Author: MIL OSI Publisher

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Reported sightings of missing man Tom Phillips

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Inspector Will Loughrin:

Police inquiries have stepped up following a reported sighting of missing man Tom Phillips last night.

Tom and his three children Jayda, Maverick and Ember were reported missing from Marokopa by family on 18 January 2022.

Yesterday evening Police received reports of sightings of Tom in a brown/bronze 2003 Toyota Hilux flat-deck ute (pictured) on State Highway 31 in the Kawhia area.

The children were not with him.

Police have responded and made numerous area inquiries, however Tom was not located.

Officers will be following up in the area today, speaking with locals, and continue to appeal to anyone who may have information to come forward to Police.

In particular, Police are urgently seeking sightings of the ute.

Our priority is, and has always been, working to locate Tom and the children to ensure their welfare, and we have continued to follow up on information reported to us where relevant.

We are urging anyone who may have any information, no matter how small, to please come forward to Police. If it is happening now, call 111 and quote file number 211218/5611.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Media note: Inspector Will Loughrin will be available to speak to media at Hamilton Central Police Station at 2pm today.

Please arrive by 1:45pm to allow time to set up.

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Singapore leads Southeast Asia growth in imports – Stats NZ media release

Singapore leads Southeast Asia growth in imports – Media release

3 August 2023

The value of trade in both imports and exports with Southeast Asia has grown significantly in the year ending June 2023, according to figures released by Stats NZ. Of the countries in Southeast Asia, imports from Singapore rose the most, up $3.1 billion (131 percent) from the year ending June 2022, to $5.4 billion.

The largest rise was petroleum and products other than crude oil, up $3.1 billion (212 percent) from $1.5 billion, to a total of $4.6 billion.

“Singapore’s oil refining facilities have led to it being a major provider of petrol and diesel imported by New Zealand,” international trade manager Alasdair Allen said today.

Southeast Asia as defined by ASEAN includes the following countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

Visit our website to read this news story and information release or to download CSV files:

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Bledisloe Cup game in Dunedin Saturday, 5 August: get there early

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

With 30,000 people expected to attend the All Blacks vs Wallabies Bledisloe Cup game on Saturday afternoon in Dunedin, many from far afield, people should plan to get there early, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Waka Kotahi Journey Manager Nicole Felts asks everyone who is driving to check their routes and weather warnings ahead of the trip.

“We expect heavy traffic to and from Christchurch, as well as congestion around Ashburton, Timaru and in Dunedin city.

“Please take extra care on the roads and check the weather forecasts before you leave and the Waka Kotahi traffic and travel page for any updates.”

“Please exercise patience on the roads, especially around pedestrians, and build in extra time to get around Dunedin Saturday afternoon and evening. We want everyone to get to the game and back safely.”

Transport Operations Centre signal operators will be monitoring key intersections and adjusting green light time where needed.

There are simple things we can all do to help keep everyone on the roads safe in wintry conditions, says Miss Felts:

  • Drive slower than you normally would – it only takes a split second to lose control in wet or icy conditions.
  • Avoid sudden braking or turning movements that could cause you to skid.
  • Use your highest gear when travelling uphill and your lowest downhill.
  • For vehicles without anti-skid braking systems, to avoid skidding or sliding, smoothly pump the brake pedal in short bursts rather than pressing long and hard.
  • Drive at a safe travelling distance because it takes longer to stop on slippery roads. In winter, especially in poor weather, double the two-second rule and leave a safe distance between you and the car you’re following.
  • When travelling in fog, rain or snow, drive with your lights dipped.
  • Makes sure everyone is wearing their seat belt throughout the full journey.
  • Check your tyres, wipers, lights, indicators, spare tyre.
  • Drive to the conditions – whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.
  • Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely. Share the driving if possible.
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Update: Serious crash, Onaero, Taranaki

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

One person has died in a crash at the Onaero Bridge, between Urenui and Motunui, this morning.

The two car crash was reported to Police at 6.40am.

One other person was seriously injured and transported to hospital.

