a range of fish stocks and proposals are developed to adjust settings where necessary. The proposed options are developed using the best available science and information about the fishery,” Mr Jones says.

“When a fishery can sustainably handle more harvesting, contributing to our economy and supporting our communities, we should allow it. On the other hand, it is in everybody’s best interests to reduce fishing when needed.”

When selecting stocks for review, a range of factors are considered including sustainability risks, new information about the stock from assessments and monitoring programmes, information from tangata whenua, the public, and stakeholders, and environmental factors.

This review includes proposals to significantly reduce catch throughout New Zealand’s tarakihi fisheries. 

“Tarakihi is one of New Zealand’s favourite fish species, with around 95 per cent of commercially caught tarakihi sold and consumed domestically,” Mr Jones says.

“Warming waters are likely to have impacted the number of juvenile fish. Despite efforts to reduce pressure on the fishery, supported by industry – including catch limit reductions in 2018, 2019, and 2022 – the fishery has not recovered as well as hoped.

“Stock assessments for both the East and West Coast tarakihi fisheries indicate levels will continue to decline, which is why significant changes are proposed for these fisheries.

“On the other hand, snapper and trevally continue to do well as they respond well to warmer waters. Catch limit increases are proposed for snapper and trevally in area 2 (East Cape, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington), reflecting increasing abundance.”

The review also includes proposals for adjustments to deemed value rates on 11 fish stocks. Deemed value rates are paid by fishers on catch that exceeds their Annual Catch Entitlement.

“Once consultation closes, officials will analyse the submissions and provide me with advice. My decisions will be announced before the start of the fishing year on 1 October 2026.

“Consultation opens today and I encourage anyone with an interest in these fisheries to read the proposals and provide feedback.”

Submissions can be made online until 5pm on 24 July 2026. More information about the proposals and how to make a submission can be found on MPI’s website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/review-of-fishery-sustainability-measures-october-2026-round

Stocks included in this review:

Deepwater – Total Allowable Catch Review

• Blue mackerel – EMA 7 – West coast North Island, west coast South Island
• Ling – LIN 7 – West Coast and Top of the South Island
• Gemfish – SKI 3 – East Coast South Island, Chatham Islands
• Frostfish – FRO 3 – East Coast South Island
• Scampi – SCI 3 – East Coast South Island, western Chatham Rise  
• Alfonsino – BYX 3 – East Coast South Island, Chatham Islands

Inshore – Total Allowable Catch Review

• East Coast tarakihi – TAR 1E, 2, 3, 7E – East Coast North and South Island
• West Coast tarakihi – TAR 1W, 7W, 8 – West Coast North and South Island
• Ling – LIN 1 – Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty
• Snapper – SNA 2 – East Cape, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington
• Trevally – TRE 2 – East Cape, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington
• Stargazer – STA 7 – West Coast and Top of the South Island
• Butterfish – BUT 7 – West Coast and Top of the South Island
• Shortfin eel – SFE 13 – Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere)
• Pāua – PAU 7 – Marlborough
• Leatherjacket – LEA 3 – East Coast South Island, Southland 
• Elephant fish – ELE 3 and 5 – East Coast South Island, Southland, and Sub-Antarctic
• Pāua – PAU 5D – Southland and Otago

Review of deemed value rate adjustments

• East Coast tarakihi – TAR 1, 2, 3, 7 – East Coast North and South Island
• West Coast tarakihi – TAR 1, 8, 7 – West Coast North and South Island
• School shark – SCH 3, 5 – East Coast South Island, Southland
• Parore – PAR 1, 9 – East and West Coast upper North Island 
• Yellow-eyed mullet – YEM 1, 9 – East and West Coast upper North Island

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/feedback-sought-on-catch-limits-and-sustainability/

With the third reading passage of the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill, it will now be easier for successful charter school sponsors to open more schools and offer proven education models to more students, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. 

“Charter schools are unlocking young New Zealanders’ potential. Students who were not attending are at school, and those who were behind are ahead,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Now that a single proven sponsor can hold a contract for multiple charter schools, more Kiwi students will have that opportunity. It means a school that’s unlocking potential for kids in one community can do the same in another, without having to go through a whole new application process.  

“We know the demand for more charter schools is there. In some cases, demand was even higher than we expected. For example, Northwest College in Auckland has already had to move into a bigger building to accommodate its growth, and its waitlist continues to grow. Newer schools are in huge demand too. Twin Oaks School only opened in Term 3 last year and already has to move into a bigger space.

“The evidence for letting successful schools grow is strong. The largest charter school network in America KIPP, has shown that when you let proven models expand, kids who were behind catch up. Students who attended KIPP through middle and high school were nearly twice as likely to graduate from a four-year college as comparable peers. That’s what happens when you stop blocking growth.

“We’re already seeing this at home too. For example, TIPENE took initial assessment data in February 2025. It showed more than half their students were below the expected levels in mathematics, reading, and writing. By the end of the year, 81 per cent of students were achieving at or above the expected level in mathematics, 79 per cent in reading, and 80 per cent in writing. 

“In its first year École Française Internationale Auckland surpassed the Government targets for both attendance and achievement. In Term 1 this year regular attendance at Twin Oaks was 98 per cent. 

“Last year students at charter schools also attended school more than students in the state system. Three of the charter schools which opened last year were set up to work with students who faced significant barriers to education prior to their enrolment in charter schools. This includes many students who previously attended school very rarely, but are now at school significantly more, and achieving at a much higher level. 

“Christchurch North College and BUSY School NZ are two examples of those schools. Both these schools in their first year didn’t reach their attendance thresholds, but the improvement has been significant. 

“At Christchurch North College for example, all its students were previously disengaged from education. The school began its year with a regular attendance rate of 28 per cent. In Term 4 it was 42 per cent. While at BUSY School NZ, the average attendance rate for its students before enrolling was just 19 per cent. It now sits at 83 per cent.

“Charter schools show that education can be different if we let communities bring their ideas to the table. In return for greater autonomy with how they use their funding, charter schools will face greater scrutiny and more accountability. We will continue to set tough targets for charter schools so that they continue to deliver great results.” 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/multi-school-contracts-for-charter-sponsors/

Good morning, everyone.  

It’s great to be here at the Community Housing Aotearoa Conference again – I believe the last time was November 2024 – I look forward to catching up with many of you.

I’d like to acknowledge Paul Gilberd and his team at CHA for hosting this event and inviting me to speak.  

I’d also like to acknowledge Mana whenua, Ngāti Whātua Orakei, and AUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Damon Salesa.  

And I’d like to thank everyone in this room.  

From community housing providers to tenancy managers, financiers, iwi, support service providers, community leaders, and developers. All of you do a great job providing warm and dry homes for people in need – and so much more.

As a Minister, there are some things I don’t like to do, and there are many long hours and late nights away from home.  

But one of the best parts of my job is attending openings of life changing homes across the country and meeting the people who are receiving support – seeing the difference it makes.  

It’s a large part of why I do what I do.

You’ve heard me say this before: the Government backs affordable housing and social housing.  

