We envision a compassionate and equitable society where individuals who are hospitalised can recover without financial hardship or fear of losing their benefits. In this future, we prioritise the dignity and wellbeing of all members of our community, ensuring that support systems are fair, sustainable, and centered on shared values of empathy and care. By making this change, we build stronger, healthier communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Take a look at the Organisation's in support of this petition & advocating for change! Rhiannon, a 34-year-old suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), was bedridden in Wellington Hospital for months. Her benefit was reduced from $480 to $56.58 per week, leaving her unable to afford essential medications and personal items. This automated reduction process exacerbates the suffering of those who are too unwell to advocate for themselves. It affects anyone on a benefit and hospitalised for over 13 weeks, unless they have a partner and child, or are a veteran.   Even when patients are gravely ill and hospitalised, their financial obligations do not pause. Mortgages, rent, insurance premiums, subscription fees, and other living expenses continue to accumulate. For those in shared accommodations, contributions toward utility bills must still be made—unlike individuals living alone, who might have the option to disconnect services temporarily. Additionally, many patients as severely unwell as Rhiannon are unable to consume hospital-provided meals. Instead, they rely on liquid nutrition and essential supplements, leading to ongoing expenses even while confined to the hospital. Patients like Rhiannon often face the additional burden of purchasing essential medications privately because the hospital system fails to provide the necessary prescriptions. This issue arises when hospital doctors either misattribute complex medical conditions to psychological causes or fail to fully understand associated conditions, leading to the omission of crucial treatments. In many cases, these medications are consistently prescribed by GPs who recognise and address their patients' needs. However, the lack of alignment within the healthcare system forces patients to bear unnecessary financial and health burdens for treatments that should be accessible through public healthcare. Cutting benefits under such circumstances only exacerbates an already untenable situation, as $56.58 per week is grossly inadequate to cover even the most basic living and medical expenses. You can find out more about Rhiannon’s story here: https://www.renews.co.nz/cant-afford-to-be-sick-womans-benefit-cut-to-55-because-shes-in-hospital/ but she is not alone. This happens to anyone on a benefit, after 13 weeks in hospital. This is unacceptable.

  1. Risk to Public Safety: Psychology is a highly skilled profession requiring extensive postgraduate education, clinical training, and supervised practice. A one-year training programme following an undergraduate degree does not equip individuals with the necessary clinical competence to assess and treat individuals with mental health conditions safely and in accordance with evidence-based treatment recommendations. • Undergraduate psychology degrees in New Zealand are primarily research- and theory-focused, without substantial interpersonal or clinical skills training. • Insufficient training may lead to mismanagement of people with serious conditions such as suicide risk, psychosis, eating disorders, and personality disorders. • Associate psychologists may lack the ability to engage in essential therapeutic skills, such as validation, open-ended questioning, setting boundaries, and recognising when a case is beyond their competence. • Although there is some talk of associate psychologists seeing less complex people, it is extremely difficult to assess complexity at face value and there are indications that people in the proposed role will work across the range of complexity people face.  2. Lack of Appropriate Supervision: There is no clear reassurance that associate psychologists will be supervised by registered psychologists, despite the protected title of "psychologist." • Many psychologists in New Zealand are already stretched thin with high caseloads and complex cases, making adequate supervision difficult to guarantee. • There is no commitment that associate psychologists will work in teams with psychologists, further diminishing the structured, evidence-based, and ethically sound care that characterises our profession. • There is significant risk to the associate psychologists themselves when they work in mental health without extremely high levels of support and training. They can be taken advantage of, including financially as they may be seen as “cheaper” to hire.  • If supervision is delegated to other disciplines, this raises serious ethical and professional concerns about the appropriateness and oversight of psychological interventions delivered by under qualified personnel 3. Erosion of Professional Standards and Public Trust: The introduction of associate psychologists risks confusing the public about the expertise and qualifications of those providing mental health care. • Without stringent oversight, the reputation of the psychology profession may be compromised by individuals practising beyond their competencies. • Members of the public seeking psychological services may not fully understand the difference between a psychologist and an associate psychologist, potentially receiving suboptimal care. • The title “Associate Psychologist” risks misleading the public and diminishing the professional standing of fully qualified psychologists. If the intention is to create a support role within mental health services, alternative titles such as Mental Health Support Worker, Wellbeing Practitioner, or Therapy Assistant could be used. These titles would more accurately reflect the level of training and scope of practice, without creating confusion or undermining the qualifications required to practise as a psychologist. 4. Threat to Psychology Workforce Sustainability: There has been no commitment from Health NZ that associate psychologists will not be used to replace clinical psychologists or fill vacant psychologist FTEs in the public sector. This raises concerns about cost-cutting measures that devalue the profession and create a long-term workforce crisis. • Psychologists provide evidence-based treatments that are proven to be cost-effective in the long term, reducing the burden on the healthcare system by preventing relapse, hospitalisation, and chronic mental health issues. • In contrast, associate psychologists with limited training may not have the expertise to deliver these interventions effectively, potentially leading to poorer outcomes, increased service demand, and higher overall costs. • Practising psychologists play a critical role in training and supervising the next generation of psychologists, ensuring a sustainable and competent workforce. Weakening our profession by introducing underqualified roles could undermine this vital function. • Australia recently abandoned a similar proposal following strong opposition from professional bodies, citing concerns about patient safety and the devaluation of the psychology profession[7]. New Zealand must learn from this and reconsider the implementation of a role that could have long-lasting negative consequences for mental health care in this country.  The UK has two distinct roles relevant to this discussion: “Assistant Psychologist" and "Clinical Associate in Psychology" (CAPs). The role of “assistant psychologist” is not a separate scope of practice but rather a transitional role intended to provide work experience before higher levels of training. The role was never intended to provide direct, unsupervised clinical care or to serve as a substitute for registered psychologists. New Zealand risks misapplying this concept in a way that compromises the quality and safety of mental health care. Additionally, the UK requires assistant psychologists to receive at least 90 minutes of supervision per week, ensuring they do not work beyond their competencies. Their role is explicitly a stepping stone to further professional training rather than an alternative workforce solution. Clinical Associates in Psychology (CAPs) in the UK require an honours degree, an 18-month applied Master's training programme, restricted scope of practice, and intensive supervision. Notably, they do not hold the title of "psychologist." In contrast, the New Zealand proposal suggests a lower entry requirement (bachelor's degree), shorter training (12 months), broader scope, and the protected title of "psychologist." The risk of misapplying this model in New Zealand is significant, potentially compromising quality and safety in mental health care. We envision an Aotearoa that is safe and welcoming for vulnerable people, where people who need support can feel safe and contained by experienced psychologists. Unfortunately, the Government’s proposal falls significantly short of reaching that goal. By signing our petition, you are adding to a chorus of voices that tells the Government that we can do better, for all of our benefits!

