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Online Casino Gambling to fund local sports and community groups

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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.”

MIL OSI

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

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MIL OSI
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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.”

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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

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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

MIL OSI

Police appealing for information following Dunedin assault

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Source: New Zealand Police

Dunedin Police investigating an assault in Green Island early in the morning on Sunday 12 October are seeking information from the public.

Police received a report of the assault around 3.20am on the Sunday and arrived on scene to find an injured individual.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed an altercation or suspicious activity on Edinburgh Street in Green Island between 3am and 3:20am on Sunday 12 October. We would also particularly like to hear from any motorists who were travelling down Edinburgh Street at this time and are interested in any dashcam footage they have recorded.

If you can assist with these enquiries, or have dashcam footage from this time, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing the file number 251012/3291.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Oxfam – Ten years on from the Paris Agreement, rich countries’ pitiful climate targets fall drastically short

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Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

In response to the latest Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) synthesis report published yesterday, Nafkote Dabi, Climate Lead at Oxfam, said:
“Ten years on from the Paris Agreement, we now see revealed a damning indictment of the collective failure of global leaders to address the climate crisis. The richest and most polluting countries have betrayed the people being hit the hardest by climate disasters, particularly those in low-income countries, Indigenous people and women.
Countries’ climate plans will reduce global emissions by just 10% by 2035, far short of what is needed. Science is clear: emissions must fall by at least 60% from 2019 levels in order to avoid climate breakdown. The EU has failed to even submit a new NDC while the US has withdrawn totally from the Paris Agreement and is slashing its already minimal climate finance.”
Oxfam Aotearoa’s Climate Justice Lead, Nick Henry, added: “”Despite the global need to strengthen climate action, New Zealand is not even on track to meet our existing commitments. We need our leaders in Government to show us a plan for real action to keep their promises and reduce emissions.”
Nafkote Dabi continued, “China’s first emissions reduction target of 7-10% from peak levels by 2035 is a step forward but still falls short of aligning with global climate goals. Brazil, host of COP30, despite being a climate leader, continues to approve new oil exploration in the heart of the Amazon – a contradiction that undermines its credibility.
The COP30 Summit next month must put humanity onto a safer path by insisting that world leaders deliver much bolder and more equitable NDCs than the inconsistent and inadequate collection that currently sit on its table. Central to any progress must be the tackling the extreme carbon pollution of the super-rich: the emissions of the 1% alone are predicted to cause 1.3 million heat-related deaths by the end of the century, and blow through the world’s remaining carbon budget.
The richest countries and richest people are locking the world into a catastrophic trajectory which COP30 must arrest.”
Research by Oxfam International and CARE Climate Justice Centre finds that two thirds of climate finance is currently in the form of loans, increasing the debt burden on poor countries, which stands at $3.3 trillion. The $100 billion annual commitment agreed at COP15 remains unmet, and the $1.3 trillion needed for mitigation and adaptation has also not been delivered.
Research by Oxfam International finds that the energy consumed by the wealthiest 1% – predominantly in the Global North – alone would be enough to meet the basic energy needs of people without electricity access seven times over.
Research by the United Nations finds that emissions cuts of 42 per cent are needed by 2030 and 57 per cent by 2035 to get the world on track for 1.5°C. 

MIL OSI

PSA backs CTU blueprint to drive economic growth through better labour relations

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Source: PSA

A better New Zealand is possible if the Government stopped fearing unions and adopted reforms suggested by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions that respected the rights of workers.
The PSA today said it strongly supported the CTU’s New Deal for Workers launched at its annual conference.
“Law changes are desperately needed after the damage inflicted by the most anti-worker government in a generation,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“If the Government really wants a productive, high-wage economy, it needs a positive labour relations environment that respects all workers. The New Deal for Workers provides the blueprint.
“Last week’s strikes by public sector workers showed just how bad labour relations have become. This Government disrespects the very workers who are key to an efficient public sector and critical to a productive economy that meets our challenges.
“There needs to be a fundamental reset.”
The PSA backs the CTU’s three key priorities for the first 100 days of a new government: restoring Fair Pay Agreements, introducing Automatic Union Membership, and preventing sham contracting.
“These reforms will improve workers’ rights, lift labour productivity, and help build a higher wage economy. Countries that perform well economically respect their workers through strong collective bargaining.
“Yet the Government has made it a priority to erode the rights of workers, axing Fair Pay Agreements, reinstating 90-day fire-at-will, scrapping pay equity for women, and suppressing the minimum wage – all while claiming to support economic growth, growth that has failed to materialise.
“The CTU is right to demand political parties commit to these reforms in their first 100 days. It’s time governments stopped fearing workers and worked in partnership with unions to achieve our common goal of raising living standards for all.”