But – like many of you – we also think the current system is broken.  

The Government can do a much better job at supporting those in most need and being more ambitious for people.  

That’s why we’re creating an entirely new Housing Investment System centred on three principles: building the right types of homes, in the right places, for the right people.

We’re also progressing a broader Review of the Social Housing System, which I’m not pretending will be easy, but – in my view – is the right thing to do.

Today, I want to talk to you about the progress we’ve made over the past two and a half years.  

Then, I want to go over the Government’s vision for housing supports and our plan to achieve it, including the Review of Social Housing, which I know many of you would like more detail on.  

Root-cause of our housing crisis

Before I get into it, I’d like to quickly touch on our wider housing crisis.  

Because you can’t look at social housing in a vacuum.  

The truth is, that our failure to create a functioning private housing market has led to a cascading series of extremely difficult and expensive public policy problems to solve, with real human costs.

We all know housing costs are too expensive.

Over the last 30 years, New Zealand has seen some of the largest house price growth in the OECD.  

Similarly, from 2017 to 2023 – average rents increased by around $180 per week.  

In the year to June 2024, around 46% of renters spent more than 30% of their income on housing. Māori and Pacific households fared worse at 64% and 70% respectively.  

There are also around 20,000 families on the social housing wait list.

It’s clear that unaffordable housing – largely caused by the artificial scarcity of developable urban land, and other planning barriers – has contributed to increased need.  

This is bad for all New Zealanders, it’s phenomenally expensive for government, and – most critically – it has made life tougher for people at the hard end.  

Central government spends around $5 billion on housing assistance per year in many different forms. That includes the accommodation supplement, Income Related Rent Subsidies, emergency housing grants, transitional housing, and initiatives to address homelessness.

If that $5 billion amount stays flat over the 4-year budget period, the government will spend over $20 billion on helping people to be housed.

That’s two thirds of central government’s school property portfolio, or billions of dollars more than our entire network of hospitals – an astonishing amount of money.

This isn’t to say that we shouldn’t spend money on housing people who need help – this is to make the broader point that kiwis and the government are paying the price for a housing challenge that, at least in part, is of our own making.

Our housing challenge has also manifested into a moral issue.  

A generation locked out of home ownership. People living paycheque to paycheque just to afford rent. And a long list of families in housing need who can’t get access to a warm dry home.  

I am committed to fix housing by focusing on the fundamentals – this includes our Going for Housing Growth programme, improving the rental market, making changes to lower construction costs, reversing aspects of the earthquake prone building laws, making it easier to build granny flats and papakāinga, and reforming of our planning laws to create a much more enabling system.

But no matter how well-functioning the private housing market is, there will always be those who need extra support, and that’s a legitimate role of the State – otherwise, why are we here.  

Progress to date  

Since coming into Government, we have made good progress:  

• House prices have been largely flat,  
• Rents are flat to falling,
• First home purchases have been at record highs, and  
• There are 5,000 less households on the housing register.

Now I’ll quickly touch on work we have progressed since I spoke to you last.  

Kāinga Ora Turnaround Plan

I’ll start with the Kāinga Ora (KO) Turnaround Plan, which was released in February 2025.

When we came into Government, KO was out of control, with debt on its balance sheet rising from $2.3 billion in 2017/18 to $16.5 billion in 2023/24. KO’s own 2023 Board-approved budget also showed debt forecast to grow to $24.8 billion by 2026/27. That’s about 12 New Dunedin Hospitals.

That situation was unsustainable.  

Every dollar KO failed to manage properly was a dollar that could not go toward providing good outcomes for kiwis in housing need.  

Since the Turnaround Plan was released, KO has delivered better outcomes for tenants and communities – all while getting its books back in order and progressing a strong delivery programme.  

Tenancy satisfaction is rising, vacancy rates are lower, fewer tenants are in rent arrears, and KO is doing a better job of managing its tenants to support safe, respectful communities.

On the financial side of things, KO has got peak debt down by $10 billion, build costs are down, and operating costs are down.  

On the delivery side, KO has delivered 5,000 net new social homes (7,800 gross) since November 2023 but is now focused on keeping its stock at around 78,000 while improving the quality, typology, and location of home through its renewals and retrofit programme.  

For instance, KO is selling high-value properties – like the $3.4m villa next to Lorde’s old house on Trinity Street in Ponsonby – and reinvesting in other homes.

This includes investing in smaller places, as 55 percent of people on the register need a one-bedroom home, but only 12 percent of KO’s stock is one-bedroom.

While there is more work to do it is clear that Kāinga Ora is getting back on track. This is an excellent example of the Government’s drive to fix the basics and build the future.

Lower financing barriers for CHPs

Let’s move onto lower financing barriers for CHPs.  

Since I spoke to you last, the Government has taken two actions that have already started to lower barriers to financing for CHPs.

In September 2025, we established Crown lending facilities of up to $150 million for the Community Housing Funding Authority – and I’d like to thank James Palmer for his fantastic work in this space.

CHFA is already helping CHPs access finance. They have advanced $530m of funds nationwide and financed 34 community and affordable housing providers. This frees up resources to deliver more homes, faster, and for less.  

With the banks, CHPs were paying about 8.5% interest rates, and now CHFA is enabling refinancing at a fixed rate of 4% for three to five years.

There are also savings for taxpayers. For new CHP social housing, the government could save around $45k per house over the first five years of a 25-year IRRS contract. This enables us to continue to back the CHP sector with more investment over time.  

This also means governments will be able to fund more places with the same amount of money.  

On top of the lending facility, in October 2025, the Government launched a second action to reduce CHP borrowing costs –

The CHP Bank Loan Guarantee Scheme, where the Crown guarantees 80% of loans to providers by participating banks.

The scheme can support up to $900 million in both new lending and the refinancing of up to 50% of providers’ existing lending.

Budget places  

While we have been levelling the playing filed between KO and CHPs, we have continued to back social and affordable housing.

Since coming into Government, CHPs and KO have delivered 7,500 net new social homes (9,200 gross).

We have approved $426m for Māori-led delivery of around 1,000 homes – including papakāinga, affordable rentals, and owner-occupied housing.

We have also continued to invest in new places.  

Through Budgets 24, 25, and 26 we have built a genuine, long-term social housing pipeline of opportunities for the CHP sector and other providers.  

This is something that the sector has been asking for, and that no government has really delivered – until now.  

I’ll break down the pipeline.

In Budgets 24 and 25, the Government funded at least 2,050 places to be delivered by June 2027, which is actually now looking closer to 2,200 places – which is great!

As of May 2026, over 500 places have been delivered, and 85% of the 2,200 places will be one or two bedrooms.

Flexible Fund  

Then, in Budget 2025, the Government established the Flexible Fund, which is supporting the delivery of 675 to 770 homes for delivery from July 2027 to the end of 2029.  

The Flexible Fund collapses and combines previous housing programmes.

Until recently, the status quo was a confusing alphabet soup of tightly defined, duplicative programmes where providers are forced to mould their models to rigid criteria or be left out.

We aren’t doing that anymore.

