Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police are now in the position to release the name of the man who died following a crash on State Highway 2, Tangoio on 16 April.
He was Glen Stephen Harrison, 64.
Police extend our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attribute to Road Policing Manager Inspector Angela Hallett
Police are investigating a serious crash involving an off-road bike in Hastings this afternoon.
About 2pm, a motorcycle crashed on Canning Road, between Hapia Street and Orchard Road. As the bike skidded along the ground it hit a nurse outside a café, causing her moderate injuries.
One of the two juvenile on the bike received critical injuries, while the second received serious injuries. Police have established the rider was a 14-year-old, carrying a 17-year-old passenger.
We are still piecing together the events, but initial indications suggest the bike was one of two travelling at speed along Canning Road and may have been attempting to undertake a turning vehicle when the crash happened.
Both bikes are believed to have been the subject of complaints a short time earlier, though were not being pursued at the time of the crash.
I want to commend the swift actions of medical staff who rushed to assist the injured parties, and the professionalism of Police staff. Officers at the scene were forced to form a barrier between the first responders and a number of people who arrived on scene and became abusive at the people who were trying to help.
Police also arrested one man for breaching bail, after he drove a car onto the footpath at the crash scene.
The investigation into the crash is in its early stages and no charges have yet been laid. We are speaking to a number of people and will be making follow up enquiries over the coming days.
The road was closed for a time while a scene examination was carried out but has since reopened.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police are seeking photos of a Russian stuntman who went missing in 2002, in the hope the image can help identify partial remains located at Motutere earlier this year.
Artour Melikov was 36 when he was reported missing on 10 September 2002. Turangi Police located his vehicle at the Jellicoe Reserve, 400 metres north of Bulli Point at Lake Taupo. The car key was left inside the vehicle, along with Artour’s throwing knives, clothing, passport and other important documentation.
Despite extensive search efforts, there was no sign of Artour and Police established he hadn’t been seen since he left Auckland two days prior.
On 9 January this year, Police were called to a holiday park at Motutere, where several bones were located near a walking track.
Senior Constable Barry Shepherd QSM, of the Taupo Area Search and Rescue Squad, said Police believed the remains were those of Artour, but extensive enquiries have been unable to lead to a positive identification.
“We’ve been unable to contact his next of kin, so hope there is a colleague or friend who may be able to help us.
“Artour was a stuntman for the likes of Xena: Warrior Princess during his time in New Zealand, and we hope there is someone who worked with him who may have high-quality photos of his face, and especially his teeth.”
Artour had gold teeth in his upper jaw, that would have been distinctive, Senior Constable Shepherd said.
“We know 22 years is a long time, but I urge anyone who may have worked with Artour, to please review any images you may have and contact us if you can help.”
If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the reference number 250110/2158.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
To be attributed to Detective Inspector Marty James, District Manager Criminal Investigations:
Eastern District Police have today been issued a Gang Conflict Warrant, following several incidents stemming from ongoing tensions between Mongrel Mob and Black Power.
At around 10:45pm on Tuesday night, shots were fired at houses in Wairoa associated with both gangs, and a Napier house connected to one of the gangs was targeted this morning.
We’re also aware of a number of alleged gang-related incidents in Wairoa that have not been reported to us, including assaults, vehicle rammings, other damage to cars, and threatening behaviour.
A significant operation is under way across Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay in response to this senseless violence between the two gangs, and the Gang Conflict Warrant issued today gives us valuable additional powers to draw on.
The Gang Conflict Warrant is issued under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act and gives us special powers to search vehicles of suspected gang members, and to seize firearms, weapons and vehicles.
The violence we are seeing from these two gangs – particularly those incidents where firearms are involved – is absolutely unacceptable in our communities.
The residents of our communities have the right to be able to go about their daily lives without fearing for their safety from gang-related violence. They’ve had enough and so have we.
As part of our investigation into the recent offending, officers in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will be stopping vehicles with links to gang members and searching gang-related addresses.
Officers will also be maintaining a highly visible presence in our communities to provide reassurance.
We are determined to hold those responsible for the recent offending to account and gang members should be on notice that we will not tolerate this ongoing violence.
Today we arrested two men in relation to the incident in Wairoa on Tuesday night. The two men – aged 18 and 35 – have been charged with aggravated burglary and possession of offensive weapons. Further arrests are likely in the coming days.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: Te Pati Maori
Te Pāti Māori are appalled by Cabinet’s decision to agree to 15 recommendations to the Early Childhood Education (ECE) sector following the regulatory review by the Ministry of Regulation. We emphasise the need to prioritise tamariki Māori in Early Childhood Education, conducted by education experts- not economists.
