NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release, Cromwell crash (plus court appearance)

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are now in a position to release the name of the woman who died following a crash in Cromwell on 15 March.

    She was 65-year-old Donna Marie Melcher, of the United States of America.

    Our thoughts are with her friends and family at this difficult time. Police continue to offer support to the family.

    A 60-year-old man is due to reappear in the Alexandra District Court tomorrow (20 March) charged with careless driving causing death and careless driving causing injury.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Planning Auckland’s cemetery needs for future generations

    Source: Auckland Council

    Cemeteries are special and sacred places to honour and reflect on loved ones who have passed. 

    Auckland Council takes pride in providing cemetery services across Tāmaki Makaurau for Aucklanders. 

    Taryn Crewe, General manager Parks and Communities Facilities oversees the council’s cemetery network.  She says cemeteries are an integral part of the social and cultural fabric of Auckland. 

    “Cemeteries are important places for individuals and families to connect with and remember those who have gone before. They are places for peaceful contemplation and quiet, places to pray, grieve and pay respect to our loved ones.  

    “Auckland Council cemeteries provide a wide range of options, which reflects the preferences, needs and beliefs of our diverse communities. We therefore recognise that future planning is not simply about space for more burial plots.” 

    Waikaraka Park Cemetery.

    Auckland’s cemetery network 

    Auckland Council’s cemetery network is extensive. We own and operate 53 cemeteries across the region, covering 287 acres. 

    There are three main large cemeteries, we call “hub cemeteries”: These are Manukau Memorial Gardens, North Shore Memorial Park and Waikumete Cemetery.  

    The three hub cemeteries are among the 30 operational cemeteries across the region and are also home to the three council-operated crematoria in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

    Eighty per cent of council-administered burials in the region are carried out across the three hub cemeteries. The other burials are delivered across the 27 other cemeteries. 

    Each year, Auckland Council carries out approximately: 1500 burials, 1000 ash burials and 2400 cremations. As well as this we host around 800 chapel services and 450 lounge hires. 

    We have a team of 40 staff based across these three sites, including customer service representatives, sextons and managers.  

    Manukau Memorial Gardens.

    Where’s Auckland’s cemetery capacity at in 2025? 

    As the largest provider of cemetery services in the Auckland region, Auckland Council has a statutory duty under the Burial and Cremation Act to ensure adequate cemetery capacity for the city. 

    Mrs Crewe assures Aucklanders there will be room to bury loved ones in Auckland now and into the future. 

    “As Auckland’s population continues to grow, so too does the pressure on our cemetery network.  

    “There is plenty of space across the council’s cemetery network for more burials for at least the next 20 years. 

    “We are also planning ahead now to ensure burial capacity for Auckland for decades to come across the region.”  

    “As the largest provider of cemetery services in the Auckland region, capacity for future cemetery needs – not just burial but also cremation, memorialisation and facilities like chapels and venues – is important to Auckland Council.  

    “We’re currently in a fact-finding and scoping phase of a piece of work that will look at our region’s future needs and the role the council plays in addressing them.  

    “This includes looking at trends, provision requirements and what other suppliers in the sector are planning, and looking at how that sits alongside our region’s growth.”  

    North Shore Memorial Gardens has burial capacity for at least the next 20 years and Manukau Memorial Gardens has capacity for at least another eight years. 

    In the city’s west, there’s currently no room left at Waikumete Cemetery for Aucklanders to purchase a burial plot.  We’ll talk more about Waikumete in the next section. 

    What’s going on with Waikumete Cemetery? 

    Waikumete Cemetery in Glen Eden was established in 1886 and is the largest cemetery in New Zealand. 

    Alongside the primary function of the cemetery for burials, the site plays a vital role as the largest urban park in west Auckland.  

    Ongoing management of Waikumete needs to optimise the park’s diverse and rich values which include heritage, social history, recreation use, significant ecological values, environmental resilience, landscape and visual amenity, and identity. 

    After well over a century of use, Waikumete has run out of burial space, but new burial plots are on the horizon. 

    The cemetery has numerous pre-purchased plots that are yet to be used and we will re-open burial plots for second burials when requested by the plot owner. 

    Resource consent has been granted for the expanded burial plot area (approximately 800 burial plots) at Waikumete Cemetery.  The cemetery is planning on offering new adult burials in early 2027 -the exact timing is dependent on factors like the weather (for development work) and any other things that need to be addressed as part of the development process.  These will be general burial plots and sold on-need. They cannot be pre-purchased. 

    We know we need more burial capacity than this in West Auckland and that’s why we’re planning a major new cemetery further up in the northwest. 

    Major new cemetery planned for Reweti 

    The council has identified a block of land for a new cemetery in Auckland’s rural north west. 

    Following extensive site assessments beginning in 2019, the parcel of privately owned land at 1080 State Highway 16, Reweti, was identified as the most suitable location for a new cemetery in northwest Auckland. 

    In 2022, the council approached the private landowner to discuss the purchase of the site at market value, following a resolution from the then Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee. 

    In December 2024, the council issued a notice of intent to acquire the land under the Public Works Act 1981. The private landowner has lodged an objection with the Environment Court. We will continue to follow the legal process while also working with relevant parties.  

    It’s too early to say exactly how many burial plots the site could potentially provide, until further planning is completed, however, we expect this block of land will be able to provide at least 50 to 60 year’s of burial capacity for the west and northwest Auckland area. 

    “We are looking at emerging trends in global and local burial practices to look at how we can make the most out of the space we acquire for this critical kaupapa,” says Mrs Crewe. 

    Engagement with mana whenua  

    Beginning in 2022, Auckland Council began engaging with mana whenua about our intention to acquire the land at Reweti for a cemetery. 

    Preliminary engagement on the process took place through a council-led mana whenua forum. We acknowledge that direct engagement with local iwi and hapū, including with Whiti Te Rā o Reweti Marae, could have been more comprehensive.  

    In the past week we have talked with and met directly with the Reweti Marae and Ngā Maunga Whakahii – the Post Settlement Governance entity for Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara on a number of occasions.  

    The issue was also raised at an Auckland Council Governing Body / Houkura joint meeting and a general update was provided. 

