Arrests and illicit firearms seized in transnational action

October 29, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A weeklong transnational targeted crackdown on illicit firearms has resulted in 43 arrests and 96 firearms being seized in New Zealand. This was part of a coordinated week-of-action with partner agencies in Australia and New Zealand.

Australian and New Zealand enforcement agencies’ joint intelligence efforts recently reduced the availability of illicit firearms in the community through detection, disruption and enforcement.

The National Illicit Firearms Working Group made up of police from across Australia and New Zealand undertook Operation Black Onyx between Monday 13 October and Sunday 19 October, with agencies working to monitor real-time intelligence and assessments to target persons of interest.

New Zealand Police executed 83 search warrants recovering firearms, firearm parts and ammunition.

Detective Inspector Andrew Alexander, from the National Organised Crime Group for New Zealand Police, says with the combined efforts of our overseas and local partners we have targeted and disrupted criminal activity around illicit firearms.

“The contribution from across the country, from all of our Police Districts and partner agencies, has led to a successful week of disrupting criminals in possession of illegal firearms and provides a real time example of the partnership between New Zealand Police and Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority and the benefits of the Firearms Registry in holding these individuals to account,” he says.

“Utilising our intelligence-led approach to target those in possession of illegal firearms, parts or accessories, without appropriate permits, has ensured that illegal firearms are removed from our streets.”

Throughout New Zealand the operation has led to:

43 arrests, 110 charges
96 firearms seized (which included shotguns, rifles, pistols)
15 firearm parts seized
83 search warrants executed
34 compliance visits.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Major investments announced on Malaysia visit

LiveNews Publisher

October 29, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Two significant investments were announced during the visit of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Malaysia this week, in the areas of renewable energy infrastructure and tourism.

Malaysian-headquartered company Yinson Renewables announced its plans to invest in New Zealand with a pipeline of projects expected to total circa 1GW of renewable energy.

Yinson has been developing a pipeline of wind projects in New Zealand over the past four years. Invest New Zealand, the New Zealand Government’s investment attraction agency, has been supporting Yinson.

“This investment shows the message that New Zealand is open for business is being heard,” Mr Luxon says.

A significant investment into New Zealand’s tourism infrastructure was also confirmed on Tuesday by Malaysian infrastructure conglomerate YTL Corporation Berhad. YTL Hotels has acquired the 225-room Hotel Indigo in Auckland in a $160m deal, its first hotel investment in New Zealand. The agreement is the second-largest hotel transaction in New Zealand this year. 

Mr Luxon says this solidifies YTL Hotels’ long-term commitment to the region’s tourism and hospitality sector and signals confidence in New Zealand’s visitor economy.

Both investments have received approvals from New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office.

“These investments demonstrate that New Zealand is seen as a credible investment destination by high-quality global investors, and it is a message I deliver in parallel to the political relationship building on my trips overseas,” Mr Luxon says.

The Prime Minister has just concluded a three-day visit to Malaysia, where he engaged in high-level talks on geo-political issues in the Indo-Pacific region, and advanced New Zealand’s business goals.

“It’s critical for New Zealand to play an active part in regional settings like the East Asia Summit (EAS), where we can be heard and promote our interests,” Mr Luxon says.

The 19-member EAS meets annually and brings together key players in the region including the United States, China and India.

During a 50th anniversary ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit, the Prime Minister established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with his ASEAN counterparts.

“During my visit to Kuala Lumpur, I met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and a series of other Southeast Asian leaders.

“As well as witnessing the signing of the two investment deals that will help us build the infrastructure we need, grow businesses, and put more money in Kiwis’ pockets, we also agreed a halal arrangement with Malaysia to boost our exports.”

The Prime Minister is now in the Republic of Korea for APEC

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Winter cruise season setting sail from Auckland

LiveNews Publisher

October 29, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the cruise industry is poised for another significant step forward, with the Carnival line announcing a return to homeporting in Auckland.

“I’m thrilled to hear that Carnival Adventure will drop anchor in Auckland for its 2027 winter season, the first ship to homeport in Auckland since 2023,” Louise Upston says.

“A homeport is where a cruise ship begins and ends its voyages, making Auckland a base for passenger boarding, provisioning and crew operations. Having a ship homeported here over winter is a real vote of confidence in New Zealand’s tourism sector.

“This decision by Carnival means more visitors, more jobs and more opportunities for local businesses. That’s great news for our Auckland hospitality, retail and accommodation sectors.

“It also offers New Zealanders the chance to cruise from a home city on short break holidays.”

Carnival Adventure will be homeported in Auckland from 25 May to 29 July 2027.

The announcement comes as New Zealand prepares to welcome an estimated 177,000 cruise visitors across nearly 40 ships during the 2025 – 2026 season.

Louise Upston says the Government recognised the growing contribution of cruise tourism to New Zealand, injecting $1.37 billion into New Zealand economy last financial year,

“Cruise is now extremely significant to tourism and is why I led a meeting with cruise and port sector representatives in July to discuss how we could all make the most of the opportunities and remove any barriers. 

“We’ve worked hard to provide clarity on regulatory costs and support new ways to manage biofouling.

“Our Government has also set up a Fast-Track Approvals process supporting efficient consenting for much-needed infrastructure like Port of Auckland’s development of a new wharf and passenger terminal for cruise vessels.

“And we’ve confirmed ongoing cruise access to Milford Sound.

“Today’s news reinforces the significance of those decisions and reaffirms that New Zealand is open for business and committed to supporting the cruise sector’s growth.”

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Pet bonds for renters start 1 December

LiveNews Publisher

October 29, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has confirmed that from 1 December 2025, changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, Housing Minister Chris Bishop, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.

“These reforms are a win-win for tenants and landlords and are a pawsitive step forward,” Mr Bishop says.

“Pets are part of the family for many households. Around 64 per cent of Kiwi homes include at least one. Anyone who’s tried to find a pet-friendly rental knows how ruff it can be.

“From 1 December, the pet bonds system will begin. This means Tenancy Services’ bond system will enable landlords and tenants to lodge pet bonds for new tenancies, add a pet bond to an existing tenancy when a new pet is introduced, top-up a pet bond if the rent increases and refund a pet bond if the pet is no longer at the property.

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says that the policy will fix the problem of tenants being locked out of rental markets due to landlords not being willing to take a risk on tenants with pets.

“There are tenants out there to whom what matters is being able to live in their preferred home with their very good boy,” Mr Seymour says.

“More landlords would be willing to allow pets if they could protect themselves from some of the risks.

“This policy is also important for helping victims of domestic abuse move on with their lives. Often, people stay in relationships to look after pets and become stuck. Helping these people find rentals that are accepting of pets will allow them to move on safely and have a brighter future.”

The new rules include that:

Tenants must have the landlord’s consent to keep a pet but landlords can only withhold consent on reasonable grounds.
Landlords may require a pet bond up to two weeks’ rent, in addition to the existing general tenancy bond.
Tenants will now be liable for all pet damage to properties beyond fair wear and tear
Tenancy Services will enable lodgement, top-ups and refunds of pet bonds and will provide updated guidance and forms ahead of commencement.

“Supporting people to find a pet-friendly rental home is part of the Government’s plan to create a well-functioning rental property market.

“The changes reflect the Government’s focus on practical, balanced solutions that support both renters and property owners,” Mr Potaka says.

“These reforms are about fairness and trust. They make it easier for landlords to say yes, while giving tenants the certainty they need to settle with their pets.

“Our Government is focused on a rental market that works for everyone, whether they be young renters, families, and the people providing homes.”

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University Research – Pharmacist-facing diabetes project succeeds – UoA

LiveNews Publisher

October 29, 2025

Source: University of auckland (UoA)

Diabetes patients in South Auckland had remarkable success in a trial of using community pharmacists as coaches.

A pilot programme in South Auckland has shown that community pharmacists, working closely with general practice nurses, can significantly reduce blood sugar levels for people with diabetes – and keep them down.

Type 2 diabetes is a major health challenge in Aotearoa New Zealand, leading to preventable complications such as dialysis, amputations, vision loss, and heart disease.

The programme, run by Counties Manukau Health and funded by the Ministry of Health, enrolled a total of around 60 people, with a new paper focusing on 26 participants who enrolled early and had long-term follow-up data. See Journal of Primary Healthcare.

Participating pharmacist, Carole Baxter, at Unichem Tuakau Pharmacy recalls one patient whom she and the nurse referred to as ‘the poster boy’.

“We told him what he would need to do – lifestyle changes, moving more, improving his eating and taking his medications. Whatever we said, he did. He ended up not needing to take any medications.”

Baxter believes the pilot would have been even more successful if it hadn’t coincided with the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It shows that diabetes patients really need a coach,” Baxter says. “It was often simple things like finding people weren’t testing regularly because they had left their meter at a tāngi or moved house and couldn’t find it. Issues that were easily resolved.”

Baxter wrote long-term-condition plans for the patients and is still following up with activities like checking they have an appointment to get their next script. “A few days later, the script turns up in the pharmacy,” she says.

At the outset of the trial, patients’ average HbA1c was 97.6 mmol/mol.

HbA1c, a long-term measure of blood sugar control, should ideally be under 53 mmol/mol – a target many people do not meet.

During the pilot, patients had an average reduction of 25.2 mmol/mol, or 20.7 mmol/mol for Māori and Pacific participants.

When the patients were followed up after seven months, the participants had sustained their improvements

Most, participants (85 percent) improved their HBA1C by at least 5 mmol/mol.

“Rates of prescribing of newer diabetes medicines such as empagliflozin and dulaglutide, were higher than comparable studies in people with type 2 diabetes in New Zealand eligible for these treatments,” says lead author Dr Natalie Gauld, an honorary senior lecturer in the School of Pharmacy at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

“We’d love to see a larger trial with more pharmacies and a comparison group,” says Gauld.

“Having a pharmacist mentor would help build confidence and support pharmacists in this new way of working. It’s also vital to involve Māori and Pacific communities in designing the next phase.”

Dr Sue Tutty, GP liaison at Counties Manukau and co-author, says the programme highlights the value of collaboration.

“It showed how relatively small interventions, utilising a team-based model of care, can have a significant impact on outcomes.”

Researchers recommend scaling up the approach with more emphasis on team-based care and better integration between pharmacies and general practices, mentoring for pharmacists, and additional support for patients who feel overwhelmed or disconnected from the health system.

“This project is scalable now with the resources we currently have in the community, and with motivation and project support,” Tutty says.

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Pharmac Reset Programme completes first 90-Day Plan

LiveNews Publisher

October 29, 2025

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac’s Consumer and Patient Working Group has supported the successful completion of the first 90-day action plan, a key milestone in the organisation’s 12-month Reset Programme.

The Reset Programme is the first phase of Pharmac’s five-year improvement journey, developed in response to a series of external reviews.

“The reset programme will support Pharmac to be a more outward-focussed and transparent organisation that values and actively engages with consumers and stakeholders. We’re focused on putting patients and their families at the centre of everything we do,” says Pharmac Chief Executive, Natalie McMurtry.

The first 90-day plan, which ran from 1 July to 30 September 2025, began with the appointment of a 10-member Consumer and Patient Working Group, chaired by patient advocate Dr Malcolm Mulholland. In addition, four key actions were completed:

Pae Ora legislation amendment advice – Feedback from the Consumer and Patient Working Group and the Consumer Advisory Committee on potential changes to the Pae Ora legislation related to Pharmac was incorporated into advice provided to the Associate Minister of Health.
Build a Consumer Network – A consumer advocate database has been developed and populated with contacts, provided by the Consumer and Patient Working Group, representing a diverse range of health conditions and communities with high health needs. This will support ongoing engagement with consumers and patients.
Enhance future budget bids – Feedback was sought from the Consumer and Patient Working Group on how patient impact could be better reflected in Pharmac’s data to strengthen future Budget bids. Budget 2025/26 information was proactively released to support informed consumer input and advice.
Pharmac Review recommendations – Pharmac published an update on its progress in responding to the 2022 Pharmac Review recommendations, providing greater clarity for patients.

One additional action is currently in progress:

Consumer relations team – Pharmac is expanding its engagement function to include dedicated relationship managers who will build and maintain relationships with key consumer and patient groups.

The Consumer and Patient Working Group has played a key role in supporting the delivery of these actions by providing advice and contributing to implementation. Their work complements the strategic advice provided by Pharmac’s Consumer Advisory Committee.

“We’ve already got some runs on the board in this first quarter, and next we’ll be diving into the processes that matter most to consumers and patients. Pharmac’s work is vitally important, and our focus is on helping the organisation to work as well as it can,” says Dr Mulholland.

