The exodus of New Zealand police officers to Australia is growing, with senior figures conceding they simply cannot match the pay on offer across the Tasman.
'We simply cannot match the pay' - police exodus to Australia grows
The exodus of New Zealand police officers to Australia is growing, with senior figures conceding they simply cannot match the pay on offer across the Tasman.
Australian states have run active recruitment campaigns aimed at experienced New Zealand officers, offering higher salaries and relocation support.
Each departure takes years of training and local knowledge with it, and replacement recruits take time to reach the same level.
Police leadership says retention work is under way, but acknowledges the pay gap is the central issue.
Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston has appointed Rahera Turner, Thora Huebner and Joanne Witko to the New Zealand Sign Language Board, adding new members as the board works through delivery of a 10-year NZSL strategy.
NZ Ambulance Association national secretary Mark Quin says Palmerston North Hospital's overloaded emergency department left ambulance patients waiting one to two hours to be handed into hospital care.
Dunedin families are facing the practical and emotional consequences of Wakari Hospital's Ward 10A closure, with some high-needs patients expected to be moved to facilities in the North Island.