    Two main meetings were held with Reweti Marae and Ngā Maunga Whakahii.  

    Auckland Council will continue to keep Reweti Marae and Ngā Maunga Whakahii informed around this. 

    Nick Turoa, Tumaki Huanga Māori, Nga Matarae at Auckland Council says the council is committed to working in partnership with iwi and local communities 

    “We acknowledge the concerns raised by Reweti Marae and Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara from this proposal and recognise that more direct and meaningful conversations with local iwi and hapū should have taken place earlier. We are actively working to strengthen these relationships, ensure they are provided with up-to-date information about the current acquisition process, and explore opportunities to work with them going forward. 

    “Reweti and the surrounding whenua, including Pukeatua maunga, hold deep cultural and historical significance for Te Taoū and Ngāti Whātua. We understand the importance of this landscape, recognise the losses that Te Taoū have endured over the years, and remain committed to working in partnership with iwi and local communities to ensure that future decisions for this space respect both the need for cemetery space and the mana of this whenua.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Missing man located, Tūrangi

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    The missing man last seen in the Tūrangi are on 28 February has been located and is safe. 

    Police were concerned for his welfare after believing he was involved in a car crash on SH32 on 12 March. 

    Police thank the public for their information.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Netanyahu commits a new ‘bloodbath in Gaza’ to save himself

    Asia Pacific Report

    At least 400 people have been killed after a surprise Israeli attack on Gaza in the early hours of Tuesday.

    The Israeli government vows to continue escalating these military attacks, claiming it is in response to Hamas’ refusal to extend the ceasefire, which has been in place since January 19.

    But is this the real reason for pre-dawn attack? Or is there a much more cynical explanation — one tied to the political fate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu?

    This week, New Zealand journalist Mohamed Hassan, host of the Middle East Eye’s weekly Big Picture podcast, speaks to Daniel Levy, the president of the US/Middle East Project and a former Israeli peace negotiator.


    Ceasefire broken: Netanyahu is exposed.   Video: Middle East Eye

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Is police abolition official Green Party policy?

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT Justice spokesperson Todd Stephenson is calling on the Green Party to confirm it does not support police abolition.

    “Tonight, Green MP Tamatha Paul will give a talk in Christchurch about ‘the police, and what alternatives we could have to the police, and what radical police abolition could look like in real terms‘. Those are her own words, from a TikTok video.

    “This is just nutty stuff. It’s easy to be anti-police until you find yourself threatened by crime. That’s when we all rely on the ability to call police with the tools and powers to protect us from violence and theft.

    “She’s also out of touch with the communities she claims to represent. Poorer New Zealanders and Māori are disproportionately likely to be victims of crime, and more likely to need the protection of police.

    “This comes just a few weeks after she told her 37,000 young TikTok followers that the ‘vast majority‘ of people in prison are there for non-violent offences that they’ve ‘had to do as a response to poverty‘. In the real world, more than half of prisoners are there for homicide, sexual assault, acts intended to cause injury, and unlawful entry with intent/burglary.

    “Tamatha Paul went on to say people are in prison because ‘They’re being punished for being disabled, they’re being punished for being poor, they’re being punished for being Māori, they’re being punished for our system that we have in our country.‘

    “At best, Tamatha Paul has deluded herself. At worst, she is using her platform to actively misinform her followers and make them more likely to support radically pro-crime policies like police abolition.

    “I’m proud to say that, with ACT in Government, we have scrapped Labour’s prisoner reduction targeted, while introducing tougher sentences so dangerous criminals are locked up for longer. On issues of public safety and justice, we are the anti-Greens – delivering consequences for crime and putting victims first,” says Mr Stephenson.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rural and Legal News – Court decision a pragmatic win for Southland farmers – Federated Farmers

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers are welcoming a court decision granting a ‘stay’ on rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan until legislative changes can be made by central government.
    The plan, following earlier court decisions, would have required more than 3000 Southland farmers to apply for an expensive resource consent just to continue farming.
    “Delaying legal processes until the Government’s proposed amendments to the RMA can be made is a pragmatic decision,” says Federated Farmers Southland president Jason Herrick.
    “Requiring 3000 local farmers to get a resource consent would have been nothing short of an impractical and expensive box-ticking exercise for absolutely no environmental gain.
    “This would have been a significant cost for most farmers, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 each, just to continue with their day-to-day farming activities.
    “We’re really pleased common sense has prevailed this week and farmers won’t need to waste their time or money jumping through bureaucratic hoops for no reason.”
    The Government have been very clear on their intent to make legislative changes to section 70 of the Resource Management Act later this year.
    “The activist groups who initially brought this case, like Fish & Game and Forest & Bird, should be hanging their heads in shame,” Herrick says.
    “All they’ve done is stir up a whole lot of angst and uncertainty in our rural communities and I don’t think they’ve taken any accountability for that.
    “Thankfully the politicians have listened and delivered a solution, and the court have put this stay in place so no more time or money is wasted while the law is being changed.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: MSD fraud investigations “intrusive, excessive and inconsistent with legal requirements” – Privacy Commissioner

    Source: Privacy Commissioner

    An Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) inquiry has found the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) systematically misused its investigatory powers while pursuing benefit fraud, unjustifiably intruding on the privacy of many beneficiaries.

    The inquiry found MSD’s exercise of its information gathering powers to be inconsistent with legal requirements under the Social Security Act 1964 and the Privacy Act 1993. This failure has resulted in infringements of individual privacy, particularly in relation to the collection of information from third parties.

    In the course of its inquiry, OPC interviewed beneficiaries and reviewed fraud investigation files provided by MSD. As a result, it saw cases where individual privacy was infringed. Examples included:

    • Failing to ask beneficiary clients for information before seeking it from a third party leading to inaccurate assessments of the information;
    • Overly broad requests leading to the provision of unnecessary and sensitive information (in one case a woman’s birthing records);
    • Disproportionate and inappropriate requests for information (in some cases, every text message sent and received by an individual over lengthy periods);

    Mr Edwards says the inquiry reviewed MSD files that contained text messages between parties in a relationship, sometimes of a sexual, familial or otherwise intimate nature.

    “In one instance, a beneficiary described to us how MSD obtained, from a telecommunications company, an intimate picture shared by that individual with a sexual partner. The photograph was then produced at an interview by MSD investigators seeking an explanation for it.”

    MSD has powers under the section 11 of the Social Security Act (as regulated by a Code of Conduct) to collect “any information” about a person on a benefit in order to assess their entitlements – including retrospectively, as in the case with fraud investigations.

    As well as the Privacy Act, MSD’s Code of Conduct required MSD to first seek information from a beneficiary client directly before seeking it from a third party, unless to so would prejudice the maintenance of the law.

    A change in practice

    But in 2012, MSD advised its fraud investigation staff they could bypass the requirement to seek information directly from a beneficiary and instead go direct to third parties. MSD believed that an amendment to the Code enabled this.

    The 2012 practice change resulted in MSD using its powers to collect large amounts of highly sensitive information about beneficiaries from third parties without approaching beneficiaries first. The information collected included text messages, domestic violence and other Police records, banking information and billing records from a range of providers.

    MSD investigates thousands of fraud allegations a year. Of these, a large proportion result in no formal finding of fraud.

    Mr Edwards said since 2012, MSD’s failure to first ask beneficiaries for information before approaching third parties has likely affected thousands of beneficiaries.

    “Due to poor record keeping practices and inconsistencies between fraud teams, we have been unable to establish whether the Ministry has been bypassing beneficiaries in all fraud investigations or only those categorised as ‘high risk’. It is disappointing that MSD does not keep accurate records of when and how many section 11 notices are issued by its staff.”

    Mr Edwards also noted MSD is required to review the Code every three years but had not done so since 2012.

    Recommendations

    The report makes five recommendations including that MSD immediately cease its blanket application of the ‘prejudice to the maintenance of the law’ exception when issuing section 11/schedule 6 notices.

    It also recommends MSD undertake a comprehensive review of the Code and to develop training material and guidance for all its fraud investigation teams.

    View the Privacy Commissioner’s Inquiry into the Ministry of Social Development’s Exercise of Section 11 (Social Security Act 1964) and Compliance with the Code of Conduct report 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: International Anti-Money Laundering rule changes support government reforms

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed changes to international anti-money laundering standards which closely align with the Government’s reforms.

    “The Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) last month adopted revised standards for tackling money laundering and the financing of terrorism to allow for simplified regulatory measures for businesses, organisations and sectors that pose a lower risk of money laundering,” Mrs McKee says.

    “This Government is committed to meeting its international obligations to address money laundering and organised crime and the damage they cause to New Zealand’s society and the international economy.  But our anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime needs to recognise that a one-size-fits-all regulatory model places an undue regulatory burden on businesses, organisations and sectors that pose low risk.  

    “We’ve heard numerous stories about children, disabled and unhoused people, as well as the elderly struggling to get bank accounts; community groups being subjected to unreasonable scrutiny; and people being driven out of business because the AML/CFT settings do not encourage simplified measures where risks are lower.

    “That is why we promoted these changes at FATF, and I’m pleased other FATF members have joined us in taking a common-sense approach.   My AML/CFT reform work programme will implement the FATF’s new standard by, amongst other things, allowing simplified measures for low-risk activities and entities” Mrs McKee says.

    “These changes are in line with FATF’s new best practice that countries should not only address their AML/CFT risks but also apply a risk-based approach to ensure that measures to target money laundering and terrorist financing don’t make it impossible for innocent people to access financial services. Our focus should be on knuckling down on organised criminals and fraudsters harming our communities, not wasting time and effort digging into the affairs of ordinary people and community groups.

    “New Zealand’s experiences working to address the complex issues which make it harder and more expensive for our Pasifika communities to send money home has played an important part in changing the standards.  The FATF has listened to our experience and moved to address the AML piece of the puzzle.

    “This Government’s intended reforms aim to improve the regime and deliver regulatory relief, to support tackling organised crime and to improve New Zealand’s compliance with international standards.  The changes will be part of a wider package of reform to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the AML/CFT regime for businesses, agencies, and ordinary New Zealanders.

    “We are working hard to build efficient government structures to enable risk-based settings that empower common sense to stop wasting people’s time – and instead help businesses focus on the practical actions that they can take to help keep criminals out of our financial system.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Missing Belmont boy located

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are pleased to advise that a teenage boy, reported missing from Belmont, has been located.

    He is safe and is being taken home.

    Police thank the wider North Shore community for their response to our appeal today.

    ENDS

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests made following early morning burglaries in Rangiora

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel:

    The quick work of Police staff has led to the apprehension of three young people following a string of offences in Rangiora this morning.

    Alarm activations, the proactive work of officers on the ground in Rangiora, and proactive reporting led to the arrests following three commercial burglaries on High Street, and Ashley Street.

    Police were called to action after a patrol unit conducting proactive patrols in Rangiora saw the fog cannon of a phone store had been activated on Ashley Street around 4:10am.

    Following this sighting, Police were notified of two further burglaries after two more store alarms were activated, including a fog cannon at one of the stores. 

    A vehicle was seen leaving from near one of the stores in the Rangiora CBD, however, was not pursued and was subsequently located abandoned outside another store.

    Later this morning, a vehicle freshly reported stolen was seen driving on Ohoka Road and signalled to stop, however the driver failed to do so and continued onto Williams Street. A pursuit was not initiated.

    Around 4:40am Police came across the vehicle crashed on Main North Road near Doubledays Road, Kaiapoi.

    As a precaution, the three occupants were checked over by ambulance staff, but they were uninjured.

    All three young people were well known to Police. They have been remanded in custody and are due to reappear in the Christchurch Youth Court on charges including failing to stop, unlawfully getting into a vehicle, and burglary.

    This behaviour is understandably frustrating for business owners and residents in our community. We are glad to have held these offenders accountable almost immediately after the offences were reported.

    Police continue to encourage the community to report suspicious behaviour by calling 111 if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact.

    ENDS

    Issued by Polcie Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Teaser: Introducing Collab

    Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: Teaser: Introducing Collab

    It’s here! Collab presenter Phil Johnstone briefly describes this new podcast series about global trends in international development and humanitarian crisis response. Hear brief descriptions of the first three episodes and a heads-up about episode four in April 2025 which will be a travelogue about development work in Papua New Guinea.

