Author: MIL OSI Publisher

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Release: New Anti-Scamming Unit will help protect Kiwis’ cash

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

Labour will establish a new Anti-Scamming Unit to better protect New Zealanders being targeted by illegal scammers says Labour Commerce and Consumer Affairs spokesperson Duncan Webb.

“Too many New Zealanders are being targeted by criminals seeking to swindle innocent Kiwis out of their money through increasingly complex scams – we want to stamp it out” Duncan Webb said.

“Many victims are amongst our most vulnerable and cross sector support and cooperation is vital to ensure Kiwis are being protected. We have already been working closely with banks in this area for some time. Falling victim to a scam can be catastrophic – especially people lose a large part of their life savings – this can be doubly devastating for our elderly.

“We know that 9 out of 10 New Zealanders were targeted by scams in the last 12 months. Reports show that Kiwis were scammed out of a record $20 million last year alone.

“Labour wants to stop scammers in their tracks, and ensure their victims are being supported and educated to avoid being stung in future.

“The Anti-Scamming Unit will include both government and industry, bringing together the work being done from detection, prevention and education, through to finding and prosecuting criminals.

“Prevention through education is only one way we can support those effected. Part of the Unit’s work will be to clarify the steps banks should take to detect and shut down scams, and where liability for compensation should fall,” Duncan Webb said.

The Unit, made up of a core of 15-20 experts, will sit inside the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and include support from other agencies such as the Reserve Bank, MBIE and Police. Representatives from banks, telecommunications firms and social media companies will be included in the Unit’s work, as will non-government agencies such as consumer advocates.

“In Government we’ve made good progress, broadening work which prevents and responds to scams. CERT NZ (National Cyber Security Centre) and Police have continued their critical roles at the hard end of security and law enforcement respectively.

“The FMA has increased its activity receiving and investigating complaints, monitoring international activity, publishing warnings and alerts, taking enforcement action and shutting down imposter websites, and running community education sessions.

“This worked meant only 1 in 10 Kiwis fell victim to the scams they faced last year, and small and medium enterprises saw their scamming rates drop from 47% to 34%.

“But there is still more to do – scammers are persistent and continue to get more sophisticated and find more victims and we want it stopped,” Duncan Webb said.

MORE HERE

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Northern Hawke’s Bay residents line up for new community driver testing

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Wairoa and Nuhaka community members are now able to take their full driver licence test through the town’s new community-led driver licensing programme provided by Tairāwhiti REAP.

The Growing Drivers Locally (GDL) programme has been successfully running in rural Gisborne and the East Coast for a number of years. The programme helps people to gain a restricted or full Class 1 licence and is open to students of any age living in rural Tairāwhiti, and now includes Wairoa and surrounding communities.

The GDL2Wairoa programme has been launched officially this week, at Tairāwhiti REAP’s new Wairoa office.

Tairāwhiti REAP Manager, Ani Pahuru-Huriwai says the programme is pleased to bring this kaupapa to Wairoa and surrounding communities, particularly after the cyclone has left a lasting impact on families.

“Being able to gain their driver licences locally here in Wairoa, fully subsidised through our GDL programme, will be a game changer for many.”

To provide greater flexibility for students on the GDL2Wairoa programme, Wairoa local Cheryl Te Amo, has been contracted to provide dedicated practical licence testing for Tairāwhiti REAP students. Cheryl will be supported by Mere Mill, a fellow community driver testing officer in Gisborne/East Coast.

Cheryl and Mere are two of 16 community driver testing officers in New Zealand, a new role introduced last year by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. Cheryl has already started testing, as more than 70 people are booked to sit the test through the GDL programme.

Vehicle Testing NZ provides practical driver testing for the general public and has been operating in Wairoa since December 2022 when a test route was re-established in the town.

Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships Linda Stewart says a driver licence opens the door to opportunities like jobs, training and much more.

