Advocacy – Over 150 police storm peaceful protection of Lake Rotokākahi

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February 25, 2025

Source: Protect Rotokākahi

Over 150 police storm peaceful protection of Lake Rotokākahi

On Monday at 8pm, over 150 police officers arrived at Lake Rotokākahi, where members of Tūhourangi, Tūmatawera Hapū and their supporters have been holding space with the goal of protecting this wāhi tapu (sacred site).

Reports on the ground suggest several arrests have been made.

Rotokākahi has been a site of controversy due to the Rotorua Lakes District Council’s planned Tarawera Sewerage Scheme. This scheme places a sewer line through a sacred site where over 100 tūpuna perished during the Lake Tarawera eruption of 1886.

Mana i te whenua have disputed this decision since it was announced, and have taken several avenues to oppose it – including filing against the council in the Environment Court.

This police escalation occurs during the same week as Te Matatini, a time where the public’s eyes and attention are focused on celebrating kapa haka from around Aotearoa.

Waiata such as “Ngā iwi e” and “Rua Kenana” have been heard from livestreams taken at Rotokākahi tonight, with the sight of rows of police facing the singers.

Protectors have been peacefully and legally holding space at Rotokākahi since August of 2024. Their numbers recently swelled after mana i te whenua invited the nation to join them in their peaceful noho whenua to protect Rotokākahi.

The Protect Rotokākahi Instagram states in a call-to-action for its supporters:

“This is a tohu that the desecration of Māori land will come with its own private protectors, paid for with your money.”

“We need to protect this. We need you here.”

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Results – Port Marlborough reports strong half year performance for 2025

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February 25, 2025

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Source: Port Marlborough

Port Marlborough has filed its Half Year Report for the first half of the 2025 financial year, highlighting positive progress across its key focus areas: people, planet, prosperity, and partnerships.

The port continues to invest in workforce capability, with new marine cadetships, internal promotions, and leadership development programmes supporting career progression and workplace culture. Critical risk and fatigue risk management measures have been implemented, and the port’s strong focus on the Hauora (Health, Safety and Wellbeing) of all people in its workplaces remains a priority.

Environmental progress has also been a standout, with Marlborough Sounds Marinas becoming the first in New Zealand to achieve International Clean Marina accreditation, recognising high standards in marine biosecurity and environmental management. Across operations, 82% of waste has been diverted from landfill, and habitat restoration efforts continue, with thousands of native plants established in key areas.

Revenue has increased by 13% compared to the same period last year, driven by strong trade performance and increased uptake of berthage at Waikawa North West Marina. Forestry trade has grown by 18%, supported by the completion of the South Island’s first on-port debarking facility, in partnership with Pedersen Group and C3.

Port Marlborough Chief Executive Rhys Welbourn said the results reflect the company’s focus on sustainable growth and long-term investment.

“These results show the benefits of our continued investment in infrastructure, environmental initiatives, and workforce capability. We are seeing strong performance across key trade areas, our marinas remain in high demand, and our sustainability initiatives are delivering measurable outcomes. The International Clean Marina accreditation is a milestone achievement and highlights how seriously we take the importance of marine biosecurity across our operations.

“As we move into the second half of the financial year, we remain committed to delivering value for Marlborough, supporting and facilitating Marlborough’s key trades, and ensuring that our investment decisions contribute to the long-term success of the region.”

Port Marlborough’s partnerships with industry, iwi, and regional stakeholders remain a key focus, including hosting the launch of the Protect Our Paradise national biosecurity campaign and delivering community sponsorships that support local initiatives.The 2025 Half Year Report can be found here: LINK: https://portmarlborough.co.nz/strong-half-year-performance-for-2025/

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Drug and Alcohol Testing – Recent data indicates an increase in amphetamine-type substances and opioids

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February 25, 2025

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Source: Botica Butler Raudon

Imperans Q4 Report, State of Workplace Drug Use from TDDA.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 25 February 2024 – The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand’s largest workplace drug testing provider has released its Q4 2024 workplace drug and alcohol findings.

The Imperans Report provides New Zealand employers with an analysis of drug and alcohol usage trends, combining results from the nation to empower businesses to engage in proactive workplace risk management.

This quarter, 3.99 per cent of the screens conducted by TDDA indicated the presence of drugs. THC (cannabis) continues to be the most prevalent substance detected in workplace drug tests, accounting for 59.1 per cent of cases. Recent data also indicates a sharp increase in amphetamine-type substances and opioids compared to the same quarter last year. This suggests shifting patterns in substance use that requires greater employer awareness and policy reinforcement, especially around non-medical use of pharmaceuticals.

Below are the most prevalent substances detected nationally in TDDA testing:

THC (cannabis): 59.1 per cent (down from 63.8 per cent in Q4 2023)
Amphetamine-type substances (including methamphetamine): 24.4 per cent (up from 18.8 per cent in Q4 2023)
Opioids (including oxycodone): 12.1 per cent (up from 11.9 per cent in Q4 2023)
Benzodiazepines: 3.5 per cent
Cocaine: 1.1 per cent.

“New Zealand workplaces must remain vigilant in addressing substance use. Working under the influence of amphetamines is also a major workplace hazard,” says Glenn Dobson, CEO, TDDA.

“These substances impair vision, cause dizziness, and adversely affect coordination, increasing the risk of serious accidents. In high-risk environments like construction, transport, and manufacturing, impairment can be the difference between a routine workday and a fatal incident.”

“The increase in amphetamine detections a real issue, but opioid detections are what concerns me more. Until now, New Zealand has largely avoided the opioid epidemic seen overseas, so any rise in detection rates is worth examination. As a workplace risk, opioids are at the top. Legally prescribed or illegally procured, they can cause workplace accidents, long-term addiction and lead to the loss of life in more way than one.”

With shifting patterns in substance use, Kiwi employers can benefit from reviewing their testing protocols and support systems to ensure both compliance and workforce well-being. As members of the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) and the California Narcotic Officers Association (CNOA), TDDA closely follows and acts on global drug trends.

TDDA recommends that companies update drug and alcohol policies to include stronger measures addressing opioids and amphetamines, train managers to recognise impairment, particularly the subtle signs of opioid use, and ensure regular and random drug testing to deter misuse and protect workplace safety.

“Employers need to stay ahead of these trends, enforce policies consistently, and provide education to their workforce to prevent harm,” says Dobson. “With the right measures in place, businesses can protect their employees and maintain a safe, productive environment.”

In Q4 2024 tests from 27 sterile clinic locations and over 60 mobile clinics throughout New Zealand were used. All tests were taken between 1 October 2024 and 31 December1. Data is anonymised and aggregated using TDDA’s Imperans system, a bespoke IT platform for testing services, data recording, and reporting.

TDDA drug tests screen for amphetamines; benzodiazepines; cocaine; methamphetamine; opiates and opioids; cannabis; and synthetic drugs like synthetic cannabis.

1 Total figures on testing volumes or testing results by industry and region are commercially sensitive.

Methodology
Testing data from 1 October 2024 and 31 December 2024 is aggregated and anonymised from 27 clinic and 60 mobile clinic operations throughout Australasia. Data from preemployment, post incident, regular and random testing has been combined. Testing methods included urine and oral fluid screening. Data is reported into the TDDA Imperans system, anonymised, and represents a snapshot of drug trends across Australasian workplaces and industries.

About The Drug Detection Agency
The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is a leader in workplace substance testing with more than 300 staff, 90 mobile health clinics, 65 locations throughout Australasia, and processing more than 250,000 tests annually. TDDA was established in 2005 to provide New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services. TDDA holds ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both AU and NZ. Refer to the IANZ and NATA websites for TDDA’s full accreditation details. Learn more about TDDA at https://tdda.com/.

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Health – Mum needing essential heart scan faced life-threatening delays

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February 25, 2025

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Source: Kia Manawanui Trust | The Heart of Aotearoa New Zealand

A mum needing an essential heart scan was told she’d have to wait ten months – at the earliest – for an appointment.

Māhina Ngāpō is battling stage three breast cancer and needs an echocardiogram every three months to ensure she can undergo life-saving treatment.

But she was shocked when Wellington Hospital said there was no chance of that – and health experts say her case is all too common.

The Heart of Aotearoa – Kia Manawanui Trust Medical Director Dr Sarah Fairley says Māhina needed to have this scan before her next round of treatment due to the potential long-term risk of harm to her heart.

“I’m pleased we were able to advocate strongly and bring Mahina’s appointment forward, but, sadly, this isn’t always the case.”

Luckily, Māhina’s story has a happy ending – but only after she fought the system alongside a cardiologist to make it happen sooner.

“Honestly, I feel like one of the lucky ones,” Māhina says.

“I couldn’t have started my radiation without having this scan, as my heart showed a small amount of damage at my last scan.

“If I hadn’t been able to start my treatment because of the huge delays in New Zealand to have an echocardiogram, then who knows what that could have meant for me and my whānau?” the 42-year-old says.

“My mindset is that advocating for yourself is the only way you will get the heart services you need, otherwise, you’ll get lost in the system.”

Dr Fairley says the waitlist for a heart scan (echocardiogram) is out of control.

The waitlist has ballooned to 10 months for a semi-urgent scan in some regions – the acceptable timeframe is 6 to 8 weeks, she says.

“Patients like Māhina would not be put in the position of self-advocacy if we had a fully-staffed and appropriately resourced public healthcare system”.

However, the echocardiogram issue is the tip of the iceberg, she says.

“We are seeing these delays more and more throughout the system.”

The Heart of Aotearoa – Kia Manawanui Trust Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says cases like Māhina’s show the pressure our heart health system is under.

“It’s like Russian roulette with people’s lives because the system is severely underfunded, under-resourced, and under-staffed.

“People shouldn’t have to wait in fear that they might not get an echocardiogram in time, with the very real possibility that they could die on the waitlist,” Ms Harding says.

“That’s why The Heart of Aotearoa – Kia Manawanui Trust was established – to draw attention to the issues we face in the cardiology space.”

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

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February 25, 2025

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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

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Police response to Lake Rotokākahi protest

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February 25, 2025

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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.

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Missing person located, Ōtara

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February 25, 2025

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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

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

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February 25, 2025

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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.

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Government to consider Special Economic Zones

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February 25, 2025

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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.

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Residency fast tracked for Primary Teachers

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February 25, 2025

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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.

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