“Our mokopuna deserve an education system shaped by their needs – and that must be led by the total immersion Māori education sector,” said Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for education, Tākuta Ferris.
“Research shows that a strong sense of identity is central to the success of tamariki Māori. Instead of defunding key programmes and continuing to allocate just 1% of total education funding to Māori education, the government should be investing in the Māori educational systems that are already delivering for our tamariki.
“A government that develops education policy within David Seymour’s cost-cutting Ministry, shows a clear disregard for the future of our tamariki Māori.”
“There is no table fit to make decisions about the education of mokopuna Māori without Kōhanga Reo and Te Rūnanga Nui o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori at it,” says Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for total immersion education.
“They are more equipped than any government body to know what our tamariki need – not just in the classroom, but for their future.
“The government must be held to account for its commitment to the recommendations made in Wai 2336. That means creating standalone legislation with policies specifically designed to support Māori education and to give whānau real, meaningful choices,” concluded Maipi-Clarke.
Te Pāti Māori remains resolute in protecting the mana and mauri of Kōhanga Reo by ensuring all policies and regulations uphold and advance its kaupapa as a taonga tuku iho for our babies and mokopuna.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Late April and early May will see maintenance works underway on State Highway 2 between Masterton and Carterton.
Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, says contractors will complete a wide range of maintenance tasks.
“They will be fixing safety barriers – we have four recent barrier strikes that need to be fixed. It is critical damaged barriers are fixed as they are instrumental in preventing head on collisions.
“They will also be doing line marking and carrying out water cutting – this removes excess bitumen from the road surface, improves road grip, and makes it safer to drive on,” Ms Hilliard says.
Ms Hilliard says the work requires road closures over five consecutive nights, and State Highway 2 will be closed to traffic in both directions.
“We appreciate full closures do affect drivers. However, with winter approaching it is vital this section of the highway is in the best shape it can be for the winter months ahead.”
The work will be underway from Sunday, 27 April to Thursday, 1 May. The highway will be closed to north and southbound traffic each night between 9 pm and 4 am (works conclude Friday, 2 May at 4 am).
Ms Hilliard says local road detours will be available via Chester and Norfolk Road, and Cornwall Road and Hughes Line (see work and detour details below).
“Because these are local roads, road users must drive to the conditions, obey the speed limit, and be patient if there is queued traffic. We want people to get to their destinations safely.”
Drivers travelling through Wairarapa also need to be aware of other road works on State Highway 2 that will affect their journeys. This includes road rebuild work in Greytown and drainage works in Masterton.
It is essential people plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank the public for their patience and cooperation while these essential state highway maintenance works are completed.
View larger night closures map [PDF, 365 KB]
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of Julie Butler, who is missing from Aotea/Great Barrier Island.
The 55-year-old usually lives aboard her yacht the ‘Blazing Shadz’, moored in Kaiaraara Bay.
Police were notified by a partner agency about concerns for Julie on 4 April.
Local Police enquiries were hampered by the adverse weather conditions on the island at the time. However, on 7 April it was confirmed Blazing Shadz was not moored in its usual location.
Enquiries have been ongoing since this time, including with the Police Maritime Unit and Coastguard.
Police have also made enquiries with nearby harbour masters that Julie has frequented, including Whangārei.
Police have also been making extensive enquiries with Julie’s friends, whānau and other partner agencies.
To date we have been unable to locate Julie or her vessel Blazing Shadz.
Police are seeking information from the public to assist these enquiries as there are ongoing welfare concerns for Julie.
Please contact 105 using the reference number 250404/8311 if you have any information about Julie or the vessel so that we can reunite Julie with her family.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Media note: Police are also releasing a photo of the yacht ‘Blazing Shadz’.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Please attribute to Inspector Renée Perkins, Area Commander, Kāpiti-Mana:
Porirua Police and Māori Wardens are increasing patrols after several incidents of damage and theft at local schools.
On Monday evening, 21 April, buildings and vehicles at two schools in Porirua East suffered over $32,000 worth of damage.
Agencies, along with the wider community have come together in support, repairs are under way and security guards will be in place across the long weekend.
I want to thank the community for offering their support as this Police investigation continues.
Police believe this happened between 9pm and 11:30pm on Monday, and while we have good lines of inquiry as to who was responsible, we are still looking for information from the public which could help.
We urge anyone with information to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105 and quoting file number 250422/8244.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: Auckland Council
After last week’s dose of wet and windy weather, Aucklanders are getting a bit of a reprieve for Anzac Day but may see rain over the weekend, most likely Sunday. We’re reminding people to check drains and gutters again; plan travel carefully and stay up to date with weather forecasts.
