Social workers enabled to have more time helping children and young people

February 25, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

“Families, young people, and social workers are set to benefit from technology upgrades at Oranga Tamariki that will free up social workers to spend more time with families, will help young people by ensuring important routines and needs are shared, and will improve collaboration and transparency,” Children Minister Karen Chhour says.

“This is a significant development that will greatly enable social workers to better serve and work with children, families, caregivers, and partner organisations that provide services.

“Until now, social workers and other practice staff have been having to use outdated, 20-year-old computer programmes and systems for administration tasks.

“I have heard feedback from social workers, caregivers, partners, and young people who have voiced their frustrations about the challenges of out-of-date legacy technology, and I am extremely pleased that we are now delivering a modern, fit-for-purpose solution.

“I am looking forward to seeing the difference this makes not just for social workers but for young people and families.

“It will also support working alongside service provider partners by making it easier to share personal information with them to improve the wellbeing of children – such as a child’s regular routine and specific needs.”

Min Chhour says that the new case management system will also help make it faster for records and information to be provided to children and families when they need it, and will help ensure the protection of records in the future.

“The records of our young people and of all New Zealanders are sacred. The report into abuse in state care highlighted for many the scenarios where records have been fragmented or lost over the decades. That is unacceptable for the people we serve and I am very pleased that the new systems will help to resolve this issue for the future.

“The information that social workers record is an important part of the journey and life story of children and young people, particularly those in care.

“These improvements will enable better collaboration between children, families and social workers, with regard for how they participate in their plans and develop them. They will also be able to make sense of their experiences while in care.

“Investing in our frontline and making sure social workers have the tools they need to focus on their critically important job of supporting children and young people in need is an absolute priority for me.

“Young people deserve to be heard, and to have agencies working together for their betterment. I also want young people to make sure they have control over the direction of their future, and this will enable that.

“I’m delighted we can invest in our critical frontline workforce, remove barriers, and provide the tools they need to do their job, so they can focus on making the most difference for children and families.”

This upgrade is just one part of the $68.5m funding boost for frontline technology systems over four years announced as part of Budget 2024.

It will be up-and-running within 12 months, if not earlier.

MIL OSI

Four to appear in court following burglaries, Waihi

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Four people are before the courts after separate burglaries in Waihi and Waihi Beach areas.

The offending occurred between 23 January and 5 February.

A 31-year-old woman and 40-year-old man, both of Karangahake, have been jointly charged with burglary from a holiday park; a 48-year-old Auckland man is also charged with burglary from a separate holiday park; while a 24-year-old Waihi man has been charged with burglary of a residential property.

Across all three burglaries, clothing, food and a car were stolen.

Waihi Sergeant Nigel Sanderson says Police want to thank the members of the public who promptly reported the incidents.

“The information they provided us allowed us to act quickly – and two of the accused were arrested as they walked past the Waihi Police station.”

All four have appeared in court and will reappear at later dates.

“It’s horrible knowing that someone has invaded your home or rifled through your property, and it’s great being able to get this result for the victims.

“If you’ve been the victim of a crime, please let us know – call 111 if it’s happening now, or make a report via 105 if it’s after the fact.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Refreshed eating disorders strategy announced during awareness week

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

As part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is announcing his intention to refresh New Zealand’s eating disorders strategy, and shining a spotlight on the work and research being done to support people with disordered eating.

“Very positive work is being done across the country to address eating disorder issues and the Government wants to take this even further. Eating disorders are not choices, they are a health crisis that have the potential to disrupt people’s lives. New Zealand’s strategy has not been refreshed in 16 years and it is time for an update.

“Today I am signalling my intent to refresh the ‘Future Directions for Eating Disorders Services in New Zealand’ strategy document, with the objective of having clear prioritised actions for implementation. Other focuses will include identifying where further efforts across eating disorders services are required, and improving our understanding of eating disorder data.

“There is also great opportunity to grow and utilise the peer support workforce more – professionals with lived experience who help people within the health system.

“The introduction of new roles like lived-experience peer support workers and family peer support workers provides additional valuable help, along with reassurance that recovery is possible. They also recognise the important role that families play in treatment and provide support to families.

“The refresh we are carrying out will give an opportunity to better explore how to help people benefit from these roles more.

“Currently there are not many peer support workers in New Zealand focused specifically on eating disorders. Today I had privilege of meeting with one of the only peer support workers who works exclusively at an eating disorder service, based at Hillmorton Hospital, to discuss their unique role in improving treatment.

Mr Doocey also met with the South Island Eating Disorders (SIEDs) service today to show his support for the sector. SIEDS is one of four regional specialist eating disorders hubs, which work closely with their district partners or ‘spokes’.