“We know some people face barriers in getting their licence, whether that’s because of the cost or the availability of driver testing services close by.

“Providing the new community driver testing officer model for Wairoa is another way Waka Kotahi can support improved access to driver licensing services.”

CDTO background

The community driver testing officer or CDTO role was introduced in mid-2022, to give extra support as well as dedicated testing time, to people who face a number of disadvantages in getting a driver licence.

To date, over 2,000 people have sat a test through a CDTO across the North Island. The pass rate is 89% across both restricted and full driver licence tests.

Providing communities with new practical driver testing routes and community-based services are some of the first solutions from the cross-agency Driver Licensing Improvement Programme, led by Waka Kotahi.

Enquiries for places on the GDL2Wairoa programme can be made through Tairāwhiti REAP to maria@tairawhitireap.org.nz, or by visiting the Tairāwhiti REAP office at 232 Marine Parade, Wairoa.

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Two arrested after elderly man assaulted in Te Aroha over road rage incident

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Ben Norman, Eastern Waikato Police, Criminal Investigation Branch

Two people have been arrested for the daylight assault of a man on the afternoon of Wednesday 20th September on Ema Street in Te Aroha.

This attack was a vicious, unprovoked attack on a 65-year-old man following a near miss in his vehicle with two dirt bike riders coming from the Hauraki Rail Trail.

The assault caused him serious injuries requiring a period of hospitalisation.

When police attended, the offenders had both fled the scene in the direction of the rail trail.

On Tuesday Eastern Waikato Police executed a search warrant at a local address, locating the bikes involved and arresting a 34-year-old man for the assault.

This man appeared in the Hamilton District Court yesterday facing a serious assault charge and a second younger male involved has been referred to Youth Aid Services.

Police would like to thank the Te Aroha community for their assistance in identifying those responsible. This was an appalling and unprovoked attack of an elderly member of our community.

Police would also like to remind those in the community riding unregistered trail bikes that the rail trail is not a dirt bike trail.

Riders should stick to dedicated dirt bike trail areas or they could potentially face enforcement action from Police.

Police would still like to hear from any other witnesses to this assault. Please call Police on 105 or go online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 using ‘Update Report’ and referencing file number 230920/6316.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Government announces big boost to marine protection

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  05 October 2023 Source:  Offices of the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries

  • First marine reserves in southeastern South Island.
  • Six new marine reserves increase mainland reserves by 67%.
  • Protects habitats of hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin, toroa/northern royal albatross, rāpoka/New Zealand sea lion, as well as brittle stars, squat lobster, kōura, shrimps, crabs, sponges, sea squirts, reef fishes and many others.
  • Builds on the Government’s record of ocean protection.

The Labour Government is continuing to deliver on its promise to protect New Zealand’s oceans, with the announcement today of six new marine reserves between Oamaru and The Catlins.

Conservation Minister Willow-Jean Prime and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Rachel Brooking joined Kāi Tahu representatives in Dunedin today to mark the creation of the first marine reserves in the southeast South Island.

“Protecting our oceans and their biodiversity for future generations is important to this Government,” Willow-Jean Prime said.

“In August we announced our plans to protect the Hauraki Gulf. Today, we’re announcing six new marine reserves in the South Island.

“The creation of these new reserves increases the area in marine reserves around mainland New Zealand by more than two thirds.

“This spectacular coastline from Oamaru to Southland is home to some of our most endangered species, like hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin, toroa/northern royal albatross and rāpoka/New Zealand sea lion.

“It includes estuarine and tidal lagoons, rocky reefs, offshore canyons, giant kelp forests and deepwater bryozoan or lace coral thickets, and an array of marine life that were under pressure from human activity.

“Local communities have worked hard on this for more than a decade and it is a huge pleasure to be able to deliver on it for them.”

Willow-Jean Prime said close engagement with mana whenua had been important.

“I acknowledge Kāi Tahu – as kaitiaki for this spectacular coast – for their engagement in the shaping of the new marine reserves.