Auckland Emergency Management General Manager Adam Maggs says Aucklanders did a great job preparing for the impacts of ex-tropical Cyclone Tam and responding to the weather conditions over the Easter weekend.
“Aucklanders across the region experienced heavy rain, strong winds and flooding in places just days ago, over the Easter long weekend.
“While there’s still a high degree of uncertainty, we could see some wet weather in parts of Tāmaki Makaurau over the Anzac long weekend.
“We understand Aucklanders may be sick of hearing about the weather, but it doesn’t take long to do a few important things – a quick check of gutters and drains on your property, and a regular update on the weather forecast over the weekend,” says Adam.
Keep up to date with the weather forecast
MetService has not issued any current weather watches or warnings for the weekend as it’s too early to predict how the weekend weather will pan out. A top tip is to download the MetService app from the App Store or Google Play and sign up for push notifications to your phone.
“At this stage, it looks like we’re in for rain overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning – right about the time when people may start heading home from school holidays or long weekend breaks.
“There is still uncertainty about when and where bad weather will hit, so make sure you check the forecast when planning any weekend travel or activities and check it again for any changes before you go out. Don’t forget, if you’re heading to another region, check the weather there too.
“With soil saturation levels now very high, there is always the possibility of flooding if heavy rain eventuates.
“If you’re on the roads, drive to the conditions, take care and give yourself plenty of time,” he says.
Add property prep to your weekend checklist
Taking half an hour to make sure your home and property are prepared for bad weather could prevent unnecessary damage and disruption.
“Securing or storing outdoor furniture and umbrellas ahead of bad weather doesn’t take much time and could stop these items from getting damaged or damaging your property.
“If we get gusty winds, these can easily pick up small or loose items, flip trampolines or lightweight outdoor furniture and play equipment,” says Adam.
Checking drains, gutters and trees or plants on your property that can lose branches or clog drains is a good idea at this time of year.
“Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters team has again been out this week checking hot spots and clearing drains. It’s important that residents do this too.
“Anything on your property that may wash into the stormwater system and cause blockages should be removed. Clearing gutters and drains on your property will also help prevent damage, leaks and flooding.
“It’s always a good time to check your emergency readiness supplies – in the unlikely event the power goes out or, for those in more remote parts of the region, you get temporarily cut off.
“Visit our website (aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz) or getready.govt.nz for good advice on getting your household prepared for an emergency,” says Adam.
Always in the know: top tips for wild weather
Source: New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi (CTU)
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is warning that the Government’s decision to adopt a new model for the vocational education and training sector will lead to massive disruptions and instability in an already fatigued sector.
“The NZCTU remains fundamentally opposed to these reforms, which will create further disruption across the sector and come off the back of a period of disruption and change in the sector over the past five years,” said NZCTU Acting President Rachel Mackintosh.
“We are concerned by the impacts that another several years of change processes will have on the sector, learners, and industries.
“Our major concern regarding the model that the Government is adopting is the risk of the creation of new private agencies competing for public funding within the sector; this model has not served New Zealand well in the past.
“Profit motives drive instability in education, and it is not a good use of resources to have multiple agencies competing for funding as they must focus attention on securing funding at the expense of focusing on delivery for learners.
“The whole process for these reforms has been flawed. There is no reason why the consultation needed to have such a narrow scope, excluding critical stakeholders, and key subject matter experts.
“The Minister’s insistence on pushing ahead with these poorly thought through reforms is likely to create several more years of instability in the sector, and more uncertainty for learners, industries, and the vocational education and training workforce,” said Mackintosh.
Source: New Zealand Government
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful three-day visit to the United Kingdom, where he met with His Majesty King Charles III and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
“The UK is one of New Zealand’s most trusted partners, and I had a hugely productive day with Prime Minister Starmer,” Mr Luxon says.
The two leaders released a Joint Statement in which they pledged to do more to ensure the partnership remains robust in a rapidly changing world.
“Prime Minister Starmer and I underlined our commitment to the international rules-based system. We also talked about boosting bilateral trade and investment, especially while the global economy is under such extreme pressure.”
“Export growth will be critical to improving our economic prospects in the coming years so our businesses can create more jobs and lift incomes for Kiwis.
“Our free trade agreement provides New Zealand business with certainty of access to the high-value UK market where we have enjoyed export growth of more than 20 per cent in the last year.”
Mr Luxon also hosted an investment roundtable with British business leaders to promote New Zealand as open for business.
“Building on the success of our international investment summit earlier in the year, I continued to make the case for New Zealand as a place to invest, so we can get infrastructure built and grow our businesses to put more money in Kiwis’ pockets.