    – –

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Opening of the new Canterbury Coastguard building

    Source: New Zealand Governor General

    E nga mana, e nga reo, e nga iwi o te motu e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa.

    I specifically acknowledge: His Worship Phil Mauger; Commander Rob Hall and Sub Lieutenant Amos Kamo; Mishele Phillips Radford, Chair of Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke; Bennett Medary, President of Coastguard New Zealand and acting CEO Phil Harkness; and Mark Leggett, President of Coastguard Canterbury.

    It’s wonderful to be in Lyttleton today in support of two significant  community institutions. This morning, I visited Cholmondeley Children’s Centre to celebrate their 100 years of operation – and now it is my privilege to join you all in celebrating a new era for Coastguard Canterbury.

    I am also pleased to have this opportunity to see some of the latest progress in the rebuild after the Christchurch earthquake. Some people here today were no doubt severely affected – and I imagine all of you will know people who lost loved ones, homes and businesses.

    I cannot imagine how distressing it must have been to see the extensive damage to your town, port and landscape – including to your precious marine rescue centre.

    This wonderful new building is another great step in the rebuild, and an expression of confidence in the future. I am sure it will be a great amenity for Lyttleton.

    I come here today both as Governor-General, and also as Commander-in-Chief of New Zealand Defence Forces. Commander Hall, I am delighted to see HMNZS Canterbury here in port, and to be able to personally thank you for hosting my husband during what I hear was an unforgettable voyage to the Sub-Antarctic Islands.

    Your presence here reminds us that our Navy not only plays a role in military operations, disaster recovery, meteorology and scientific research – but also as a vital partner in our coastguard services.

    New Zealanders are so blessed to live on these beautiful islands, and we are never far from our stunning coastline and harbours. We have inherited great seafaring traditions, and our affinity with the sea runs deep.

    Tangaroa commands our respect as the origin of all living things on our planet, giving us life and sustenance. It can also be unforgiving for the inexperienced or foolhardy. As Ernest Hemingway once said: ‘The sea finds out everything you did wrong.’

    The thousands of historic shipwrecks on our coastline could suggest our forebears lacked skill and judgment as seafarers – but we know plans can go horribly wrong for even the most seasoned boatie or sailor.

    The sea is a great leveller. We can all become victims of tides, the elements, unfortunate accidents or medical events.

    The coastguard volunteers here today deserve our deepest gratitude for helping others who have got into difficulties – and for putting their own lives at risk.

    Martin Luther King said: ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is “what are you doing for others?”‘ So much of what is good and true in our communities is due to the commitment of volunteers – people who are prepared to devote their time, energy and skills in the service of public good.

    I also want to acknowledge the individuals and organisations who saw that Lyttleton’s coastguard volunteers needed a new home, and were determined to make this project become a reality.

    Lyttleton can be justly proud of this purpose-built facility, as well as the unwavering commitment of your coastguard volunteers to bring people in distress safely to shore. I wish you all the very best with that mission in the years ahead.

    Kia ora, kia kaha, kia manawanui, huihui tātou katoa.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reception for Community Networks Wellington

    Source: New Zealand Governor General

    E nga rau rangatira mā, e huihui mai i tēnei ra, tēnei aku mihi mahana ki a koutou. Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Whare o Te Kawana Tianara o Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Kia ora mai tātou katoa.

    I’d like to begin by specifically acknowledging: Her Worship Tory Whanau, Mayor of Wellington; Diana Wolken, Chair of the Executive Committee of Community Networks Wellington; Debbie Delaney, Coordinator of Community Networks Wellington; and Theresa Hall, Maddie Clark, and Amanda Ashby, Executive Committee.

    And to all our distinguished guests here this morning, including of course, members of Wellington’s community and social sector – tēnā koutou katoa. As Governor-General, I’m delighted to have this opportunity to acknowledge the powerful and important work that each of you do in support of the Wellington, Hutt Valley, and Porirua communities.

    I wish to firstly acknowledge what a difficult time this must be for many of you here this morning, as well as the organisations you represent – knowing, as I do, the enormous financial hardships being experienced by community sector providers and families throughout the country. However, I also acknowledge that your work could not be more important, and I commend each of you for remaining steadfast in your support of those members of our society who find themselves cut off, in crisis, and – so often – with nowhere else to turn.

    Having spent much of my own life and career advocating for the wellbeing of tamariki and whānau, I understand the importance of the community and social sector for maintaining the fabric of our communities – and I know that your work is all the more impactful, when it is done in close connection with those who share your values and objectives. As the whakataukī says: ‘Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa. Let us keep close together, not far apart.’

    Last year, Dr Davies and I visited the Hawkes’ Bay and Tairāwhiti regions, to see how those communities were recovering following Cyclone Gabrielle. The theme that we encountered again and again, was how essential local organisations had been in supporting whānau in their recovery – and the better-connected those organisations were, both with each other, and into their communities, the more effective they could be in supporting families through that time of such terrible devastation and loss.

    I wish to acknowledge Community Networks Wellington specifically, for bringing together this group here today, whose work so often goes unacknowledged. I also wish to recognise your own work in supporting this sector, so integral to the wellbeing of our society. By providing such an active and effective platform for local charities and community groups to come together, you give your member organisations new avenues, invaluable insights, and powerful means for supporting the needs of those they serve.

    It was St Francis of Assisi who said: ‘Remember, when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received, only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.’ As Governor-General, on behalf of all New Zealanders, I wish to thank everyone here this morning – for all that you do and that you give in support of those most vulnerable and marginalised members of our society.

    I wish finally to offer my most heartfelt encouragement: please, keep going. Your work remains so acutely important, and I have no doubt of the great positive impact you are having, and the comfort you are providing to so many. I invite you to please enjoy the hospitality of this House – and I wish you all the very best in your ongoing work across our communities.

    Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, Omakau

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on Glassford Road, Omakau on 21 February.

    He was 25-year-old Callum Sean Russell Pattison, from Lauder, Central Otago.

    Our thoughts are with those close to him at this difficult time.

    Work is ongoing to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police on the scent in Flat Bush

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A vehicle of interest to Police in the Flat Bush area has been located with drugs, cash, and offensive weapons.

