Health Resignations – Dr Sarfati’s resignation another blow to underfunded health system – PSA

By

-

February 14, 2025

Source: PSA

The resignation of director-general of health Dr Diana Sarfati is a further symptom of the Government’s chaotic mismanagement and underfunding of the health system, the PSA says.

PSA Acting National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says Dr Sarfati’s resignation will create more turmoil in an overstretched health system being put under further pressure by the Government’s demands for health spending cuts.

“The alarm bells should be ringing in the health sector. Dr Sarfati’s resignation follows those of Health New Zealand Chief Executive Margie Apa and Director of Public Health Nicholas Jones in the past few weeks.

“The fundamental problem in health is that the Government is starving our health system of the funding needed to run it.

“Hard working public servants delivering health care like Dr Sarfati are being asked to work miracles to somehow keep a groaning system working for New Zealanders,” Fitzsimons says.

“That’s why we have started litigation in the Employment Relations Authority aimed at stopping rushed and damaging job cuts in health to meet the Government’s savings targets.

“These cuts will endanger the lives of patients and see thousands of dedicated and essential health workers lose their jobs,” says Fitzsimons.

Fitzsimons says the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi would like to thank Dr Sarfati for her work, which was an example of the dedicated service of so many public servants.

MIL OSI

Southbound lanes reopen on SH1

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

February 14, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police can advise that the section of the Southern Motorway closed after this morning’s fatal crash has reopened.

Southbound lanes have been closed for much of the morning near the Greenlane interchange on State Highway 1.

Police acknowledge the public’s understanding with the closures, as it has been a challenging scene for emergency responders to work through.

Please expect delays as the backlog clears this afternoon.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Mariameno Kapa-Kingi Enters Members Bill to Establish Mokopuna Māori Authority

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

February 14, 2025

0

Source: Te Pati Maori

Today Te Pāti Māori MP for Te Tai Tokerau, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, released her members bill that will see the return of tamariki and mokopuna Māori from state care back to te iwi Māori. This bill will establish an independent authority that asserts and protects the rights promised in He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“This authority will be the primary national agency that ensures the care and protection for mokopuna and tamariki Māori, prioritising whakapapa because whānau know what is best for their own mokopuna, not the state,” said Te Pāti Māori Spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi.

“Dame Whina Cooper once said, “Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will be the shape of Aotearoa”. This drives the ethos behind the authority- Hokinga Whakapapa, Oranga Mokopuna.

“This bill honours the whakapapa-based rights and obligations of whānau, hapū, and iwi establishing a partnership network across these streams and Māori organisations including urban Māori organisations and with survivors of state care.

“No child can thrive when they’re just trying to survive, and our children deserve to know where and who they truly come from. With this independent authority our mokopuna shall no longer be ostracised from society or from their own.

“Mokopuna Māori are our lifeline, they hold the key for our future as tangata whenua. Their return to us will be a major catalyst for their ability to thrive as their whakapapa intended.

“This is the time to do something of substance with and for our people. It is our job to serve and do what is best by our mokopuna and tamariki. We Māori are the sole carers of this responsibility and so shall it remain with us,” concluded Kapa-Kingi.

MIL OSI

Kinleith Mill to close paper production – E tū

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

February 14, 2025

0

Source: Etu Union

Union members are devastated to learn that Oji Fibre Solutions is set to close the paper manufacturing operations at Kinleith Mill in Tokoroa.

The closure will result in the loss of at least 230 jobs, with significant downstream impacts on the wider local community.

E tū senior delegate Ian Farall believes the company had made this decision long ago.

“The writing has been on the wall for some time, and the company never seemed serious about saving paper production,” Ian says.

“They have neglected essential maintenance that could have put us in a much stronger position. Of course, high power prices play a role, but the company should have been far better prepared for this.”

Ian also criticised the Government for failing to intervene meaningfully.

“We’re shocked and angry that the Government isn’t stepping in to save the paper mill. It’s a key part of our domestic manufacturing and vital to the wider Tokoroa community.”

Mario van der Putten, senior FIRST Union delegate at the mill, said workers were “bitterly disappointed” by the news.

“We were the last ones standing – the last paper-making machine in the country,” Mr van der Putten says.

“This puts our economy at risk and will have a ripple effect on primary industries that rely on our products for the safe, long-term storage of goods.

“We don’t believe the company has put forward a genuine business plan. Instead, they have reduced us to a business case. The writing was on the wall after two decades of underinvestment in the mill.

“This could end up being a disastrous decision that sinks the entire business. Specialist skills that take decades to master will be lost in the process.”

E tū Negotiation Specialist Joe Gallagher says the closure is yet another example of the Government failing to protect local industry.

“We hear Luxon talking about a focus on growth while doing next to nothing about the crisis facing manufacturing,” Joe says.

“The Prime Minister needs to get real about what economic prosperity actually looks like. It’s about protecting New Zealand’s industries and keeping local communities thriving, not standing by and letting them collapse.”

MIL OSI

Release: Bloodbath continues for health leadership

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

February 14, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

The Government continues to tear apart New Zealand’s health leadership, sacking or forcing the resignation of our top medical experts.