State Highway 3 remains closed near the Onaero Road intersection and there are no diversions in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

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Transport News – Transparency spotlight on large infrastructure projects

Source: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission

It’s not easy for the public to see how large, public infrastructure projects in New Zealand are performing, with key project documents often being not publicly available or hard to understand.
This is a key finding from new Massey University research commissioned by Te Waihanga – Transparency within large publicly funded infrastructure projects. The study looks at the accessibility of key documents for 27 large projects across central and local government. These range in cost from $50m to more than $1b and have a collective value of over $70b. These do not just relate to current projects: they span a wide timeframe – for example, one project began construction in 2012 and 21 projects are still ongoing.
“New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to being open and transparent, and as a result ranks within the top three countries in Transparency International’s Corruptions Perceptions Index,” says Ross Copland, CEO of Te Waihanga, New Zealand Infrastructure Commission. “However, information about big investment decisions is not always available to the public.
“New Zealand does not currently have public accountability standards for proactive disclosure for large, public infrastructure projects, so we’re seeing inconsistent performance in how New Zealanders are being kept informed. The research showed that around half of all the Business Case and Assurance Case documents in these big, public projects were not accessible, and that reviews were not accessible for completed projects.”
Allowing New Zealanders to have oversight of what their government’s investing in is a core principle of the New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy–.
While large, public infrastructure projects are subject to normal official information processes, web and plain language standards, they‘re not required to proactively publish key documents.
The study gave projects overall ratings out of nine for accessibility of their project documents.
For key documents:
– 37% of projects scored nine out of nine, while 63% scored only three to five.
– All these highest-scoring projects were run by an independent board, rather than by a government agency or council, and nearly all were worth over $500m.
However, having a board or a big budget didn’t always mean key documents were ‘accessible’. Because, of the study’s 17 low-scoring projects, 41% also had a board and 23% were worth over $500m.
“The research has shown how good some of these big projects are with proactive disclosure, which is pleasing to see,” Copland says. “However, it also shows significant opportunities to improve transparency across our major projects, including increasing the expectations for proactive disclosure.”
Currently, around 16% of New Zealanders’ household budgets are spent on infrastructure services, according to recent Te Waihanga research-.
When project activities and decisions are transparent, New Zealanders are better able to hold government and delivery agencies to account.
So what’s next?
Te Waihanga is considering the findings of this research and aims to publish recommendations on how to improve infrastructure investment and performance by the end of the year. As part of this work, we’ll be engaging with a range of entities and agencies that have responsibilities for government processes around transparency and public infrastructure projects.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
When were these projects planned and funded?
The planning and construction phases of these projects span a wide time frame. One project began its construction in 2012, with planning prior to this, and 21 projects are still ongoing.
How does this research show if information is being appropriately released?
The study was independently conducted by Massey University acting as a “lay person” or ordinary citizen. This means that they did not have visibility of what (if any) information was being withheld so were unable to tell if the information was being appropriately released or withheld under the OIA or LGOIMA legislation. Also, where they received redacted information they did not have a full (unredacted) version to compare it to. They therefore couldn’t tell if redactions were appropriate (for example whether the reasons given for redaction were valid).
Did the research assess whether the information made available was accurate?
The study was independently conducted by Massey University acting as a “lay person” or ordinary citizen and only looked at the documentation that was made available to them. This meant that they couldn’t assess if the information given to them was accurate.
What is the requirement for projects or programmes to make information available to the public?
Official information legislation (the Official Information Act (OIA) 1982 and the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) 1987) allow the public to access information that supports transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance. However, there does not appear to be any specific guidance that lets public sector infrastructure projects know what infrastructure documents they should look to make available.
How big is the sample and how confident can we be that the findings apply across all public infrastructure projects?
Twenty-seven projects (six historic and 21 active) were picked for the study. The projects were chosen by Massey University and Te Waihanga to provide a representative sample of active and historic projects. This included making sure that we included a mix of projects, for example central government versus local government. In total, the 27 projects were valued at $70.5 billion. In comparison the current budgeted infrastructure pipeline is $76.9 billion.
Were there differences between:
– Local government projects versus central government projects
– Types of infrastructure
– Regions
– Agencies?
While the chosen 27 projects represented were representative as a whole, the individual sample sizes within the above categories would be too small to draw any conclusions from so this analysis was not conducted. The study instead focused on an analysis of two larger types of groups:
– Projects valued between $50M and $500M were compared to projects valued over $500M.
– Projects that were being delivered by government ministries/departments or councils were compared to projects that were being delivered by an entity with a board (for example, government agencies like Waka Kotahi, State-owned enterprises like KiwiRail, or council-owned organisations like Watercare).
What were the differences between projects run by a council or government agency and those run by independent governance boards?
While half the projects with an independent governance board had an exemplary ‘accessibility’ score, the other half had similar accessibility scores to projects run by government agencies/ministries or council.
Who is responsible for delivering Auckland Light Rail?
The report notes Auckland Light Rail as being delivered by Waka Kotahi. However, during the course of the study (October 2022) a new organisation – Auckland Light Rail Limited – was established to deliver this project.
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RSA News – New service helps veterans into work.

Source: RNZRSA

 

The RNZRSA has launched a new service aimed at helping ensure New Zealand’s veterans of military service can find and maintain meaningful employment after their service ends.