    Police approached the vehicle parked up on Murphys Road on Tuesday afternoon.

    Inspector Rakana Cook, Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager says officers approached the vehicle to speak with the driver.

    “On approach, a strong odour of cannabis reeked from the vehicle,” he says.

    “A search of the vehicle was invoked which located cannabis divvyed up into eight bags.”

    At the same time a large knife was located on the driver’s side of the vehicle, invoking a further search for offensive weapons.

    “Police located another large knife in the vehicle as well as a wooden baseball bat and around $1500 in cash.”

    Around 139 grams of cannabis was located. The 20-year-old man was arrested by Police.

    Inspector Cook says he faces charges of possession of cannabis for supply and possession of an offensive weapon.

    “Our Area Prevention Unit are continuing to do great work in targeting and preventing harm in the Flat Bush community,” he says.

    “It’s the second discovery of bagged up cannabis in a vehicle travelling through our area this week.”

    Police continue to encourage the community to report suspicious activity in their area by calling 111.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests made in Operation Sove – Stokes Valley murder and arson

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan:

    Hutt Valley Police have arrested three men in connection to the murder of a man in his 80s and the arson of his residential property last year.

    A homicide investigation was launched in November 2024, after one of three arsons at the Hanson Grove, Stokes Valley residential property resulted in the death of 82-year-old Ian David Moller.

    This morning, Police executed multiple search warrants within the Hutt Valley area, targeting the three men aged in their 20s and 30s. Two of the men have been charged with murder, arson and conspiring to commit arson and the third male has been charged with arson and conspiring to commit arson.  All three men have also been charged with participating in a in a criminal group. 

    All were due to appear in the Hutt Valley District Court this afternoon. Four others were arrested during the course of today’s warrants on unrelated matters.

    This has been a long and protracted enquiry, which has culminated in today’s arrests through the dedicated work of a team of detectives in the Hutt Valley and wider Wellington District.

    I have spoken with the Moller family who were relieved to hear the news, in what is a further step forward in coming to terms with what happened.

    Police would like to thank the Stokes Valley community who their continual support throughout this enquiry.

    We are confident there are further witnesses who may now feel comfortable coming forward and speaking with us and I would like to take this opportunity to urge them to do so.

    The three incidents occurred on Tuesday 5 November, Thursday 10 November, and Monday 14 November on Hanson Grove all occurring during the early hours of the morning.

    If you have information that may assist in our continued enquiry, please contact Police.

    You can report information to us on 105 either online or over the phone. Please reference file number 241105/2249 and quote Operation Sove. 

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland News – WHAKAMĀNAWA Ā TAIAO – ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS CLOSE SOON

    Source: Northland Regional Council
    Time is running out to apply for the sixth Northland Regional Council Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards, which recognise individuals, groups and organisations helping to protect and improve Northland’s environment.
    The Environmental Awards helps tell the story of the environmental work happening in Northland and shows that collectively we are making a difference. Entries close Sunday 30 March.
    Award categories include:
    • Environmental action in the community
    • Environmental action to protect native life
    • Environmental action in water quality improvement
    • Environmental action in education
    • Environmental leadership
    • Youth environmental leader
    • Kaitiakitanga
    • Environmental action in business
    • Environmental action to address climate change
    People interested in learning more about the awards – including previous winners – can visit: awards.nrc.govt.nz
    WANANGA WAIORA
    The second Wānanga Waiora will be held at Waitangi Treaty Grounds on Wednesday March 26, bringing together about 200 people including tangata whenua and representatives from local government, central government agencies and various organisations to inform and raise awareness of water-related reforms, implementation work programmes and policy developments. Tickets have now sold out. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Exercise NZ – Midway Results: MPs Step Up in Fit 4 Office Challenge

    Source: Exercise NZ

    At the halfway mark of the Fit 4 Office (F4O) Challenge, New Zealand MPs from across the political spectrum are proving that even the busiest schedules can include time for movement. 

    With 11 MPs actively engaging in the challenge using Myzone heart rate monitors, the competition is heating up as they strive to lead by example and inspire Kiwis to prioritise physical activity.

    Exercise New Zealand (ExerciseNZ) launched the challenge on March 5, 2025, as a three-week initiative to promote regular movement while fostering a friendly competitive spirit among Members of Parliament. 

    Participants track their movement using Myzone wearable technology, aiming to accumulate 1,000 Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) by the challenge’s conclusion. 
    Myzone monitors record MEPs based on heart rate data, measuring effort rather than just steps or distance. This system ensures that all activity is fairly tracked, with points awarded based on the intensity of exercise rather than duration alone, making it an inclusive and motivating tool for participants of all fitness levels.

    At the halfway point, the top five participants have all soared past this milestone and look to be on the right path to hitting the 3,000 MEPs milestone if they maintain this effort.

    Standout Performers So Far
    As the competition reaches its midpoint, three MPs from three different political parties have distinguished themselves as frontrunners:

    Mark Mitchell (National) – 2169 MEPs
    Julie-Anne Genter (Greens) – 2036 MEPs
    Jan Tinetti (Labour) – 1848 MEPs

    ExerciseNZ CEO Richard Beddie acknowledges the commitment MPs are showing:
    “This challenge is not just about competition; it’s about demonstrating that movement matters. The participation of our MPs reinforces the importance of incorporating daily activity, no matter how demanding their roles are.”

    The Power of Movement
    Scientific research consistently highlights the benefits of regular physical activity, including:

    A 4% improvement in overall fitness with just 15 minutes of movement per day.
    A 12% boost in energy levels.
    An 8% increase in sleep quality.

    Long-term benefits include a longer life expectancy and reduced risk of serious conditions like cancer and dementia. Additionally, research from Deloitte has found that physical inactivity costs the New Zealand economy over $2.3 billion annually, including $650 million in increased healthcare costs.