“I am really impressed at how strongly the Working Group has started. They’ve been working hard and collaborating with Pharmac to help us improve how we work with patients, their families, and the people who advocate on their behalf. Their work is about focussing us on what matters most for consumers and patients,” says McMurtry.

Work is already underway on the next 90-day action plan, which includes:

Consultation process – Developing guidelines on when and how to consult with patients regarding funding decisions, brand changes, supply issues, or strategic initiatives.
Embedding patient voices and lived experiences in clinical meetings – Agreeing on the best approach and developing resources to support this.
Pharmac’s communications approach – Creating a joined-up communications planning approach with patient groups and agreeing on a framework for patient storytelling.
Medicine application funding process – Partnering with consumers to identify short-term and long-term improvements to the process.
Pharmac Vision and Strategy – Continuing work to create a new future-focused and inclusive vision that reflects the needs and aspirations of staff, consumers, and other stakeholders.

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Police continue appeal for information following fatal crash, Piarere

LiveNews Publisher

October 29, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Taupō Police continue to appeal information following a fatal crash on State Highway 1, Piarere on Wednesday 15 October.

Earlier today, Police released the names of the two tourists who sadly died following the crash.

Taupō Road Policing Sergeant Shane McNally says the investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing, but are seeking the public’s help.

“We would like to speak with anyone that may have witnessed unusual or poor driving behaviour that involved a grey SUV or small silver hatchback, in and around the Piarere area on Wednesday 15 October,

“Specifically, the driver of a large truck which was turning into Horahora Road from State Highway 1 just before the crash that occurred at 7:44pm.

“We’re also seeking information from the driver of a black car that was heading south on State Highway 1 at the time of the crash, and may have seen the silver hatchback behind them or attempting to pass,” Sergeant McNally says.

If you have information or are the driver of either the truck or black car, please contact Police immediately on 105, quoting file number: 251016/7055.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Online Casino Gambling to fund local sports and community groups

LiveNews Publisher

October 29, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, is listening to New Zealanders by introducing community funding returns through the Online Casino Gambling Bill, announced today.

“The message from communities was loud and clear – if we’re regulating online gambling, they want to see benefits flow back to local sports clubs, community groups, and grassroots organisations,” says Ms van Velden.

“I have listened, and now as a Government, we are delivering on what matters most to communities across the country,” says Ms van Velden.

“Problem gambling prevention and harm minimisation standards are non-negotiable and unchanged. Protecting Kiwis from gambling harm is still my number one objective.

“Community funding will not compromise this Government’s commitment to reducing gambling harm,” says Ms van Velden.

The proposed change increases the Offshore Gambling Duty from 12 percent to 16 percent with this 4 percent ringfenced specifically for community returns – creating an entirely new funding stream for New Zealand communities.

“While I am confident the regulated online casino market will provide new community funding opportunities for New Zealand sports clubs and community organisations, I do acknowledge that predicting the exact impact on existing Class 4 [pokies] returns creates some uncertainty.

“Cabinet has agreed on a two-year review after implementation of the community returns policy to assess the impact of online casino gambling on other forms of gambling and community returns.

“This evidence-based review will inform necessary adjustments allowing us to make informed policy decisions based on real-world data in future.

“This is new money on top of existing funding from pokies, Lotto, and TAB. We’re not taking anything away – we’re adding to what’s already there,” says Ms van Velden.

The Bill addresses a critical gap in New Zealand’s regulatory framework.

“Right now, Kiwis are gambling on thousands of overseas websites with no safety nets, no spending limits, and no recourse when things go wrong. That’s unacceptable.

“This Bill brings those operators under New Zealand law, with proper consumer protections, harm minimisation measures, and now – community benefits.”

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Amity Global Institute Marks Milestone with Over 1,800 Graduates at Class of 2025 Ceremony

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October 29, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 October 2025 – Amity Global Institute (AGI) proudly celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of more than 1,800 students at its Class of 2025 Ceremony, held at the iconic Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. Renowned for hosting world leaders and global occasions, the Shangri-La served as a fitting venue to honour academic excellence, cultural diversity, and the global vision of tomorrow’s leaders.

The event was graced by Professor (Dr) Leon Choong, Regional CEO and Chief Academic Officer of AGI, together with Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from key partner nations, as well as Vice-Chancellors and senior leaders from AGI’s university partners, faculty, and proud families.

“Graduation is not an end, but a beginning,” said Professor (Dr) Leon Choong. “Our graduates embody Amity’s mission of education without borders — a commitment to lifelong learning, global citizenship, and the pursuit of excellence. Their resilience, creativity, and accomplishments inspire us all.”

Academic Excellence and Global Reach

In Academic Year 2024/25, AGI conferred 1,838 awards — 899 from its proprietary programmes and 939 from partner universities. With an overall graduation rate of 89% and nearly two-thirds of graduates achieving top honours, the results highlight AGI’s uncompromising focus on quality education and student success.

This year also marked the launch of AGI’s Global Exchange Programme, offering students study-abroad opportunities at Amity’s campuses in Dubai and New York. This initiative strengthens cultural exchange and equips students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected workforce.

First-Ever Two-Day Graduation: Celebrating Global Partnerships

For the first time, AGI held a two-day graduation ceremony to accommodate its growing student body and global partnerships.

Day 1 honoured graduates from Teesside University.

Day 2 celebrated graduates from the University of Northampton.

Both days began with a traditional bagpipe procession and featured vibrant student-led performances — from musical showcases to a cultural dance by students from Tajikistan — reflecting AGI’s diverse international community.

Global university leaders also shared their congratulations:

Professor Paul Croney OBE, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Teesside University: “This partnership equips students with the skills and mindset to thrive as capable, compassionate global citizens.”

Becky Bradshaw, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and COO of the University of Northampton: “Graduation is a launchpad for your future. The world needs your ideas, energy, and commitment to making a difference.”

Growth, Recognition, and Global Impact

As part of the Amity Education Group — spanning 42 countries and more than 250,000 students — AGI continues to broaden its academic portfolio through collaborations with world-renowned universities such as the University of London, University of Northampton, Teesside University, and the University of East Anglia.

Its Orchard Road campus offers modern facilities and industry-relevant programmes, combining academic rigour with practical skills.

AGI’s commitment to excellence has been recognised with awards, including the Singapore Business Review International Business Award 2025 (Higher Education), and inclusion in the Top 10 of Singapore’s Industry Star Awards 2024 by the Vision Media Group, underscoring its position as a leader in private higher education.

Looking Ahead

“As we celebrate our graduates, we also look forward,” added Professor Choong. “Armed with knowledge, skills, and values, our students are ready to shape industries, uplift communities, and lead with purpose.”

https://www.amitysingapore.sg/
https://sg.linkedin.com/school/amity-global-business-school-singapore/
https://www.facebook.com/amity.singapore
https://www.instagram.com/amity.singapore/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEsfGVavEyUsqkytbIdtTJg

Hashtag: #AmityGlobalInstitute #Graduation #Education #Singapore

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

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

Economy: Reserve Bank – Transmission currents and the flow of monetary policy to domestic financial conditions

LiveNews Publisher

October 29, 2025

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

29 October 2025 – In a speech presented today at the CBA Global Markets conference, RBNZ Director of Financial Markets, Adam Richardson, outlined the transmission of recent New Zealand Official Cash Rate (OCR) cuts to domestic financial conditions is playing out largely as expected.

Mr Richardson conveyed that financial conditions in New Zealand have loosened, with interest rates falling and credit conditions becoming more favourable.

“As with any cycle, there are some unique features that we have had to take account of when assessing the stance of monetary policy,” Mr Richardson said.

In the speech, Mr Richardson highlighted that some of these features are the result of domestic developments, such as a temporary shift in mortgage holder preference for shorter terms in expectation of further rate cuts. Others are the result of global factors, such as higher global term premia and their contribution to a significant steepening in government sovereign bond yield curves.

As part of its monetary policy deliberations, the MPC accounts for the various domestic and global factors that push financial conditions around, allowing it to effectively steer domestic financial conditions to be consistent with the inflation target.

Mr Richardson also stressed that, “the cash flow channel is an important and very visible part of monetary policy transmission. However, other channels of transmission potentially play a more important role.”

More information:

2025 Commonwealth Bank Global Markets Conference – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=50ee4e5a41&e=f3c68946f8

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