Release: Disabled people languishing in psych wards due to Govt cuts

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February 14, 2025

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

National’s cuts to disability support funding and freezing of new residential placements has resulted in significant mental health decline for intellectually disabled people.

“It’s unacceptable that government decisions have resulted in trauma for disabled people, their families, and carers. Clinicians are clearly seeing a decline in the mental health of their intellectually disabled patients as a result,” Priyanca Radhakrishnan said.

“A report in the New Zealand Medical Journal published today, outlines clinicians’ concerns that intellectually disabled people are being declined residential placements because of the government’s freeze on new placements. They note this is leading to an increase in high-risk suicidal and violent behaviour.

“We have been down this road before and know the dangers which come with institutionalisation. We’ve seen in the Royal Commission of Inquiry, the risks of returning to a time where individuals were placed into care completely unfit for their needs.

“These cuts take us back decades and are causing years of irreversible harm for disabled people and their families. Some have been unable to transition back to the community, and are effectively trapped in hospitals, blocking access to others who need care.

“With the funding freeze meaning no new residential places are funded, families who’d already made the decision to place a loved one in a care home after visiting the residence have now been locked out of this option.

“Louise Upston needs to start taking responsibility for this and stop blaming Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) services.

“She must reverse these changes immediately and ensure that NASCs are supported to honour the care packages previously agreed upon so that all disabled people, their families and carers can access the support they need,” Priyanca Radhakrishnan said.

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MIL OSI

Arrest after historic items stolen in church burglaries

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February 14, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A man is before the courts following the burglary of two churches in Canterbury over the last week.

Between Saturday 8 February and Tuesday 11 February, Police received reports of two burglaries at churches in Eyreton, and Christchurch, along with one at a repeater site in Waimate.

A number of items were stolen, including challises, an ornament, and other items, a large number of which have since been recovered.

At around midday today, Police arrested a 35-year-old man near the Rakaia bridge, following some excellent investigative work by Canterbury Rural Police.

He is due to appear before the Christchurch District Court tomorrow, Saturday 15 February, on charges relating to the three burglaries.

Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel said We will not accept people taking advantage of the community, or community locations, and will follow up on relevant lines of enquiry to identify and locate those invovled when this occurs.

“We are glad to be able to hold this offender, who showed little regard for the community, to account,” Ssgt McDaniel said.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Fleeing driver runs out of road in Waikato

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February 14, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Waikato District Police Shift Commander Senior Sergeant Leo Belay:

Police are praising members of the public for helping officers track a fleeing driver in the Waikato today.

About 11am, Police received reports of a Subaru vehicle driving dangerously and overtaking vehicles through road works in Te Kuiti. After being located and signalled to stop, the vehicle fled but was not pursued.

It continued to drive in a dangerous manner on State Highway 3 towards Hamilton, where more members of the public called to report its erratic driving. These updates of the vehicle’s location greatly assisted the Police response, by allowing resources to be deployed ahead of the offending vehicle.

The vehicle was sighted by Police in Te Awamutu, where it was followed towards the town by an unmarked Police unit.

Tyre Deflation Devices (TDDs) were successfully deployed by Police in Ohaupo, which slowed the vehicle as it approached the Hamilton Airport.

The vehicle continued toward Glenview in Hamilton, where TDDs were successfully deployed a further four times in quick succession.

Police then engaged in a low-speed pursuit of the vehicle into Hamilton.

The offending vehicle was eventually stopped on Tristram Street in Hamilton by utilising a tactical vehicle intervention.

Two people were taken into Police custody without further incident.

A 33-year-old male from New Plymouth will appear tomorrow in the Hamilton District Court on charges of dangerous driving, aggravated failure to stop, and driving while disqualified third and subsequent.

A 30-year-old woman, also from New Plymouth, is assisting with enquiries.

This event demonstrates the importance of reporting dangerous driving behaviour and the assistance it provides to Police with investigating and holding offenders accountable for their actions. We want to thank all those people who called us, allowing frontline officers across the District to carry out excellent work that keeps the community safe.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Name release: Fatal crash, Parikino

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February 14, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are now able to confirm the name of the man who died following a crash in Parikino, Whanganui on 8 February.

He was 29-year-old Jake Andrew Sutherland, of Castlecliff.

Police extend our condolences to those close to Jake.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Significant milestones at North Shore’s Tōtara Haumaru Hospital

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February 14, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

This week marks a significant step in the delivery of healthcare services for the northern region with the opening of the final ward of Tōtara Haumaru, the country’s newest hospital facility on Auckland’s North Shore Hospital campus, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “This facility has a critical role in reducing waitlists for Auckland’s fast-growing and ageing population. “It is encouraging to see progress already being made, with more than 2,500 New Zealanders having had their elective surgery at the hospital since it opened on 1 July 2024. “Acute and elective endoscopy activity is also ramping up, with 2,500 endoscopies completed at the new facility in addition to the elective surgeries. “The hospital has allowed for the expansion of some regional services, including vascular and plastic surgery, allowing local patients to have their surgery closer to home. “It has also enabled the regional expansion of robotically-assisted surgeries, resulting in a 40 per cent reduction in length of stay, and fewer complications and quicker recovery for patients. “The opening of the fifth and final ward this week increases capacity for women’s health and gynaecology services from 15 to 20 patients, delivering improved patient outcomes in a significantly enhanced environment. “Ensuring that all New Zealanders can access timely, quality healthcare is a priority for the Government. “You can’t manage what you don’t measure, which is why the Government restored five key health targets, including a target of 95 per cent of patients to wait less than four months for a first specialist assessment and elective treatment by 2030.”While there is significant progress needed to meet these targets, I am pleased that patients in the region and further afield are benefiting from this state-of-the-art facility. This number will only grow as theatre capacity and resourcing continues to scale-up over time. “As Minister of Health, my focus is and always will be improving patient outcomes and ensuring access to timely, quality healthcare. “Reducing waitlists so that New Zealanders have shorter wait times for appointments and surgery is a key part of that,” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

Minister acknowledges outgoing Director-General

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February 14, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown has today acknowledged the resignation of Director-General of Health and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Sarfati, and thanked her for her service.

“Diana was appointed in November 2022, having acted in the role from July 2022. She played a key role as the government’s chief health advisor and steward of New Zealand’s public health system during the health system reforms.

“Prior to this, Diana was National Director of Cancer at the Ministry of Health where she oversaw the implementation of the Cancer Control Agency, before being appointed its Chief Executive and National Director.

“Diana has had a long, distinguished career in health as a public health physician, cancer epidemiologist, and health services researcher.

“An experienced and respected leader, Diana has led the Ministry of Health during a challenging time as the last government’s reforms were being implemented.

“I acknowledge Diana’s decision to step down from the role and thank her for her commitment to ensuring the health system delivers for New Zealanders.

“I wish her all the very best for the future,” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

Stolen vehicle ends with arrest in the bag

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February 14, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

The driver of a stolen vehicle has landed in court after a search of the vehicle he was driving found a number of zip-lock bags containing methamphetamine.

At about 10.25pm, Police were alerted to a stolen vehicle travelling on Dawson Road, Ōtara.

Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says officers located the vehicle parked in a driveway and quickly took the driver and passenger into custody.

“A search of the vehicle has located 16 grams of methamphetamine, split into zip-lock bags as well as electronic scales.

“Though the quantity of drugs may not be considered large on a national scale, we know all too well how destructive methamphetamine is to communities.

“We are committed to holding offenders to account and delivering on our intent to the community safe.”

A 35-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court today charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine and receiving property.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Tech and Environment – Samsung New Zealand Delivers on Commitment to Tackle the Pacific Islands’ E-Waste Crisis

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February 14, 2025

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Source: Samsung

Samsung ships over 38 tons of e-waste to New Zealand for responsible recycling

AUCKLAND, NZ – February 14, 2025 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is proud to announce that it has fulfilled its commitment to addressing the growing e-waste crisis in the Pacific Islands. In partnership with Blue Orca and Echo, Samsung New Zealand has successfully facilitated the transportation and recycling of over 38 tonnes of end-of-life appliances, electrical, and electronic equipment, collected across the Pacific Islands.

In 2024, Samsung New Zealand engaged Blue Orca to assess e-waste challenges across five Pacific Islands – Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Timor-Leste. The assessment revealed a lack of local recycling infrastructure, raising concerns about the environmental impact of unmanaged e-waste in the region.

“The absence of local recycling options and the severe environmental consequences outlined in the report pushed us to take action,” said Shannon Watts, Marketing Director, Samsung Electronics New Zealand. “Through our collaboration with Blue Orca and recycling partner Echo, we’ve been able to drive meaningful change and address the critical e-waste issue facing Pacific Island communities. This initiative helps protect the environment and supports local communities by ensuring responsible recycling of electronic waste.”

Samsung, Blue Orca, and Echo achieved a significant milestone by collecting and transporting 38,502 kg of e-waste from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands to New Zealand for recycling. This effort resulted in the prevention of 228 kg of toxic metals from contaminating the soil and avoided 11,042 kg of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the protection of the environment and benefiting local communities.

“This initiative is a crucial step toward mitigating the environmental impact of e-waste in the Pacific Islands. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration between Samsung, Blue Orca, and Echo,” added Watts. “We’re proud to have played a role in diverting a significant volume of end-of-life electronics from landfills, ensuring they are now being recycled ethically and responsibly.”

This Pacific Islands recycling program further supports Samsung New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to its global Everyday Sustainability Environmental Strategy, as part of the company’s efforts to contribute to tackle climate change. Over the past two years, Samsung New Zealand, in collaboration with Echo, has successfully recycled more than 73 tonnes of e-waste through local collection drives in Auckland. These initiatives empower New Zealanders to take responsibility for recycling their electronic waste, ensuring that it is handled responsibly and sustainably.

E-Waste Collection Breakdown:

Total e-waste collected: 38,502 kg

Greenhouse gas emissions avoided: 11,042 kg

Toxic metals diverted from landfill: 228 kg

Island Breakdown:

Fiji:

• 4,328 kg of e-waste collected

• 1,241 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided

• 25.6 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill

Tonga:

• 13,863 kg of e-waste collected

• 3,976 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided

• 81.99 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill

Samoa:

• 12,911 kg of e-waste collected

• 3,702.8 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided

• 76.35 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill

Cook Islands:

• 7,400 kg of e-waste collected

• 2,122 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided

• 43.77 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

MIL OSI

Government Cuts – Funded annual health checks would prevent 100+ deaths a year – IHC

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February 14, 2025

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Source: IHC New Zealand

Funded annual health checks for people with intellectual disability will prevent more than 100 deaths a year and significantly reduce hospital admissions, saving $16.5 million annually – more than enough to cover the $13 million cost of the checks themselves, says IHC New Zealand.

In a New Zealand Medical Journal article released today, IHC Advocate Shara Turner says it’s unacceptable that intellectually disabled New Zealanders should die much earlier than other New Zealanders, for preventable reasons.

“Intellectually disabled people have the highest mortality risk of any group, with a life expectancy of up to 22 years shorter than the general population,” says Shara.

“They are 2.7 times more likely to be admitted to the emergency department, 3.6 times more likely to be admitted to hospital for a condition that could have been avoided and have higher rates of lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and mental health conditions.

“We are urging the Government to see that annual health checks could lower the risk of early mortality for intellectually disabled people by up to 35 percent.”

IHC’s own cost-benefit analysis using Treasury’s CBAx tool for healthcare costs shows that annual health checks would be fiscally positive and viable.

Shara says there is robust international evidence about the benefits of the annual health check for this population.

“Universal health checks for intellectually disabled people have been implemented in Australia and the United Kingdom since 2007, providing a proven and pragmatic model that could be adapted for Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Shara. “These checks would not only improve health outcomes but also relieve pressure on emergency departments and cut healthcare costs.”

“Now is the time to act – investing in annual health checks can help close the health gap and ensure better, longer lives for one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most vulnerable populations.”

About IHC New Zealand

IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.

MIL OSI

Fireworks and open air fires prohibited in Strath Taieri zone

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February 14, 2025

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a prohibited fire season in Otago’s Strath Taieri zone from 8am on Saturday 15 February, until further notice.

A prohibited fire season means no open-air fires are allowed and all fire permits are suspended.

Fireworks will also be prohibited in Strath Taieri, which is possible under Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency Act.

Strath Taieri is a large area of land in Otago which includes the Taieri River, the Rock and Pillar Range and the town of Middlemarch.

Fire and Emergency Otago District Manager Phil Marsh says the area has an abundance of grass and scrub and experiences hot dry summers.

“The current dry conditions are expected to continue, with blustery westerly winds forecast for the remainder of summer and into autumn,” he says.

“This combination presents a very high fire risk, as dry grass and scrub can ignite easily and fire will rapidly spread.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of wildfire, we are also putting a ban on fireworks.

“It only takes one spark to start a wildfire. The risk is far too high in these dry and windy conditions.”

The Strath Taieri zone includes Te Papanui Conservation Park, home to a huge variety of native plants and animals.

“We are urging everybody to do their part to protect this area from wildfire,” Phil Marsh says.

“Along with the ban on fireworks, we ask people to be vigilant with other heat or spark-generating activities.

“Using machinery or power tools and parking or driving vehicles near dry vegetation have the potential to start a wildfire that will spread quickly. You should avoid these activities on hot, windy days.

“If you are camping in the area, always set up your gas cooker on a stable surface and away from long, dry grass.

Please take extra care this weekend as the fire danger will be elevated in Strath Taieri and across Otago.

MIL OSI