We are moving to a future state with one flexible pot of money that can be deployed to all types of interventions – including affordable rentals and new, innovative solutions – that best meet housing need and represent good value for money.

The last part of the pipeline is made up of the places funded in Budget 2026.  

Budget 2026 topped up the Flexible Fund by $69.2m, which will support the delivery of an additional 1,800 to 2,250 homes over three years starting from July 2028.  

I’m really proud of building a credible, deliverable, and long-term pipeline for CHPs and other providers.

And, I don’t want to get ahead of the Budget process, but my intention is to continue to top up the Flexible Fund and build up the long-term pipeline.

Vision for Flexible Fund and Housing Investment Plan

A key differentiating factor of the Flexible Fund – is how places are allocated.  

In the past, governments have invested in social housing without a clear understanding of what is needed, where it is needed, and who is best placed to deliver it.  

But now we have a Housing Investment Plan, which will be updated every year and/or funding round.  

The first Plan was published in 2025 and uses detailed data and local insights to identify where housing need is highest and which types of homes are required.  

In other words, we want to ensure future investment reflects the real-world needs of communities.

The first Plan had a large focus of need in locations – like Far North, South Auckland, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hastings, and the main centres.  

This is a good first step.

But my vision is for the Housing Investment Plan to use high-quality data to identify and target investment into priority cohorts.  

Cohorts that, if we invested in them, would deliver the greatest benefits to households, to government, and to society.  

A real social investment approach.  

I have a hypothesis that some of these cohorts are recently released prisoners, families doing it tough with young children, and kiwis with mental health challenges or disabilities.  

Here’s one statistic that has stuck with me – NZ longitudinal research following people post release shows a 4.6 times higher reimprisonment risk for those with unstable housing.  

On a more personal note, I have been exercised about two stories of people falling through the cracks.  

The first is the guy in New Plymouth in a wheelchair, living in a motel for over four years with his son just waiting for a KO house. It took two years just to sort out a ramp.  

The other, is a man who was in a mental health care unit and had to stay there for years because there was nowhere for him to go.  

Both examples are disgraceful, and it’s exactly what I am trying to change.  

Now, I don’t want to guess what the cohorts are, I want to get it right.

That’s why I’ve asked the Social Investment Agency to do the analysis with Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Ministry of Social Development using IDI and other rich data.  

This analysis will get more sophisticated overtime and will feed into future Housing Investment Plans.  

Review of Social Housing  

Now, I’ll finish off with the Review of Social Housing – or ROSH.  

This is a multi-year reform of our social housing system.  

I want to create a system that is fair, represents value for money, supports upward mobility, and where those in most need receive help for the period that they need it.  

There are some fundamental problems in the current social housing system that we’re seeking to address –  

The current system is unfair. Similar households can get very different financial support depending on whether they are in social housing or a private rental.  

On average, social housing tenants on a main benefit have $105 more a week left after housing costs than comparable private renters receiving the Accommodation Supplement.

The system is also expensive, and our limited stock is not being used effectively. For example, 29 percent of people in social housing can afford a lower quartile market rent. That’s not to say those people need to move on, as they could require social housing for other reasons. But it makes the point that current settings don’t necessarily target those in most need.  

Many people are also stuck in social housing dependency – and it’s largely the fault of the system. 30 percent of tenants have been in social housing for over 10 years. And households are now forecast to remain there for an average of 16.7 more years.  

Tenants are simply not incentivised or supported enough to gain more independence.  

The changes through ROSH aim to deliver a fairer, more effective and efficient system.  

There are three key shifts to be progressed over a number of years:

1. The first is refocusing social housing to those who need it most.
2. The second is delivering a package of interventions to help people through the social housing system towards independence.
3. The third is to improve fairness and financial incentives by closing the gap between social and private housing.  

On the last shift, you will be aware of the three initial changes, that include:

• Increasing the minimum Income Related Rent contribution for social housing tenants and those in emergency and transitional housing, from 25 percent to 30 percent of income from 1 April 2027.
• Increasing the maximum weekly AS amount for households by between ~$10 and ~$30 per week.
• Reducing the maximum rate of Temporary Additional Support to better reflect its original purpose as temporary hardship support.
   

I acknowledge that these changes are not easy and are not supported by everyone. I understand that.  

But, if I’m being honest, these are the tough decisions that need to be made.  

The very real alternative is a fiscally unsustainable, and untargeted regime that leaves behind some of the most vulnerable New Zealanders.  

If money was no object, we could fund 20,000 houses tomorrow.  

But two things – government funds are constrained – that’s reality.  

And, based on recent history, I don’t think funding tens of thousands of places in a short space of time, at vast expense will solve the problem.  

If that was going to work, then Labour would have solved the problem. But they didn’t.  

Over the same period that they delivered over 12,000 additional public homes, the housing register quadrupled (2017-2023).  

Now, some of you might say – well, that’s because housing costs became more unaffordable and swiftly outpaced income.  

And that’s precisely my point.  

The most effective, long-term fix for our housing challenge – broadly – is to make housing more affordable.  

Social housing also needs to be reshaped to be a solution for those who need it most, for the period that they need it.

Now, some people will need it for the rest of their life, others will need it as a stepping stone. That’s OK – we don’t want a one-size-fits all solution.  

Change is difficult, but it’s the right thing to do.

In terms of next steps –  

Besides the Budget 2026 changes, we have not locked in any decisions.  

We need to work with you, the sector, to develop proposals to give effect to these key shifts. And if there are other shifts you think would be better – then I am up for hearing your ideas.  

I have directed MSD and HUD/MCERT Officials to engage with stakeholders from July to September this year to develop this thinking.

In addition to broader engagement on the proposals, MSD and HUD will be setting up a small expert advisory group to support this work.  

Next year, Ministers will make further decisions on policy proposals in line with the three shifts we recently announced, including the basis of a new needs assessment and interventions to support mobility.

I know many of you are keen to understand the data and advice that underpinned the May announcement.  We are working to release the material which supported our decisions. This will be available in July.  

My officials will be talking with the sector more in the second half of this year with iwi, community housing providers, Kāinga Ora, and social service providers as the next stage of ROSH is developed.  

Conclusion  

In closing, I want to be clear: the Government cannot deliver a better social housing system without you.  

Providers are not just delivery partners, you are innovators, problem‑solvers, and deeply connected to the people and communities we are trying to support.  

Your experience on the ground is important to us.  

The reforms and investments I’ve outlined today are about giving you greater certainty, and a stronger platform to plan and deliver for the long term.

I genuinely want to work together to build a better housing support system.  

I look forward to continuing this work with you and I thank you for the commitment, professionalism, and empathy you bring to this important work every day. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/speech-to-community-housing-aotearoa-conference/

A three-month closure for the rock lobster fishery in the Kaikoura Marine Area will keep the fishery sustainable and prepare it for the peak fishing season, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

“The closure, which begins on 1 July, was requested by Kaikōura Marine Guardians and Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura because of their concerns about the number of large rock lobster in the area,” Mr Jones says. 

