Energy – Meridian and NZAS agree 50MW reduction for winter 2025

February 25, 2025

Source: Meridian Energy

25 February 2025 – Meridian Energy Limited and New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited (NZAS) have agreed that NZAS will provide 50MW per hour of demand response for winter 2025.

The full 50MW of demand response is expected to be provided from 10 March 2025 to 31 August 2025 inclusive (unless mutually agreed between the parties), with a ramp-up period of 86 days to follow.

As a result, the contract quantity under the Core Agreement between Meridian and NZAS will, during this period, be reduced by up to 50MW.

As part of the agreement, Meridian and NZAS have also agreed that Meridian will next have the ability to call for demand response Option 3 (100MW) or Option 4 (185MW) under the demand response agreement between the parties to take effect from 12 April 2026.

This agreement modifies the remainder of the demand response option (Option 4) exercised by Meridian on 21 July 2024 which was expected to complete its ramp-up on 12 April 2025. Meridian understands NZAS held, and expects to hold, its reduction under the Option 4 ramp up at around 25MW between 17 February 2025 and 2 March 2025.

“There is plenty of time for it to rain before winter, but based on current inflows it is prudent for us to use agreements like this to protect some of the water we’re holding and ensure we head into winter in the strongest possible position,” says Meridian Chief Executive Neal Barclay.

“NZAS have once again showed their willingness to be flexible with our demand response agreement and work with us in the interests of all New Zealanders. We are hugely appreciative of that.”

A copy of the original demand response agreement and the new 50MW demand response agreement is available on Meridian’s website at NZAS contract | Meridian Energy: https://www.meridianenergy.co.nz/about-us/investors/reports/nzas-contract

MIL OSI

Police response to Lake Rotokākahi protest

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Seven people were arrested at a protest at Lake Rotokākahi last night, after refusing to leave a worksite related to a Rotorua Lakes Council project.

The seven people were given trespass notices and formal warnings, and were released without charge.

Police recognise that this is a complex and sensitive issue for everyone involved, including mana whenua who consider the site tapu.

We would like to extend our thanks to the vast majority of protesters at the site, who exercised their legal right to protest but also engaged positively with Council and police staff, and co-operated with Council staff in moving vehicles away from the work site.

Police’s role at the site was to uphold the law and ensure the safety of all involved – Council staff, members of the public, and the protesters themselves.

Around 80 officers were deployed across two shifts overnight, when council road blocks were in place to allow contractors to establish the worksite.

A smaller number of officers will remain at the site over the coming days.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI

Missing person located, Ōtara

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Location:

Counties Manukau

A 19-year-old who was reported missing earlier today from the Ōtara area has been located safe and well.

Police would like to thank those members of the public who provided information.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Report highlights urgent need for “life-changing” free dental care

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: Green Party

ActionStation’s Oral Healthcare report, released today, paints a dire picture of unmet need and inequality across the country, highlighting the urgency of free dental care for all New Zealanders.

“Quality dental care isn’t a luxury, it’s a human right. It’s time we treat it like one,” says Green Party co-leader Hon Marama Davidson.

“For decades, successive governments have chosen to exclude dental care from the public health system. This is a political choice–and different choices can be made. No one should have to suffer because they can’t afford to see a dentist.

“The findings reveal that almost half of New Zealanders report unmet need for dental care, with higher rates still for Māori (54.1 per cent), Pasifika (57.2 per cent), those with disabilities (53.1 per cent) and those aged between 25 and 34 (57.2 per cent).

“Cost is the single biggest barrier in accessing quality dental care. That forces people to make impossible choices: skipping other essential healthcare, being unable to pay for food, power or rent to instead pay for basic care, or even resorting–harrowing details of which we can read in the report–to dangerous DIY dental care or going without anaesthetic to save costs.

“The consequences of unaffordability and inaccessibility are dire. Chronic pain, long-term health issues, and–this government might be interested to note–lost productivity. All things considered, the costs of not acting are higher than if we just fixed this problem once and for all.

“For low-income New Zealanders, the MSD emergency dental grant is a mere $1000, and any cost beyond that must be repaid. It’s not even close to enough. No one should be in debt to the state full stop. And definitely not for basic healthcare. But, as we’ve learned, people are being forced into debt as high as $25,000.

“The Green Party campaigned on making dental care free for everyone–and paying for it with a fair tax system. New Zealanders deserve a robust healthcare system that includes dental, not one which forces them to choose between their teeth or putting food on the table,” says Marama Davidson.

MIL OSI

Government to consider Special Economic Zones

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Marsden Point could become the heart of a bold vision to boost New Zealand’s fuel and energy security, and an attractive option for overseas investors seeking to be part of our economic growth story, Resources, Regional Development and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says.

“New Zealand is a small and remote nation. Our reliance on petrol, diesel and jet fuel being imported from overseas following the shutdown of the Marsden Point refinery carries risks. Global and domestic supply chain disruptions, price shocks and ageing infrastructure could cost the New Zealand economy billions of dollars,” Mr Jones says.

“Cabinet will consider a range of options to ensure we are better protected against these risks. Options could include creating energy precincts and special economic zones (SEZs), which are widely used overseas.

“Channel Infrastructure NZ, formerly Refining NZ, is already working to turn the Marsden Point refinery site into an energy precinct. Creating an SEZ there would not only help ensure New Zealand’s fuel and energy resilience, it could provide an attractive option for overseas investors.”

SEZs, which are expected to be considered by Cabinet in the first half of this year, could include business-friendly regulations, infrastructure and facilities, investment support, and customs and trade facilitation.

SEZs would not be restricted to energy sites but could apply to any strategically important areas of the country where infrastructure, ease of doing business and investment are critical to the economic interests of New Zealand.

A Fuel Security Study released by Minister Jones today details the risks of an insecure fuel supply and the negative impacts disruptions could have on Kiwis and the economy. Also detailed in the report are possible actions that could be taken to mitigate the risks and the impacts. A separate report released today details an investigation into reopening the Marsden Point refinery, which was agreed in coalition negotiations between New Zealand First and the National Party

“The Government will have to carefully weigh up the costs and benefits of the actions suggested in the fuel study. These reports show there are going to have to be trade-offs if New Zealand is to have secure fuel supply. The reports will also be incredibly helpful in forming our Fuel Security Plan, being developed this year.

“Channel Infrastructure released its energy precinct concept in October last year which contained a number of exciting options, including a biofuel refinery. If SEZs can help smooth the path for prospective investors and tenants, the Government is willing to consider them, along with other options” Mr Jones says.

MIL OSI

Residency fast tracked for Primary Teachers

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is ensuring more Kiwi kids access the teachers they need to thrive in the classroom by fast-tracking the residency process for primary teachers.
“We know the most important thing for students in the classroom is the quality of the teacher in front of them. A teacher shortage not only impacts students, but other staff as well. To attract skilled teachers from offshore to help address this, we are making New Zealand a competitive destination for overseas talent by moving primary teachers to the Straight to Residence pathway,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says.
From 26 March, the streamlined process allows eligible primary teachers with a job offer to apply for residence. They will be able to apply for residence without first working for two years, provided they have an employment offer from an accredited employer. Relevant roles include primary and intermediate teachers as well as Māori-medium equivalents.
“Last year, we shifted secondary school teachers to the Straight to Residence pathway which resulted in 480 new teachers in classrooms, benefitting thousands of students. Around 1170 people were supported with an Overseas Relocation Grant of up to $10,000 when coming to New Zealand.
“Immigration is just one lever we are pulling to grow the workforce. Through a $53 million investment, we have doubled the School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP) so 1200 aspiring teachers can train in the classroom. We’ve also delivered a world leading knowledge rich curriculum, high-quality resources and professional learning and development so teachers can feel confident and supported. The Ministry of Education is also subsidising training and financial assistance for trainees across primary and secondary and a range of subjects.
“This Government is laser focused on ensuring schools across the country can employ the staff needed to set up our children for success,” Ms Stanford says.

MIL OSI

Advocacy – New Report Shows Existing Approach to Dental Care “Not Fit for Purpose” – Action Station

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: Action Station

A landmark report is published today by the Dental for All Coalition telling human stories of struggles with oral healthcare in New Zealand.

One of the key conclusions of the report is that the system of $1000 grants provided by Work & Income for urgent dental care is “not fit for purpose”.

The report focuses on, and tells the story of, ten people’s experiences with oral healthcare in New Zealand. Basic oral healthcare is free for under-18s, but must be paid for by over-18s.

Individuals interviewed for the report explained that these grants, increased from $300 to $1000 by the last government, are limited in what they can be spent on, are inaccessible to many, and are too inflexible.

The report says, “the means-tested system of providing grants is not meeting the needs of New Zealanders”.

Ten stories are told in the report of individuals, from very different walks of life, who are all being failed by the current approach to oral health.

Dental care is outside of New Zealand’s public healthcare system, and the stories showcase the stigma, shame, and pain that is felt when people cannot afford basic dental care.

The report, “I Didn’t Want to Smile”, calls for universal, free, Te Tiriti o Waitangi-consistent dental.

“What was really revealing about the conversations I had for this report,” said report author Kayli Taylor, of ActionStation and the Dental for All coalition, “is that people are searching for other support in the healthcare system, for example through GPs or are requiring hospitalisation, because public oral healthcare is not available.”

“Another theme of the report,” Taylor adds, “is that small problems can really balloon, leading to loss of teeth or financial stress, because dental is not part of the public healthcare system. Funding regular, preventative oral healthcare would help stop small problems from becoming larger ones.”

“It is clear from the stories shared in this report that the status quo is not working – our privatised, costly dental system is preventing people from accessing the care they need,” adds Taylor.

The report is the first publication that the group is aware of that has used detailed interviews to focus on the lived experience of individuals struggling with dental care in New Zealand.

Another theme of the report is that people are making impossible choices because of the high cost of dental, and are forced to go into overdraft or face significant pain because of the failings of the current system.

Brooke Pao Stanley (Manaaki Rangatahi, Auckland Action Against Poverty) says she has seen people struggling with dental costs in her work in South Auckland and there is a need for change.

“In my work at Auckland Action Against Poverty, I heard again and again about people not affording dental, and I think the way forward is to treat your teeth like we do the rest of our body, and make oral healthcare free as part of our public healthcare system,” says Stanley.

A 2022 poll showed that 74% of people in New Zealand support making oral healthcare free.

In the 2023 election the Labour Party promised free dental for under 30s, the Green Party promised free public dental for all, and Te Pāti Māori promised free dental for those earning under $60,000.

The final words of the report read: “What the voices in this report are asking for is simple. To be able to smile. To be able to live without shame or stigma. As a society, are we going to continue to tell people that this is too much to ask for?”

MIL OSI

Did you see a road rage incident in Northland yesterday?

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are appealing for information following an incident on Ngunguru Road, where a motorist received serious injuries following an assault at around 5.45pm.

Detective Sergeant Paul Overton says the incident is believed to have begun on Crawford Crescent in Kamo and ending on Ngunguru Road.

“Two people were arrested and are being spoken to in relation to the incident, and Police believe more people may have been involved.

“We are working to piece together exactly what occurred and need your help.”

Police are appealing for camera footage or sightings of a white Mitsubishi Triton with a canopy and a white Holden Rodeo 4×4 Ute.

If you captured the incident on camera, or saw the Utes around the time please contact Police, you can contact us at 105 either online or over the phone.

Any footage to be sent to https://wick.nc3.govt.nz/

Please reference file number: 250224/9924, Operation Wick.

ENDS.

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

NZ-AU: YakTrak and Grist Join Forces to Transform People Development & Compliance in Contact Centres

MIL OSI

February 25, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

Melbourne, Australia, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Contact centre leaders face constant pressure to coach teams, manage compliance, and improve performance. Yet without structure, visibility, and clear measurement, they’re often stuck reacting to problems instead of preventing them.

It’s like trying to drive somewhere new without a GPS—you know the destination, but without clear directions, you waste time taking wrong turns, backtracking, and hoping for the best.

That’s why YakTrak and GRIST have joined forces; to give leaders a structured, data-driven system that turns coaching, capability development, and compliance into measurable business impact.

YakTrak has always given leaders visibility into the inputs that drive people development, compliance, and performance. But what’s been missing is the behavioural framework, the roadmap that defines what ‘great’ looks like and ensures coaching leads to measurable improvement.

That’s where GRIST comes in. With over 30 years of expertise in leadership development and behavioural change, GRIST has developed industry-leading micro-behaviours—the fundamental building blocks of skills and human capability. These micro-behaviours break down complex skills into small, repeatable actions that, when tracked at scale, create lasting change.

By combining YakTrak’s structured tracking and visibility with GRIST’s proven behavioural frameworks, this partnership delivers a clear, scalable system for driving performance, embedding sustainable coaching practices, and ensuring compliance; without adding administrative burden.

A partnership built for performance

“Most businesses track metrics like NPS, CSAT, and sales; but without visibility into the coaching and behaviours driving those results, they’re left guessing what’s really working.” said Brad Thomas, Co-Founder of YakTrak. “That’s what YakTrak provides—real clarity on what’s happening in coaching, capability development and compliance, giving leaders real-time insight into performance trends, and allowing them to make smarter, faster decisions.”

YakTrak + GRIST: the GPS for people development

Just like a GPS helps drivers navigate toward a destination with clarity and efficiency, YakTrak helps leaders map out a structured pathway to develop their people, improve performance, and ensure compliance:

Clarity & control over people development – YakTrak gives leaders complete visibility into the inputs that drive performance, ensuring structured coaching, compliance, and leadership development happens consistently, not sporadically.

Faster learning, smarter decisions – leaders gain instant insight into team capability, development needs, and coaching effectiveness; helping them pinpoint exactly where to focus their time.

Effortless compliance & risk management – YakTrak tracks compliance conversations, ensures accountability, and streamlines regulatory oversight. This means organisations can stay ahead of risk, not just react to it.

Developing leaders, not just agents – YakTrak doesn’t just support frontline agents, it equips leaders with the tools to coach effectively, drive engagement, and build high-performing teams.

How YakTrak & GRIST are reshaping people development in highly regulated industries

Smarter compliance, less manual effort – YakTrak automates compliance workflows, giving leaders real-time visibility into compliance gaps and enabling proactive issue resolution.

Certainty of improved performance – YakTrak + GRIST helps leaders connect daily coaching and capability development to measurable improvements in FCR, AHT, CSAT, sales conversions, and employee engagement.

Faster onboarding, lower attrition – structured, trackable development pathways shorten ramp-up time for new hires and help retain top talent.

Better coaches, more engaged leaders – leaders gain real-time insights into coaching effectiveness, helping them build stronger teams, deliver better conversations, and drive higher engagement.

Seamless integration – one system for coaching, compliance, and performance tracking, eliminating silos and giving leaders a single source of truth for workforce development.

Proven impact: How YakTrak is delivering measurable results

Already trusted by leading organisations in banking, insurance, and energy—including IAG, Energy Australia, and Australian Retirement Trust—YakTrak and GRIST have delivered measurable business impact:

68-second reductions in AHT
Double-digit increases in FCR
10% uplift in customer NPS

And best of all, 79% of users report greater accountability within their teams, empowering leaders and frontline staff to take ownership of their success.

“This isn’t just another merger, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how leaders coach, develop their teams, and drive real results,” said Peter Grist. “Organisations have been tracking performance outputs for decades, but the real shift happens when you start measuring and improving the inputs: coaching, leadership capability, and behavioural change. That’s where real transformation happens.”

Thomas added, “Imagine a world where leaders have everything they need at their fingertips to make faster decisions, drive smarter learning pathways, and deliver truly measurable results. That’s what we’re building. With this partnership, we’re giving leaders the roadmap they need to move from reactive management to proactive, data-driven leadership.”

The partnership is live now, and organisations ready to take coaching, compliance, and leadership development from reactive to proactive can start seeing results today.

https://www.yaktrak.com.au/blog/yaktrak-grist-a-new-era-of-coaching-and-compliance/

Executives from YakTrak and GRIST are available for interviews to share insights on how structured coaching and leadership development are reshaping contact centre performance.

Media inquiries:
David McQueen – Head of Sales and Marketing, GRIST & YakTrak
Email: david@yaktrak.com.au
Mobile: +61 499 010 105
Websites: GRIST | YakTrak

Source: https://thenewsfront.com/yaktrak-and-grist-join-forces-to-transform-people-development-compliance-in-contact-centres/

– Published by The MIL Network

ISCA Forms Partnership with Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) to Establish Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification Programme in China

MIL OSI

February 25, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) in Suzhou, China, to establish pathways for students in China to pursue the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ). The newly-formed partnership marks the first collaboration with a university in China for ISCA, since the launch of its first ever Representative Office in Nanjing in November 2024.

ISCA’s Partnership to Nurture Accountancy Talent in China

Under the partnership, eligible undergraduate accounting students from International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) at XJTLU will enjoy exemptions for selected subjects under the Foundation Programme (FP) of the SCAQ. Upon completion of the FP, students will be conferred the Professional Business Accountant (PBA) title, which is the first step in their journey towards becoming a Chartered Accountant of Singapore. The exemptions provide XJTLU accounting students with an accelerated pathway towards a career in professional accountancy, and helps to further foster interest in accountancy as a study of choice in China. In addition, ISCA will award 20 scholarships amongst the top 5% of students annually, which will cover the fees of the FP.

The collaboration between ISCA and XJTLU will be the first stage of a deeper and longer-term partnership between both institutions. Accounting students from IBSS will be connected with companies in China such as Tencent, DBS China, PwC China and the Singapore Nanjing Eco Hi-tech Island (SNECO), who have been recognised as an Accredited Training Organisations (ATO) of ISCA. The network of ATOs in China is expected to grow over the next few years.

Professor Jorg Bley, Dean of IBSS, said: “We are immensely proud that our BA Accounting programme has become the first in China to receive accreditation from ISCA. This milestone not only underscores the global recognition of our programme’s academic rigor and quality but also reflects our commitment to nurturing future-ready accounting professionals who meet international standards. At IBSS, we strive to bridge East and West by providing our students with world-class education and opportunities to excel in a competitive global landscape. The cooperation with ISCA is a testament to our dedication to innovation, excellence, and the continuous pursuit of delivering value to our students and the broader business community.”

The MOU was signed earlier today by Mr Tan Wei Luo, Divisional Director for Qualification, Market & Growth at ISCA, and Professor Jorg Bley, Dean of IBSS at XJTLU’s Suzhou Industrial Park campus. The signing ceremony was attended by leaders from Suzhou Industrial Park, representatives from ISCA and XJTLU, invited guests from the accounting and business sectors in China and Singapore, as well as the inaugural batch of 20 student scholarship recipients from IBSS at XJTLU.

Establishing ISCA’s Presence in China

As part of broader plans to expand ISCA’s presence in China, ISCA will also be launching ISCA Professional Services (PS) Centres in 10 cities around the world by June. These PS centres will serve as a conduit to promote regionalisation and availability of professional services such as sustainability, legal, and other corporate services, to meet the needs of Singaporean businesses in China and vice versa.

The ISCA PS Centre is poised to amplify the demand for professional services and accounting expertise. Hence, our partnership with XJTLU marks a pivotal first step in our strategy designed to nurture and grow a robust pipeline of accounting professionals. This collaboration is essential in addressing the growing needs of the business ecosystem in China.” said Ms Claire Qian, ISCA Chapter Chairperson for Shanghai.

“The cooperation between ISCA and XJTLU will deepen the cooperation and exchanges between China and Singapore in the field of accounting and other professional services,” said Mr Qian Fudan, Director (Performance and Asset Management Division) at the Financial Audit Bureau in Suzhou Industrial Park. “This will ensure the growth of more accounting talent with professional capabilities and global experience to support the vision and goal of building a world-class high-tech park with innovation and excellence.”

Hashtag: #ISCA #Accountancy #DifferenceMakers #西交利物浦大学

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

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

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