“Provisions have been made for Kāi Tahu to continue to access the marine reserve areas for practices that enhance their mātauraka Māori (traditional knowledge) and retrieve koiwi tākata (ancestral remains), artefacts and marine mammal remains.

“Kāi Tahu will work in partnership with the Department of Conservation to manage the marine reserves once they are in place.”

Rachel Brooking said the six marine reserves were the first step in creating a network of marine protection in the area, and build on the Government’s track record of protecting the oceans.

“From tightening the rules to around fish being discarded at sea and putting cameras on commercial fishing vessels, to stopping bottom trawling the vast bulk of the Hauraki Gulf, this is a Government that understands you can’t have a successful commercial fishing industry in an unhealthy ocean,” Rachel Brooking said.

As well as the six marine reserves announced today, the Government is looking at using fisheries management regulations to protect a further five areas, along with a proposed kelp protection area. Rachel Brooking said 90% of more than 4,000 submissions had shown there is broad backing for the proposed network.

The Government has also created nine new mātaitai reserves this year, bringing the total number to 66.

More information and maps of the marine reserves

Contact

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Govt announces big boost to marine protection

Source: New Zealand Government

  • First marine reserves in south-eastern South Island
  • Six new marine reserves increase mainland reserves by 67 per cent
  • Protects habitats of hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin, toroa/northern royal albatross, rāpoka/New Zealand sea lion, as well as brittle stars, squat lobster, kōura, shrimps, crabs, sponges, sea squirts, reef fishes and many others
  • Builds on Govt’s record of ocean protection

The Labour Government is continuing to deliver on its promise to protect New Zealand’s oceans, with the announcement today of six new marine reserves between Oamaru and The Catlins.

Conservation Minister Willow-Jean Prime and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Rachel Brooking joined Kāi Tahu representatives in Dunedin today to mark the creation of the first marine reserves in the south-east South Island.

“Protecting our oceans and their biodiversity for future generations is important to this Government,” Willow-Jean Prime said.

“In August we announced our plans to protect the Hauraki Gulf. Today, we’re announcing six new marine reserves in the South Island.

“The creation of these new reserves increases the area in marine reserves around mainland New Zealand by more than two thirds.

“This spectacular coastline from Oamaru to Southland is home to some of our most endangered species, like hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin, toroa/northern royal albatross and rāpoka/New Zealand sea lion.

“It includes estuarine and tidal lagoons, rocky reefs, offshore canyons, giant kelp forests and deepwater bryozoan or lace coral thickets, and an array of marine life that were under pressure from human activity.

“Local communities have worked hard on this for more than a decade and it is a huge pleasure to be able to deliver on it for them.”

Willow-Jean Prime said close engagement with mana whenua had been important.

“I acknowledge Kāi Tahu – as kaitiaki for this spectacular coast – for their engagement in the shaping of the new marine reserves.

“Provisions have been made for Kāi Tahu to continue to access the marine reserve areas for practices that enhance their mātauraka Māori (traditional knowledge) and retrieve koiwi tākata (ancestral remains), artefacts and marine mammal remains.

“Kāi Tahu will work in partnership with the Department of Conservation to manage the marine reserves once they are in place.”

Rachel Brooking said the six marine reserves were the first step in creating a network of marine protection in the area, and build on the Government’s track record of protecting the oceans.

“From tightening the rules to around fish being discarded at sea and putting cameras on commercial fishing vessels, to stopping bottom trawling the vast bulk of the Hauraki Gulf, this is a Government that understands you can’t have a successful commercial fishing industry in an unhealthy ocean,” Rachel Brooking said.

As well as the six marine reserves announced today, the Government is looking at using fisheries management regulations to protect a further five areas, along with a proposed kelp protection area. Rachel Brooking said 90 per cent of more than 4,000 submissions had shown there is broad backing for the proposed network.

The Government has also created nine new mātaitai reserves this year, bringing the total number to 66.

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Subnational ethnic population projections: 2018(base)?2043 update ? Stats NZ information release

Subnational
ethnic population projections: 2018(base)–2043 update – information release

5 October 2023

Subnational ethnic population projections
show what the ethnic make-up of each area of New Zealand is likely to be
in future.

Key facts

Subnational ethnic population projections
indicate the future population living in New Zealand’s 16 regional council
areas (regions), 67 territorial authority areas (TAs), and 21 Auckland
local board areas (LBAs), for four broad and overlapping ethnic groups:
‘European or Other (including New Zealander)’, Māori, Pacific, and Asian.

The medium growth projections indicate that
between 2018 and 2043:

  • The Māori, Asian, and Pacific ethnic populations
    will grow in all regions and TAs.
  • The ‘European or Other’ ethnic population
    will grow in 14 regions and decline in two, and grow in 57 TAs and decline
    in 10.
  • New Zealand will become more ethnically diverse
    in 2043 than in 2018 due to slower growth of the ‘European or Other’
    population compared with other ethnic groups.

Visit our website to read this information
release and related page:

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Türkiye

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

  • Reviewed: 5 October 2023, 09:01 NZDT
  • Still current at: 5 October 2023

Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel within 10 kilometres of the border with Syria due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping and the potential for violence associated with the ongoing conflict in Syria (level 4 of 4). 

Avoid non-essential travel to the provinces of Hakkari and Sirnak in south-east Türkiye due to the unpredictable security situation and the threat of terrorism and kidnapping (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Türkiye, including in Ankara and Istanbul, due to the heightened threat of terrorism and the possibility of demonstrations (level 2 of 4).

Türkiye

On 6 February, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude and 7.7 magnitude earthquake occurred in central and southeastern Türkiye. Provinces affected by the earthquakes include Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, Malatya, Diyarbakır, Kilis, Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, Hatay, Osmaniye, Adana.

The earthquakes caused extensive damage to infrastructure and services, including electricity, water, roads, telecommunications, and sanitation in the affected areas. 

Terrorism
 There continues to be a high threat of terrorism in Türkiye. A series of major attacks took place in 2016-2017, including in tourist areas, causing multiple deaths and injuries. Although Turkish authorities have successfully disrupted terrorist attack planning in recent years, further attacks cannot be discounted. Terrorist groups (including those based in Syria and Iraq, as well as domestic-based extremists such as TAK, PKK and DHKP/C), who have claimed responsibility for a number of attacks, have shown the intent to conduct further attacks, including in areas frequented by foreigners. While most terrorist attacks in the past have targeted Turkish government institutions and security forces, attacks have occurred in tourist areas and locations frequented by foreigners. Recent Quran-burning incidents in Europe could result in retaliatory attacks by terrorists targeting places of worship or areas frequented by foreigners.

Istanbul and Ankara
Past attacks in Istanbul and Ankara have included:

–       On 1 October 2023, a terrorist attack occurred in Kizilay, Ankara. Two terrorists were killed during the attack and two police were injured.

–       On 13 November 2022, a terrorist attack occurred on Istikal Avenue, in central Istanbul killing 6 people and injuring many more.

–       On 1 January 2017, a shooting attack at the Reina nightclub in central Istanbul killed 39 people, including foreign nationals, and injured at least 70 others.

–       On 28 June 2016, an armed attack and series of suicide bombings occurred at Istanbul’s Atatürk International Airport. At least 45 people were killed, including many civilians and foreign nationals.

New Zealanders throughout Türkiye are advised to remain alert and keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising a high degree of vigilance in public places, especially around government buildings and sites associated with Turkish security forces. Be security conscious around landmarks and places known to be frequented by foreigners, such as embassies, tourist locations, shopping malls, entertainment areas, public transport facilities, airports, places of worship and identifiably western businesses.