“The closure includes both recreational and commercial fishing, and the rūnanga is putting a rāhui on customary take.” 

It is expected the closure will improve the fishery’s resilience ahead of the fishing season over spring and summer.

“Stopping fishing for the pre-summer period will reduce disruption to female rock lobster carrying eggs, and allow smaller rock lobster to grow. This is about supporting the future of the fishery and improving fishing during the peak season,” Mr Jones says. 

Fisheries New Zealand will carry out a stock assessment for the Kaikōura rock lobster fishery later this year. Depending on the outcome of this assessment, catch settings for the wider fishery may be reviewed.

The temporary closure follows public consultation by Fisheries New Zealand in April this year. 

“There was a good response with strong support for the closure. I thank everyone who took the time to provide their views.”

The closure will be in place until 30 September 2026.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/23/three-month-closure-for-kaikoura-rock-lobster/

More New Zealanders are being seen and treated sooner across the health system, with the latest results showing continued improvement across all five Government health targets year-on-year, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“The Government’s focus is on shorter wait times for Kiwis, and these results show the system is continuing to move in the right direction,” Mr Brown says.

“More people are being seen sooner, more treatments are being delivered, and the elective waitlist is reducing. That’s real progress, with a clear, meaningful impact for patients and their families.”

Key improvements for the January to March quarter compared to the same quarter in the previous year include:

• Shorter waits for elective treatment: 64.9 per cent treated within four months, up from 57.3 per cent in the same quarter last year
• Shorter waits for first specialist assessment: 61.2 per cent seen within four months, up from 58.2 per cent in the same quarter last year
• Improved childhood immunisation: 83.5 per cent of children fully immunised at 24 months, up from 79.3 per cent in the same quarter last year
• Shorter stays in emergency departments: 74.4 per cent of patients admitted, discharged, or transferred within six hours, up from 74.2 per cent in the same quarter last year
• Faster cancer treatment: 86.2 per cent of patients receiving cancer treatment within 31 days of decision to treat, up from 84.6 per cent in the same quarter last year

“These results reflect steady progress across planned care, cancer services, and prevention, and show what happens when the system is focused on delivery with patients at the centre. 

“Every percentage point represents real people who waited less and got care sooner.”

The results also show continued growth in the volume of care delivered across the system:

• 178,349 first specialist assessments were completed, up 7 per cent on the same quarter last year (167,069)
• 51,089 people were treated from the elective waitlist, up 5.5 per cent on the same quarter last year (48,389)
• 4,793 people received their first cancer treatment, up from 4,364 in the same quarter last year
• 11,947 children were fully immunised at 24 months, up from 11,359 in the same quarter last year

“While there’s more work to do, this progress shows the system is heading in the right direction.

“The Government’s five health targets are designed to drive accountability and keep the system focused on what matters most: patients. These results show that our plan to fix the basics and build the future of our health system is working, delivering better, faster care for all New Zealanders.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/23/progress-continues-across-all-five-health-targets/

Four new research projects will help the ongoing efforts, led by Biosecurity New Zealand, to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet from New Zealand, say Science Minister Penny Simmonds and Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.

The new research is being led by scientists at the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, a Public Research Organisation established by the Government last year.

“In one project, scientists will use modelling to help identify areas in Auckland most at risk of ongoing hornet presence, supporting the surveillance work being done on the ground,” says Ms Simmonds.

“There’s been an unprecedented level of public reporting during the response, with around 17,850 notifications to date. This data will be used in some of the Institute’s modelling work, underscoring the value of ongoing public involvement in efforts to eradicate the hornet.”

Andrew Hoggard says since yellow-legged hornets were first detected on Auckland’s North Shore last year, 77 queens and 132 nests have been found and removed, with no further sightings since early April.

“This is a really positive sign, but continued vigilance is needed from the public and intensive searching and trapping is ongoing as part of the response operation.

“There is still work to do in this next phase of the response.  While we have made great progress, we must be ready for the possibility that some queens have survived. Even if we detect no hornets in spring, we will need ongoing surveillance with no detections before we can confirm eradication.”

The Bioeconomy Science Institute is also creating a readiness guide to support the apiculture sector in managing hornets long term, should the need arise.

“As part of our response, it makes sense to review the tools and approaches used by beekeepers overseas where the hornet is established,” Mr Hoggard says.

The research projects are supported through the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF) funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Overview of the four SSIF funded hornet research projects:

• Identifying high‑risk areas for ongoing hornet presence using modelling.
• Assessing the potential impacts of yellow‑legged hornets in non‑urban parts of New Zealand.
• Targeted science communication to build awareness among Māori communities of the threat posed by yellow‑legged hornets.
• A readiness package for the honey and pollination sectors should long term management become necessary, drawing on international experience and New Zealand’s eradication response learnings.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/23/new-research-to-support-yellow-legged-hornet-response/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/23/research-agenda-rheumatic-fever-and-rheumatic-heart-disease/

Date:  23 June 2026

Recent monitoring results showing zero rats in the Hawdon valley in Arthur’s Pass National Park is great news for a small kākāriki karaka/orange fronted parakeet population there.

“Five years ago, there were zero kākāriki karaka there,” says DOC’s Kākāriki Karaka Recovery Programme lead, Wayne Beggs.

“We have brought this population back from nothing. It’s great news for the species and a real success story.”

The critically endangered manu is New Zealand’s smallest and rarest parakeet with around 450-500 left, mainly in predator free sanctuaries like the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary in Nelson, or on islands like Blumine/Ōruawairua in Marlborough and Pukenui/Anchor Island in Fiordland.

Twice declared extinct, then rediscovered, there are two wild populations of kākāriki karaka in Canterbury – in the Hawdon valley near Arthur’s Pass and South Branch of the Hurunui River valley with current estimates of 50 to 60 birds in each valley.

Since an aerial predator control operation in the Hawdon valley last December, the rats have been reduced to undetectable levels. The “nip it in the bud” operation aimed to reduce rat numbers prior to the beech mast or seeding this year avoiding the seed bounty causing rapid population growth.

“It’s worked and we’re stoked. We now have 22 kākāriki karaka nests with no mammalian predation detected. That’s a huge win for this valley,” Wayne says.

A two-person research team monitors the kākāriki nests. This summer they will also use AI tech traps that can identify which predator is approaching and set the right weight trigger to trap it.

“We’re getting better and better at catching things,” he says.

Wayne says there is a huge amount of work carried out to help the rare parakeet but the goal is to lessen this over time, when the population gets to a sustainable level and pests are well managed.

“We are just so happy we are making positive progress along with our partners in the breeding programme. It’s been tough going for this manu so we’re all excited that we seem to be on the upside. Given what’s happened in the past, we take every win,” he says.

Further information

Anyone wanting to donate to the naturing efforts can go to:

Saving the Orange-Fronted Parakeet | Kākāriki karaka | NZ Nature Fund

Contact

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/23/no-rats-best-news-ever-for-rare-kakariki-karaka/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/22/ivf-for-seaweed-hope-for-hauraki-gulf-restoration/

Date:  22 June 2026

It’s already helping the critically threatened kākāpō.

