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Doors open to Nelson’s expanded emergency department

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Source: New Zealand Government

Nelson families will benefit from faster, more modern emergency care with the opening of the expanded Nelson Hospital’s emergency department, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This marks a major milestone in the emergency department expansion project. With treatment spaces increasing from 23 to 29, Nelsonians will be seen more quickly, and staff will have a safer, better-equipped environment to work in,” Mr Brown says.

The new wing is the largest and most significant stage of the expansion, adding more clinical space to treat patients, including:

  • Four new observation bays and one observation room
  • Two new isolation rooms
  • A dedicated triage room and expanded medication area
  • Improved staff facilities including write-up spaces, bathrooms, and utility rooms

“The expanded emergency department has been designed to deliver a modern, efficient, and patient-centred environment. The layout supports faster treatment and improved safety, while new isolation facilities and a state-of-the-art negative pressure pod significantly strengthen infection control.

“These upgrades will make a real difference for patients and support our frontline teams to reduce wait times and deliver timely, quality care.”

Mr Brown says the expanded emergency department will play a key role in achieving the Government’s shorter stays in ED target.

“Between April and June, patients in Nelson spent less time in the emergency department compared to the same period last year. With these additional treatment spaces now in place, we expect to see even greater improvements.”

The $10.6 million emergency department expansion builds on the Government’s $1 billion nationwide investment in hospital infrastructure announced in Budget 2025, which includes the redevelopment of Nelson Hospital.

“For too long, Nelson has had outdated facilities and too few beds. Our Government is delivering the modern hospital this region needs to meet the demands of a growing and ageing population, with enabling works now well under way on the full redevelopment.

“Nelson will also be one of five hospitals to receive a new temporary inpatient ward under the Government’s rapid-build hospital capacity programme. The ward will allow services to move while seismic strengthening work is carried out and provide extra beds to improve patient flow until the new inpatient tower is built. 

“Nelson’s new ward will be built locally in Nelson off-site, creating work for local contractors and supporting the regional economy, while contributing to the wider redevelopment of Nelson Hospital. Construction remains on track to meet the timeframe announced earlier this year.

“With the new emergency department wing now open, and the full expansion due for completion in April 2026, patients, families, and staff will benefit from faster, safer, and more modern emergency care – and this is just the start of delivering a hospital that meets Nelson’s future needs.”

MIL OSI

Recognising Dr Allan Freeth’s service to the EPA

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Source: New Zealand Government

Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has acknowledged the contribution of Dr Allan Freeth, following the announcement of his resignation as Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), effective 30 June 2026.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank Dr Allan Freeth for his decade of service as Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

“Under his leadership, the EPA has progressed several important improvements, including initiating the implementation of new risk assessment models to support greater transparency and investing in additional scientific expertise to increase capacity. This work has contributed to reductions in application queues and improved timeframes for decision-making.

“During Allan’s tenure, the EPA has also been involved in setting up the new Fast-track process, in which expert panels consider approvals as a single application package. The EPA’s contribution has been part of this Government’s focus to enable timely, well-informed decisions to support New Zealand’s growth.

“Allan brought a wide range of experience to his role from across New Zealand’s business, public, and not-for-profit sectors, and this has been reflected in his leadership of the EPA. I am particularly grateful for his commitment and professionalism throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 period.

“I thank Allan for his contribution and wish him every success in his future endeavours. His leadership has set the EPA on a strong path to deliver timely, transparent, and reliable assessments that benefit both New Zealanders and our environment.”

The EPA Board will commence the process to appoint a new Chief Executive.

MIL OSI

SH25 Boundary Creek to re-open this Wednesday morning

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The morning commute will feel a lot smoother for people travelling on SH25 along the Thames Coast from this Wednesday 5 November. The road will be ready to welcome road trippers and locals alike as it reopens from 5am after a 7-day closure at Boundary Creek.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Darryl Coalter says crews worked extended hours during the 7-day road closure over the past week to install a new bridge deck.

“After 2 weeks of work beneath the bridge repairing and strengthening the bridge supports (abutments), the road was closed early last Wednesday so the old deck could be removed and a new one installed.