If you are in a location affected by an attack, you should leave the immediate vicinity as soon as it is safe to do so, follow any instructions given by Turkish authorities and let your family know you are safe and well.

Areas bordering Syria
 Fighting in Syria close to the Turkish border is ongoing and the threat of violence, terrorism and military activity are high. Turkish security forces’ presence in border areas has been strengthened and the Turkish government has declared special security zones in villages along Türkiye’s border with Syria. The security situation remains unpredictable.

South-east Türkiye
 Following the end of a ceasefire in 2015, there have been clashes between Turkish security forces and the PKK. There have been a number of terrorist attacks targeting and killing security force personnel in south-east Türkiye and further attacks are likely. Some temporary military restricted zones have been established in south-eastern provinces such as the Mount Ararat area. Do not attempt to enter these zones.

Kidnapping
 There is a threat of kidnapping against foreigners in the regions of Türkiye bordering Syria. We advise that New Zealanders do not travel within 10 kilometres of the border with Syria.

Civil unrest
 Protests and demonstrations may occur throughout Türkiye and can take place at short notice, especially in major cities and in the south-east of the country. There is a higher likelihood of protests and demonstrations occurring on days of national significance.

New Zealanders in Türkiye are advised to avoid all political gatherings, protests and demonstrations as even those intended to be peaceful can escalate and result in violence. You should adhere to any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities, including curfews which can be imposed or extended with little warning. Review personal security plans, ensure communication connectivity and remain aware of your surroundings.  

Crime
 Crime levels in Türkiye are low, but petty crime such as bag snatching, passport theft, mugging and pickpocketing can occur.

Travellers are advised to guard against the possibility of food and drink spiking by taking care to ensure food and drink are not left unattended. Sexual assaults have been reported in popular tourist areas, including Istanbul and coastal resort areas, and have occurred in Turkish baths, taxis, and when travelling alone at night.

We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and to take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings.

Scams
 Travellers, particularly in Istanbul, have been targeted by friendly English-speaking locals who offer to take them to a bar for food or drinks, and are then charged incredibly high prices for the bill.  New Zealanders should be wary of any such offers as you may be threatened with violence if you do not pay.

Legal
 While the Turkish Government recognises dual nationality, it is likely that dual Turkish/New Zealand nationals will be deemed to be Turkish citizens in relation to any legal matter. Therefore, our ability to provide consular assistance may be limited if you are a Turkish/New Zealand dual national who has been detained in Türkiye. 

Türkiye has strict laws around the use, possession or trafficking of illegal drugs, resulting in penalties such as heavy fines or long prison sentences.

It is a legal requirement to carry some form of identification at all times. Failure to produce identification could result in a fine or arrest. Keep your passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy for identification purposes.

General travel advice
 New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Türkiye to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Türkiye is located in an active seismic zone, and there is an ongoing possibility of earthquakes.

The possession, sale and export of antiquities without authorisation may carry heavy penalties including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to USD 100,000. Travellers are advised to avoid purchasing artefacts, antiques, old coins, fossils, stones or other old objects from traders at ancient sites, local markets or stores.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Türkiye should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Türkiye are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

The New Zealand Embassy Ankara, Türkiye

Street Address Kizkulesi Sokak No.11, Gaziosmanpasa, Ankara , Türkiye Telephone + 90 312 446 3333 Fax +90 312 446 3317 Email newzealandembassyankara@gmail.com Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/middle-east/turkey/new-zealand-embassy-to-turkey/ Hours Mon – Fri 0830 – 1700

See our regional advice for Europe

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Release: National Tax Scam revealed: 99 percent of kiwi households won’t get $250 per fortnight

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

National Tax Scam revealed: 99 percent of kiwi households won’t get $250 per fortnight. 

“99 percent of Kiwi households won’t get $250 a fortnight despite National’s publicity materials claiming that is what “an average-income family with children” would receive – that’s a lie,” Grant Robertson said.

“There are 1.6 million households in New Zealand. Only 0.18 percent of them will get the $250 that National’s promotional materials claim an “average family” will get.

“National have been scamming New Zealanders about their number one policy in this election and they’re now exposed.

“Christopher Luxon will say anything to get elected and that includes misleading New Zealanders about the size of their tax cuts.

“The reality is for many New Zealanders they get very little under National and the cost to the country is huge.

“This latest scam is in addition to the $2 billion foreign buyers hole, cuts to public services, increased unemployment and higher rates and water bills. Nothing about National’s tax scam adds up.

“It is unprecedented for a major party’s flagship policy to have been so thoroughly discredited in an election campaign.

“Christopher Luxon can’t chopper in John Key to try to sort this shambles out.

“With 10 days until polling closes New Zealanders need to take a closer look at National’s tax scam. It’s a house of cards that is rapidly collapsing.

“The sad thing is that some New Zealanders may have already voted after being tricked into believing National’s lie.

“One thing is clear in this election. If National win, New Zealanders lose,” Grant Robertson said.

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Many hands required for busiest ever summer on Aotearoa’s state highway network

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The start of the month of October signals the traditional commencement of the construction season in the roading industry, however due to the scale of work required this summer, crews have been hitting the roads earlier than usual.

In total over 2500 lane kilometres of road will be rebuilt or resealed over the coming 6-7 months, however this is only part of the overall picture, explains Jacqui Hori-Hoult, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Acting National Manager, Maintenance & Operations. 

“This summer will see an unprecedented level of activity on the state highway network across the motu. As well as the significant renewal programme, which is about 20% larger than last summer’s, we have recovery work across the upper North Island, safety related programmes and our larger infrastructure projects. 

“For road users this means that you will likely experience roadworks at some stage this summer, particularly if you are driving long distances during the peak of summer. Unfortunately, we can only build new roads during the warmer, drier months of the year, so we will be working hard at the same time as people are holidaying.”

Every region has a full programme of work this summer, though particular focus is on the centre of the North Island, due to the impact of several weather events leading to ongoing recovery works, and the associated pause of renewal programmes in January and February this year. 

“We continue to see the impact of weather events on the state highway network,” notes Ms Hori-Hoult.

“Most recently, we have experienced significant rainfall and land movement on State Highway 6 in the Haast Pass area. Once again, our crews responded superbly and re-opened access as quickly as possible.”

With such a busy summer ahead, Ms Hori-Hoult has a number of tips for road users, particularly those who have long journeys ahead of them. 

“People are going to see some significant delays on their key routes and the best tool for understanding how this impacts any journey is the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner. This shows all known worksite or hazards affecting access on the network and can help with choosing the best route to your destination. 

“When travelling long distances it pays to plan ahead and be prepared. Take a bottle or two of water along with some snacks, and take regular breaks to ensure you are feeling fresh and able to concentrate when on the road.  

“Whenever you come up to a worksite, remember that our road workers are someone’s whanau or friend, and are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving at the same time – please be respectful and follow any instructions from road workers.” 

Key holiday periods will be kept as free as possible from roadworks, with contractors downing tools around lunchtime the day before a public holiday, picking them back up the morning after the holiday period ends, to help ease the pressure on peak travel periods.  

Most of the renewal programme is expected to be complete by late-March 2024. However, some crews will continue into the autumn months, particularly those completing asphalt works.  

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Police acknowledge IPCA findings regarding Gisborne arrest

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) in relation to an arrest in Gisborne in May 2022.

The IPCA found that two police officers used reasonable force to arrest and restrain a man, after he assaulted one of the officers.

The IPCA also found Police dealt appropriately with a resulting injury to the man.

“This was a situation where an officer was suddenly assaulted and took appropriate action both to defend themselves and to safely effect an arrest,” says Inspector Sam Aberahama, Tairāwhiti Area Commander.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre