Appointments – New Te Hiringa Mahara board appointments welcomed

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October 31, 2025

Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Today’s announcement of changes to the composition of the Board of Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission by Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has been welcomed.

“The new appointments and other board changes are the beginning of the next chapter for Te Hiringa Mahara,” said board chair Hayden Wano.

“We have a diverse, knowledgeable and hard-working board that is committed to bringing to life our vision of thriving together. The changes announced today put us on a strong footing for the future.”

“In July this year we began delivering on a new strategy that takes us up until 2029. We will continue to push strongly to ensure people who need support have access to appropriate services, and as well as tackling underlying factors that contribute to poor mental health.”

The changes announced are:

Dr Barbara Disley, a current board member, has been appointed Deputy Chair for a five-year term.

Two new members have been appointed: Josiah Tualamali’i and Rae Lamb.

Two existing members have been reappointed: Professor Sunny Collings and Tuari Potiki.

Wayne Langford, appointed in September 2024, will continues his term as a member.

At the same time as welcoming these changes, two long standing board members are being farewelled. Both Kevin Hague and Alex El Amanni have been on the board since its inception in February 2021. Mr Hague served as deputy chair from February 2022.

“We acknowledge the dedication and experience the two outgoing board members brought to the work of the organisation,” Mr Wano said.

The role of the Board is to provide strategic guidance and oversight of our work. Central to this is ensuring that Te Hiringa Mahara delivers on its mandate to contribute to better and equitable mental health and wellbeing outcomes for all people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Up to seven members are appointed by the Governor-General, under the Crown Entities Act 2004.

MIL OSI

Banking Security – ASB warns of impersonation scam targeting Kiwi businesses

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October 31, 2025

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Source: ASB

ASB is warning Kiwi businesses to be alert for unsolicited cold calls from scammers impersonating ASB’s fraud team.

Scammers are currently targeting business customers, saying their account is at risk, there is fraud on the account, there are suspicious transactions or that their account is being hacked. They may also make other excuses and ask for username, passwords, or verification codes including codes from Fastnet Business tokens.

ASB General Manager Fraud and Scams, Richard Joseph, says the scammers may already have personal information like email addresses and dates of birth. “Unfortunately, impersonation scams are not new, but scammers continue to evolve the way they approach them, often creating a sense of urgency. The scammers will try to get you to disclose your business or personal account details so they can then access your accounts and transfer money away.

I encourage everyone to be vigilant, particularly if you’re asked to make a payment or provide sensitive information. Anyone can fall victim to a scam and staying alert to scammers is our first defence.”

How ASB customers can protect themselves

Customers can verify a caller who claims to be from ASB by asking them for a Caller Check notification. Caller Check is only available through the ASB Mobile Banking app so if the caller is unable to send a notification through this channel, it will be a scam.

“If you have any concerns or think you have given your information to a scammer, hang up and call our fraud team,” Richard says. “Our team of fraud experts is available 24/7, including over the public holidays, on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372).”

While our fraud team may call customers to verify unusual transactions, they will:

Never ask you for your banking passwords, PINs, text verification codes or codes from your token
Never need to know your full credit card number – especially not the CVV
Never ask you to purchase gift cards, set up crypto currency accounts or transfer funds to keep your money safe.
Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device.

For more information and to keep up to date with the latest scams, visit ASB’s Scam Hub: www.asb.co.nz/asbscamhub

MIL OSI

Autism NZ Education Hub gives students new options in Term 3 2026

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October 31, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that Autism NZ Education Hub will open in Term 3 2026 as a charter school.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. Today’s announcement demonstrates the innovation enabled by the charter school model,” Mr Seymour says.

“Autism NZ Education Hub will give another option to autistic and neurodivergent secondary school students who have struggled with traditional schooling. It will be sponsored by Autism NZ and operate from campuses in Wellington and Auckland.