Covid can have substantial impacts on peoples’ health. Although Covid initially enters the body through the respiratory system, it can affect virtually every bodily system and organ. There are no advantages to catching Covid. Every infection increases the chance of serious damage to the body.[1] Studies show that at least 10% of all Covid infections result in Long Covid, including in children.[2] Long Covid symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, dizziness and headaches, sleep disruption, and anxiety which impact children's school performance and attendance.[3] In particular, too many children and educators are still getting Covid. We shouldn’t be so careless with our taonga. Teachers are most at risk of catching Covid.[4] Too many have had to leave the profession due to Long Covid. Schools are the best place to start deploying better tools to manage airborne diseases, which also include measles and whooping cough. When children acquire infections, they carry them home to their families and into our communities. Māori, Pasifika and disabled people have been especially hard hit by Covid,[5] and we know government response that devolves power to those communities works best. Under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Government has a responsibility to uphold working with Māori in partnership and that is not happening with the Covid response anymore. We know a number of effective strategies to reduce Covid’s spread and it is not acceptable to continue our hands-off approach to Covid. Schools that have taken action regarding clean air have found reduced transmission, healthier school communities, and better student achievement.[6] The three main areas where we can make the biggest impact collectively are: clean air, vaccination, and supporting the health needs of school and ECE communities. A healthy clean air classroom should have five air changes per hour with the exhaled air in the room being replaced with fresh air.[7] Having access to CO2 monitors and portable air cleaners plays a critical role in achieving this. We can use CO2 monitors to check the indoor air quality and respond by opening windows and doors and/or deploying HEPA air filters and HVAC systems. Vaccines have played an important part in combating Covid worldwide. At the moment, the New Zealand government allows only very limited access to regular Covid boosters even though it has been shown that updated vaccines decrease the risk of infection and long-term effects like Long Covid.[8] Isolation and rest protect afflicted individuals and break chains of transmission. People need access to tests as well as adequate sick leave for themselves and to care for family members. With these sorts of measures, we can decrease absences, keep educators and children healthy, and even improve academic achievement. For more information about the importance of clean air in schools, visit the ACA website. Sources: 1.  https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/long-covid-update-threat-continues-demand-strong-response 2. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-022-00846-2 3. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/153/3/e2023062570/196606/Postacute-Sequelae-of-SARS-CoV-2-in-Children 4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7615205/ 5. https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/news/2023/01/covid-19-impacts-worse-for-maori-pasifika-and-disabled-people-study-finds 6. https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w30061/w30061.pdf 7. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ventilation/prevention/aim-for-5.html 8. https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/2024-09/prop-028-report.pdf Organisations and individuals supporting this campaign: https://raisely-images.imgix.net/aotearoa-covid-action/uploads/signatories-jpg-d177d4.jpg Aotearoa Covid Action ActionStation NZEI Te Riu Roa PPTA ANZMES Long Covid Kids Long Covid Support Aotearoa Awhi Ngā Mātua  Complex Chronic Illness Support Disabled Persons Assembly NZ ME Support 350 Aotearoa  End ASH Now The Air Quality Collective Professor Michael Baker - Director, Public Health Communication Centre Dr Amanda Kvalsvig MBChB, MRCPCH, MSc (Epidemiology), PhD (Epidemiology) John D Potter MBBS PhD, Professor, Center for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington Dr Matire Harwood PhD, FRNZCGP, Toi Whanau Health Ltd. Dr Gary Payinda Dr Ed Hyde Dr David Galler Dr Stuart Ekdahl MBChB FRNZCUC  Dr Siouxsie Wiles MNZM PhD (Microbiology) Dr Anna Stevenson MBChB, FNZCPHM

Signed by Awhi Ngā Mātua, IHC,  Disabled Persons Assembly NZ Inc, Parent to Parent, Disability Connect, Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, NZEI Te Riu Roa, Parents of Vision Impaired PVINZ, iFUNZ, NATINA Neuroscience And Trauma Informed Network Aotearoa, ASD Dads NZ, VIPS Equity in Education, Flying Kites, Empower Learning Project, Inclusive Performance Academy, Fragile X New Zealand, NZ Disability Advisory Trust Inc, United Community Action Network (UCAN),  Te Aka Tauira - Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association, Auckland Action Against Poverty, United Community Action Network, Project Gender, ActionStation, The Angelman Network, Fairer Future Collaboration,  Aotearoa Liberation League, Little Shadow, Te Kura o Hāpuku, System Change Aotearoa, NZ Disability Advisory Trust Inc., Supporting Diversity, Whakaata Tohu Tohu | Mirror Services, Justice and Peace Commission Catholic Diocese of Auckland, Standards and Monitoring Services, Chrome Collective Charitable Trust, Willow Corner, Kahu Hurihia Durie Family Trust, Barbarian Productions Ltd., Pōneke Anti-Fascist Coalition,Lead Aware NZ, Northern Monthly Meeting, the Auckland and Northland branch of  the Religious Society of Friends in Aotearoa/ New Zealand (Quakers) Te Hāhi Tūhauwiri.