Using advanced high-resolution aerial photography, scientists can now accurately identify some of our most important tree species with data collected from aircraft flying above the canopy. Laser imagery (LiDAR) is also being used to determine the height and shape of individual trees.

DOC Principal Science Advisor Terry Greene says the technology is enabling work not previously possible.

“Identifying the species and height of individual trees in a large forest covering many hectares would be impossible to do from the ground, as the time required and the cost would be huge,” he says.

DOC and the Ministry for Primary Industries are funding the development of remote sensing methods – such as high-resolution photography and laser imagery – for New Zealand’s forests, as part of research programmes looking at ways to measure and manage carbon stocks in forests.

The technology uses deep learning to synthesise multiple layers of complex information and turn it into simple, usable data on forests. It’s an example of how advanced technology will ultimately be a game changer for advancing conservation in New Zealand.

Practical application of remote sensing methods for forests is already underway, Terry says.

“As part of our testing, we used remote sensing to understand environments on islands inhabited by the critically threatened kākāpō.

“By using this imagery and a data analysis method developed by scientists at the Bioeconomy Science Institute, we estimate that Whenua Hou/Codfish Island has around 865,000 trees, and over 200,000 are rimu. Trees such as rimu are important because their periodic fruiting – or masting – drives kākāpō breeding.

“Now we know exactly where these rimu are, we can study how kākāpō are using them, which will support the work to find new, suitable homes for them in the future,” Terry says.

The testing also revealed that Pukenui/Anchor Island has over 1.2 million trees. This estimate was only possible to make using remote sensing and deep learning.

Remote sensing technology will help DOC make better, more targeted conservation efforts over large areas by significantly improving assessments of forest canopy health, seasonal changes in forest productivity, and the amount of carbon stored in forests, shrublands and grasslands.

This work highlights how technology and conservation can work together, blending high-tech with a growing focus on naturing to restore threatened species and ecosystems.

Background information

LiDAR (light detection and ranging) uses lasers to produce high-definition, 3D images of a landscape including the vegetation.

Deep learning uses computer models of data ‘features’ (eg. edges, shapes, textures and colour) to learn patterns from large data sets so objects of interest, such as trees in this case, can be classified automatically.

Contact

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/22/kakapo-early-beneficiary-of-high-tech-deep-learning/

Date:  19 June 2026

A member of the public spotted the solitary dolphin this week in the Bay of Islands/Te Pēwhairangi Marine Sanctuary. DOC is currently trying to locate it to take a DNA sample to confirm which species it is.

DOC Marine Species Senior Advisor Kristina Hillock says sightings of Hector’s or Māui dolphins in this location are very rare. “This would be just the third confirmed sighting of a Hector’s in Northland in 100 years,” Kristina says.

Hector’s dolphins were once found along the coast of most of the South Island as well as parts of the North Island. Today, Hector’s dolphins are classified as nationally vulnerable and live in different sub-populations around the South Island. They are only occasionally seen around the North Island.

The Māui dolphin is a nationally critical subspecies of the Hector’s dolphin, which is found on the west coast of the North Island, mainly between Taranaki and Kaipara Harbour. It is estimated just 54 adult Māui dolphins remain.

The two dolphins are not easily distinguished from each other without genetic analysis but are readily identifiable from other dolphins. Both Hector’s and Māui dolphins are grey and white, with black markings and a distinctive black rounded fin, shaped like Mickey Mouse’s ear. “If the dolphin has a rounded fin, call it in,” is DOC’s message to the public on reporting on the species.

Report any sightings as soon as possible by phoning 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or by emailing marinemammals@doc.govt.nz. Sightings should include number of dolphins, date, time, location (preferably from GPS coordinates) and if possible (and only if the dolphin approaches your boat) some photos.

Contact

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/19/public-urged-to-help-locate-rare-dolphin-in-bay-of-islands-te-pewhairangi/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/19/summary-report-section-95-inquiry-into-the-treatment-of-a-person-at-waikato-hospital/

Seven postgraduate students have been awarded the 2026 New Zealand Space Scholarship and will intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California, Space Minister Chris Penk announced today.

“The Space Scholarship presents a career-defining opportunity for these talented young New Zealanders who are set to spend three months at JPL working alongside scientists and engineers on real-world missions,” Mr Penk says. 

“As part of their work, they will be contributing to cutting-edge space technology projects and gain experience right at the forefront of global space innovation.” 

The students, Alexander Wiseman, Angela Xue, Laura Doyle and Zhen Hong Chai (Victoria University of Wellington), Laura Franssen (Auckland University of Technology), and Kyja McCabe and Thomas Phillips (University of Auckland), received their scholarships at a ceremony today. 

The 2026 cohort’s studies span physics, electrical engineering, chemistry, microbiology and aerospace engineering. They will work across a range of projects including astrovirology, analysing gas reactions under vacuum ultraviolet (UV) light, developing power electronics systems, and end-to-end telemetry analysis. 

Mr Penk says it is an exciting time for the space industry, both locally and overseas. In recent years, New Zealand’s space sector has grown rapidly, with revenue increasing an estimated 53 percent in the five years to 2024.

“That growth is delivering real economic benefit and cementing New Zealand’s position as a credible, active global player.

“Building and sustaining a highly skilled, future-ready space workforce is a key priority of New Zealand’s Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy – the Space Scholarship gives postgraduate students the opportunity to gain valuable international experience before bringing that expertise home,” Mr Penk says.

More information about the 2026 recipients and their projects is available on the MBIE website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/space/careers-scholarships-and-awards/new-zealand-space-scholarship

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/2026-new-zealand-space-scholarship-winners-announced/

18 June 2026

WorkSafe New Zealand has provided practical safety guidance to hundreds of wood manufacturing businesses, as part of a significant proactive focus on one of the country’s most dangerous sectors.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/worksafe-helps-hundreds-of-wood-manufacturers-lift-their-safety-game/

Last year Pharmac appointed the Consumer and Patient Working Group (the Working Group) to help Pharmac reset how it works with patients and consumers, today they met for the last time having achieved that goal, Associate Health Minister David Seymour says.  

“The patient community used to picket outside Pharmac. This group has transformed that relationship by giving patients an ongoing voice at the table when Pharmac makes its decisions,” Mr Seymour says.

“I want to thank Dr Mulholland and all members of the Working Group for their work over the past year. The work done to reset the relationship between Pharmac and the patient community is a big reason for the change in Pharmac’s culture. 

“When new leadership took over Pharmac they set out to change the culture. It was clear that Pharmac could provide a better service for Kiwis. They came up with a 5-year plan to take Pharmac to the level Kiwis deserve. To inform the plan Pharmac conducted a number of reviews, engaged with the patient community, and took part in workshops. 

“For example, two years ago Pharmac hosted the Consumer Engagement Workshops. This put the patient community in a room with Pharmac’s decision makers to answer the question: how can Pharmac do better for Kiwi patients? The patient community told Pharmac the first step was to reset the patient – Pharmac relationship. 

“Pharmac invited workshop participants, in association with the wider consumer-patient representative community, to select the Working Group to help reset the patient – Pharmac relationship. Dr Malcolm Mulholland was selected as the chair. The Working Group was set up for the first 12-month phase in the 5-year plan. The next phase in the plan will be announced shortly.

“The Working Group has shown what’s possible when Pharmac partners with consumer advocates and patients. Their advice helped shape Pharmac’s initial 12-month Reset Programme which has improved patient engagement, transparency, and organisational culture.”

Over the past year, Pharmac has: 

improved how it works with patient advocates by creating a dedicated consumer relations function 
made it easier for patients to give feedback on Pharmac proposals by introducing a new consultation tool and creating better consultation processes 
progressed a refreshed vision and strategy that sets a clear, ambitious direction for the future that fosters trust, collaboration, and innovation 
begun a review of its Exceptional Circumstances Framework, including Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessments (NPPA)
trialled new approaches to reduce its funding application backlog, including piloting a rapid assessment process 

“The progress so far has been impressive, but there is more work to be done. Listening to the voices of patients and consumers will continue to be at the heart of Pharmac’s work as it launches the next phase of its long-term improvement programme,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Patients are reaping the benefits. Since this Government took over we’ve allocated Pharmac its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, and a $604 million uplift Pharmac. With that money, Pharmac has made 133 decisions to fund or widen access to medicines. This includes decisions on 46 cancer medicines. Over 360,000 patients have benefited.”

The consumer working group members are:

Dr Malcolm Mulholland MNZM – Patient Voice Aotearoa
Libby Burgess MNZM – Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition
Tim Edmonds – Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ
Chris Higgins – Rare Disorders NZ
Francesca Holloway – Arthritis NZ
Trent Lash – Heartbeats Charitable Trust
Gerard Rushton – The Meningitis Foundation
Rachel Smalley MNZM – The Medicine Gap
Tracy Tierney – Epilepsy NZ
Deon York – Haemophilia NZ

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/pharmac-consumer-working-group-wraps-up-job-well-done/

More than 1300 schools and 220,000 students have used the Student Mentoring Assessment Tool (SMART) since it was introduced in February, Education Minister Erica Stanford said today.

The Government introduced twice yearly assessment in reading writing and maths. 

“We campaigned on this in 2023, we funded it and we delivered it.

“We introduced the SMART assessment because parents, academics, ERO and education experts told me we need to do better, when it comes having consistent, accessible reporting about how children are progressing.”

Under SMART, parents of students in Years 0–10 will receive nationally consistent reporting across reading, writing and maths, including:

• One of five clear progress descriptors showing learning progress
• An explanation of why that progress marker was chosen and how parents can support next learning steps
• Information on progress over time and attendance
• Information on phonics achievement and twice-yearly progress check-ins

“Rich detailed reports on student achievement will be released to the parents and schools of those 220,000 students from 3 July.”

“By using a nationally consistent reporting approach supported by twice-yearly progress check-ins parents receive reliable, easy-to-understand information about progress in reading, writing and maths, alongside attendance information and guidance on next learning steps.

“This will be the first time in more than 20 years that parents have had commonsense easy to understand report about how their child is doing at school.

“The SMART tool is a commonsense way to support consistent assessment,” Ms Stanford says.

“For too long some students have been turning up to high school without knowing the basics of reading, writing and maths and their parents have been in the dark.

“Using better reporting we can get these students help earlier and giving them the opportunity they deserve to succeed.

“This isn’t about ideology; it’s about ensuring children have the right supports at the right time.

“Anyone suggesting we remove SMART from our schools, is more interested in the voices of Unions, than what students, parents and schools need,” Ms Stanford said.

Student completion rates of more than 70 percent across participating schools reflects that schools and kura are actively integrating SMART into classroom practice as part of teaching and learning.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/220000-students-take-the-smart-test/

Recovery works in the Waioweka Gorge on State Highway 2 (SH2) are ramping up with contracts now in place to help restore full operation of the state highway after weather events earlier this year, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.  

“Following the severe weather events in January 2026, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has worked hard to keep the road open. They are now focused on longer-term recovery works, with the aim of restoring full access to SH2 and removing the need for ongoing traffic management,” Mr Bishop says.  

“Stellar Projects has been appointed as project managers, Beca is providing design services, and physical works contracts have been signed with Geovert and Waiotahi Contractors Ltd. This will ensure specialist geotechnical capability is complemented by local delivery expertise on the ground.

“This is a significant step towards restoring this critical freight lifeline back to full operation as quickly as possible. The recovery and resilience work being delivered includes replacing damaged culverts and drains, improving 312 culverts to better manage rainfall, as well as stabilising larger slip sites such as Goldsmith slip. 

“The Goldsmith slip is the largest slip on SH2 in the Waioweka Gorge. More than 20,000 cubic metres of debris fell onto SH2 because of recent weather events, closing this key freight route for over three weeks. 

“Planning is well underway to repair the slip quickly and safely. Installation of a rockfall barrier system will begin later this month. From Sunday 21 June, there will be evening closures for 10 nights, from 9pm to 5am. Work will take place Sunday to Thursday, with no work on Friday or Saturday nights. 

“A one-hour window from 1am to 2am will allow freight through, and NZTA is working closely with the freight industry and local communities to help minimise disruption as much as possible.

“From early July, installation of the steel net will begin. This work will be carried out during the day under the current stop/go traffic management in place at the Goldsmith Slip. 

“I want to thank everyone for their ongoing patience as this work is carried out. I know the disruption has been frustrating, but this resilience work is critical to help reduce the risk of further unplanned road closures. Road users should continue to keep an eye on conditions, as well as updates on the NZTA journey planner.

“The regular unplanned closures show just how important targeted resilience improvements are in the Waioweka Gorge. When the road closes, the economic impact is significant, with regional losses estimated at around $8 million for every day the route is shut.

“We know the impact is significant. That’s why, in Budget 2026, the Government committed around $75 million in funding for further resilience work to target some of the most vulnerable sections of the corridor between Ōpōtiki and Matawai.

“The NZTA Board is due to consider updated options for investment in coming months, with a briefing provided to Ministers for endorsement. The scope of the work is expected to be a mix of slope stabilisation, rockfall protection, and further drainage improvements to address known critical and high-risk sites.

“I want to thank everyone involved in keeping the road open to this point, including local East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick who has been a strong advocate for resilience investment in this important piece of roading infrastructure.”

Notes to the editor: 

• NZTA is currently investing around $33 million into the recovery works in Waioweka Gorge. This includes around $25 million to return the road to its previous level of service, and a further $8 million in targeted improvements.
• The repair at the Goldsmith slip site includes the installation of a rockfall barrier system (attenuator) designed to capture and slow falling rocks and debris as it moves down the slope, protecting the road at the bottom. Installation of the barrier system is weather dependent.
• Confirmation of the scope of works expected to be delivered through the Budget 2026 funding will be confirmed in due course, once the NZTA Board and Joint Ministers have considered the options for investment. Sites identified for investment will address critical and high-risk sites identified through NZTA’s National Resilience Assessment Tool (NRAT)
• The NRAT is an easily accessible digital tool that provides a nationally consistent overview of all the resilience disruption risks on the transport network. The tool makes it easier to assess, prioritise, monitor, and report on state highway damage/disruptions and network resilience more efficiently and effectively and allows funding to be targeted to the most critical sites.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/recovery-works-get-underway-in-waioweka-gorge/

Wasp control across visitor hotspots and priority biodiversity sites will double, backed by a $2 million International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy boost, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

“Wasps are more than just a nuisance for visitors enjoying New Zealand’s fantastic outdoors – they have a major impact on native species and are also one of the most damaging insect pests in the country, costing our economy more than $130m annually,” Mr Potaka says. 

The IVL investment will mean Wasp Wipeout – which works with community groups by providing bait and technical expertise to control introduced German and common (Vespula) wasps – can spread into every region in New Zealand.

“Whether it’s a beach picnic, a night out camping, or a day walk through stunning native bush, no one wants wasps joining them on their trip in the outdoors. 

“Wasp Wipeout has been really successful in those places it’s currently operating, with support from community groups like local NZ Deerstalkers and Fish and Game branches, tramping and mountain bike clubs, and Te Araroa Trails Trust. 

“But we know introduced wasps are an issue across the motu, and this funding boost means community groups will have the tools to tackle the issue at place.”

Currently the programme, run by the Department of Conservation, treats about 30,000 hectares annually – mostly in South Island beech forests in Nelson-Tasman, Marlborough, West Coast and Canterbury.

“Through this extra funding, Wasp Wipeout aims to grow that coverage to 60,000 hectares,” Mr Potaka says.

“The money will also allow the programme to better plan and coordinate wasp control work and work with those developing new tools, technologies and research to control this difficult pest. 

“New Zealand has some of the highest Vespula wasp densities in the world. At some sites all you hear is the hum of wasps at the height of summer. This funding will help return the sound of the bush back to birdsong.”

Note to editors: 

• Wasp Wipeout uses vespex bait to target two of the five introduced wasp species in New Zealand (German and common wasps). 
• The new International Visitor Levy funding will provide $400,000 annually for the next five years. 
• Wasps eat important food sources for our native birds, bats, insects and lizards. They also eat a huge number of native insects and have even been seen killing newly hatched birds. 
• In some areas, wasp density can get to 12 nests, or 10,000 worker wasps, per hectare. 
• More information about Wasp Wipeout is also available here.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/2m-funding-boost-turbocharges-wasp-wipeout/

5 minutes ago

After returning to study following a 16-year break, EIT Auckland Master of Information Technology graduate Afshan Mushtaq has secured hands-on experience in cybersecurity through an industry internship.

Originally from Pakistan and most recently living in Qatar, Afshan moved to New Zealand in July 2024 with her family to pursue further study and new opportunities.

Before returning to study, Afshan worked as a quality assurance engineer in Pakistan after completing her bachelor’s degree in 2006, stepping away from her career in 2009.

She chose to study at Eastern Institute of Technology after researching her options and speaking with other students.

“Before coming, I looked into the environment, cost and student outcomes, and EIT stood out.”

Returning to study after such a long gap meant adjusting to new material.

“Whenever I asked a question, I was welcomed and it was addressed properly.”

She arrived with her husband and three children, aged 14, 12 and seven.

“The journey was not easy. It was quite tough because I didn’t know anyone at the start and there were cultural challenges. But the thing is, I have completed my degree.”

The highlight of her Master’s, she said, was her research project on cybersecurity implications for large language models.

Its real-world relevance led directly to an internship opportunity with Cianaa Technologies, despite her having no prior background in the field.

The internship, which began in December 2025, has given Afshan hands-on exposure to information security and compliance work, including audit activities aligned with international standards.

“The initial phase was challenging, but the team supported me and helped me build confidence.”

She has since developed stronger analytical and technical skills and a clearer understanding of how cybersecurity works in practice and is now focused on building a career in the field.

“It’s an area that is in demand, and the experience really motivated me.”

Afshan said she would recommend EIT to other international students.

“You get to learn what is in demand in the market, and the support makes a real difference,” she said.

EIT Postgraduate Information Technology Lecturer Dr Akbar Hossain says: “Afshan’s journey is truly inspiring”.

“Her successful transition into cybersecurity demonstrates the real-world impact of EIT’s industry-focused Master of Information Technology programme. We are proud of her achievements and the strong industry connections that turned her research into a valuable internship opportunity.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/15/eit-graduate-rebuilds-career-through-cybersecurity-internship/

2 minutes ago

Returning to study was something Shaye Tamatoa once doubted he would do, but the Hawke’s Bay horticulture worker is now in the final stages of completing EIT’s Diploma in Fruit Production.

The 27-year-old initially enrolled in one course as part of the Diploma in Fruit Production before deciding to continue with the qualification after completing his first paper.

“I wasn’t too great at school previously, but going into this one, I’m glad they pushed me to do it because I’ve actually really been enjoying it.”

Shaye first entered the horticulture industry more than nine years ago after leaving school and later joining a Work and Income programme that connected him with Freshmax, now Kiwi Crunch.

After completing a Level 2 qualification through the programme, he was offered a permanent role and has remained with the company ever since.

Over the years, he progressed through a range of roles before moving into an Assistant Manager position, where he now helps oversee staff, train team members and manage day-to-day orchard operations.

Despite his industry experience, Shaye says returning to study was initially daunting.

“You go into class with a bunch of people from the industry and think everyone else is going to be miles ahead of you.”

Instead, he found a supportive environment where students learned from one another.

“Everyone helps each other out and you get a feel for how everyone else is doing within the industry.”

While he was initially worried each level would become more difficult, he found himself enjoying the challenge.

“It was the same thing going into Level 5. In my head I was thinking it was just going to get harder and more complicated, but it wasn’t too bad. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Studying has also pushed him outside of his comfort zone and introduced him to new experiences.

“We do presentations, go to new places and meet new people.”

For one assessment, Shaye designed and built a physical orchard gameboard using 3D software.

“I get to use skills I’ve picked up over my life that I wouldn’t normally get to use.”

Alongside support from EIT tutors, Shaye says encouragement from managers at work helped motivate him to continue studying.

“My tutors definitely pushed me to carry on. Even our CEO told me I should do it, and I’m glad I didn’t give it up.”

Shaye says he would encourage others considering study to give it a go.

“All the support is there. You can call the tutors anytime and they’re always happy to help.”

EIT Programme Coordinator, Steven Hartley says it has been encouraging to see Shaye progress beyond that initial course and commit to the full qualification.

“Shaye began with just one paper but quickly embraced the opportunity to keep building his skills. He has drawn on real workplace situations to reinforce his learning, highlighting the value of studying while working and applying theory in practice.