“Students’ days will follow a personalised plan built around their strengths, interests, and needs. Core education will be balanced with development of life skills and social-emotional learning.

“The goal is to get students benefitting from in class education. It will utilise online and community-based learning as ways to transition students back into the classroom, learning face-to-face.

“When it comes to education, one size does not fit all.

“It is estimated there are at least 3,900 autistic students in years 9-13 in Auckland and Wellington. National data suggests there is disproportionately high and chronic absence and school rejection among neurodivergent and disabled students, particularly in secondary years.

“The 2023 Education Review Office review on Alternative Education highlighted this concern. Autism New Zealand has relentlessly advocated for efforts to better understand and address these inequalities.

“Providing more education options for whānau is essential to ensuring that every young person can access an education that supports their individual needs. The Autism New Zealand Education Hub represents a meaningful step forward for autistic learners and their families. We appreciate the support of the Charter School Agency in helping bring this vision to life,” Dane Dougan, the CE of Autism New Zealand says.

“Charter schools show education can be different if we let communities bring their ideas to the table,” Mr Seymour says.

“These schools have more flexibility in return for strictly measured results.

“The charter school equation is: the same funding as state schools, plus greater flexibility plus stricter accountability for results, equals student success.

“There are more ideas in the communities of New Zealand than there are in the Government. That’s why we open ideas to the wider community, then apply strict performance standards to the best ones.

“It will join the five new charter schools announced in the last couple of weeks which will open in 2026. This takes the total number of charter schools to 17. We expect more new charter schools to be announced before the end of the year, along with the first state schools to convert.

“I want to thank the Charter School Agency and Authorisation Board for the work they have done getting charters open. They considered 52 applicants for new charter schools. This year they tell me the choices were very difficult.

“This is just the beginning. I hope to see many more new charter schools opening, and state and state-integrated schools converting to become charter schools.”

MIL OSI

Celebrating 30 Years of Curves: Women Empowering Women Around the World

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October 31, 2025

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Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Celebrating 30 Years of Curves: Women Empowering Women Around the World

This year marks a major milestone for Curves – the iconic women’s fitness franchise that has helped millions of women around the world reclaim their strength, their health, and their voice.

We’re celebrating nearly 30 years of impact, with a renewed commitment to community-centered wellness under the leadership of our new CEO and President, Kim McQueen.

The post Celebrating 30 Years of Curves: Women Empowering Women Around the World first appeared on PR.co.nz.

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Name release: Fatal crash Tamaki Drive

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October 31, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on Tamaki Drive on 22 October.

He was Sean James Cleary, 61, of Point Chevalier.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

The family of the deceased ask for privacy as they grieve their loved one.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

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New Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Board appointments

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October 31, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has announced two new appointments to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Board, alongside a new Deputy Chair and two reappointments.

“The Government is focused on delivering faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response. It is the Commission’s role to hold the Government to account to ensure we are delivering those results,” Mr Doocey says.

“Dr Barbara Disley, a current board member, has been appointed Deputy Chair for a five-year term. Hayden Wano continues as Chair of the Commission.

“The two new members who have been appointed are Josiah Tualamali’i and Rae Lamb.

“There are also two existing members that have been reappointed who are Professor Sunny Collings and Tuari Potiki.

“Wayne Langford continues his term as a member.

“I want to acknowledge outgoing board members Kevin Hague and Alexander El Amanni for their significant contributions to the Commission during their terms.”

“As leaders in mental health and wellbeing, the Commission’s board members are powerful advocates for ensuring services meet the needs of New Zealanders. It is great to have such strong mental health advocates bringing specialist expertise and diverse perspectives to the table.”

Note to editor:
Hayden Wano has over 40 years’ health sector experience including in the areas of mental health, community services and medical services.

Dr Barbara Disley has been in a number of leadership roles in the mental health sector since the 1990s and has an in-depth understanding of mental health and addiction services.

Josiah Tualamali’i has substantial frontline youth advocacy experience, particularly from a Pacific perspective. He has served on many different groups and Boards for mental health.

Rae Lamb has extensive governance and senior leadership experience and has expert knowledge of health, disability, and aged care services.

Sunny Collings has a background as a researcher and clinician, having practiced as a Consultant Psychiatrist for over 25 years. She is currently the Chief Executive of the Health Quality and Safety Commission.

Tuari Potiki has experience in the Māori health, mental health, education, and justice sectors. He has worked in a number of different roles as a Māori alcohol and drug clinician and tutor before moving into public and non-government leadership roles.

Wayne Langford brings extensive experience as a board member for several organisations supporting mental health – particularly for rural and remote communities.

MIL OSI

Crown Liquidity Facility for New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency increased

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October 31, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is increasing and extending the Crown Liquidity Facility (CLF) that it provides to the New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency Limited (LGFA) to support local government sector borrowing, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

The CLF assists LGFA to secure competitively priced financing for local authorities by assuring lenders the agency has sufficient tools to manage exceptional circumstances such as global financial market disruptions.

The facility was established in December 2011 when LGFA was created and has never been drawn on.

Nicola Willis says the facility is being increased from $1.5 billion to $3 billion and its term extended from December 2031 to June 2037.

“The changes will enable the agency to continue to secure competitively priced financing which supports the delivery of critical infrastructure and public services. The increase takes effect today.”

Notes to editors:

LGFA is the largest lender to New Zealand’s local government sector, with approximately 80 per cent market share of annual sector borrowing and has loans outstanding to councils and Council-Controlled Organisations of $23.4 billion. The Crown owns 20% of the paid up capital of LGFA and thirty councils own the remaining 80%.

The establishment of the LGFA was driven in part by the experience of councils during the Global Financial Crisis when access to finance became more challenging. LGFA has provided certainty of access to long dated financing for the local government sector since it was established.

A facility fee paid by LGFA for the CLF covers the cost of the extra liquidity held on the Crown’s books to support local government borrowing, meaning the provision of the facility does not have a significant cost to the Crown.

MIL OSI

Fire Safety – Check It’s Alright before you light fireworks this Guy Fawkes

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October 31, 2025

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to take greater care with fireworks this year.

National Manager Community Readiness and Recovery Adrian Nacey says crews responded to 166 calls last year, making it the worst year for fires caused by fireworks since 2019.

“Nine of those callouts were structure fires caused by fireworks. All these incidents put communities and our firefighters at risk and create an additional workload for our crews,” he says.

Adrian Nacey says people should be vigilant when lighting fireworks, particularly with the recent high winds in many parts of the country.

“While there has been a fair bit of rain around across parts of the country, things do dry out quickly at this time of year and as we’ve seen over the last couple of weeks, the current conditions will certainly enable fires to spread and get out of control very fast.”

He says Fire and Emergency encourages people to attend public fireworks displays, instead of lighting their own.

“Our preference is always that fireworks are best left in the hands of the professionals.

“But if you are going to light fireworks, you should always check the conditions first by heading to www.checkitsalright.nz.

“Do not light fireworks if it is windy and make sure you have a safe set up when lighting your fireworks. Light them in a wide-open space, away from anything that could catch fire and have a bucket of water or hose nearby.

“Check you have the landowner’s permission and remember that many public spaces have fireworks bans in place – this includes most council-managed parks and beaches,” Adrian Nacey says.

“Ensure your fireworks are pointed at the sky and not at people, pets or anyone’s home.

“Let your neighbours know if you are planning to set off fireworks and keep your pets inside.

“Lastly, dispose of your fireworks safely and soak them in water before you throw them out.”

Adrian Nacey also reminds the public they are responsible for the fireworks they set off.

“Causing or allowing a fire to get out of control and spread to vegetation or property is an offence that can carry significant penalties,” he says.

It is important that people do not stockpile fireworks for use over the summer months.

“This is when the weather is much hotter, windier, and drier, and the fire risk is much higher.”

You can find more guidance on how to lessen the risk of fire and injury when setting off fireworks at www.checkitsalright.nz.

MIL OSI

Advocacy – World Cities Day 2025 – Palestine Forum of New Zealand – Aotearoa

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October 31, 2025

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Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand – Aotearoa

Today, on World Cities Day, we join the global community in reflecting on the importance of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban spaces. This year’s theme — “Financing a Sustainable Urban Future for All” — carries special meaning when viewed through the lens of Palestinian cities and their enduring struggle for life, justice, and freedom.

Across Gaza, Jerusalem, Hebron, Nablus, and Ramallah, Palestinians face immense challenges to urban development under ongoing occupation and blockade. Restrictions on movement, land confiscation, and repeated destruction of infrastructure have deeply affected the ability of Palestinian cities to grow freely and sustainably.

Yet despite these challenges, Palestinian cities remain symbols of resilience and hope. From community-driven rebuilding projects in Gaza to innovative renewable energy and urban farming initiatives in the West Bank, Palestinians continue to find creative ways to sustain life, preserve culture, and strengthen local communities — even in the face of adversity.

As we mark World Cities Day, the Palestine Forum of New Zealand – Aotearoa stands in solidarity with the people of Palestine and their right to build, live, and thrive in just and sustainable cities.

True urban sustainability cannot exist where basic human rights are denied. A world committed to sustainable urban futures must also be committed to freedom, equality, and justice for the people of Palestine.

Let this day remind us that the struggle for sustainable cities is inseparable from the struggle for human dignity — and that Palestine, too, must be part of that shared global future.

Palestine Forum of New Zealand

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Free blood testing now available in Te Anau and Wānaka

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October 31, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Free blood testing is being rolled out for nearly 24,000 people living in Te Anau and Wānaka, giving more rural New Zealanders access to healthcare closer to home, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey say.

“While most New Zealanders have access to free blood tests, some rural communities in the South Island still have to pay because there are no local blood collection centres,” Mr Brown says.

“This has meant patients in Te Anau and Wānaka have had to travel over an hour to reach a free collection centre or pay a co-payment at their local general practice if one was not funded to provide the service.

“The rollout means that 4,400 people in Te Anau and 19,350 people in Wānaka can now access blood testing free of charge at their local GP. Together, these towns will deliver approximately 25,000 free blood tests every year.”

Mr Doocey says removing these cost barriers is an important step in improving access to healthcare, providing care closer to home for rural communities, and addressing a long-standing inequity between rural and urban areas.

“This initiative will lead to earlier and more timely diagnoses for people who have previously delayed testing due to travel or cost,” Mr Doocey says.

“When I visited Wānaka as part of the Rural Health Roadshow, locals consistently raised concerns about having to pay for blood tests. Health Action Wānaka also highlighted the need for a local blood collection service.

“As I told the community at the time, no one should have to travel long distances or pay extra just because they live rurally. That’s why we made this a priority. The Rural Health Roadshow was invaluable because it allowed me to hear directly from locals about the issues that matter most to them.”

Mr Brown and Mr Doocey also acknowledge the advocacy of Southland MP Joseph Mooney and Waitaki MP Miles Anderson in improving access to rural healthcare.

“By listening to locals and removing barriers like cost and distance, we’re making healthcare more accessible and ensuring rural New Zealanders get the care they need, right in their own communities,” Mr Brown says.

Note to editors:
•    Fiordland Medical Centre in Te Anau has an enrolled population of 4400, with more than 5000 blood tests carried out each year. Free blood testing became available on 1 October.
•    Wānaka has an enrolled population of 19,354 across three general practices, which carry out a combined 20,000 blood tests each year. Free blood testing will become available on 1 November.
•    Health New Zealand is working to have a more consistent approach to free blood tests across the South Island.

MIL OSI