“I am concerned to hear of the resignation of the Director-General of Heath Dr Diana Sarfati today,” acting Labour health spokesperson Peeni Henare said.

“Christopher Luxon thinks a purge of health leadership will turn around the health system while he refuses to invest properly for the health of New Zealanders.

“Dr Sarfati is a world-leading cancer research expert, improving survival rates and closing inequities in treatment. If the Government doesn’t reach its cancer targets without Dr Sarfati they have no one to blame but themselves.

“We acknowledge Dr Sarfati’s leadership when the Ministry of Health continued to give evidenced-based advice on tobacco control despite a hostile government.

“Health is complex, and firing the leadership may come back to haunt the Prime Minister.

“As Simeon Brown struggles to get up to speed on the complex health portfolio, it’s as if Christopher Luxon is getting rid of everyone who disagrees with him. It’s an absolute disgrace, causing damage that will ripple for years to come.

“The Director-General of Health has gone, the Director of Public Health stepped down, the Health New Zealand board was sacked and the Health New Zealand Chief Executive resigned.

“The executive leadership team of Health New Zealand has been gutted, and the organisation’s Chief Financial Officer was structured out of a job. Luxon is fast running out of other people to blame for his Government’s failures.

“I wish Dr Diana Sarfati all the best for her next role and thank her for the commitment, mahi and expertise she gave for the better health of New Zealand,” Peeni Henare said.

Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

MIL OSI

Manufacturing increase welcomed

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

February 14, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Government

Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed a lift in manufacturing activity, saying it is further evidence that the economy has started to turn around.
The BNZ and Business NZ today reported their performance manufacturing index (PMI) had risen to its highest level since September 2022.
“The increase from 46.2 in December to 51.4 in January follows 22 months of contraction.
“It is early days, but together with high levels of business confidence, the increase indicates the economic growth forecast for this year is beginning to take place.
“I know many families and businesses are still doing it tough after three years of high inflation, high interest rates and cost of living pressures squeezing the family budget and business bottom lines.
“However, this suggests families and business can look forward to better times ahead. It is particularly welcome news for the manufacturing sector after two very tough years. And that is good news for everybody.
“When the sector does well it creates jobs and opportunities for people.”

MIL OSI

OJI needs to work with government and unions before closure

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

February 14, 2025

0

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff has called on OJI Fibre Solutions to work with the government, unions, and the community before closing the Kinleith Paper Mill.

“OJI has today announced 230 job losses in what will be a devastating blow for the community. OJI needs to work with all partners to make sure that we get the best outcome on the site,” said Wagstaff.

“At the meeting this morning, OJI officials disclosed that they were in negotiation with the Government about support for the Kinleith site. This support would be an investment in the pulp production side. It is essential that this investment comes with guarantees from OJI that as much employment is maintained on site as possible.

“Given the offer from the Minister, and the potential impact on the supply chain if alternative suppliers of paper are not found, OJI should reconsider their decision today to terminate employees.

“OJI must get round the table with all parties and find a solution that keeps as much employment on the site as possible. OJI Kinleith products are a vital part of the supply chain for our dairy and fruit exports.

“There is an opportunity here for a better outcome at Kinleith. One that would deliver more jobs, and brighter economic development for the region. We need to make that happen for the benefit of workers, the community and the regional manufacturing sector,” said Wagstaff.

MIL OSI

Police seek vehicle of interest over indecent act in Epsom

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

February 14, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are seeking information on a vehicle of interest involved in an indecent act committed in Epsom this week.

Police have been investigating the complaint about a man’s behaviour towards a young student on the afternoon of 12 February.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greaves, Area Investigations Manager for Auckland City East, says the investigation has progressed in recent days.

“We have now obtained an image of a vehicle in the Gladwin Road area on Tuesday afternoon,” he says.

“Police would like anyone who saw this vehicle, or has further information concerning it to contact us.”

The incident occurred at around 3.35pm, when the sole male occupant of the vehicle began doing an act towards the young student walking past on Gladwin Road.

“Fortunately this man did not exit the vehicle, and it was last seen travelling down Lewin Road,” Detective Senior Sergeant Greaves says.

“Anyone who has information, please contact Police.

“I’d also encourage the driver of this vehicle, who knows who they are, to stop delaying the inevitable and come to speak with Police.”

If you have information, please contact Police on 105 using the reference number 250212/5501.

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

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Name release: Fatal crash, Mountain Road, Inglewood

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

February 14, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now name the pedestrian who died following a crash on Mountain Road, Inglewood on 4 February.

She was 63-year-old Jacqueline Deam, of Inglewood.

Our thoughts are with those close to her at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Have you seen Dezray?

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

February 14, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Dezray who has been reported missing from the Mount Wellington area.

Dezray was last seen on 19 January and is described as being 175cm tall with short brown hair and brown eyes.

He is known to frequent the Auckland City, West Auckland and Northland areas.

Police and Dezray’s family have concerns for his safety.

We ask anyone who sights Dezray to please contact Police as soon as possible on 111.

Additionally, anyone who has further information on his whereabouts should contact Police on 105, using the reference number 250121/4356.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI