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 announced a national service dog ID card, saying the standardised card should reduce confusion when certified disability assistance dog teams access public places, businesses and public transport.
Funding will create safe backup populations for Hamilton's frog and the white-bellied skink, two native species found nowhere else in the world and now at serious risk of extinction.
Education Minister Erica Stanford says the School Onsite Training Programme will expand to 704 places a year from 2028, part of a $21.7 million five-year investment aimed at producing more classroom-ready teachers.