“During my visit to London I also witnessed a number of commercial deals between UK and New Zealand companies, worth more than $120 million.”
The Prime Ministers agreed to refresh the Joint Statement on Defence Cooperation to ensure the partnership can respond to today’s global challenges.
Mr Luxon also announced New Zealand will extend the deployment of NZDF personnel to the UK and Europe to train Ukrainian soldiers until December 2026.
Mr Luxon visited some of those soldiers, met with representatives of the UK Government, the Leader of the Opposition and New Zealand and UK businesses.
Friday 25 April 2025 – An Anzac Day Peace Picnic with the theme of ‘Never Again’ will be held at Pukeahu National War Memorial on Friday 25 April from 12:30pm-2pm. This is a family-friendly peace event operating under the tikanga of mana whenua, Te Kotahitanga o Taranaki Whanui ki te Upoko o te Ika.
“’Never again’ means no genocide,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.
“‘Never again’ is a phrase or slogan which is associated with the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides. The slogan was used by liberated prisoners at Buchenwald concentration camp to denounce fascism.”
“We are coming together to stand against war, against fascism and to demand that we meet the aspirations of our ancestors who survived World War 1 and World War 2 for global peace and freedom,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.
“Anzac Day is portrayed as a day where the country can reflect on the horrors of war, the costs in human lives and commit collectively to never again allowing genocidal mass murder. We have to ask, is that really happening?” said Morse.
“In 2025 the Western world is actively funding a campaign of complete annihilation against Palestinians. Two million men, women and children are daily being shot, bombed from above, burned alive, bulldozed with tanks and held hostage inside a giant concentration camp called Gaza. This is paid for and provided by the US. Meanwhile, across the West fascism and far right political parties are gaining power with campaigns of hatred, exclusion, war, austerity and visions of armageddon.”
“The NZ government has failed to provide any humanitarian path for Palestinian refugees fleeing the bloodbath. It has been silent about Israel’s crimes. What’s worse is the government is now aiming to spend billions on new weapons of war and committing to fighting alongside the fascist USA in its endless wars. The new Defence Capability Plan clearly aligns NZ to the US and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. This is incredibly dangerous for the peace and security of Aotearoa NZ and the wider Pacific,” said Morse.
The Anzac Day event is organised by Peace Action Wellington, Pōneke Anti-Fascist Coalition, VUW Socialists, Justice for Palestine, Students for Justice in Palestine, Falastin Tea Collective and Alternative Jewish Voices.
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
District:
State Highway 1 north of Tokoroa has reopened following a serious crash this morning.
Police would like to thank motorists for their patience and cooperation while the road was closed.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police can now name the person who died following a crash in Culverden on 15 April.
He was 73-year-old Linton Charrington Gardiner, from Waiau, Hurunui.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attributable to Detective Gerhard Jacobs, SAR Incident Controller:
A family walking on Mt Taranaki who were underprepared for the conditions is prompting a reminder from Police to those heading out this long weekend.
Police received a call about 6:30pm last night reporting that a man and two children were overdue returning from the Pouakai Range.
Police Search and Rescue were engaged, as were Land Search and Rescue volunteers, and a Department of Conservation volunteer.
The family were unfamiliar with the area, and underprepared for the cold conditions.
LandSAR volunteers walked four hours through near-freezing temperatures and 50km/h winds, to then escort the family out and to safety.
The trio were all eventually out by around midnight.
Police would like to remind people walking in the outdoors – particularly on the unforgiving Mt Taranaki – that preparation is key, and to know your limits.
In this instance last night, the family had changed their plans without informing anyone, and the man had just 5 per cent battery on his phone as emergency services were attempting to gain their location by it via GPS.
Fortunately, the group made it out safely, however the outcome could have been very different.
This is a reminder to please always take two forms of communication with you when in and around Mt Taranaki, and be prepared to stay out overnight should you be caught out.
If you get into trouble, please call 111 as soon as possible, as this will enable an emergency response at the earliest opportunity.
Police would like to thank Taranaki LandSAR, and the Department of Conservation, for their dedication and response last night in tough conditions.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Team
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash that has blocked Canning Road at Camberley, Hastings.
About 2pm, a motorcycle carrying two riders crashed between Hapia Street and Orchard Road, and then collided with a member of the public on the footpath.
Two people have serious injuries while a third has critical injuries.
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and cordons are in place.
Members of the public are asked to avoid the area.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
World Immunisation Week, celebrated in the last week of April, is an opportunity for parents and caregivers to ensure their children are up to date with their immunisations, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“High immunisation coverage is critical to protect not only the health of individuals, but the community from the spread of preventable diseases.
“This week is an opportunity to emphasise our focus on childhood immunisation and achieving our target of 95 per cent of children aged 24 months being fully immunised.
“We know that immunisation for both children and their parents and families is one of the best tools we have to protect Kiwi kids from serious illnesses like whooping cough (pertussis) and measles.
“Last month, a Taranaki healthcare provider hit 100 per cent for all enrolled children under eight months of age. This is an incredible achievement, and one that we want to see replicated around the country.”
The recent spread of measles internationally has highlighted the importance of ensuring Kiwis are vaccinated against the disease.
“A measles outbreak in New Zealand would mean kids off school, in hospital and, as we’ve seen overseas, could cost some children their lives,” Mr Brown says.
“Raising the country’s childhood immunisation rates is a priority for this Government. High rates of immunisation are a safe and effective way to better protect New Zealanders from disease, including measles, and saves lives.”
Results released in the second quarter 2024/25 earlier this show more children are now fully immunised, with 77 per cent of two-year-olds being immunised in the second quarter of this year, up from 75.7 per cent in the previous quarter.
Source: New Zealand Labour Party
After promising $250 a fortnight to many families, the Government has been forced to admit just a couple hundred families are receiving it.
In a response to a written parliamentary question on their flagship FamilyBoost policy, the Revenue Minister has admitted that so far just “249 households have received the full $975 for both Q3 2024, Q4 2024, and Q1 2025.”
“This means only up to 249 families are receiving the full $250 tax cut that Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis promised during the election campaign,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.
“That tax cut was made up of income tax cuts, plus the FamilyBoost childcare rebate. While many people have found their tax cut was less than promised and is quickly being eaten up by rising costs, now we discover that people aren’t getting as much as promised in childcare either.
“Nicola Willis promised 100,000 families would get FamilyBoost, but barely half that are actually getting childcare support, and as at 9 April just 249 families have received the full amount over the three quarters since the policy was introduced.
“We’ve been asking the Government to make the policy easier for families to access, because it currently requires families to keep invoices and make claims retrospectively which can be a bureaucratic nightmare for busy parents. We’ve also been asking them to consider an end of year wash-up, so people get what they’re entitled to over the year rather than different amounts each quarter.
“But so far they’ve refused to budge. Costs are piling up on families under this Government and people are not getting what they were promised.
“Nicola Willis needs to stop blaming officials for her own failure to make good on her election campaign promises. People voted for her based on this, she should take responsibility for it,” Barbara Edmonds said.
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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
State Highway 1 north of Tokoroa remains closed following a crash earlier today.
A person injured in the crash has been flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.
The road is expected to remain closed until at least 3pm today.
Motorists are advised to take alternative routes or delay travel where possible.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Five duffle bags stacked with bricks of cocaine valued at close to $30 million have been unpacked at a Mount Wellington business.
Yesterday afternoon Police were called to the Carbine Road premises after a worker unloading a shipping container of building materials located the bags.
Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill, of Auckland City CIB, says more than 75 packages of cocaine wrapped in cellophane were located in the duffle bags.
“An investigation between Police and Customs is now under way following yesterday’s seizure.
“The joint investigation will focus on the movements of the container and its eventual destination,” he says.
“What we do know is that the container transited through Central America in late March 2025 on its way to New Zealand.
“Cocaine is a highly addictive drug and causes a concerning level of harm in our communities.
“This is a significant find and will put a noticeable dent in the availability of this illegal drug in the district and the harm caused by it.”
Customs’ Acting Investigations Manager, Rachael Manning says: “Customs is committed to working in collaboration with Police to play our part in preventing drugs from reaching our communities, where they cause significant social harm.
“We will continue to provide intelligence and investigative support to our Police partners to identify and hold those responsible to account.”
No arrests have been made and at this stage Police are not releasing any further details as investigations remain ongoing.
If you have any information that may assist Police in identifying and locating those involved in the supply of drugs or organised criminal groups you can report information to the Police via 105 if it’s after the fact or 111 if it is happening now.
Alternatively, you can report information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Motorists are advised of a crash on State Highway 25, which has blocked the road between Coromandel and Matarangi.
The three-vehicle crash happened around 11am.
Indications are there are various injuries, some serious.
There are diversions in place off State Highway 25 at Whangapoua and Matarangi.
ENDS
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Four youths allegedly responsible for a burglary at a Mount Wellington dairy have been apprehended.
At about 2.50am, Police were called to the shop on Commissariat Road following a report of a vehicle being used to enter the premises.
Auckland City East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rachel Dolheguy, says the same four people then allegedly broke into another store next door and took a number of items before leaving in a different vehicle.
“A short time later a Police unit spotted a vehicle travelling at high speed on Ireland Road.
“The vehicle then crashed into a fence in Panmure and three occupants have fled on foot.”
Inspector Dolheguy says it was lucky no one was injured.
“The driver was taken into custody and other Police Units were able to quickly locate the other three people, two hiding in a playground and a third nearby.
“Our community deserves to conduct their business without the threat of being a victim of crime and we will continue to respond and hold these offenders to account.
“However we cannot do this alone, if you witness any suspicious or unlawful activity, please contact Police with as much information as possible.”
You can contact us on 111, or for non-emergencies through 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Make a Report” or call 105.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
All four, aged 14 and 15, have been referred to Youth Aid Services.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police can now release the name of the man who died at Wairere Falls on Saturday 19 April.
He was Abdullah Noori, 51, of Glen Innes, Auckland.
Police extend their sympathies to his loved ones.
His death has been referred to the Coroner.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Banks have responded to the Government’s expectation to better protect Kiwi consumers from scams by introducing stronger safeguards and a compensation scheme, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson says.
“New commitments from banks mean that if a bank fails to adequately warn and protect a consumer from a scam, they will reimburse the victim up to $500,000,” Mr Simpson says.
“This is an important win for bank customers, who have been advocating for some time for better recognition from banks of the role they play as the final gate between a consumer and a scammer.
“Last year the Government wrote to banks outlining our expectation that banks take greater responsibility for protecting Kiwi consumers. I am pleased that banks have responded to this directive and are updating their Code of Banking Practice with five new commitments to better protect customers, including pre-transaction warnings and identification of high-risk transactions.
“Banks will also take a more active role in preventing scams, by participating in information sharing agreements across industry and government and educating people. Stopping scams before they happen is the best strategy.
“Online scams cause immense harm to our wider economy, as consumers lose confidence transacting online. The fear generated by scams runs directly counter to efforts to digitise our economy.
“While people still need to remain vigilant and take responsibility for their own online safety, these changes will enable consumers to check a payment is legitimate before transferring money.
“I have been clear with banks that the journey doesn’t stop here. I expect banks to continue to prioritise security and adapt to the ever-evolving scams environment.
“I have made similar expectations clear to telecommunications companies and digital platforms and look forward to progressing a cross-industry approach with them.
“Improving the safety and ease of doing business is part of our plan to grow the economy.”
Notes to editors:
The five commitments introduced to the New Zealand Banking Associate Code of Banking Practice include:
a Confirmation of Payee service for customers to check that the name of the person they are paying matches the account number, which has already commenced roll-out
pre-transaction warnings to consumers based on the payment purpose
identification of and response to high-risk transactions or unusual account transaction activity, and the ability to block or delay transactions in some cases
providing a 24/7 reporting channel for customers who think they’ve been scammed, and responding to protect accounts
sharing scammer account information with other banks to help prevent criminal activity, and freezing funds where appropriate
The updated Code comes into force on 30 November 2025. This is to allow the banks time to get all the protections in place.
Source: New Zealand Government
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board’s endorsement of the investment case for Stage One of Mill Road, a crucial Road of National Significance.
The Board has endorsed the investment case and approved $91.1 million for completing the design work and securing consents on Stage One.
“South Auckland is the fastest growing area in the Auckland region, with 120,000 more people expected to make it their home over the next 30 years. We need to get on and deliver crucial transport infrastructure that supports that kind of growth, reduces congestion, improves safety, and helps unlock housing,” Mr Bishop says.
“Mill Road is one of 17 Roads of National Significance (RoNS) this Government is progressing, and the NZTA Board’s endorsement of the investment case and approval of design and consent funding for Stage 1 is a direct result of our focus to streamline the business case process and get projects into delivery faster.
The investment case for Mill Road Stage 1 (Manukau to Alfriston) includes:
Four lane (general traffic) corridor including a westbound bus lane at the northern end.
Two new and six upgraded intersections between SH1 interchange and Murphys Road.
Three new roundabouts.
New bridges across Puhinui Creek and Cheesman’s Bush.
Current Mill Road south of Redoubt Road becomes a shared path and property access road.
“Delivering Mill Road Stage 1 has substantial benefits, including a 30 percent reduction in congestion on the corridor, over 60 percent reduction in deaths and serious injuries, and by 2031, 25 percent faster journey times.
“The endorsement of the investment case and approval of design and consent funding for Stage 1 provides certainty on the next steps as the project moves to complete the design and technical work necessary for construction to begin as early as mid-2026.
“In order to deliver benefits for the people, communities and businesses of South Auckland as soon as possible, NZTA are planning on dividing the construction of Stage 1 in different construction packages so they can start work sooner in places where there is more certainty around the existing environment.
“Mill Road Stage 1 covers a range of different environments, including sections that are highly urban, through to rural areas, as well as locations that require more technical assessments to determine the most appropriate design and construction methods.
“The plan is to focus on Stage 1b from Hollyford Drive to Hilltop Road, along with a piece of work to the south (Stage 1d), which includes roundabout improvements around the Mill Road Alfriston area. Stage 1a between State Highway 1 (SH1) and Hollyford Drive and Stage 1c from Hilltop Road to north of Alfriston will be delivered later.
“Mill Road has a long history, including a confirmed designation for Stage 1 obtained in 2016. NZTA is working at pace to build on earlier designs with a focus on improving the efficiency and resilience of the corridor, and increasing capacity to deliver faster, more reliable journey times. The project will also seek to obtain statutory approvals, likely via the Fast Track Approvals Act, and this will be confirmed in coming months.
“Technical work to secure the route protection and other approvals for future Stages 2 and 3 is scheduled to begin from mid-2026.
“The Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 (GPS) also requires NZTA to consider tolling for all new RoNS. The investment case confirms tolling is possible and the revenue will support the construction and maintenance of the road. If tolled, Mill Road Stage 1 has a Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 2.2, and un-tolled the BCR is 3.1. The Government will consider this recommendation and announce next steps of the process in due course.
“The investment case for Mill Road Stage 1 has shown it represents a strong case for investment delivering substantial benefits. Taking a staged approach to delivery and spreading investment over multiple National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) periods, helps focus delivery of priority benefits sooner, and delivers a strong pipeline of work for the construction sector into the future.
“NZTA recently opened a Registration of Interest (ROI) for the first package of technical works, which will help move Stage 1 closer to construction.
“South Auckland is the fastest growing area in the region, and we need to get on and deliver transport infrastructure that supports this growth. I want to thank local MPs Hon Judith Collins, Rima Nakhle and Hon Simeon Brown for their advocacy of this important project, and I know we all look forward to seeing more progress in the months and years ahead as Mill Road Stage 1 moves into construction as soon as possible.”
For more information about the project on the NZTA website here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/south-auckland-projects/mill-road/
Notes to Editor:
Key features of the Stage 1 design include:
Two lanes in each direction, including a westbound bus lane from Everglade Drive to SH1 interchange
New intersections at Alexia Place and Bartells Drive
Signalisation of the intersections at Diorella Drive, Goodwood Drive, Hilltop Road and Murphys Road
Upgraded signals at the Hollyford Drive and Everglade Drive intersection
Roundabouts to connect parts of the new Mill Road with Redoubt Road, Ranfurly Road and Alfriston Road
New bridges across Puhinui Creek and Cheesman’s Bush
Original Mill Road south of Redoubt Road to become a shared path and property access road only
Project outcomes
Economic benefits: less congestion and quicker journey times, supporting economic growth and productivity (by 2031, 25% faster journey times, 3 mins quicker Alfriston to SH1 in the morning peak, 7 mins quicker SH1 to Alfriston in the evening peak. 30% reduction in congestion on the corridor).
Safety improvements: reduced crash risk at intersections connecting the corridor and local roads (over 60% reduction in deaths and serious injuries).
Network resilience: viable alternative to SH1 during unplanned incidents, supporting faster network recovery across the region and reducing economic impact.
Improved experience: greater reliability for all users, reducing frustration during unexpected delays
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is making changes to work-based learning so that industries have more influence over how they train apprentices and trainees, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says.
“Whether you’re a carpenter building the warm, dry homes of tomorrow, or a mechanic working to keep us safe on the roads, it’s important you have the right skills to do your job effectively,” Ms Simmonds says.
“However, industry representatives have made it clear that the current work-based learning model is not delivering because it has become overly centralised through Te Pūkenga. As a result, the training of apprentices and other workers is often disconnected from the realities of the jobs they are working towards.
“We are fixing this by giving industries more control over how they train people.
“Beginning next year, the Government will introduce a new, independent, and industry-led model for work-based learning.
“This means vocational education and training providers will be able to manage all aspects of an apprenticeship or traineeship at an industry level, rather than taking direction from a centralised behemoth.
“This is great for learners because it makes their learning more relevant to their employment, and it is beneficial to businesses who will gain access to more capable workers to boost their productivity and deliver economic growth.
“Public and industry consultation clearly showed that this model was the preferred option, and this Government is proud to deliver the changes that we called for,” Ms Simmonds says.
From 1 January 2026:
New Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will be set up to set training standards, endorse programmes and moderate assessments.
Apprentices and trainees currently with Te Pūkenga will move to the ISBs for up to two years.
New students will enrol directly with new work-based learning private providers, polytechnics, or Wānanga.
ISBs will be able to enrol new learners until other providers are set up to deliver work-based learning.
“So, if you’re a learner or an employer — keep going. Your qualifications are essential, and your training is valuable. There will be no disruption, your training stays on track,” Ms Simmonds says.
“We’re building a better system — for learners, for industry, and for the future of New Zealand.”
Source: New Zealand Government
More than 900 newly qualified health professionals are set to receive financial support to kick-start their careers, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Government is committed to growing and strengthening our health workforce, and retaining health professionals is a key part of that,” Mr Brown says.“We want more of our nurses, midwives, anaesthetic technicians, and other critical health professions to stay in New Zealand after they graduate. “The Voluntary Bonding Scheme provides financial incentives to encourage new graduates to stay and work in the country – particularly in hard-to-staff regions and specialities where they’re needed most.”The scheme, which was launched under the previous National government, was expanded in 2024 to include new and recent graduate anaesthetic technicians and pharmacists. It offers after-tax payments ranging from $14,165 to $50,000 over a bonding period of three to five years, depending on the profession.The 2024 intake of 925 graduates includes:
477 registered and enrolled nurses
172 midwives
77 anaesthetic technicians
70 rural and regional general practice trainees
48 pharmacists
23 dentists
22 oral health therapists
20 radiation therapists
15 Sonographers
One medical physicist
“We are relentlessly focused on ensuring Kiwis have access to timely, quality healthcare in the community. “The scheme is a practical way to build and strengthen key parts of our health workforce, particularly in areas and specialities that face the greatest recruitment challenges.“We know there is further work needed to improve access to primary care and boost the primary care workforce, which will be the focus of the intake for 2025.“This builds on the primary care package announced in March, including:
100 clinical placements for overseas-trained doctors in primary practice.
Recruitment incentives for up to 400 graduate nurses annually for five years to work in primary practice.
100 additional doctor training places over the course of this Government at our medical schools.
Up to 50 graduate doctors training in primary care annually.
Up to 120 training places for nurse practitioners in primary care.
Accelerated tertiary education for up to 120 primary care nurses.
“I want to congratulate the most recent cohort of graduates who are entering the scheme and will be working in vital health roles across the country,” Mr Brown says.
Source: New Zealand Government
Councils from regions severely impacted by the 2023 North Island Severe Weather Events continue to make steady progress repairing transport routes and building future flood resilience for their communities, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister, Mark Mitchell says.
“As at the end of February 2025, Auckland, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay councils have stabilised 1,125 slips, repaired 25 local bridges and completed 51 km of stop banks.
“The Crown cost-share agreements with these councils provided more than $1.6 billion for the council-led Category 3 residential property buyouts, flood risk mitigation and local transport projects.
“The Government recently approved plans for the final three projects, bringing the total number of approved projects to 54,” says Mr Mitchell.
“I would like to acknowledge the considerable work councils in Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti and Auckland have done to prepare Delivery Plans for these projects.
“Some of these projects have required significant programmes of work involving multiple workstreams, and I am conscious that councils have also been delivering other aspects of their region’s recovery.
“Many of the flood mitigation projects are technically complex, and councils have taken time to plan and consult with impacted communities to balance the level of protection with minimising the impact on properties before deciding on the final design.
“Completing the flood mitigation projects, which are part funded by the councils, will reduce the risk of future flooding, allowing many impacted properties to move from Category 2C. This will mean many people can continue living on their property with greater confidence.
“Progressing the flood risk mitigation projects and repairing roads and bridges will make a considerable difference for impacted communities and will support growth in these regions.”
Combined, the total cost of the flood risk mitigation and local transport projects is $1,050 million of which the Crown is funding $907 million.
Source: New Zealand Labour Party
The Government is putting children at risk in early childhood education (ECE) by proposing to loosen the requirement for qualified teachers.
“David Seymour should focus on growing the number of qualified teachers so more children get the support they deserve,” Labour’s early childhood education spokesperson, Jan Tinetti said.
“What’s worrying about this announcement is how little it tells us about what changes are actually in store.
“Instead of hiding behind vague statements, David Seymour needs to be transparent about what his plans are and whether they will come at the expense of our children’s learning and wellbeing.
“A review into the sector is certainly warranted. It’s important we’re always improving and future-proofing the sector. It’s why we undertook our own review in Government and were clear about what we were modernising.
“We’ve already seen David Seymour butcher the school lunches programme, I’d hate to see the same done to our ECE sector,” Jan Tinetti said.
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