    What’s Next?
    With one week remaining, MPs will continue their push towards gaining those ever so sought-after MEPs points while inspiring New Zealanders to add more movement to their day—whether through structured workouts, active transport, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education and Culture – Unitec and MIT celebrate more than 20 years with ASB Polyfest

    Source: Unitec

    Tāmaki Makaurau vocational education providers are partnering to mark the 50 th anniversary of the Auckland schools’ Pacific cultural festival.
    Unitec and Manukau Institute of Technology have been long-time supporters of the event which showcases the talents and promotes pride among the young people of our region.
    This year, for the first time, the providers have joined forces to sponsor the Tonga stage while also supporting James Cook High School as stage hosts.
    “Unitec and MIT working together for Polyfest reinforces our shared legacy of championing Pacific cultures in Tāmaki Makaurau. Many of our kaimahi (staff) and ākonga (learners) have been involved with the festival as high school students and later as teachers, community leaders and mentors. This has enabled them to celebrate their heritage, embrace their identities and bring their full selves to campus,” says Executive Director Peseta Sam Lotu-liga.
    In 2003, Unitec became the first and sole tertiary sponsor of the event before going on to support the Māori and Diversity stages.
    While MIT began its sponsorship relationship in 2010, backing the Niuean stage.
    ASB Polyfest Director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu described Unitec and MIT’s partnership as being a significant display of support for the event and to the thousands of students who perform and participate in the festival.
    “Enduring partnerships with tertiary providers are key to the future sustainability of ASB Polyfest. With so many young people looking to explore further education beyond high school, partnerships like this help to inform students and our wider community of the opportunities that are available to them”.
    Visitors to the joint stand will take part in a range of fun, engaging activities, including meeting players from the Northern Stars netball team. They will also have the opportunity to explore the range of qualifications offered by both providers across the region, enhancing their understanding of the exciting futures our programmes can connect young people with.
    Forty-five kaimahi from both institutes have signed up to be volunteers this year at the four-day event.
    “Leading up to the festival, we are running workshops for volunteers to enhance their awareness of the Tongan culture and traditions. We want to drive opportunities for our kaimahi to not just experience the festival’s vibrant energy and engage with the community but also gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the cultures of our learners and region,” says Julie Prentice, Head of External Engagement at MIT and Unitec.
    Daisy Bentley-Gray, Interim Manager-Pacific Success at Unitec has been to Polyfest both as a volunteer and visitor.
    “It’s great that Unitec is part of Polyfest 2025 as a stage sponsor with MIT. We have a long association with the festival, where we have always had high levels of interest and engagement with the community,” she says.
    ASB Polyfest 2025 will be held from 2 April to 5 April at the Manukau Sports Bowl. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Animal Welfare – NZVA supports work to speed up availability of new veterinary medicines

    Source: NZ Veterinary Association

    The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe will be working alongside The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Animal and Plant Health NZ (APHANZ) as they try to improve access to veterinary medicines, according to the Association’s Chief Executive Kevin Bryant.
    “The Government’s push to improve access to these medicines is important and we’ll be doing everything we can to support it,” he says.
    The comments have come following the recent release of the Agricultural and Horticultural Products Regulatory Review by the Ministry for Regulation Te Manatū Waeture. The review included 16 recommendations to improve efficiency and transparency, reduce application queues, and accelerate assessments. Cabinet has accepted the recommendations.
    The NZVA made a submission as part of the review process, which ran from August to December 2024.
    “Increasing access to a wider range of veterinary products is essential for improved patient outcomes and animal welfare, and we look forward to seeing the results,” Bryant says.
    “While doing this work, it will be critical that any improvements maintain the balance between timely access to medicines and the evaluation required to protect animal health, public health, and the environment.” 
    The NZVA supports a regulatory framework that ensures New Zealand continues to meet international best practice standards.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – EPA tightens rules to keep weedkiller out of compost

    Source: Environmental Protection Authority
    The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is standardising the controls for products containing clopyralid, so that plants sprayed with the persistent weedkiller are less likely to contaminate compost.
    Clopyralid is used to control weeds in sports turf, lawns, and on farms and in forestry. If plants sprayed with the substance get into compost, the compost can harm some garden plants, causing them to become stunted or distorted. A wide range of plants are affected.
    “We have now aligned all the compost controls for weedkillers containing clopyralid with an existing approval which already has appropriate controls,” says Max Thoma, EPA Manager Hazardous Substances Reassessments.
    “This will make the rules consistent, easy to follow, and fair for businesses importing, selling or using clopyralid products.
    “Prior to this decision, many of the products had slightly different controls as they had gone through separate approval processes at different times.”
    “Ultimately, these changes will make it less likely for clopyralid to contaminate compost and damage plants.”
    The decision was made via a new reassessment pathway, which allows the EPA to align controls for products containing the same active ingredients, based on a previous EPA or a recognised international regulator decision.
    All clopyralid products will now have the same restrictions on use and labelling requirements relating to compost, including:
    A composting restriction: plants sprayed with clopyralid cannot be used to make compost (or similar materials such as mulch, fertiliser, or mushroom substrate).
    Workplace restriction: clopyralid-containing substances cannot be sold to the general public and can only be sold to workplaces, ensuring they are only sold to people with appropriate skills and knowledge.
    Additional label statements to communicate the restrictions to the user.
    For tips on disposing of weeds sprayed with clopyralid and making sure your compost doesn’t contain clopyralid:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hipkins accuses PM of undermining NZ’s nuclear-free stance in India memo

    RNZ News

    New Zealand opposition Labour leader Chris Hipkins is accusing the prime minister of reversing a long-held foreign policy during his current trip to India to help secure a free trade agreement between the two countries.

    “It seems our foreign policy is up for grabs at the moment,” he said, citing Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s seeming endorsement of India’s bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group despite New Zealand’s previous long-standing objection.

    “I think these are bad moves for New Zealand. We should continue to be independent and principled in our foreign policy.”

    Hipkins was commenting to RNZ Morning Report on a section of the joint statement issued after Luxon met with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

    It included a reference to India’s hopes of joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

    NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Indian PM Narendra Modi at the Sikh temple Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib . . . “both acknowledged the value of India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).” Image: RNZ

    “Both leaders acknowledged the importance of upholding the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime and acknowledged the value of India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in context of predictability for India’s clean energy goals and its non-proliferation credentials,” the statement said, as reported by StratNews Global.

    The NSG was set up in 1974 as the US response to India’s “peaceful nuclear test” that year. Comprising 48 countries, the aim was to ensure that nuclear trade for peaceful purposes does not contribute to the proliferation of atomic weapons, the report said.

    India is not a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty which is one of the pre-requisites of joining the NSG.

    NZ objected to India
    In the past New Zealand has objected to India joining the NSG because of concern access to those nuclear materials could be used for nuclear weapons.

    “So it’s a principled stance New Zealand has taken. Christopher Luxon signed that away yesterday,” Hipkins said.

    “He basically signed a memo that basically said that we supported India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group despite the fact that India has consistently refused to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty.”

    It was “a reversal” of previous policy, Hipkins said, and undermined New Zealand’s nuclear-free stance.

    But a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters denied there had been a change.

    “New Zealand’s position on the Nuclear Suppliers Group has not changed, contrary to what Mr Hipkins claims. The joint statements released by the New Zealand and Indian Prime Ministers in 2016 and 2025 make that abundantly clear,” he said.

    “If Mr Hipkins or his predecessor Jacinda Ardern had travelled to India during their six years as Prime Minister, the Labour Party might understand this issue and the New Zealand-India relationship a bit better.”

    Opposed to ‘selling out’
    Peters was also Foreign Minister during the first three years of the Ardern government.

    On a possible free trade deal with India, Hipkins said he did not want to see it achieved at the expense of “selling out large parts of New Zealand’s economy and potentially New Zealand’s principled foreign policy stance” which would not be good for this country.

    “The endorsement of India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group is a real departure.”

    Comment has been requested from the Prime Minister’s office.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: DOC urges dog owners to act after nine kiwi killed

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  19 March 2025

    “This situation needs urgent action. Kiwi are a taonga species found only in Aotearoa, and if they disappear from here, they’re gone forever. Dog owners and all organisations involved must take their responsibilities seriously.”

    “These recent kiwi deaths are devastating, and we need everyone to play their part in protecting our native wildlife,” says Bronwyn BauerHunt, DOC Operations Manager for the Bay of Islands.

    The first dead kiwi was reported to DOC on 29 January 2025, followed by two more on 11 February. Between 12 February and 9 March, another six kiwi were found dead. All were found on private land. Some of the carcasses were badly decomposed, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of death, but several were fresh enough to be tested for canine DNA.

    DOC rangers met with Far North District Council (FNDC) staff on 14 February, to discuss the best approaches to address uncontrolled dogs in the immediate area. Under the Dog Control Act, only FNDC has the authority to enter private property on reasonable grounds, and seize dogs suspected of attacking kiwi.

    DOC has been working closely with Kiwi Coast a community-led, collaborative conservation initiative in Northland, to examine the kiwi, collect DNA samples where possible, and record details of each case. All kiwi in good enough condition will undergo a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

    These latest deaths add to a concerning trend. Dogs are the leading cause of kiwi deaths, and in past incidents, they have been responsible for multiple kiwi fatalities across Northland, leading to prosecutions. In 2019, a single roaming dog killed at least six kiwi near Whangārei, resulting in a prosecution and a fine for the owner.

    In 2021, another case in the Bay of Islands saw a dog owner fined after their pet was linked to the deaths of several kiwi. These cases highlight the serious consequences of failing to control dogs in kiwi habitat.

    “We urge all dog owners in kiwi zones to be responsible. Keep your dogs under control at all times, especially at night. If you live in or near kiwi habitat, the safest option is to keep your dog contained or inside when not supervised,” says Bronwyn.

    Anyone with information about uncontrolled dogs in the area is encouraged to contact FNDC 0800 920 029 or DOC 0800 DOC HOT.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH45 safety work continues in New Plymouth

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A small stretch of State Highway 45 Devon Street West in New Plymouth will be closing next month for safety improvement work.

    The work is part of a wider project that the New Plymouth Infrastructure Partnership, on behalf of NPDC and NZ Transport Agency, is completing to improve road user safety along SH45 between Morley Street and Barrett Road. 

    To complete this work as safely and efficiently as possible, SH45 at the intersection of Morley Street will be closed at night (7pm-6am) from Sunday 6 April to Thursday 1 May. Work will be carried out Sunday to Thursday every week during this period.

    During the closure periods, alternative routes will be available for road users and will be clearly signposted. 

    Outside the night works, and on Friday and Saturday nights, the intersection will be open and under a temporary speed restriction.

    Access to businesses will be maintained at all times. Pedestrian and property access will be maintained; however, some parking may be unavailable while particular areas are under construction.

    As part of this project, crews will complete upgrades to the cycle lanes, lights phasing and road layout at the intersection of SH45 and Morley Street, to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists on this busy road and improve traffic flow on State Highway 45.

    So far, this project has seen various improvements along SH45 in New Plymouth between Morley Street and Barret Road, including upgrades to cycle lanes, footpaths and pedestrian crossings, as well as intersection layout changes to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists on this busy road. 

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi appreciates the full intersection closure will be frustrating, but we’re confident that by doing the work at night under a full intersection closure, we can reduce disruption for businesses and residents in the area and avoid a further 4 weeks of work if the intersection remained open during the work.

    For more information on this project visit:

    npdc.govt.nz(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Another failed ETS auction, another indictment on the Govt’s climate credibility

    Source: Green Party

    The ETS auction’s failure today is yet another clear sign that the Government is failing us all on climate action.  

    “Yesterday, the acting Prime Minister admitted that the Government’s climate commitments were the bare minimum. Worse still, today’s ETS auction failure shows that even the market the Government is relying on doesn’t trust them to deliver,” says the Green Party’s co-leader and Climate Change spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick.

    “Luxon’s Government has put almost all of their climate eggs in the basket of market mechanisms like the Emissions Trading Scheme, and left a gaping hole in the basket. 

    “We must take forestry offsets out of the ETS to ensure it functions properly to actually cap emissions. We must end free allocation of credits to our largest polluters. We must price agricultural emissions – the only sector currently not priced.

    “He Ara Anamata, our Green Emissions Reduction Plan, showed how we can reduce emissions five times faster than the Government’s plan, while reducing the cost of living and improving people’s quality of life.

    “Our plan outlines an economy that supports people and the planet, instead of exploiting and exhausting both.