“By late Sunday night the new bridge deck was in place and its topcoat of asphalt laid.

“Not only are we very pleased to get the job done within the timeframe – with the weather on our side, we were able to complete more work than planned.

“In addition to installing the new bridge deck, we’ve been able to carry out additional works, meaning less disruption for traffic once the bridge reopens” says Mr Coalter.

Bridge expansion joints, crash barriers, and road marking are now in the process of being completed.

The road will reopen initially as a single lane under stop/go and by Monday 10 November, both lanes will be open to traffic, and the passing bay to the south of the bridge back in use.

NZTA is also reminding people of upcoming daytime closures required on SH25A Kōpū-Hikuai from next Monday 10 November.

SH25A will be closed between 8am and 5pm Monday to Saturday. The road will open to traffic under single lane and stop/go each evening from 5pm and on Sunday 16 November. If you’re on SH25A before 8am, you’ll be able to get through the work zone. Delays can be expected with only a single lane open.

NZTA thanks motorists for their patience while we complete this essential work to keep the Coromandel state highway network safe, accessible and resilient.

MIL OSI

Business – Skytree Announces Market Entry in New Zealand, Bringing Pioneering Carbon Capture Technology to Support Climate Goals

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Source: Skytree

AMSTERDAM, November 4, 2025 – Skytree, a pioneer in direct air capture (DAC) technology, announces its official market entry into New Zealand. The launch, coinciding with the EU-NZ Business Summit, marks a significant step in the nation’s journey towards a circular economy and reinforces the growing partnership between the Netherlands and New Zealand on sustainable innovation.

At the inaugural EUNZ Business Summit in Auckland, Skytree’s VP Carbon Solutions, Camille Hanna, joined the panel discussion on Clean Tech innovation, presenting the company’s pioneering carbon capture technology to New Zealand’s political and business leaders. The discussion highlighted the specific opportunities for applying this technology within the country’s vital horticulture sector.

Following the panel discussion, New Zealand’s Minister of Energy, Hon. Simon Watts, acknowledged the significance of the technology in his address: “There are some really exciting opportunities, like the work Camille Hanna highlighted around CO₂ capture for the Horticulture space. New Zealand is a big player in horticulture, and this is definitely a challenge and opportunity that we face.”

Joint collaboration on green growth and decarbonization across oceans

Skytree’s arrival directly supports the recently signed Joint Cooperation Statement between Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, which highlights a shared commitment to green growth and decarbonization. By deploying its advanced DAC technology, Skytree will provide local industries with a reliable source of circular carbon dioxide (CO₂), helping to reduce emissions and build a foundation for the sustainable fuels and chemicals of the future.

“We have received an incredibly warm welcome, and we are thrilled to begin this journey in New Zealand. We chose New Zealand for its ambitious climate targets and the clear opportunity for our technology to make a significant impact across multiple sectors. This is a partnership in the truest sense—we are here to innovate with local industries, create new jobs in cleantech, and support New Zealand’s transition to a circular economy.”

—Camille Hanna (VP Carbon Solutions at Skytree)

A commitment to New Zealand’s green transition

The decision to launch in New Zealand was driven by the country’s strong commitment to combating climate change, its proactive stance on adopting clean technologies, and abundant geothermal resources. Skytree will focus on fostering deep collaboration with the local workforce and native communities, ensuring that its investment creates lasting economic activity and supports a just transition.

Skytree’s expansion was facilitated by the support of the Dutch embassy, which played a key role in aligning the launch with the bilateral objectives of both nations. The project exemplifies the type of international cooperation needed to accelerate the global CO₂ transition.

**Header Photo: Panel on Powering Change – Clean Tech and Renewable Innovation; Speakers: Camille Hanna (Skytree), Mark Hoskins (Fabrum), Reuben Tucker (Westpac New Zealand), Facilitator: Tara Druce, Trade Commissioner, New Zealand Trade and Entreprise

About Skytree

Skytree engineers the CO₂ transition by developing Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology that captures CO₂ from the air and repurposes it for good: whether carbon is reused across different industries or stored permanently.

With over a decade of innovation rooted in the European Space Agency (ESA), Skytree’s patented DAC technology transforms atmospheric CO₂ into a valuable resource: powering applications like renewable fuels and chemicals, greenhouses, beverage carbonation and water treatment.

Skytree’s modular DAC machines and unique DAC Park architecture allow companies to deploy in any climate, at scale – offering a bankable path to carbon capture and accelerating the transition to a circular CO₂ economy.

MIL OSI

Backing innovation to boost farm productivity

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Source: New Zealand Government

A $1.2 million Government–industry investment through AgriZeroNZ into a breakthrough technology to cut agricultural emissions, reduce farm costs, and boost productivity, has been welcomed by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis today.

The investment supports the development of a wearable device for cows that could reduce nitrous oxide emissions by up to 95 per cent and nitrate leaching by 93 per cent.

“This is Kiwi innovation at its best: smart technology designed on the farm, for the farm, turning waste into a valuable fertiliser and maintaining New Zealand’s leadership in low emissions pasture-based farming,” Nicola Willis says.

It is the 16th project to be funded by AgriZeroNZ, a joint venture between the Government and leading agribusiness partners, and its first equity investment into nitrous oxide mitigation.

“A total of $191 million has been committed over its first four years to accelerate development of emissions reduction tools for farmers that support the Government’s goal of doubling export value in 10 years.”

Developed by Canterbury start-up Āmua, the small, lightweight device spreads a cow’s urine so it can be used as a fertiliser – allowing nitrogen to be better absorbed by pasture, to lift grass growth and lower fertiliser use.

“Other AgriZeroNZ investments include methane vaccines, inhibitors, probiotics and pastures. The first commercial tools are expected to become available next year – and up to 11 from wider government investment by 2030.”

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti says innovation, technology, and science are central to the Government’s Going For Growth agenda.

“Research and development drive productivity and high-value jobs. Our goal is a system that empowers world-class scientists, universities, and research organisations to turn ideas into market-ready solutions.

“Our ambition is to drive a relentless focus on commercialisation and economic impact to meet the needs of a future-ready economy.”

Nicola Willis and Shane Reti visited a Canterbury dairy farm today to learn more about Āmua’s project and see first-hand another emission mitigation technology – EcoPond, that is being piloted on 200 Fonterra dairy farms and 50 Synlait farms.

The Government also released an update on the ‘Innovation, Technology and Science’ pillar of its Going For Growth work programme.

Notes to editor:

Current portfolio of AgriZeroNZ-backed ventures and tools:

  • Agroceutical Products NZ – NZ/UK joint venture developing a methane inhibitor for cattle from a daffodil extract ($0.4m)
  • Agteria Biotech – Swedish company utilising a patent-pending molecule to reduce methane emissions from cattle ($4.1m)
  • ArkeaBio – US startup developing a vaccine to reduce livestock methane emissions ($9.9m)
  • BioLumic – NZ-founded company utilising UV light to develop a low-emissions ryegrass with increased productivity gains ($5m)
  • BiomEdit – US company developing a probiotic-based feed additive to reduce methane emissions from dairy cows and improve productivity ($6.3m)
  • Bovotica – Australian agtech start-up developing a probiotic to reduce methane emissions from dairy and beef cattle and improve productivity ($1.5 m)
  • Hoofprint Biome Inc – US company developing natural enzymes and probiotics to improve cattle health while reducing methane emissions and improving productivity  ($13m)
  • Lucidome Bio – NZ company developing a methane vaccine for ruminant animals ($9.5m)
  • Nbryo Australian agri-biotech company developing specialised reproductive technologies ($1.69m)
  • Ruminant BioTech – NZ company developing a slow-release, biodegradable methane-inhibiting bolus specifically suited to pastoral farms ($5.8 m)
  • Āmua – Canterbury start-up developing a cow wearable device to cut nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching ($1.2 m). Video available here.