“Throughout the programme, Shaye has grown in confidence, strengthening his critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Shaye’s journey reflects the aim of the Diploma in Fruit Production -to develop people who can respond to industry challenges and lead and inspire others.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/15/horticulture-worker-upskills-through-study-at-eit/

Date:  12 June 2026

The battered bird was considered lucky to be alive when Takapō woman Emilie Marinissen picked it up from State Highway 8, near Lake McGregor a week ago.

Emilie rang the Department of Conservation hotline – and what followed was a “whole of South Island falcon taxi” involving multiple drivers to get the bird to the Kārearea Falcon Trust in Blenheim which had an opening in their breeding programme and could offer a long-term home.

In Takapō Emilie did exactly the right thing, keeping the injured falcon calm in a dark box while she waited for DOC staff to come and collect it.

“I was worried about the kārearea as it was clearly not well, and his eye was badly damaged,” she says.

DOC Principal Ranger Dean Nelson says the falcon could’ve been clipped by a car or could’ve injured itself while hunting and was looking for an easy meal of carrion on the road.

“This is where the “falcon taxi” started as we rang two people who we knew were driving down to Twizel from Christchurch for a meeting on the kakī/black stilts. They were able to pick the injured bird and bring it here.

“I then phoned our local vet. He’s Australian and has had a lot of experience with raptors. He assessed its eye and wings and advised it needed specialist help at the wildlife hospital in Dunedin.”

DOC staff then drove the kārearea to Dunedin, where staff determined it had a minor dislocation in its shoulder – an integral part of the bird’s anatomy, essential for supporting its wings.

“The worst damage was to its left eye,” Dean says. “The vet’s advice was it would be risky for it to be released back into the wild as they only hunt with their eyes and it probably wouldn’t survive.”

A home was found at the Blenheim-based Kārearea Falcon Trust which rehabilitates injured birds and has a breeding programme.

Dean then put out the word to out to South Island DOC staff for a “bird taxi” to transport the kārearea from Dunedin northward.

“It really was like passing the parcel getting it to Timaru first and then transferring it over to Holly Turner who is the Manager of the Kārearea Trust for the next leg to Blenheim,” he says.

Holly says the kārearea has settled in well and will receive ongoing treatment for his damaged eye until a final vet assessment.

“Once we’re confident his eye is stable, we hope to pair him up with one of our females,” Holly says.

The trust has produced 87 chicks since its breeding programme began in 2013 and as well as caring for injured kārearea, they help boost wild populations of the falcon, classed as being at risk/nationally endangered.

Dean says he’s very touched at the collective effort to save the injured kārearea.

“From the local vet to the drivers who took the bird to Dunedin and then north and then of course Emilie from Takapō. That’s a community really taking action and caring for nature. Now this lucky bird hopefully has a bright future.”

Background information

Kārearea Falcon Trust

Contact

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/12/team-effort-saves-injured-karearea-nz-falcon/

Space Minister Chris Penk has today announced the successful recipient of round two of the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme, which is helping launch innovative Kiwi space technology.

“New Zealand’s space sector is growing rapidly, creating high-value jobs and attracting international investment. We’re supporting that to help Kiwi businesses and researchers turn bold ideas into real technologies that can benefit our economy, environment, and everyday lives,” Mr Penk says.

“Through round two of the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme, the University of Auckland has been awarded $300,000 for its Rakiraki CubeSat project.

“The Kiwi Space Activator supports New Zealand innovators to move new space technology and concepts from the lab to launch – whether in space or at high altitude. This is a key step in building our sovereign space capability.

“The pilot programme is enabling local innovations, helping to support commercialisation, improve access to global markets, and build a proven track record. 

“Rakiraki is a small New Zealand satellite mission working to be a trusted reference point for both radar and optical space tracking networks at the same time. 

“The project aims to help improve our ability to track and understand objects in space, helping to protect the satellite services that New Zealanders rely on every day, from GPS navigation to communications and emergency response.”

The University of Auckland will build and fly the satellite with support from Auckland University of Technology, while Space Operations New Zealand will provide ground station services.

“Developing and commercialising space technology is capital intensive and high risk, and having a proven track record – or flight heritage – is critical for attracting customers and investors. 

“It has been encouraging to see the large number of high-calibre applications – they reflect the quality of space innovation in New Zealand.  

“A total of $1.78 million has been awarded to the Kiwi Space Activator including funding awarded to four projects across rounds one and two. These are exciting projects, and I look forward to watching their progress and launch.”

Information about Kiwi Space Activator is available on the MBIE website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/space/industry-and-innovation/kiwi-space-activator

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/11/kiwi-space-tech-innovation-awarded/

Treasury has put a price tag on Luxon’s Government’s climate inaction, with new analysis showing it could cost up to $5 billion to buy the offshore carbon credits needed to meet New Zealand’s 2030 climate target.

“Every time Christopher Luxon has cut climate action here at home, he has increased the bill we need to pay other countries to reduce their emissions,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. 

“The Government keeps saying they will meet the Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement. We have known for about a decade doing that will require offshore mitigation, but the size of that offshore cost depends on how much we do onshore.” 

“This Government has robbed us all of investment in local climate action, which could also have reduced the cost of living and built our resilience. Instead, they’ve chosen to fund new fossil fuels and increased the price we’ve got to pay other countries to do the job we could do here.” 

“After consistent Green questioning, Treasury committed last year to provide updated analysis on these costs. They have. The Government is now looking at a $5 billion bill materialising by 2030.” 

“It’s time for Nicola Willis to be honest. If the Government is committed to meeting our NDC, they need to show us the money.” 

“If the Greens dared to pretend we would do something without budgeting for it, these guys would be screeching bloody murder. The economic incompetence and double standards here is unreal.” 

“If the Government is instead secretly planning on not meeting our NDC, then they need to be honest about that. Climate commitments are baked into our free trade agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Union. If Luxon walks away from that 2030 target, he puts our trading relationships and exporters’ market access on the line too.” 

“All politics aside, these are immutable facts. New Zealanders deserve a Government who operates in reality, with real solutions to reduce emissions and the cost of living, something the Greens are proud to offer,” says Swarbrick. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/11/treasury-confirms-5-billion-bill-for-luxons-climate-inaction/

Please attribute to acting Deputy Commissioner Tim Anderson:

Police are moving to prosecute three staff members following separate investigations arising from a rapid review of Police information security controls.

Two Auckland-based constabulary staff will appear in the Manukau District Court over the coming days.

Each of the officers is being charged with multiple counts of possessing an objectionable publication, under the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act.

A third officer will be appearing at a court in the Wellington region at a later date.

Prosecution of our own staff is a serious but important step to take as it recognises the significance of the alleged offending that has been identified.

I would like to acknowledge the professionalism and commitment by our investigators in the National Integrity Unit for their work to this point.

Our investigations have involved the analysis of a significant volume of web activity.

It is important we now let these matters progress to the court process, which limits the level of information we can provide at this point.

These three Police staff remain stood down from duties. Meanwhile, three investigations remain ongoing as part of the rapid review. 

Police have investigated 22 cases in this matter. Twelve cases have been resolved through either disciplinary action or performance management.

Four people have resigned during this process.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/11/three-police-staff-to-be-charged-following-lengthy-investigations/