Reviewing legal aid to ensure access to justice

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February 28, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has agreed to review the legal aid system in order to prioritise victims and their access to justice, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“We’ve heard from the judiciary, lawyers, and others that changes are needed to address difficulties facing legal aid providers and the people who need assistance.

“The scheme was last reviewed in 2018 and a lot has changed since then. This will provide an opportunity to ensure the scheme is efficient, is of good quality, and promotes access to justice in a way that is sustainable and cost-effective.

“Legal aid is demand driven and spending reflects what is happening in the courts. In recent years we have seen significant increases in spending and those costs are expected to continue to rise.

“We have a duty to ensure those who cannot afford a lawyer still have access to legal advice and representation. It ensures access to justice by means of a fair and open process.

“The review will focus on key areas raised consistently by stakeholders involved in the scheme.

“The review will be carried out by the Ministry of Justice, which will consult with the public and the legal profession as part of its work.

“I’ve asked the Ministry to concentrate on the key areas that have been consistently raised by the legal profession, judges, and others. This includes the sustainability of the scheme, provider quality assurance and coverage, provider incentives and remuneration, and eligibility and repayment settings.

“The Government anticipates communicating decisions following the review in 2026.”

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New inpatient unit to be built at Hawke’s Bay Hospital

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February 28, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Patient bed capacity at Hawke’s Bay Hospital will be increased as a result of $28.3 million in funding, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving health infrastructure is a priority for the Government to ensure New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare.“Acute services at Hawke’s Bay Hospital are currently under pressure due to high inpatient occupancy rates and lack of capacity. This is having a significant effect on hospital flow and the ability to admit patients from the emergency department to the wards, and resulting in longer stays in ED. “This funding will deliver a new 28-bed temporary inpatient unit at Hawke’s Bay Hospital by mid-2026, enabling the hospital to meet current capacity demands while planning for longer-term development.“The unit will result in better management of patient volumes and help patient flow through the hospital, freeing up beds in the emergency department as a result.“Improving patient flow means ED patients can be discharged or admitted more quickly, and elective surgeries are less likely to be delayed or deferred. “This supports the Government’s health targets to achieve shorter stays in ED and reduce wait times for elective treatment. “There is a lot of future work to be done to ensure Hawke’s Bay Hospital can meet the growing needs of the region, but I recognise the need for an immediate solution in the meantime.“This interim remedy will allow the hospital to increase capacity quickly, while working on a permanent solution as part of the hospital’s wider redevelopment,” Mr Brown says.Today’s announcement follows last month’s approval for a significant expansion to radiology services ($29.3m) and provision of the first Linear Accelerator for the district ($37.2m).

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Stats NZ information release: Employment indicators: January 2025

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February 28, 2025

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Source: Statistics New Zealand

Employment indicators: January 2025 – 28 February 2025 – Employment indicators provide an early indication of changes in the labour market.

Key facts
Changes in the seasonally adjusted filled jobs for the January 2025 month (compared with the December 2024 month) were:

all industries – up 0.3 percent (7,948 jobs) to 2.36 million filled jobs
primary industries – down 0.2 percent (198 jobs)
goods-producing industries – down 0.2 percent (1,088 jobs)
service industries – up 0.5 percent (8,361 jobs).

Files:

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Jones heads to world’s largest mining conference

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February 28, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

The world’s largest annual mining conference will provide a platform to showcase to the international community the progress the Coalition Government is making to get the sector to work, Resources Minister Shane Jones says

Mr Jones is travelling tomorrow to the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto. The annual conference draws 30,000 attendees from 135 countries and is covered by around 400 accredited media companies.

“This is where the global resources sector gets business done and it will be the first time for more than 10 years a New Zealand government minister will be there putting the case for investing in our country,” Mr Jones says

“During the past year the Coalition Government has delivered for the resources sector. This major conference is our best opportunity yet to tell the international mining and investment community that New Zealand is moving from being ‘open for business’ to ‘doing business’ – and is ready for investment.

“Our recently launched Minerals Strategy and Critical Minerals List clearly articulates what we have to offer and how the international community can invest. More investment in our minerals sector means more high-paying regional jobs, regional revenue and growth for our economy.