 Ministers also viewed:

  • EcoPond – technology that reduces methane emissions from dairy effluent ponds. Studies have shown the treatment, which uses polyferric sulphate and sulphuric acid, can cut effluent pond emissions by over 90 per cent. It was developed by Ravensdown’s innovation and investment subsidiary, Agnition, and Lincoln University. The technology is being piloted on 200 Fonterra dairy farms and 50 Synlait farms in 2025/26.

MIL OSI

Health – Call for National Mental Health Crisis System

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Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, is calling for a cohesive national mental health crisis response system by June 2027.
“A highly effective crisis response system is at the heart of mental health and addiction services. When people are in crisis it is often where the system either supports someone or fails them. It’s that important.”
“We need to build a system that supports people when and where they need it. The current system doesn’t always work well for Māori, young people or those living rurally in particular,” said Karen Orsborn, Chief Executive of Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission.
The latest report of the Commission, “Urupare mōrearea: Crisis responses monitoring report”, has found that crisis response services are fragmented and difficult to navigate.
“The findings in the report are clear. We need national consistency to ensure everyone in New Zealand can access the support they need at a time of crisis. There are around 100 people every day who access crisis mental health services.”
“Right now, some districts have a range of crisis services; while others have very limited options, especially after hours. In some districts there are co-response teams delivering health-led crisis support, a crisis café, peers in ED and after hours 0800 crisis line, whereas in some areas, options are limited.”
The report also highlights responses that are already working and new initiatives are underway in parts of the country that could be scaled up nationwide. From peer support to kaupapa Māori services, publicly funded services across the country are already demonstrating what good crisis responses looks like.
“Change is already happening in pockets across Aotearoa New Zealand. This is very positive. The challenge now is to connect those services into a cohesive national system that serves those who need it,” continued Orsborn.
The Commission reviewed a five-year period from January 2020 to December 2024 drawing on quantitative and qualitative data, and building on a scan of international approaches.
Shorter term actions are also called for by 30 June 2026, including ensuring 24/7 phone-based crisis support and consistent pathways are also prioritised.
Te Hiringa Mahara stress a strong role for a lived experience workforce, and real choices of safe and welcoming services that are culturally appropriate, trauma-informed and uphold human rights wherever people live in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The report recommendations come as a national conference on mental health, “Hauora hinengaro: He ara tūroa: Mental Health: An enduring pathway”, opens in Auckland on Wednesday 5 November. The forum, co-hosted by Te Hiringa Mahara and Australian based The Mental Health Services Learning Network, will be opened by Minister Doocey, with mental health experts from New Zealand, Australia and Canada speaking.
Selected Statistics
  • Around 35,000 people accessed crisis services in 2024 (approximately 700 per week).
  • Just over half (51.7 per cent) of people accessed support through crisis phone lines.
  • For Māori and rangatahi and youth, a higher proportion of calls are high urgency compared with non-Māori and those aged over 24 years.
  • Over 30% of crisis activities are people under 25, Mental Health After Hours (MHAH) service currently provides acute tele-triage support to 16 districts (of 20). Within these 16 districts, some divert their crisis phone lines to MHAH only after hours, and others have their crisis lines diverted 24/7.
  • Co-response teams are available in 6 districts (Waitematā, Waikato, Taranaki, Wellington, Canterbury, Dunedin), with a further 10 to be place by 2029.

MIL OSI

Rare albatross makes remarkable recovery after swallowing multiple fishing hooks

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Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  04 November 2025 Source:  Department of Conservation and American Bird Conservancy

A Salvin’s albatross, one of the least studied seabird species in the world, has returned to the wild after it successfully recovered from life-saving surgery that removed four large fishing hooks and the fishing line it ingested off the coast of South America.

This unintended fisheries incident highlights the global risk of bycatch – the accidental capture of non-target marine wildlife by fisheries – and the importance of actions taken by commercial and artisanal fisheries to address threats to seabirds.

The juvenile albatross was found by Juan Alberto Infante, a fisherman from Anconcito, Ecuador, who recognised the bird was unwell and contacted local authorities.

The albatross was under wildlife rehabilitation care in Puerto López after the ingested hooks and fishing line were successfully removed by Ruben Aleman, a local veterinarian with Fundación Juvimar. After careful evaluation, it was released in late October on a nearby beach in Manabí province.

“Thanks to the timely report from an artisanal fisher, we were able to rescue this Salvin’s albatross that had been grounded for several days in the port of Anconcito,” says Giovanny Suárez Espín, Ecuador Seabird Bycatch Coordinator for American Bird Conservancy (ABC).

“Through coordination with the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment’s local representative and a specialized veterinarian, we successfully removed four fishing hooks, including one that caused injuries to its oesophagus.

“The type and size of the hooks suggest they came from the artisanal mahi-mahi fishery, which poses a risk to albatrosses. While reducing bycatch in this fishery is challenging, we continue to promote best practices and more sustainable tools to minimize incidental seabird capture,” Giovanny says.

Salvin’s albatross breed on several rugged, remote Subantarctic Islands, hundreds of kilometres south of New Zealand. They spend most of their lives at sea, foraging around New Zealand and Australia during the breeding period. After breeding, they fly thousands of kilometres nonstop over open ocean to the Pacific coast off South America in search of food.

Because they are so mobile and inhabit a vast area, it takes the efforts of many countries to protect them. Researchers from Ecuador, Perú, and New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) have been working closely together to study the species and advocate for the fishing industry to take measures to prevent seabird bycatch.

DOC Senior Science Advisor Dr. Johannes Fischer says no fisher wants to catch threatened seabirds.

“We work closely with the fishing industry in New Zealand and abroad to improve mitigation and minimise accidental deaths from bycatch.

“A better understanding of the distribution of Salvin’s albatross and other seabirds is crucial to help protect them. While we collect tracking data from devices attached to adult Salvin’s albatross, currently information on the movements of juveniles comes solely from observations.

“DOC plans to fit trackers onto juveniles at the end of this breeding season through a collaboration with Universidad Científica del Sur in Lima, Perú, which will directly inform seabird research partnerships in Perú, Ecuador and other countries.”

Dr. Carlos Zavalaga, Director of the Seabird Ecology and Conservation Research Unit from Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru, says tracking endangered New Zealand albatrosses that migrate to Peruvian offshore waters is essential to bridge the gap between conservation and fisheries management.

“These long-distance travellers depend on the productivity of the Humboldt Current to feed, yet each migration carries the silent risk of being hooked on longlines – a reminder that effective protection must transcend national boundaries.”

The Salvin’s albatross population has declined from about 88,000 breeding pairs in the 1970s to about 50,000 today. The species starts breeding from about 11 years old and lay one egg per year, so if something is affecting the juveniles, there can be a big delay before negative impacts are seen.

Johannes says seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of birds globally, facing additional threats like overfishing, climate change, plastic pollution and habitat loss.

“We all need to work together to protect these remarkable, wide-ranging animals. Our natural world is interconnected, and naturing responsibly can have positive impacts around the world, though we may not always see them.

Background information

New Zealand holds one of the highest diversities of seabirds in the world, with about 145 species found in its waters and 95 of those breeding on its coasts and islands.

DOC’s Marine Bycatch and Threats team runs the Conservation Services Programme, which is funded by levies from the fishing industry and monitors the impact of commercial fishing on protected species, studies impacted species’ populations and looks at ways to mitigate bycatch. This effort is further supported by the International Seabird Strategy, which guides the New Zealand Government’s work to reduce seabird bycatch beyond New Zealand’s waters, including collaborations with Ecuador and Perú.

American Bird Conservancy

ABC takes bold action to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Inspired by the wonder of birds, we achieve lasting results for the bird species most in need while also benefiting human communities, biodiversity, and the planet’s fragile climate. Our every action is underpinned by science, strengthened by partnerships, and rooted in the belief that diverse perspectives yield stronger results. Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1994, ABC remains committed to safeguarding birds for generations to come. Join us. Together, we can do more to ensure birds thrive.

In Ecuador, ABC’s Marine Program has been engaged in long-term bycatch reduction efforts by working with artisanal longline fisheries and over 2,000 fishers in developing new methods. ABC and partners have also developed the NISURI device, which deploys and sinks lines faster than traditional techniques, preventing seabirds from accidentally becoming hooked by baited lines floating at the surface. Watch Caught By Mistake to learn about innovative solutions and safer fishing practices that benefit both seabirds and people.

For further information on how to reduce albatross bycatch, visit the Albatross Task Force.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

Tech solution for forestry road safety

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Source: Worksafe New Zealand

Forestry roads nationwide are set to become safer, thanks to a new agreement between WorkSafe New Zealand and one of the country’s largest forest management companies.

Forest360 Limited has agreed to fund a range of actions in response to a death on one of its sites. 59-year-old Greg Stevens was killed when his logging truck and trailer rolled while negotiating a tight bend on a Coromandel forestry road in May 2023.

WorkSafe’s investigation found the design, maintenance, and risk assessment of the road by Forest360 was inadequate.

The company’s funded response forms a binding commitment, known as an enforceable undertaking (EU), which WorkSafe has accepted. It includes:

  • Funding research to develop a method to assess forestry road safety.
  • Sponsoring software development to help forest owners and operators identify unsafe road conditions.
  • Promoting the software and sharing insights with the forestry sector, including at conferences and through the Forest Industry Safety Council.
  • Forest360 will donate to education programmes through Discover Forestry, and to Wāhine in Forestry.
  • Amends paid to Greg Stevens’ widow.

“Many forestry roads in New Zealand are old and potentially unsafe, having been built decades ago to outdated engineering standards,” says WorkSafe’s Head of Regulatory Services, Tracey Conlon.

“The software development has the potential to transform how forestry roads are assessed for safety. By making cutting-edge technology accessible across the industry, Forest360’s initiatives could significantly reduce risk and save lives.”

The scene of the dramatic crash on Thames Coast Road in May 2023.

Forestry is a priority for WorkSafe as it had the highest fatality rate of any sector in 2024. Our role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities to keep people healthy and safe.

This is the first time WorkSafe has accepted such a commitment from the forestry sector. EUs are a way for WorkSafe to hold businesses accountable for health and safety breaches. We monitor progress on the agreed commitments and can seek a court order if they are not upheld.

Two other businesses remain before the court in relation to the death of Gregory Albert Stevens.

Read the Forest360 decision document

Find out more about enforceable undertakings

Statement from Forest360’s managing director Dan Gaddum

Forest360 deeply regrets the tragic loss of a logging truck driver employed by one of our subcontractors, who was fatally injured while operating on a forestry road under our control. Our thoughts remain with his family, colleagues, and community. We take our responsibilities for contractor safety management extremely seriously, and this incident has strengthened our resolve to lead improvement across the industry. Sometimes it’s less about dwelling on what went wrong, and more about doing something meaningful to stop it happening again.

Through this enforceable undertaking, Forest360 is investing in technologies such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), machine learning, and drone-based road assessments to better identify and manage road risks. Our goal is to deliver safer outcomes for everyone working in and around our forests, and to share what we learn to lift safety performance across the wider sector.

Media contact details

For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively:

Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz

MIL OSI

ASB – Kashin money boxes return to celebrate 150 years of ASB setting up tamariki for a more resilient future

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Source: ASB

ASB is bringing back New Zealand’s most beloved elephant, launching a limited-edition Kashin money box to celebrate 150 years of helping Kiwi kids with their finances.

ASB Chief Executive Vittoria Shortt says the bank has a long history of commitment to financial education and wellbeing. Tools like Kashin, alongside ASB’s digital banking features and educational programmes help start crucial conversations with children about finances.  

“We know the importance of good money habits, and Kashin has encouraged generations of Kiwi kids to learn these skills. The more that whānau can have these conversations and help kids understand concepts like budgeting and saving, the more confident they’ll be in making good financial decisions that will set them up for life.

“It’s not just about young people. We’re investing heavily in financial wellbeing tools for customers of all ages with ASB MoneySpace, offering people practical ways to improve their financial insights and planning. We’ve seen first-hand the impact this can have on outcomes.”

This commitment to comprehensive financial support across all of life’s stages isn’t new to ASB, it’s built on over a century of experience. The Kids Penny Bank Account was launched in 1876, school banking began in 1926, the Kashin money box was created in 1964, and the GetWise education in schools programme was launched in 2010.

“Our GetWise programme has reached more than 1.3 million children across 1,800 schools. In 2023 we expanded this with the introduction of our Tikitiki o Pūtea education programme grounded in Kaupapa Māori and delivered exclusively in te reo Māori for kura because we’re committed to giving every young person the financial tools to succeed.

“We believe financial confidence should start from a young age and we’re pleased to see financial literacy becoming part of the school curriculum. GetWise is fully booked through 2025 and demand from schools wanting to book the programme has increased by 60% since the Government’s announcement.”

Kashin brings years of wisdom about the importance of starting small, thinking long-term, and making smart choices with money. Not bad for an elephant who fits on a bedroom shelf.

The limited edition money box is available now to customers aged up to 17 opening an ASB Headstart account, while stocks last.

About GetWise

GetWise lessons are designed to complement the New Zealand school curriculum and are created in collaboration with experts in primary education. Independent, trained facilitators deliver the interactive workshops to students in years three to eight, integrating cutting edge augmented reality content, and a free online learning platform for year seven and eight students.

Teachers are also given access to resource packs to help them provide ongoing financial literacy lessons in the classroom, at their own pace.

Primary and intermediate schools can sign up to the ASB GetWise financial literacy programme by visiting getwise.co.nz, calling 0508 GetWise

For more information please visit asb.co.nz/GetWise.

Timeline

1876 – ASB launches kids Penny Bank Account  

1926 – ASB brings banking to the classroom with the introduction of school banking  

1964 – Our advertising symbol becomes an elephant called Kashin  

1972 – The ‘real’ Kashin arrives at Auckland Zoo  

2010 – Students GetWise with the launch of ASB’s financial literacy programme  

2015 – Kashin goes digital with the Clever Kash money box  

2025 – ASB celebrates 150 years of helping kids with money with a new Kashin money box.

MIL OSI

Employment – Allied health workers ballot to strike after mediation fails to deliver better deal – PSA

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Source: PSA

More than 11,500 Allied Health workers will today begin voting to work to rule and for a four-hour strike on 28 November after mediation with Health NZ yesterday failed to make progress on a fair pay offer and safe staffing levels.
The work to rule in the week before and after the planned strike means they would not do unpaid overtime and would take their lunch and tea breaks.
“We had hoped that mediation would result in a better offer for allied, technical and scientific and public health workers in hospitals all over New Zealand but sadly insufficient progress was made,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Health workers are reluctant to take more strike action, but Health NZ Te Whatu Ora has once again failed to recognise the immense pressure health workers are under and the struggle they face with the cost of living.”
Allied Health workers cover over 60 professions that help keep the public health service functioning including social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, scientists, anaesthetic technicians, Māori health specialists, clinical support workers and health assistants
“These are critical health workers who work long hours and often have to do unpaid overtime to ensure New Zealanders get the health care they need.
“They have been bargaining since June and went on strike on October 23 and attended mediation yesterday hoping it would bring Health NZ back to the table with an improved offer. While Health NZ did offer to shorten the term to expire on 31 October 2027 rather than the original expiry of 31 December 2027 the pay increases would be delayed until the date of settlement.
Today’s mediation shows workers’ concerns are again falling on deaf ears.
“The pay offer on the table still does not keep pace with inflation and means workers are effectively taking a pay cut. Meanwhile, there are simply not enough health workers to provide the level of care New Zealanders need,” said Fitzsimons.
“If Health NZ continues to undervalue these workers, we’ll keep losing them to Australia where the health system respects what they do.
“We urge Health NZ to come back to bargaining with an offer that reflects the value of these workers and addresses the staffing crisis that is compromising patient care across the country.”

MIL OSI

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