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Protecting New Zealand from infectious disease

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will invest $75 million to boost New Zealand’s resilience to infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness, says Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Shane Reti.

“We’re funding new research over seven and a half years in the Infectious Diseases Research Platform, which will be hosted by the newly established New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science),” Dr Reti says.

“We’re currently seeing an outbreak of measles in New Zealand – a vaccine preventable disease – which has reinforced the need for robust infectious disease research and response systems.

“The new platform builds on the previous infectious diseases research programme Te Niwha. It marks a step-change in how we prepare for and respond to pandemics, with a nationally coordinated system that delivers world-class science and impact with longer-term investment.”

The platform will:

  • Deepen pandemic preparedness and response, including surge science capacity
  • Reduce New Zealand’s exposure to the harm and cost of future pandemics, protecting the economy, workforce, healthcare systems, and communities
  • Build a strategic, agile, and integrated research and response system that can adapt to new priorities and deliver impactful science.

The platform will also support research breakthroughs that can reduce the burden of existing diseases such as rheumatic fever, tuberculosis, and meningococcal disease.

“PHF Science is well placed to lead a national approach to infectious disease research that will ensure New Zealand is better prepared to prevent and manage such devastating illnesses in the future,” says Dr Reti.

“PHF Science plays an important part in the health sector and has well-established relationships with the Ministry of Health, Public Health Agency, and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. They also play a key role in government’s pandemic preparedness efforts.

“This investment reflects the Government’s commitment to science system reform by supporting long-term, mission-led research that delivers impact where it matters most.”

MIL OSI

Police investigating serious assault in Ōpōtiki

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Source: New Zealand Police

Police are investigating after a man was seriously assaulted in his Ōpōtiki home early this morning.

The man sustained serious injuries in the assault, which is believed to have involved several offenders.

The man has been transported to hospital and enquiries are under way to identify and locate those responsible for the assault.

A scene guard is in place at the house where the assault took place and nearby residents can expect to see a continued police presence as our enquiries continue.

If anyone has information which could assist our enquiries, they’re asked to contact Police and quote file number 251106/9516.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

MIL OSI

Commercial fishers landing exception for spiny dogfish

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Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

About commercial fishing exceptions

Under the Fisheries Act 1996, commercial fishers are prohibited from returning or abandoning to the sea, or other waters, any fish or shellfish that are subject to the Quota Management System (QMS). However, section 72A(2) of the act allows for exceptions to the rule.

Section 72A(2) of the Fisheries Act 1996 – NZ Legislation

Have your say

Fisheries New Zealand is reviewing the current commercial landing exception for spiny dogfish, which allows commercial fishers to return spiny dogfish to the sea, whether alive or dead. 

Spiny dogfish ammoniate (show signs of spoiling) rapidly. Quick processing is needed to prevent cross-contamination of other catch on board fishing vessels. The species also has 2 dorsal spines that can damage other catch and cause injuries to the crew if not handled carefully. Due to the schooling behaviour of spiny dogfish, large quantities of the species can be inadvertently caught (known as bycatch) in a single event, making it impractical for fishers to separate and manage catches of spiny dogfish before they damage other catch.

Fisheries New Zealand is proposing to continue to allow a landing exception so that commercial fishers can return spiny dogfish to the sea, whether alive or dead. 

We’d like your feedback on this proposal. Consultation is open from 6 November to 18 December 2025.

Consultation document

Commercial landing exception: spiny dogfish [PDF, 428 KB]

Related documents

Commercial landing exceptions: Policy context and legal overview [PDF, 387 KB]  

Commercial landing exception review: Operational guidelines [PDF, 390 KB]

Making your submission

Email your feedback by 5pm on 18 December to FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz

A template is available to help you complete your submission. It includes questions you may like to answer to help you with your submission and further space for any other feedback.

Submissions template [DOCX, 108 KB]

While we prefer email, you can post written submissions to:

Fisheries Management – National Direction
Fisheries New Zealand
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140.

What to include

Make sure you tell us in your submission: 

  • your name and title 
  • your organisation’s name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation)
  • your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email). 

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

MIL OSI

Upgrades to Auckland and Wellington metro rail

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Source: New Zealand Government

Rail passengers in Auckland and Wellington can look forward to more reliable commuter train services with funding confirmed for critical overdue upgrade programmes, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Both cities’ metro rail networks have been underfunded over the years, and the resulting backlog of overdue work has caused ongoing service disruptions for commuters,” Mr Bishop says.

“Getting to and from work should be painless, but that hasn’t been the case for thousands of people each day.

“The Minister for Rail and I announced $143.6 million for critical metro rail upgrades as part of Budget 2025. Today I’m pleased to confirm that $94.2 million will be invested in long-overdue maintenance and renewals in the Wellington metro rail network, and $49.4 million of this funding will be invested in much-needed upgrades across the Auckland metro rail network.

“This investment in both cities’ metro rail networks will address the most critical overdue renewals and help get services up to the standard that commuters deserve. 

“Metro rail investment in Auckland and Wellington will improve the level of service for passengers by addressing overdue and critical renewals work. 

“In Wellington, the renewals work will include replacing rail, sleepers and crucial track infrastructure like turnouts, which allow trains to switch between tracks, particularly on the Hutt Valley and Kapiti Lines. It will also include refurbishing bridges, improving drainage and upgrading culverts, and slope stabilisation work to reduce the risk of disruption during weather events.

“The Auckland overdue renewals work will help prepare the Auckland network for the opening on City Rail Link (CRL) in 2026, improving network resilience and reliability needed to deliver more frequent trains across the city when CRL opens. 

“The upgrade work in Auckland will include replacing several ageing turnouts, particularly on the Southern and Western Lines, and track and track foundation upgrades in the Parnell Tunnel. There will also be culvert and drainage improvements, rail and sleeper replacements, and slope stabilisation work across the network.

“This funding builds on investments we made into metro rail in last year’s Budget, including $48.8 million for critical renewals in the Auckland metro and $159 million funding to complete Auckland’s Rail Network Rebuild, along with $52.9 million for critical renewals in the Wellington metro network.  

“The renewals work is underway now and will ramp up heading into the warmer summer months. I look forward to seeing the completion of works that will ensure a better experience for commuters.”

MIL OSI

Protecting children and young people’s privacy

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Source: Privacy Commissioner

We all have a role in protecting children and their personal information. 

The Privacy Act applies to everyone regardless of their age. Understanding how to protect and respect a child or young person’s personal information and implementing good privacy practices will help ensure all children have positive privacy experiences throughout their journey to adulthood.

Guidance and best practice guides

We have guidance to help lift understanding of children’s privacy rights across the children’s sector. That includes:

Further guidance is being developed, including on the wellbeing and safety of children and young people, and detailed privacy guidance for the education sector.

Online privacy

Children and young people are connected to the online world more than ever before and it’s essential to take steps to protect their online privacy,

We have developed posters about protecting children and young people’s privacy online for educators and parents to help keep children and their information safe.

Resources and help for schools

Detailed privacy guidance for the education sector is coming in March next year, but there are also a range of general privacy information for schools, including:

We also have answers to over 600 privacy questions in AskUs, which includes:

Children’s Privacy Project

Children and young people’s privacy is a priority area for OPC. The Children’s Privacy Project focuses on protecting children’s privacy and whether the rules are working well for children’s privacy.

MIL OSI

pCloud Launches 11.11 Exclusive Offer: Lifetime Storage and Encryption Plans at Record-Low Prices

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MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

Swiss cloud storage leader pCloud introduces limited-time lifetime deals for Asian markets from November 3 to November 17, offering unmatched value on secure digital storage.

ZUG, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 November 2025 – Swiss-based cloud storage provider pCloud, trusted by more than 22 million users worldwide, announced today the launch of its exclusive 11.11 Mega Sale for Asia. Running from November 3 to November 17, 2025, this promotion marks one of pCloud’s most significant offerings yet, giving users in Asia access to its premium lifetime storage and security solutions at unprecedented prices.

This year’s promotion features two standout offers — the 3-in-1 Ultimate Bundle and the 10TB Lifetime Plan — designed to meet the growing demand for privacy, efficiency, and lifetime ownership in the digital storage industry.

The 3-in-1 Ultimate Bundle — Complete Digital Protection in One Solution

The 3-in-1 Ultimate Bundle combines 5TB of Lifetime Cloud Storage, pCloud Encryption, and pCloud Pass Premium, providing an all-encompassing suite of tools for digital privacy and data management.

The bundle is now available for $599 (originally $1,562), giving users long-term access to premium services without any ongoing subscriptions or renewal fees.

With this package, individuals and organizations gain:

  • 5TB Lifetime Cloud Storage: Securely store, sync, and share all digital content, from personal memories to business files, in a highly reliable Swiss cloud infrastructure.
  • pCloud Encryption: pCloud’s zero-knowledge encryption ensures that only the file owner can access private data, keeping sensitive information safe from unauthorized access.
  • pCloud Pass Premium: An end-to-end encrypted password manager that simplifies and secures login credentials across devices.

By combining these three solutions, pCloud provides a seamless and sustainable approach to digital life management — where privacy, control, and accessibility coexist.

10TB Lifetime Plan — Record-Breaking Value for Massive Storage Needs

For the first time, pCloud introduces its 10TB Lifetime Plan at just $799 (originally $1,890) — the lowest price in the company’s history. The plan caters to professionals, photographers, families, and digital creators who require extensive and permanent storage space.

With lifetime access, customers avoid recurring subscription costs while enjoying the peace of mind that their data remains secure, backed by Swiss data protection laws and European Union privacy standards.

Strengthening pCloud’s Presence in Asia

pCloud’s 11.11 campaign reflects its growing commitment to the Asian market. The company has seen consistent growth in user adoption across Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia, regions known for their high digital literacy and emphasis on privacy.

pCloud’s offerings align with these markets’ needs — providing users with cost-effective, transparent, and secure storage solutions without hidden fees or long-term contracts.

https://www.pcloud.com

Hashtag: #pCloud #11.11 #3in1Bundle

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

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

Widened scope for co-investment in new gas

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Coalition Government has broadened the scope and terms of a $200 million commercial co-investment fund designed to boost New Zealand’s constrained gas supply and reduce perceptions of sovereign risk, Resources Minister Shane Jones and Associate Finance Minister Chris Bishop say.

The fund was initially intended to support new gas field developments, which can take up to 10 years to bring on online. Now, the Gas Security Fund will enable a diverse range of investments that will accelerate or increase the volume of gas to market in the short-, medium- and long-term. This will provide the flexibility needed to respond to New Zealand’s energy security challenges as they change. 

“As our gas reserves dwindle, a growing gap is emerging in our energy system, driving up electricity prices for households and threatening the viability of gas-dependent industrial and commercial businesses. The outlook has worsened even in the time since I announced this funding commitment in May. New investment in exploration and development is urgently needed,” Mr Jones says.

“While developing new fields remains essential, we can’t wait for those to come online while watching the de-industrialisation of our regions. We’re looking for a portfolio of investments to back incremental increases in supply now, while building the reserves we’ll need in the future.

“Short-term projects could include additional drilling in existing fields and production facility upgrades. Medium-term projects could involve exploration and appraisal drilling. Long-term projects could include greenfield exploration beyond Taranaki.”

The Gas Security Fund will also support gas storage projects, recognising their strategic role in stabilising supply and managing seasonal demand. 

Mr Bishop says a major barrier is a still significant perception of risk associated with investing in New Zealand’s petroleum sector following the previous Government’s ban on new petroleum exploration outside onshore Taranaki.

“The fund will offer a range of commercial investment structures which will be worked through with potential partners as proposals are considered. Cabinet has agreed that each proposal will be considered alongside expert and legal advice on potential risks and compliance with our international obligations,” Mr Bishop says.

“This is a pragmatic approach to supporting the petroleum sector to deliver the gas we need to keep energy affordable and reliable as we transition to lower-emission alternatives.” 

The Gas Security Fund will actively encourage the use of regional procurement and the local labour market wherever possible. Investment decisions will be made jointly by the Minister for Resources and the Associate Minister of Finance, supported by an independent advisory panel with in-depth knowledge of the gas sector.

The fund will be administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment through Kānoa, the Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit.

Kānoa will call for expressions of interest later this month, with Ministers aiming to move quickly to support investment-ready projects.

“We are standing alongside our gas sector to deliver the energy New Zealand needs, We urge our colleagues across the political spectrum, for the sake of energy affordability and security, to be pragmatic about the role of natural gas and support these efforts,” the Ministers say.

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/31524-business-case-commercial-co-investment-to-bring-new-gas-to-market-minute-of-decision-proactiverelease-pdf

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/31523-business-case-commercial-co-investment-to-bring-new-gas-to-market-proactiverelease-pdf

MIL OSI

Independent Children’s Board steps up for kids

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Source: New Zealand Government

Rev. Murray Edridge and Hon Jo Goodhew have been appointed to join Chair Dr Ang Jury on the Board of the Independent Children’s Monitor.

The Monitor is one of three statutory bodies having oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, along with the Children’s Commissioner and the Ombudsman.

“Together, the three Board members have a breadth and depth of expertise to provide strong governance for an agency tasked with independently monitoring the Oranga Tamariki system, helping ensure the safety of children,” Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says.

“Rev. Edridge is Wellington City Missioner. He is an experienced senior leader in both the public and NGO sectors, including eight years as Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand, with a wealth of accountability and assurance expertise.

“Ms Goodhew has held a range of health and community sector governance roles, including a current role as Chair of Presbyterian Support South Canterbury. She is an experienced senior leader, including five years as a Minister holding diverse portfolios.

“The legislative changes I took through Parliament earlier this year have enabled these appointments, reflecting commitments in the National-ACT coalition agreement to create a truly independent monitoring and oversight agency for Oranga Tamariki.”

“These appointments mark a significant step in our Government’s commitment to protect and support vulnerable children,” Louise Upston says.

The Monitor Board’s Chair, Dr Ang Jury, ONZM was appointed from 1 August 2025.

Murray Edridge and Jo Goodhew take up their positions from 10 November 2025.

MIL OSI

Police training exercise – Wairoa

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Source: New Zealand Police

There will be an increased presence of Police in Wairoa today as officers take part in a training exercise.

Police will be training around Summerville Street and Awamate Road through the day.

During this time, people may see officers in tactical uniforms carrying training firearms and there may also be some noise.

There is no cause for concern and exercises like this are a vital part of making sure emergency services are able to respond to any situation.

These types of exercises could not happen without the support of our local communities, and we want to thank them for their cooperation and support.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Michelin adds New Zealand to the menu

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Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand is welcoming the Michelin Guide for the first time, showcasing our country’s incredible food and wine to an international audience, as well as boosting visitor numbers and economic growth, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“The Michelin Guide’s arrival in New Zealand marks its first expansion into Oceania after 125 years and we are thrilled to welcome these culinary experts to our shores. 

“With the first selections and potential ‘star ratings’ due out next year, Michelin Guide inspectors are already on the ground, dining anonymously in some of our very best restaurants.

“Receiving selection into the Michelin Guide is a prestigious accolade, with its strong international following.

“Tourism New Zealand data estimates Michelin’s arrival to bring in up to 36,000 more international visitors.  

“That’s reinforced by TNZ research which rates ‘trying local cuisine’ as the #1 audience interest among people actively considering New Zealand for their next holiday (cited by 87 per cent of respondents).

“Michelin represents an incredible opportunity for the food and beverage industry in four of our key culinary centres, demonstrating excellence and showcasing New Zealand on a world stage.

“This announcement aligns with the hospitality industry’s recommendation that the Government explore the potential for the Michelin Guide to come to New Zealand in their 2024 Hospitality Summit report. 

“Today’s announcement reinforces that we will champion the hospitality sector and support it to grow.

The inaugural New Zealand edition of the Michelin Guide will be revealed in mid-2026, covering four key destinations: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. 

“We know our country has a rich and diverse culinary scene. It’s exciting to be able to share New Zealand’s unique flavours and talent with the rest of world,” Louise Upston says.

“Today’s announcement not only celebrates our talented hospitality teams, but marks New Zealand as a go-to destination for international visitors.

“Michelin describes New Zealand as an exciting gastronomic destination, with exceptional restaurants.

“Its presence here will mean more visitors dining in those restaurants and enjoying all New Zealand’s hospitality has to offer – supporting small businesses, supporting jobs and supporting local economies in the process.” 

MIL OSI

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