Kāwhia Harbour is a treasured natural environment that supports diverse marine life and provides important recreational opportunities for our community. Current vehicle access is causing ongoing damage to the harbour's ecosystem and poses serious safety risks to harbour users.    Vehicle traffic in sensitive areas is resulting in:  - Damage to shellfish beds and marine habitats and disruption to our endangered wildlife including tuturiwhatu/ NZ dotterel   - Erosion of harbour margins  - Safety concerns for families and children using the beach  - Disruption to natural coastal processes    The proposed Ocean Beach access way would provide a sustainable alternative that balances community access needs with environmental protection.    By signing this petition, you support the Kāwhia community's vision for a protected and sustainably managed Kāwhia Harbour for future generations. Endorsed by: Te Taiao o Kāwhia Moana & Onepū Charitable Trust 

This petition does not argue “for” or “against” genetic modification, mRNA medicine or the Gene Technology Bill itself. Our concern is that everyone—farmers, families, scientists, and everyday citizens—deserves adequate time to assess how this Bill could: • Reshape our agriculture industry and threaten the 100% Pure reputation upon which our exports rely. • Allow more glyphosate in “Round-up ready” GM crops, negatively impacting our waterways, honey bees, and animal products. • Introduce “emergency” genetic therapies without thorough public scrutiny, raising questions about medical autonomy and national sovereignty. IF THIS BILL IS TRULY BENEFICIAL • It will still be beneficial after 90 days of additional fair public debate. • Rushing it through in just eight weeks disrespects our largest export sector and compromises democratic transparency. BY SIGNING THIS PETITION, YOU CALL ON THE GOVERNMENT TO: 1. Grant an immediate extension of the Gene Technology Bill’s deadline for at least 90 days. 2. Provide clear information so all New Zealanders can fully grasp the Bill’s ramifications. 3. Honour fair and transparent governance by giving us the time to engage, ask hard questions, make informed submissions and consult our peers. No matter where you stand on genetic modification, we all deserve the right to weigh the evidence and protect our environment, our economy, and our medical freedoms. Extend the Say—90 days is not too much to ask. YOU CAN CALL OR FORWARD THIS LETTER TO YOUR MP Your MP will want to know your position, no matter which party they serve.  Call your MP’s office or copy and paste this petition and email it. You can your MP’s email address in the first link below. ADDITONAL INFORMATION & REFERENCES https://www.beehive.govt.nz/ministers https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/22059628-b0cc-4931-5e07-08dd18a12bfb?Tab=history https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2024/0110/7.0/LMS1009752.html

***NOTE: This petition was delivered in April 2025. If you sign after that date, we will keep you updated about the campaign, but we won't deliver your name to Parliament. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Together, let's work for affordable public transport!*** We believe Aotearoa New Zealand should be a place where everyone can afford public transport. We are concerned that the Government is trying to increase the ‘private share funding targets’ for public transport which will require public transport authorities to significantly increase fares - often against their wishes - to meet those targets. This could add pressure for people, especially those most affected by transport poverty.  In Wellington the private share targets could lead to fare increases of over 70%[1]. Other councils have warned of similar and worse fare hikes, such as fares going from $2 to $8 in Christchurch[2].   We believe the Government should instead increase funding for public transport to reduce emissions and improve equity. We have a vision of free public transport for those who need it most. This would reduce emissions from a major sector (transport), reduce one aspect of the cost of living for those who spend the largest percentages of their weekly income on transport, and improve social connection in our communities. Central government funding for public transport ensures these free fares can be provided across the motu. It supports local authorities to provide public transport for their communities. Increased public transport fares have already greatly impacted low-income families, and cost of living is already increasing for the most vulnerable people, and further price increases would put even more pressure on them.  This petition has been organised by the Aotearoa Collective for Public Transport Equtiy: Free Fares NZ. Free Fares is a coalition of more than 100 organisations, including local councils, LGNZ, anti-poverty groups, student unions, and many churches, unions and other community organisations. They call for central government funding to ensure free fares for students, under 25s, Community Service Card holders and Total Mobility Card holders and their support people. The coalition has so far been successful in securing permanent half-price fares for Community Service Card holders. CLOSES 31 March 2025 Further reading The Fairer Future Coalition with support from the Disabled Persons Assembly. A Thousand Cuts: An Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Recent Government Decisions on Disabled People and Other Communities. May, 2024. https://www.scribd.com/document/736889393/A-Thousand-Cuts  Relevant documents New Zealand Government, Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2023-2024,June 2024, https://www.transport.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Government-Policy-Statement-on-land-transport-2024-FINAL.pdf  NZTA, Increasing the private share of public transport operating expenditure Discussion document, 18 November 2024, https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/Walking-Cycling-and-Public-Transport/docs/Increasing-the-private-share-of-public-transport-operating-expenditure-pta-discussion-document-november-2024.pdf [1] Bus and train fares may surge by up to 70% to meet NZTA targets | RNZ News [2] Bus fares could rise to $8 in Canterbury | Star News

To make this vision a reality, we urge the Government to remove the 10-year condition for Parent Resident Visa holders and align their pathway to permanent residency with the 2-year standard used for other residency categories. This change would ensure fairness, reduce unnecessary hardships, and foster stronger family and community connections across Aotearoa. We need your support to make this change happen!  Please sign and share this petition with your friends and family to help us create a fair and inclusive pathway for Parent Resident Visa holders. Together, we can build a more united and compassionate Aotearoa.

Why sign this petition? This petition gives our local elected members and councils the mandate to ensure the health and wellbeing of Bream Bay and local communities are protected into the future by submitting strong opposition on our behalf. Why is this important?  We don’t need to destroy our seabed to build our future. New Zealand companies are producing engineered sand from recycled materials – a cleaner, smarter and more sustainable alternative. With growing investment in engineered sand technologies across NZ, marine mining is no longer necessary. Bream Bay is a thriving ecosystem. It’s home to protected marine species, vital fisheries and beloved beaches. Its health is essential to our environment, economy and the community’s wellbeing.  This proposed large scale operation would: • Destroy seabed habitats and vital marine ecosystems. • Disrupt sediment flows that protect our beaches, increasing erosion and coastal instability. • Create sediment plumes that smother marine life, and degrade water quality far beyond the mining zone.  Together, we can protect Bream Bay’s unique marine environment, preserve its cultural and recreational value, and secure a sustainable future for our communities. Bream Bay is not a quarry. This is our coast. Let’s keep it safe for generations to come. For more information https://savebreambaysand.org/ References Sand and Sustainability: 10 Strategic Recommendations to Avert a Crisis | UNEP - UN Environment Programme Kayasand - Sand Manufacturing & Fine Aggregate Separation Products & Services UNEP Marine Sand Watch reveals massive extraction in the world’s oceans  ‘Alarming’ scale of marine sand dredging laid bare by new data platform

Why is this important? In New Zealand we do not have the same access to pharmaceutical medications as the rest of the world. If we were to have open access, we would be in control of our own lives,  and could make choices that could significantly improve health and wellbeing. We have little power over what potentially harmful compounds are put in our food chain and because of this, obesity is on the rise in Aotearoa, and this is linked to Type 2 diabetes as a result. There are around 100,000 people in New Zealand living with undiagnosed diabetes. The people with a diagnosis of prediabetes if left unchecked risk developing Type 2.  Type 2 carries a high risk of comorbidity symptoms, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), and other comorbidities include renal (kidney) disease, retinopathy (vision impairment), and cardiovascular conditions (heart attack and stroke). People with type 2 diabetes may also experience depression and anxiety.  Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, and Mounjaro can make a real difference in people’s lives. Studies and new research demonstrate the long-term effectiveness of these drugs in controlling blood sugar and weight loss. Over 50 percent of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed therefore improving our health and wellbeing. We see the difference it has made in other countries. Please sign the petition so we can help ourselves and our loved ones before they are diagnosed with something irreversible. Further Reading:  [1] People who have type 2 diabetes have an increased amount of sugar in their blood, also called blood glucose. Increased blood sugar happens because your body’s insulin doesn’t work as well as it should. Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, and Mounjaro help to keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high. In your body, these medicines act like a hormone called GLP-1. It stimulates your body to make more insulin after you eat, prevents your liver from releasing stored sugar, and slows the movement of food through your body.  GLP-1 is a hormone produced by the body's intestinal cells that helps regulate blood sugar and food intake. It's produced when the proglucagon gene is processed in the intestinal endocrine L-cells. GLP-1 is produced in the intestines, pancreas, and neurons. When you eat, GLP-1 triggers the pancreas to release insulin, which helps move sugar from your bloodstream into your cells. GLP-1 also slows down digestion and reduces appetite.  GLP-1 receptor agonists that treat Type 2 diabetes are Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Dulaglutide which are all medications used to treat Type 2 Diabetes and obesity. They are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) that help lower blood sugar and body weight. So both semaglutide and tirzepatide work by acting like hormones your body normally makes after you eat. They can make your stomach empty more slowly so that you won’t want to eat again as soon. They also send signals to the brain that tell you you’re full. The main difference is that tirzepatide mimics two hormones while semaglutide mimics one.  https://www.webmd.com/obesity/mounjaro-ozempic-wegovy-zepbound-difference.  And https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/cmi/t/trulicity.pdf [2] A Press New Zealand article quotes “Peter Shepherd, a molecular medicine professor at Auckland University and expert in diabetes and obesity, saying the long-term impact of Ozempic “could be huge” for New Zealanders” Also Associate Professor Hesham Al-Sallami, at the University of Otago, an expert on diabetes and obesity medication, believes if Ozempic or similar medicines were funded in New Zealand, it would take considerable pressure off the hospital system. [3] “If Ozempic can help patients lose weight, this could reduce the number of people getting type-2 diabetes in the first place,” . “If this drug is made accessible in New Zealand as a weight-loss medication and is funded by Pharmac for that use as well, this could have considerably positive health outcomes for the country, taking pressure off the hospital system by reducing things like heart attacks and strokes.” https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/350430990/why-miracle-weight-loss-drug-still-not-available-nz References: Why is this important?  https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/40/3/352/36943/Type-2-Diabetes-and-Comorbid-Symptoms-of https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/ https://www.hri.org.nz/health/learn/cardiovascular-disease/diabetes https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ozempic-wegovy-improve-blood-sugar-levels-and-weight-loss-in-type-2-diabetes-study#:~:text=New%20data%20shows%20that%20drugs,long%20way%20in%20recent%20years. What is Type-2 Diabetes:  https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/treating-your-diabetes/insulin/resistance https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/complications.  https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/type-2-diabetes

All people should have the right to freedom, safety and self-determination. Whether we live in Nelson or Palestine, feeling at peace and safe in our homes is essential to living happy lives. To know that the gardens and orchards our families have tended over generations will still be here to nourish our children.  We all deserve these rights yet right now families in Palestine live in constant threat of being targeted by the Israeli military, pushed out of their homes and persecuted for being Palestinian. Since 1967 many Palestinian homes, gardens and orchards have been bulldozed or cleared for Israeli settlers.  We seek that the Nelson City Council align their procurement policy with United Nations Resolution 2334, and the obligations placed on member states by that resolution. Israel is currently in breach of many international laws. Israel is illegally occupying Palestinian territory (2, 3). UN resolution 2334 refers to the territory held by Palestine in 1967 and the illegal occupation of that territory by Israel.  As an occupier state, Israel has legal obligations to protect Palestinians who live in their territory. Israel is in breach of these obligations by directly targeting and harming Palestinian civilians.  UN resolution 2334 requests that Israel cease all settlement activities in the occupied territory. In support of this, Clause 5 of the resolution calls upon all states to distinguish between the territory of the state of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967 in all dealings with the region.  The Resolution was put forward by and voted in favour of by the New Zealand government under the leadership of the National Party in 2016 (4). Subsequently, in February 2020 the United Nations published a database of over 100 companies it considered were doing business in the Israeli settlements. On 1 July 2023, the United Nations reviewed the list and removed 15 companies from the list due to them having halted activity in the Israeli settlements.  United Nations Resolution 2334 declared that all member states should not deal with organisations doing business in the illegally occupied Palestinian Territories, this includes Aotearoa/New Zealand.  We call on our local government to align its procurement policy with UN resolution 2334. References: 1. https://www.un.org/webcast/pdfs/SRES2334-2016.pdf 2. https://www.icj-cij.org/node/204176 3. https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/07/experts-hail-icj-declaration-illegality-israels-presence-occupied 4. https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/media-and-resources/un-security-council-adopts-historic-resolution-on-israeli-settlements

We believe that Aotearoa is a place where nature and animals are cared for and respected. We have a long history of taking care of our bird life and believe this practice needs to continue.  Sadly over four months ago the Department of Conservation moved Charlie Girl Kākā (also known a New Zealand Forest Parrot) from her home of 24 years to 'boost chick numbers' at their facility in Dunedin.[1] This is despite concerns being raised before the move and immediately after.  Three major welfare concerns for Charlie have been raised by five veterinarians, multiple parrot experts, and many Te Anau residents.[2]  Internal emails reveal Charlie Girl was weaving within the first hour at Dunedin. Weaving is a stereotypical distress behaviour, and Charlie is clearly overwhelmed by the environment at the Dunedin breeding facility. Despite this, no action was taken to support Charlie. Carol, Charlie's first keeper, who cared for her for a decade, was aware of Charlie weaving in July. Still action was taken. We have documented Charlie's increasing physical pain since her relocation to Dunedin, as her arthritic left wing sags more and more with each passing week. Charlie is weaving from the ceiling from distress[3]. And on top of all that she is kept with a frustrated and aggressive male who keeps harassing and attacking her. Charlie Girl was well cared for and loved in her home in Te Anau. She had supportive keepers and volunteers, a Voluntary Physical Therapy Program, and individualised care. DOC says Charlie can go 'anywhere but home' and that Te Anau is not a 'favoured' location for her.[4] Charlie is suffering in Dunedin while DOC refuses to admit a mistake. Internal emails reveal DOC acknowledged concerns for Charlie's welfare before the move. But now that she is struggling in Dunedin, DOC refuses to acknowledge concerns and claim she is fine.  DOC even went on One News and admitted that even though she 'can't really fly well' she is somehow 'robust' enough for 'a bit of fun' when being harassed by the male kākā. None of this is acceptable, and sets a dangerous precedent for the care of our captive manu (birds). We need to speak up for Charlie Girl. She is taonga (treasured) and deserves to be home.  Check out our facebook page for video evidence of our welfare concerns on Charlie Girl. Her community is distraught by what is happening to her in Dunedin and want her home: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15FrwjUxiM/ References [1] https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KeIPut9WGFpYZ-5Z_OcOijTelIVNYS-QQdyrIyl7KU4/edit?usp=sharing  [2]  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10PW2KAcPZ7wFSwumiXf8Q_4gczxIhLa4 [3] https://www.facebook.com/helpcharliekaka/videos/1612541019355029/?fs=e&mibextid=Mk4v2M&rdid=3fLzOg3fngTJT7O3# [4] https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10PW2KAcPZ7wFSwumiXf8Q_4gczxIhLa4