“Participating in the Mines Minister Summit during the world’s biggest mining conference will provide an unrivalled opportunity to speak directly to the industry and investors about our transformative vision for the resources sector.

“I will also be meeting industry CEOs, investment firms and ministerial counterparts to highlight how our fast-track legislation and our vision for the resources sector provides a golden opportunity for investment while delivering prosperity for New Zealanders.

“I look forward to speaking to the world as we work towards our goal of doubling mineral exports to NZ$3 billion by 2035,” Mr Jones says.

Mr Jones returns from Toronto on 7 March.

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Fatal crash, Wairoa

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February 28, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash on Nuhaka Opoutama Road, Wairoa this morning.

Emergency services were called to the single vehicle crash, near Wai Station Road, at around 8:50am.

The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

Nuhaka Opoutama Road is currently closed, and diversions are in place while a scene examination is conducted.

Motorists are advised to avoid the are and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Information sought following Naenae fire

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February 28, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Seamus Doyle

Hutt Valley Police are seeking witnesses to a fire on Sladden Street, Naenae in the early hours of Tuesday 25 February.

Shortly after 3am, an occupant of the address woke to see the front porch of the house was on fire.

Thankfully, they were able to wake everybody else in the house and they all made it out of the house uninjured.

A scene examination and initial enquiries have determined this fire was deliberately lit.

We would like to hear from anyone in the Sladden Street area who saw any suspicious activity or vehicles between 3am and 3:30am on Tuesday morning.

This includes any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area.

If anyone has any information that could assist Police, please contact us on 105 by calling or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105

Please reference file number 250225/0666.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Police acknowledge guilty pleas in Ariki Rigby murder case

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February 28, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Please attribute to Detective Inspector David De Lange of Eastern District Police:

Police acknowledge the guilty pleas entered today by Jimmy Heremaia, 32, the man charged with the murder of Ariki Rigby in 2022.

Heremaia pleaded guilty to charges of murder and arson.

We acknowledge Ariki’s whanau, who have waited so long to see the person responsible held accountable for her tragic death.

We also acknowledge those Police staff who worked meticulously over a long period of time to piece together the evidence that has brought about this result today.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Appointments – Greymouth accounting firm welcomes new associate

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February 28, 2025

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Source: ASHTON WHEELANS

A leading South Island accounting firm has strengthened its presence on the West Coast with the recruitment of Greymouth local Kimberley Costelloe as associate.

A chartered accountant with more than 19 years’ industry experience, Kimberley recently joined Ashton Wheelans, which has offices in Greymouth, Christchurch, Rangiora and Wānaka.

She has worked alongside clients across a wide range of industries, including property investment, winemaking, mining, farming, hair and beauty, tourism, hospitality, trades, primary industry and manufacturing.

“The best part of being an accountant and business advisor is getting to know my clients, their business and forming great relationships with them,” she explains. “I enjoy hearing their wins, challenges and aspirations. This also means I can keep my ear to the ground for emerging developments: legislative, technology and any opportunities that may arise and have an impact on their business.”

Kimberley says she is delighted to work within a diverse team across the South Island, while still living in her hometown.

“Ashton Wheelans has a wide network of experience, with a well-established and knowledgeable team,” she says. “Having the ability to tap into this level of expertise and resources anytime is excellent as I like to work collaboratively with colleagues to assess the best approach.

“Knowing that I have that type of support is extremely valuable, as it means we get the best outcomes for our clients,” she adds.

Ashton Wheelans partner Fergal O’Gara says Kimberley brings a wealth of experience to the team, and our clients.

“Kimberley’s down-to-earth nature enables her to connect with people of any age or background,” he says. “It is great to have her in our Greymouth-based team.”

Kimberley is a multi-generational West Coaster and is involved in several local community groups, including Big Brothers Big Sisters Westland, Paroa Playcentre and Paroa Park Redevelopment Inc. Her professional career has seen her work in various accounting practices in Nelson and Christchurch, before returning home to the West Coast.

Ashton Wheelans has a longstanding history and has been operating for more than 60 years to provide accounting, tax, audit and business advisory services throughout the South Island. In April 2024, Ashton Wheelans merged with the team at Greymouth’s Marshall & Heaphy to become the firm’s West Coast-based office.

About Ashton Wheelans
Ashton Wheelans is one of the South Island’s leading chartered accountancy firms with a 60-year history of helping business owners and individuals achieve their goals and financial success. With offices in Rangiora, Christchurch, Greymouth and Wānaka, Ashton Wheelans provides innovative and forward-thinking financial advice to drive growth and success, from accounting, tax and auditing expertise to specialist advice on acquisitions, startups, mentoring, restructuring or insolvency, succession and strategic planning.
www.ashtonwheelans.co.nz

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Online Safety – Tamariki encouraged to share their online experiences in efforts to improve internet safety

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February 28, 2025

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Source: Save the Children

New Zealand’s online safety organisation Netsafe and child rights organisation Save the Children have teamed up to bring children’s voices to the internet safety conversation.

Launching ahead of Te Rā o Ngā Tamariki, New Zealand Children’s Day on Sunday (2 March), children are being asked to share their experiences of using the internet, including social media and gaming, and what they believe would make it a safer space for children. The anonymous online survey is open to all children and young people aged 5-18 and the results will be shared with parents, teachers and decision makers to better understand how to support young people online.

“The internet is a big part of life for many tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa, but adults don’t always understand what it’s really like for them. Often, we take an ‘adults know best’ approach rather than taking time to seek the views of children,” says Save the Children New Zealand’s Director of Advocacy and Research Jacqui Southey.

“The views and opinions of young people matter – they know best the experiences they are having online, and what actions decision makers could take to make it a more fun and safe experience.”

Netsafe CEO Brent Carey says the survey builds on existing research conducted by Netsafe around children’s experiences online by asking for their input and guidance around what would improve internet safety.

“Children are often told by adults what will make their experiences online better but rarely asked to contribute to this important conversation around internet safety. Hearing directly from them about their experience and advice for decision makers will help inform our own efforts to ensure the internet is a safer space for everyone.

“We’ve already started to hear directly from children and young people and have had some great suggestions around what children want to see.”

This includes creating safer online gaming spaces, better tools to stop online bullying and harassment, greater controls over what content they see, including blocking harmful sites, including those containing false and extremist content, and more education for parents and teachers around online experiences for children. Younger children are communicating the important role their parents are playing in helping them to feel safe.

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Insurance Council – Half of Kiwis seek action on climate

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February 28, 2025

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Source: Insurance Council of NZ

One in two New Zealanders believe the Government should invest more to protect people and properties from extreme weather events, according to a new survey.

Commissioned by the Insurance Council of New Zealand | Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa (ICNZ), the survey found 49% of respondents believe the Government should invest more to safeguard lives and properties, compared with 53% in 2023 and 39% in 2002. Some 29% remain unsure about this issue.

A sizeable majority of 83% of respondents believe there should be more control on where properties are built so they are not at risk from flooding, similar to previous surveys.

“It’s clear Kiwis want to see more investment in resilience measures and action to avoid building in dumb places,” ICNZ chief executive Kris Faafoi said.

“The Government is taking steps in the right direction, but New Zealand needs to remain focused on finding solutions to reduce risk and keep communities safe as we face the prospect of more extreme weather.”

The survey also found:

Nearly half of those surveyed (46%) feel the Government should cover the cost of actions to reduce risk from the impact of climate change, followed by councils at 13%, individuals (12%), private sector (6%), and local communities (4%)
A majority of people (62%) believe the Government should take the lead to build New Zealand’s resilience and ability to cope with natural events such as earthquakes, floods and wildfires. This is followed by councils (16%), local communities (6%), individuals (4%) and thr private sector (3%).

“New Zealand is highly vulnerable to natural hazards and we are used to responding to major events. The insurance industry is committed to working collaboratively with government to reduce risk before disaster strikes,” Kris Faafoi said.

“ICNZ is holding its annual conference next week in Auckland and we are bringing together politicians, industry leaders, and regulators to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and actions necessary to build resilience in the face of climate change.

“The industry supports a broad political consensus that delivers a clear, coordinated and enduring climate change framework that ensures we avoid building in dumb places and that we do invest in infrastructure to protect communities.

“By investing in solutions to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate and reduce risk, we can safeguard New Zealanders, reduce the costs to taxpayers and ratepayers, and keep insurance affordable and accessible,” Kris Faafoi said.

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