MIL OSI

Pharmac to fund an additional ADHD medicine to increase supply and access

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Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac will fund an additional brand of methylphenidate for people with ADHD – Methylphenidate Sandoz XR – from 1 December 2025. This follows public consultation and is part of our efforts to improve access to ADHD treatment and ease ongoing supply issues.

Methylphenidate Sandoz XR will be available in the same strengths as Concerta – 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, and 54 mg. It will be funded alongside existing brands, under current eligibility criteria(external link). Around 3,800 people are expected to benefit in the first year.

“Methylphenidate plays an important role in supporting people with ADHD,” says Pharmac’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr David Hughes. “We understand the difficulties people have faced in accessing their usual medicines, and this funding decision is one way we are responding to those concerns.”

Since September 2023, all brands and strengths of methylphenidate in New Zealand have been affected by global supply disruptions. These are expected to continue into 2026 due to global demand, manufacturing limits, and restrictions on importing and exporting controlled medicines.

“Adding another brand will help increase the overall supply and reduce the likelihood of shortages,” says Dr Hughes. “It also supports upcoming changes in February 2026, when more health professionals – including GPs and nurse practitioners – will be able to prescribe ADHD medicines.”

This builds on earlier work done by Pharmac to ease ongoing supply issues, including funding lisdexamfetamine and removing renewal criteria for funded ADHD treatments in late 2024.

Pharmac received 149 responses to its September consultation. Most people supported the proposal, saying it would reduce stress, improve access, and help avoid treatment delays.

Some people raised concerns about the ongoing supply issues – whether everyone would be able to get the new brand, and if adding another option would really ease the shortages. Others said they wanted clearer and more consistent information from Pharmac and had questions about how the brands might differ.

“We appreciate the feedback we received,” says Dr Hughes. “We’ve worked with the supplier to make sure enough stock is available, required minimum stock levels in New Zealand, and are updating our information to support prescribers, pharmacists, and people using ADHD medicines.”

Pharmac will continue to monitor supply and work with suppliers, health professionals, and people using ADHD medicines to help them get the treatment they need.

MIL OSI

Calling Mackenzie bird spotters – DOC needs you!

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Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  29 October 2025

Kakī are among the worlds’ rarest wading birds and were close to extinction with only 23 left in 1981. Their numbers have slowly increased to around 150 and they have the highest threat ranking of ‘nationally critical’.

This spring the kakī breeding season in the riverbeds of the Mackenzie District started well with Department of Conservation (DOC) staff monitoring nests and eggs as usual. However, recent turbulent spring weather, including high winds, heavy rain and river flooding may force kakī to move from their usual nesting sites in the braided riverbeds, wetlands, and farmland to seek out new areas elsewhere. The weather may have created new habitat for kakī, and DOC staff would like to know where the birds are.

DOC Ranger Marianne Marot says they are asking people to help spot the birds, record their location and notice what colour bands they have on their legs so they can be identified.

“Kakī could be nesting around wetlands and tarns or ponds, on river terraces and even farmland. They could be anywhere there is water. With so many tarns quite full there are plenty of places for them to be.

“We especially want farmers to look out for them. Many stations in the Mackenzie basin are very supportive of the kakī recovery programme and allow DOC staff to enter and search for the birds, but the stations are large making it very difficult for staff to cover the entire area and find newly created hidden ponds.”

Marianne says every sighting matters and asks people who spot one of the birds to try and accurately record where they are, take a photograph without disturbing the nests, and try and record their coloured leg band.

“We need to keep track of where they are and where the nests are. Eggs collected in the wild are incubated and reared at DOC’s captive breeding aviaries in Twizel as well as at The Issac Conservation and Wildlife Trust facility in Christchurch. These efforts are essential to boost population numbers.

“This is one way the public can really do their bit for nature. This is what ‘naturing” is all about – you’re contributing to the survival of this precious taonga. Kakī are really battling for survival every season, not only against habitat loss and the weather, but also introduced predators such as ferrets, stoats, hedgehogs, and feral cats. It doesn’t take much to wipe out nests and chicks through predation or an unseasonal weather event so there’s a lot of risk for these beautiful little birds,” she says.

“They’re distinctive to look at with their striking black plumage and long dark pink/reddish legs. We’d love the public to help us spot them. You can really play your part in ensuring their survival.

“Kakī used to be found throughout New Zealand, but now they are mainly in the Mackenzie basin. There was one pair seen near Makarora last year, and they’re also regularly spotted in the Rangitata River area. One was even spotted in Auckland which is very unusual. So, while the population is predominantly down here, for everyone outside the Mackenzie basin, have a look at the photos of kakī /black stilt, you never know when you might see one.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

Work accelerates on ambitious land transport reforms

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is accelerating progress on its bold work programme to modernise New Zealand’s land transport rules, with public consultation beginning today on three significant areas of work, Transport Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed. 
“These changes are about increasing our transport system’s productivity and safety. The current rules are riddled with outdated or nonsensical requirements which create unnecessary burdens for Kiwis,” Mr Bishop says.
The consultations will focus on:
•    Reviewing Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and Certificate of Fitness A (CoF A) frequency and inspection requirements for light vehicles
•    Simplifying heavy vehicle permitting
•    Considering additional safety requirements for vehicles entering the fleet
Associate Transport Minister James Meager says the WoF and CoF A reviews are a commonsense opportunity to modernise the country’s vehicle inspection approach.
“New Zealand currently has one of the most frequent regimes globally. We want to make sure we’re not placing unnecessary costs or time pressures on Kiwis, while still keeping everyone safe on the road,” Mr Meager says.
“We’re looking at how other jurisdictions handle this. For example, Europe checks light vehicles every two years, and most states in Australia and provinces in Canada only require a WOF when the vehicle changes ownership, or when a defect is identified.”
“A simplification of heavy vehicle requirements is also on the table. This includes reviewing whether 50MAX trucks permits and the display of “H” signs is still needed. We’re also looking at more efficient options to update key log truck code of practice, to reduce red tape and make it easier for industry to comply,” Mr Bishop says.
The Government is also investigating the case for mandating additional safety features in most vehicles entering our fleet, such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Support systems, and Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems to further protect road users.
“These reforms are about bringing our land transport regulation into the 21st century. We want to remove costly inefficiencies and put money back into the pockets of Kiwis to drive our economy forward,” Mr Bishop says.
 

MIL OSI

Media advisory: Special Olympics flame in Napier this weekend

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Source: New Zealand Police

Media is invited to attend the Hawke’s Bay Law Enforcement Torch Run event to take photos and interview participants, including the local Special Olympics stars.

What: Law Enforcement Torch Run – Hawke’s Bay

Where: Meet at Anderson Park, Auckland Road carpark, Napier, by 12.45pm for a 1pm start

When: Saturday 1 November 2025

Who: Hawke’s Bay District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police

Police contact: Mark Harrison 021 1907 805

Special Olympics contact: Coen Lammers 021 730 239

Police will be part of something special this weekend supporting Hawke’s Bay’s Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run will happen this Saturday 1 November in Napier and marks the countdown to the National Summer Special Olympics Games.

Known as Guardians of the Flame police members, along with Special Olympics athletes, will carry the Flame of Hope to get local communities excited about the Games.

Athletes, supporters, and Police will assemble at Anderson Park in Napier before 1pm.

“Lighting the Flame of Hope means that the games are just around the corner,” says Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey.

The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run which started in Northland on October 4 is working its way down to Southland, before it ends up in Christchurch in the week before the games start.

The countdown is on:

The Special Olympics Games will be held at the new Wolfbrook Arena from Wednesday 10 until Sunday 14 of December.

Inspector Rupert Friend from New Zealand Police says, “We are proud to take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement.

“The Torch Run has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising platforms including Polar Plunges.

We held two plunges in Wellington and Christchurch this year where a total of $26,000 was raised for our New Zealand athletes.

“The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a worldwide organisation and celebrated this year raising $1 billion to support the athletes of Special Olympics.

We encourage all kiwis to come out and show their support at Torch Run events up and down the country from October to December leading up to the games.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

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