 

The RSA’s Board Chair, Major General (Retd) Martyn Dunne, said that some former service personnel struggle to find meaning in everyday employment, and will need extra support to ensure they are able to maintain employment throughout their lives.

 

“The military culture is unique, and when a serviceperson ends their military career there is always a transition process to adjust to the new work environment – whatever that may be.

 

The RSA has recognized that there is a shortfall in specialist support for those with military service, to help them with a successful transition out of the services, and to ensure they are able to stay work-ready throughout their working life. We are grateful for the partnership with the Ministry of Social Development to build a service that delivers that support,” said Martyn.

 

The Veteran Employment Service is currently being run as a 12-month trial, and the RSA’s Veteran Employment Manager, Dave Benfell, says the service is already proving its worth.

 

“We have seen everything from veterans who are unable to keep a job and are experiencing significant hardship – through to those who just need a bit of help brushing up their cv.

 

The beauty of this service is that our Veteran Employment Advisors are looking at the whole person, and working out what support they might need across the board. Whether that’s translating military experience into civilian equivalence, connecting them with vocational training or finding them a job, or even working with the RSA’s Support Advisors to help remove barriers to employment,” said Dave.

 

There are six Veteran Employment Advisors across the country, and the team has built partnerships with a large number of employers who understand the value of military service and the skills that those who have served bring with them.

 

“We have been overwhelmed with the support we’ve seen for the service, both from those who have served, and those looking to hire people with military service in their background,” said Dave.

 

The service is open to all New Zealand’s veterans of military service and their whanau, and anyone interested in the service can find out more or register at: https://bit.ly/RSA_EmploymentService

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Business News – MinterEllisonRuddWatts advises Highland Europe on its investment in Ortain, global leader of forensic supply chain traceability

Source: MinterEllisonRuddWatts

United Kingdom venture capital firm, Highland Europe has led a funding round raising USD57million for investment in Ortain, a Dunedin-originated, and now global leader in forensic supply chain traceability. Long Ridge Equity Partners, Ortain’s existing investors, also participated in the round. 
MinterEllisonRuddWatts acted for Highland Europe with the investment enabling Ortain to strengthen its technology and product offering and expand into new markets and industries.
Using proprietary technology, Ortain creates a unique fingerprint from products worldwide to prove their provenance from meat to honey, milk, and fibres. With this core technology, the company has built the world’s most sophisticated database of product origin fingerprints which easily identify and compare origin across a wide range of commodity goods.
On announcing the completion of the deal, Corporate Partner Mark Forman said: “This is a fantastic result for our client, Highland Europe. It creates a unique opportunity to partner with a business at the forefront of forensic science and technology. The investment supports further growth for a highly successful home-grown venture which is on track to be recognised as a serious global player.” 
The MinterEllisonRuddWatts core team advising was headed by Mark Forman and included senior associates Jo Carrick-Anderson and James Marrier, and Solicitor Brayden Print. The team was supported by partners Andrew Ryan, Steve Gallaugher, Christopher Young and Nick Frith, senior associates Zoe Barnes, Rob Penney and Joshua Kimpton, senior solicitors Rob McStay and Louise Meng, and solicitor Ben Bowley-Drinnan.
The team advised on all aspects on the deal including initial due diligence, tax advice, negotiation of the investment agreements and documents, through to completion of Highland Europe’s investment.
MinterEllisonRuddWatts is a top tier New Zealand law firm known for providing clients with technically excellent legal solutions and innovative advice. We are trusted advisers and work alongside our clients to ensure success. We are proud to be a New Zealand law firm offering a global outlook. Our offices in Auckland and Wellington can access an international network through the MinterEllison Legal Group, a leading firm in the Asia-Pacific. The firm supports numerous charitable endeavours and organisations through its pro bono and fundraising initiatives.
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First of its kind public housing development opens in Auckland

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is delivering a major boost to public housing in Auckland with the opening of the 276 unit Te Mātāwai development on Greys Avenue, that will provide tenants with around-the-clock, on-site support.

“Te Mātāwai is the largest public housing development delivered to date by the Government and demonstrates our deep commitment to ensure those people who need more support in their lives, can get it,” Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said.

“Te Mātāwai provides a new approach for inner city public housing in Auckland with 24/7 on-site support for residents,

“I’m immensely proud the Government has delivered 13,305 additional public homes. For context, 1 in 7 public homes in New Zealand have been delivered in just the last six years – most of them new builds.

“We’ve rebuilt the public housing sector after it was decimated by National, and we’re not stopping. Budget 2023 committed funding for another 3,000 public homes, and by 2025 we will have delivered 21 thousand public and transitional homes,” Chris Hipkins said.

The Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods says the development will include a mix of tenants.

“Te Mātāwai has 76 units which will be available for rent to the wider rental market. This is happening as part of a one-off mixed tenure pilot approved by Cabinet,” says Megan Woods.

“International best practice for large housing developments shows having a diverse and mixed community plays an important part in achieving positive outcomes for everyone with a greater sense of inclusion and neighbourliness.

“Te Mātāwai’s warm, dry apartments will provide much needed homes for people who need them in Auckland. It’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved through investment in public housing,” Megan Woods said.

“Of the more than 13 thousand public homes we’ve delivered so far, Auckland has 6,100 more public homes delivered since October 2017 with another 4,254 under construction or contract to be delivered over the next two years,” Megan Woods said.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has also been closely involved and has partnered with Kāinga Ora from the beginning of the project both in the design of the building and the development of the operating model.

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Confusion and uncertainty casting a cloud on future of Ports of Auckland

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union has warned how uncertainty around new proposals for Ports of Auckland is a threat to the stability of the Auckland and the wider economy.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Craig Harrison says there is growing concern about the direction of the port debate.

The Auckland Council is considering options behind closed doors to relocate the Ports to make way for ‘water features.’

It is also reviewing options to sell an operating lease for the Ports to a global network terminal operator, and has commissioned consultants to seek expressions of interest.

Mr Harrison says there seemed to be no clear idea as to what the end goal was, the costs involved, and how the plan would work in practice.

He says it is unclear how simultaneously privatizing and relocating the Port is going to work let alone the proposed waterfront redevelopment.

“This latest proposal for pools and barbies on the waterfront is simply not serious.”

He says it makes no sense for the Council to commit to massive expenditure on waterfront redevelopment when claiming Auckland was in financial crisis and cutting the budget for parks and libraries for the rest of Auckland.

“It is unclear what is the primary motive – is it to come up with short term band aid for Auckland’s financial issues, is it to hand over commercial real estate to developers, or is it to provide salt water pools for well off central city dwellers?”

Mr Harrison says the primary purpose of the Ports of Auckland was to facilitate trade and the Port was doing a good job at this.

He says on the hoof decision making with no clear strategy for future operations was a dangerous way to approach the future of New Zealand’s major import port.

“Remember that any of these schemes will add to congestion and rising costs for business and consumers if they disrupt port operations.”

The Ports is going through the a period of growth and stability under new leadership and it was a priority not to undermine this positive progress, says Mr Harrison.

“The cost of the failed automation project of the previous management was estimated at a $1.2 billion hit to the economy, and another failed experiment could cause even greater harm.”

Mr Harrison says any attempt to move or relocate port operations would be an extremely complex, expensive and long term project that needed to be part of a wider ports strategy.

He says the Northport option is currently a fantasy given the lack of infrastructure, no existing rail link, no coastal shipping plan, and already congested road links that were vulnerable to extreme weather events.

“Yet we are talking about effectively adding thousands more truck moves on some of the busiest roads in the country if we go down this track.”

Mr Harrison says New Zealand needs a national ports strategy that integrates coastal shipping and rail, with a focus on supply chain resilience in a volatile global environment.

He says the Ports of Auckland should remain in public ownership as a strategic asset that was central to Auckland and New Zealand’s economy.

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Govt economic management given tick of approval by ratings agency

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s careful and responsible financial management has been endorsed by the credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service.

Moody’s in their annual credit analysis released this week affirmed their view of the New Zealand economy which has seen them give a local currency credit rating and foreign currency rating at Aaa with a stable outlook.

“The Government’s response to the shocks of the pandemic and then high inflation has been recognised by Moody’s, which notes that the economy’s resilience reflects the strong institutions, sustained policy effectiveness including the Government’s actions to support New Zealanders and our healthy fiscal position compared with that of our peers,” Grant Robertson said.

“The Government has moved to consolidate its spending in response to economic conditions and Moody’s said that it expected this discipline to continue. As I’ve said previously, we will continue to take the hard decisions that are needed, while keeping a balanced approach that delivers the strong public services that New Zealanders deserve.

“The agency also said that the Government’s strong fiscal discipline and comparatively low debt levels means that the country’s credit metrics are in a good position to respond to further negative shocks to the economy.”

The annual credit analysis also reflected Moody’s long-standing views on the issue of high household debt in New Zealand.

“We know this has been a tough time for New Zealanders but we are well positioned to face the challenges ahead, with people in work in record numbers, wages rising, inflation heading in the right direction and public debt levels among the lowest in the world,” Grant Robertson said.