“It is always inspiring to meet with our frontline clinicians, and to hear about innovation and improvements that are underway to support people, including those with eating disorders, to make a full recovery,” Mr Doocey says.

“Important research is being done in the sector – SIEDs is involved in research partnerships with the University of Otago, with a particular focus on prevention and understanding more about the genetics of eating disorders that will contribute treatment advances internationally.

“The team are also working on expanding Media Smart, an eight-lesson programme aimed at improving body image and reducing eating disorder risk factors among young people.

“Prevention is key in this space, and this programme has shown significant improvements in intermediate-aged students’ resilience against harmful media messages.

“It is work like this that will contribute to helping people with mental health and addiction needs, as well as supporting people to stay well and help us reach the mental health targets this Government has committed to.”

Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope and visibility to individuals and loved ones impacted by eating disorders. Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2025 is taking place from 24 February to 2 March. New Zealand’s Body Image and Eating Disorder Awareness Week will take place between 2 September and 8 September.

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Activist News – Peace diplomacy must lead in addressing Chinese warships in Tasman Sea – PAW

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: Peace Action Wellington

Over the past five days, a group of Chinese warships has been travelling
in the Tasman Sea and practicing live fire drills. The NZ Navy and Australian Navy have been deployed to keep watch on the ships’ movements and activities.

“Alarm over the deployment of Chinese warships is a deeply hypocritical reaction and represents a double-standard of impressive height.
Moreover, the Prime Minister’s suggestion that weapons spending will go up is opportunistic and in the service of US imperial aims, not NZ security,” said Valerie Morse of Peace Action Wellington.

“The government is behaving hypocritically: US warships invade and occupy spaces across the globe, enforcing US power and dominance, including directly off the coast of China, something the US itself would never abide by on its own seaboard. Yet not only is there no criticism of the US, there is active participation by the NZDF in the US’s imperial war mongering in places like the Red Sea.”

“By the same token, New Zealand has previously hosted Chinese warships in the ports of Auckland and Wellington.”

“No one should be under an illusion any longer that the US represents a force for good in the world or the upholding of international law and norms. The US has declared war on international law and is using its military to enforce US supremacy with missiles. This actively undermines New Zealand security.”

“At the same time, the Chinese state is an authoritarian nightmare with an aggressive plan for military spending and zero regard for human rights. The experiences in Hong Kong and Xinjiang should be evidence for how much respect China has for basic rights and freedoms.”

“This is why the response of the New Zealand government should not be to play into the US’s anti-China rhetoric but instead should be a strong voice for peace, diplomacy and disarmament. It is critically important that New Zealand ends participation in dangerous and counterproductive US military activities including active deployments in the Middle East, space launches, training and through the Five Eyes intelligence agencies. Now is the time for a foreign policy that actually puts people and planet first, not weapons companies and US capitalists.”

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Business Appointments – Raine & Horne beefs up executive team in New Zealand with the appointment of James Shepherd

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: Raine & Horne

Highlights

Raine & Horne appoints James Shepherd as Supervision and Compliance Manager for New Zealand, bringing almost 16 years of industry experience to support the super brand’s rapid expansion.
Mr Shepherd is excited about the company’s growth in New Zealand and is eager to unlock further potential and streamline processes for improved sales and compliance.
Looking ahead for 2025, Mr Shepherd predicts steady market conditions across New Zealand, offering opportunities for savvy buyers and vendors, particularly for downsizing.

Christchurch, NZ (25 February 2025) One of Australasia’s fastest-growing real estate networks Raine & Horne has scored a major executive coup with Mr James Shepherd’s appointment as Supervision and Compliance Manager for New Zealand.

Mr Shepherd, who began his real estate career in 2009 after transitioning from the machinery and construction sector, has almost 16 years of experience working with two major real estate networks.

Besides his compliance role, Mr Shepherd will also assume general management responsibilities for the rapidly growing brand. Raine & Horne has quickly grown its footprint in New Zealand, with over 70 offices since launching in April 2023.

Mr Angus Raine, Executive Chairman of Raine & Horne, is thrilled to welcome Mr Shepherd to the team. He believes his extensive background in office ownership, management, and sales will be invaluable.

“James is a major asset for our business as we expand across New Zealand. He has a strong background in office ownership and management, sales management, and a wealth of recent sales experience in the Christchurch region,” said Mr Raine.

“With his extensive background, he will be responsible for supporting our existing offices and sales agents and helping to grow the office network. His role will, of course, also strongly focus on our compliance framework.”

Amplifying rapid growth for Raine & Horne’s offices, sales agents and brand

Mr Shepherd said he is excited to join Raine & Horne at this point in its growth curve in New Zealand.

“The impressive growth the brand has experienced over the past 18 months, particularly after the acquisitions in 2024, shows a strong upward trajectory,” he said.

“Our new offices want to grow their businesses and are embracing Raine & Horne’s systems and processes, and there’s massive potential for them to expand. I’m excited that I’ll be helping them to unlock this potential.”

Mr Shepherd noted that one exciting opportunity for real estate businesses in New Zealand is the chance to streamline administrative processes and navigate complex regulations more efficiently.

“With my deep understanding of compliance issues, I’m confident I can help streamline the process and free up salespeople to focus on what matters – selling their vendor’s properties.”

Having worked with two of New Zealand’s major real estate brands, Mr Shepherd is excited to be part of a company pushing beyond the status quo.

“Raine & Horne’s unique edge is our advanced technology, and I am eager to drive awareness of our ecosystem of technology firsts throughout New Zealand, particularly the first-to-market AI-powered social media marketing platform, Amplify.”

Mr Shepherd also sees tremendous potential for Raine & Horne’s rural real estate division in New Zealand, drawing from his extensive rural background in farming before his stint in construction.

“New Zealand has a deep connection to rural life, so I see excellent opportunities for Raine & Horne Rural in New Zealand,” he said.

Steady market conditions expected in 2025

Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025, Mr Shepherd believes vendors and buyers can expect a steady year. “While there are still some economic challenges to navigate, I expect the residential property market to remain steady and gradually build momentum.

“It won’t be a year for price surges, but this also means 2025 will be an excellent year for those ready to make moves,” he adds.

“If you’ve got your finances in order, 2025 could be the year to jump in, while conditions remain stable.”

Mr Shepherd also sees a strong opportunity for those considering a move. Despite increased stock levels, the highest seen in a decade, he envisages the potential for better prices in 2025 than the past couple of years.

Finally, Mr Shepherd is excited about the future with Raine & Horne, saying, “I’m thrilled about the opportunities ahead. I’m eager to dive in, visit the offices, meet the teams, and help build the future of this exciting business.”

MIL OSI

Chinese live fire: a wake-up call for NZ’s investment priorities

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: ACT Party

“Chinese war ships engaging in live fire in the Tasman Sea ought to be a wake-up call for our investment priorities,” says ACT Defence spokesperson Mark Cameron.

“We have been taking the so-called benign strategic environment for granted, but the rule of history is that big fish eat the little fish. New Zealand needs to wake up, get together with its mates, and up our defensive capability – fast.

“Lifting investment in Defence is a matter of security, but also of prosperity. Our fisheries, sea mining, trade routes, and Exclusive Economic Zone hold untold economic value, and any serious strategy to grow the economy will rely on our continued control of these assets.

“Prior to the election, ACT campaigned on increasing defence spending to 1.5% of GDP, or $4.35 billion over four years, with a long-term target of reaching 2% by 2030.

“Australia’s defence spending has already surged above 2%, heading to 2.4% by the end of the decade. We need to do our part and work with our friends to effectively direct our investment, so that we can be taken seriously as an ally worth defending.

“Crucially, ACT is open to debate around tough trade-offs in spending and investment to make a Defence boost possible.

“This morning, the New Zealand Initiative released a report valuing the government’s existing assets at $571 billion. It raises some interesting questions. Does it make more sense for the government to own a television station, or a P8 Poseidon? Should we keep a 51% share in a power company, or get our hands on some more frigates?

“ACT would argue it’s time to pull money out of the nice-to-haves, and invest in the men and women who protect our livelihoods.”

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Greens stand in solidarity with mana whenua of Lake Rotokākahi

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: Green Party

The Green Party supports the peaceful occupation at Lake Rotokākahi and are calling for the controversial sewerage project on the lake to be stopped until the Environment Court has made a decision.

“We stand in solidarity with the peaceful Lake Rotokākahi resistance and are calling for a stop to all works. For too long Māori land has been confiscated, corrupted and condemned to degradation,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Māori Development Hūhana Lyndon.

“As tangata whenua, we should be empowered to look after the lands our tūpuna have cared for across generations. This is something that would benefit us all.

“Lake Rotokākahi is a wāhi tapu, a sacred site for Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tumatawera, as it is a resting place for their tūpuna who died in the 1886 eruption of Tarawera maunga. The path of the sewerage pipeline past Lake Rotokākahi puts the sacred lake at risk of environmental damage and the desecration of this wāhi tapu.

“Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tumatawera have consistently opposed the council bringing the sewerage pipe through their wāhi tapu. For over a year, there have been protests, a hīkoi, and occupation led by mana whenua. It is abhorrent that this is what mana whenua have been met with.

“Works must stop until the Environment Court has been given the opportunity to assess this project.

“Our institutions and the legislation that supports them contribute to the entrenchment of colonisation through the constant and consistent taking of Māori land. Whether it be the Resource Management Act, Public Works Act or now Fast Track, the rules that govern the use of land are failing to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, failing Māori and are failing the environment we all depend on,” says Hūhana Lyndon.

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All eyes on the Eastern Bay of Plenty

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Over the past few weeks Eastern Bay of Plenty highways have been a hive of activity with crews busy resurfacing State Highway 2 (SH2) in the Waioweka Gorge (and carrying out other general maintenance work) which is due to be completed on Wednesday 26 February.

There is more work to come around the region, ensuring the network is resilient and safe for everyone.

Here’s a look at what’s happening:

SH35 Roundabout Ōpōtiki

Once the Waioweka Gorge work is complete, crews will move to the Ōpōtiki township to resurface the roundabout on State Highway 35 (SH35). From Wednesday 26 to Friday 28 February, between 8am and 4pm each day, the road will be closed at the St John and Elliot Street roundabout, with a detour available for all vehicles via King Street and Goring Street. There will be temporary traffic management in place while the work is taking place.

SH2 Matatā

From Friday 28 February for 4 days, a new chipseal surface will be laid on SH2 between Western Close and Manawahē Road in Matatā. This work will take place during the day, between 9am and 4pm, with stop/go traffic management and a reduced speed limit in place. Traffic management will remain until after the work has been completed to allow for the chipseal to be embedded into the road surface.

SH2 Waimana Gorge

From Monday 3 to Friday 7 March the Waimana Gorge will be closed from 10am to 6pm each day. Crews will be laying a new asphalt road surface and completing maintenance activities. Outside of work hours there will be temporary traffic management in place with a reduced speed limited until the new surface has been line marked.

While the road is closed there’s a 12-minute detour for light vehicles and trucks below the HPMV status, via Tāneatua Road, Valley Road, right to Ōhope Road to Pōhutukawa Ave through to Wainui Road then left to SH2. There is no suitable detour for HPMV vehicles. HPMV’s are advised to travel outside of these times.

By closing the Waimana Gorge completely for this time contractors can complete the work more efficiently and safely.

At the SH2 and Wainui road intersection service relocation works are underway near Kutarere west of Ōpōtiki. Shoulder closures will be in place and road users should be aware there may be 3-way stop/go traffic management operating at the intersection during this time. 

Work schedule

SH2 Waioweka Gorge, resurfacing and general maintenance – complete 26 February
SH35 roundabout Ōpōtiki, resurfacing – 26 to 28 February
SH2 Matatā, chipsealing – 28 February to 3 March
SH2 Waimana Gorge, resurfacing – 3 to 7 March

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Smoother path for Great Rides

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Cycling our Great Rides is about to get a whole lot smoother, with a $9 million Government boost for infrastructure upgrades and replacements, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced.

“Together, the 23 Great Rides receive about a million visitors a year, of whom around 20 per cent are international visitors,” Louise Upston says.

“With those numbers expected to continue growing, maintaining and improving these trails is a must, so visitors can keep enjoying the unique experience of pedalling through New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes.

“We know some of the Great Rides trails need work so the first priority will be addressing issues such as improving design and resilience, making them better able to cope with rider numbers and extreme weather.

“I’m excited to announce this investment and am looking forward to seeing local communities welcome more visitors to experience everything they have to offer.

“This initiative builds on the Government’s commitment to tourism. The sector is a crucial part of our focus on economic growth, with domestic and international tourism expenditure at almost $38 billion and supporting nearly 200,000 jobs.

“Already this month we’ve announced:

$500,000 for marketing New Zealand as the ‘go now’ destination for Australians
$30 million to support conservation tourism
$3 million for regional tourism initiatives.

“Investment in tourism has overwhelming support from Kiwis – 93 per cent of New Zealanders surveyed last year agreed that tourism is good for the country.

“This is a year of opportunity. 2025 is our chance to reinforce the value of tourism to a humming, vibrant country, where we welcome anyone, from anywhere, anytime,” Louise Upston says.

Today’s announcement came in Queenstown, where Minister Upston attended the opening of the Hugo Tunnel on the separately funded Shotover Gorge Trail. Once opened, this trail will link Frankton to Arthurs Point to provide a spectacular off-road journey along the Shotover River.

The two years of funding is available through the Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund and applications open on 31 March.

This is a contestable funding round and applicants will be expected to fund 25-50 per cent of the total project cost.

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Advocacy – Over 150 police storm peaceful protection of Lake Rotokākahi

LiveNews Publisher

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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