    “That means a Green Jobs Guarantee, planting native trees instead of pine, efficient public transport, sustainable food production, restoring our wetlands, designing our cities better, distributed and resilient renewable energy, real just transition plans led by local communities and so much more,” says Chlöe Swarbrick.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greens call for compassionate release of Dean Wickliffe

    Source: Green Party

    The Green Party is calling for the compassionate release of Dean Wickliffe, a 77-year-old kaumātua on hunger strike at the Spring Hill Corrections Facility, after visiting him at the prison.

    “We are calling on the Minister of Corrections to urgently intervene when it comes to the safety and survival of Dean Wickliffe who is entering day nine of his hunger strike,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Corrections, Tamatha Paul.

    “People in prison are human beings and have rights. The Minister has a duty to ensure these rights are upheld. What we have heard from Dean is gravely concerning.

    “Mr Wickliffe is endangering his own life to bring light to the cruel treatment and abuse that happens in prison, and the cruel system we have which picks up a homeless kaumātua living in his car with his cats and puts him back in prison for no good reason. It is critical we do all we can to give Dean the support he needs so he is in a place where he feels he can end his hunger strike. Time is of the essence here.

    “The integrity of our justice system is contingent on upholding basic human rights and assisting people in prisons to be rehabilitated and reintegrated successfully into our communities. We know that this rehabilitation and support is not happening.

    “Time and time again, our prisons have failed to provide rehabilitation, failing to prevent the cycle of harm from continuing. Human beings are often degraded and humiliated within that system. We must build a justice system that holds rehabilitation at its core while upholding human rights, dignity and humanity,” says Tamatha Paul.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road blocked, SH2, Whakamārama

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are responding to a crash involving four vehicles on State Highway 2 near Francis Road, Whakamārama.

    Emergency services were alerted around 12:20pm.

    It appears six people were involved, with one person in a moderate to serious condition, and the others with minor to moderate injuries.

    The road is closed near Francis Road as we work at the scene and diversions are in place, motorists are advised to expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police switch onto offenders after burglary

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Two burglars face charges after failing to flee from Police with their lights off in Ōrewa.

    The pair had been travelling north after earlier allegedly committing a burglary at a Birkenhead store on the North Shore.

    Just after 4am, a Police unit observed a suspicious vehicle on Hibiscus Coast Highway.

    “On seeing the patrol vehicle, the car’s headlights were quickly turned off,” Inspector Mike Rickards, relieving Waitematā North Area Commander says.

    “Ironically, this attracted our staff’s attention even further and the vehicle was signalled to stop.”

    The vehicle fled but was not pursued.

    Inspector Rickards says traffic cameras were used to track the vehicle into the Pūhoi area.

    “Eagle had already deployed into the area, and with spikes successfully deployed on Fowler Access Road there was nowhere to go for the pair.”

    After the vehicle came to a stop, both men ran into nearby bushland.

    “Eagle directed our staff on the ground to the two men’s location and they were both arrested,” Inspector Rickards says.

    Inside the vehicle was a range of new equipment which was suspected to be stolen.

    North Shore Police have since confirmed a burglary had taken place in Birkenhead roughly half an hour prior to the vehicle being seen in Ōrewa.

    “A retail store on Mokoia Road was burgled at around 3.30am and was in the process of being reported when our staff were dealing with this pair.

    “The Tactical Crime Unit has now charged them with burglary and are in the fortunate position of being able to return the stolen property.”

    Those arrested are two men, aged 35 and 40, who will appear in the North Shore District Court.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Injured man dies in hospital after incident, Melville

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Neilson,

    A man located in a critical condition after an incident in Hamilton over the weekend has died in hospital.

    Emergency services were called to Beatty Street, Melville at around 4.30am on Saturday 15 March. Upon arrival, a 26-year-old man was located deceased at the scene.

    A second man located in critical condition and transported to hospital died today, Wednesday 19 March.

    Our thoughts are with the families of the two deceased during this difficult time, and continue to offer them support.

    Police continue to make enquiries into this incident and continue to ask anyone with information of CCTV footage to contact us.

    A 41-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in the High Court at Hamilton on 1 April.

    Further charges are being considered.

    You can provide information to Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    Please use the reference number 250315/0371.

    You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New electronic system to support pharmacy efficiency

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Health Minister David Seymour says he welcomes Medsafe’s decision to approve an electronic controlled drug register for use in New Zealand pharmacies, allowing pharmacies to replace their physical paper-based register.
    “The register, developed by Kiwi brand Toniq Limited, is the first of its kind to be approved in New Zealand for pharmacies, increasing efficiency in pharmacies by allowing pharmacists to focus on patients instead of administrative tasks like manual record-keeping,” Mr Seymour says. 
    “I have seen first-hand the role pharmacists play in the healthcare system. They are the customer facing arm of the pharmaceutical industry and are integral to medicines access. They dispense medications, educate patients, and advise doctors. I’m pleased to be making life easier for them so they can focus on patients.
    “I’m excited to see New Zealand embrace innovative technology like this, and I look forward to seeing how it can help ease our pharmacists’ workloads.”
    Pharmacies are required to keep detailed records of any controlled drugs in stock, such as opioids and medicinal cannabis, given the higher level of risk they pose. Currently, these are recorded in physical paper-based registers and can take considerable work to maintain. 
    “Electronic systems like this are the future of pharmacy, and it’s fantastic to see New Zealand adopting them, especially involving a Kiwi brand,” says Mr Seymour.
    “The register integrates with the Toniq dispensing system, helping maintain accurate oversight of the number and type of drugs in storage, and simplifies recording requirements through its automated processes. 
    “Toniq has been testing the registers, with Medsafe oversight, at a controlled trial in pharmacies. The register proved well equipped to handle users’ requirements and received good feedback from participating pharmacists. 
    “Pharmacists who are interested in exploring other options for electronic registers should keep an eye on this space. Medsafe is currently assessing the abilities of other vendors and will look to make more options available if they meet their standards.  
    “It’s great to see pharmacists gaining access to a resource that can help manage their administrative duties. I know these tasks can be time-consuming, and given our already stretched health system, I want to make sure they are able to focus on only the most vital tasks.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –