NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-Evening Report: Activists scale NZ building in protest against global weapons company

    By Kate Green , RNZ News reporter

    Protesters have scaled the building of an international weapons company in Rolleston, Christchurch, in resistance to it establishing a presence in Aotearoa New Zealand.

    Two people from the group Peace Action Ōtautahi were on the roof of the NIOA building on Stoneleigh Drive, shown in a photo on social media, and banners were strung across the exterior.

    Banners declared “No war profiteers in our city. NIOA supplies genocide” and “Shut NIOA down”.

    In late December, the group hung a banner across the Bridge of Remembrance in a similar protest.

    In 2023, the global munitions company acquired Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, an Australian-owned, US-based manufacturer of firearms and ammunition operating out of Tennessee.

    According to the company’s website, its products are “used by civilian sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military and more than 80 State Department approved countries across the world”.

    In a media release, Peace Action Ōtautahi said the aim was to highlight the alleged killing of innocent civilians with weapons supplied by NIOA.

    NIOA has been approached for comment.

    Police confirm action
    A police spokesperson said they were aware of the protest, and confirmed two people had climbed onto the roof, and others were surrounding the premises.

    In a later statement, police said the people on the ground had moved. However, the two protesters remained on the roof.

    “We are working to safely resolve the situation, and remove people from the roof,” they said.

    “While we respect the right to lawful protest, our responsibility is to uphold the law and ensure the safety of those involved.”

    Fire and Emergency staff were also on the scene, alongside the police Public Safety Unit and negotiation team.

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Saddle Road, Woodville

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are responding to a serious crash on Saddle Road, Woodville.

    Emergency services were alerted to the two-vehicle crash near the Hope Road intersection at around 11.10am.

    Initial indications suggest there are injuries.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

    The road is closed, and motorists are advised to avoid the area and follow diversions.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Pump track planned for Porirua’s Postgate Park

    Source: Porirua City Council 

    An under-utilised Porirua green space is to be transformed into a pump track for riders of all ages.
    The southern end of Postgate Park in Whitby has been set aside for the 1000 sqm asphalt track, where bikes, scooters and skateboards can be ridden over jumps and turns.
    This track is the brainchild of Whitby dad Daniel Heath, through Mana Cycle Group, and he has been responsible for fundraising the full amount needed to build the track so there is no burden on ratepayers. He says the location makes it accessible from walkways across Whitby, the eastern Porirua suburbs and Bothamley Park.
    “This is going to be a world-class track built by Velosolutions, who are global experts in this type of construction, with other tracks they’ve built used for regional and national competitions,” Daniel says.
    “We love it when kids are off their devices and outside, and a pump track promotes physical activity, skill development and fun. But it’ll be for older kids too – I know plenty of adults who will be hanging out to give this a go!”
    Daniel says the idea for a pump track in this part of Porirua has been around since the Covid lockdowns and it’s been a challenge to fundraise and get to this point. While Porirua schools have built bike tracks, they don’t have the resources or space to build something with challenging elements like a pump track, he says.
    “I felt as a community we could do better and the schools can save their valuable play space, and funds, for other things. There is plenty of space at Postgate Park and even with the track at one end, there will still be a lot of the park space still available.”
    Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says a facility like this is a win-win for the Porirua community.
    “It’s going to be an asset for our residents, and visitors,” she says.
    “It makes perfect sense for Porirua City Council to be in partnership with Mana Cycle Group to use a part of Postgate Park, and I congratulate Daniel and Mana Cycle Group team for all the heavy lifting they’ve done to get the project to fruition.”
    Construction is set to start in mid or late April and take six weeks.
    (Please see video of similar track opening in Cambridge:  https://youtu.be/zMnDcZJFUTs?si=jXtlsbggClkvOnZ6)
    Mana Cycle Group: manacyclegroup.org.nz
    Velosolutions: velosolutions.com

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mining Sector – Business costs can’t increase to modernise DoC – Straterra

    Source: Straterra Inc

    The mining industry is encouraged to see Conservation Minister Tama Potaka say he aims to lower costs to businesses as the Department of Conservation (DoC) looks to modernise its processes, says Straterra chief executive Josie Vidal.
    “In our submission on the discussion document Modernising conservation land management we note this important point, outlined in the foreword as one of the Minister’s two bottom lines,” Vidal says.
    “There is no doubt the many layers of processes DoC has to provide access and concessions for the conservation estate needs modernising and we support this aim. However, there is a danger of over-simplifying and we have concerns about, and do not support, the proposed class approach to concessions. Instead, we prefer a case-by-case approach where each application is assessed on its overall merits.
    “Getting a mine up and running is costly and business and miners already pay numerous charges for access arrangements and concessions. These include activity, management, and monitoring fees, industrial intrusion charges, and various other charges. This complicated and oblique charging system means that in aggregate, the payment miners make to the Government is substantial.
    “There is a strong case for removing the requirement for concessions for mining operations. This could be achieved by allowing mineral permits to cover all land that is required for the mining and associated activities, such as roads and processing plants, and not just the mining of the mineral.
    “We support more flexibility for the Government to exchange, transfer, or dispose of parcels of conservation land. This can benefit both miners and the DoC with enhanced conservation outcomes, as well as wider benefits for society.
    “The conservation estate is one-third of New Zealand’s land and DoC doesn’t have the resources to manage that.
    “Enabling land to be exchanged or disposed of can raise funds for conservation purposes (e.g. pest control) and/or ensure the land is being held by an owner best able to optimise the conservation value. Miners are often better placed than DoC to do this and miners on the conservation estate are engaged in pest control, kiwi breeding programmes, and other conservation projects.
    “The aim of more flexible land exchange and disposal settings should be to support all Government priorities, including economic, while still providing a net conservation benefit and safeguarding vulnerable biodiversity.
    “Mining tourism should be part of the enhanced tourism on conservation land goal in the discussion document. This would also help dispel the many myths and misinformation about mining on conservation land. There is already some mining tourism activity in New Zealand.
    “We do not support giving the Minister of Conservation power to approve the National Conservation Policy Statement (NCPS) and area plans because of the risk of an ideologically driven minister rejecting perfectly acceptable uses of conservation land,” Vidal says.
    Straterra is the industry association representing New Zealand’s minerals and mining sector. Its submission on proposals to modernise the conservation system is here: https://straterra.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Submission-Conservation.pdf
    Notes:
    – Exploration and mining currently occurs on conservation land excluding National Parks and Schedule 4 land. The Government and industry are not seeking to change the current settings in relation to this.
    – Mining on conservation land is infrequent and the footprint is small because mineral resources are hard to find and strict hurdles have to be navigated before approval to mine is given. Only about 3,500 hectares or 0.04% of the conservation estate has been disturbed by mining. This is after more than 40 years of mining on conservation land.
    – Not all exploration on conservation land leads to mining as the exploration phase may rule out mining.
    – The status quo works well where exploration and mining applications are considered on their merits against the conservation values of the land in question. This case-by-case approach is a more versatile and superior approach than one based on land categorisation because it doesn’t rule out potential opportunities before they are considered.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Govt urged to rule out any involvement in AUKUS

    Source: Green Party

    The Green Party is calling on the Prime Minister to rule out joining the AUKUS military pact in any capacity following the scenes in the White House over the weekend. 

    “President Trump’s appalling treatment of his Ukrainian counterpart is a clear warning that we must avoid AUKUS at all costs,” says the Green Party’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono.

    “Aotearoa must stand on an independent and principled approach to foreign affairs and use that as a platform to promote peace. 

    “What we saw in the White House at the weekend laid bare the volatility and danger of the Trump leadership – nothing good can come from deepening our links to this administration.

    “Christopher Luxon should read the room and rule out joining any part of the AUKUS framework.

    “We believe Aotearoa New Zealand should steer clear of AUKUS regardless of who is in the White House, but Trump’s transactional and hyper-aggressive foreign policy makes the case to stay out stronger than ever.

    “Our country must not join a campaign that is escalating tensions in the Pacific and talking up the prospects of a war which the people of our region firmly oppose. 

    “Advocating for, and working towards, peaceful solutions to the world’s conflicts must be an absolute priority for our country,” says Teanau Tuiono.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: PSA survey proves Govt’s cuts are hurting patients

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The National Government’s decision to cut jobs and freeze recruitment of health care workers is hurting frontline services and harming patients.

    “The PSA’s health workforce survey shows 81 percent of health workers believe the cuts and restructuring they’ve been subjected to over the last year have hurt the services they deliver,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. 

    “Our healthcare workers are enduring job cuts, underfunding and a hiring freeze, and they can see every day the impact that it’s having on their ability to help people in need.

    “The survey of almost 1300 health workers shows that cuts and hiring freezes result in longer waiting lists and burnt out staff, both of which can contribute to poorer health for patients.

    “Cuts to services mean people can’t get the care and treatment they need to help their condition improve right now. Their condition can also worsen long-term creating greater cost to the health system and lower quality of life for patients in the future.

    “National talked a big game during the election campaign, promising both tax cuts and improved health services, but now we’re seeing New Zealanders paying the price.

    “This government is failing to deliver what they promised and is taking New Zealand’s health system backwards,” Ayesha Verrall said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland News – No major changes for NRC Annual Plan

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    With no significant changes to its work programme for the coming year, Northland Regional Council won’t be consulting on its Annual Plan for 2025/26, says Chair Geoff Crawford.
    “The work programme we set out in our Long Term Plan last year – and consulted on widely – sets us in good stead for the upcoming financial year.”
    “As a result, we’re not planning to consult on our Annual Plan, as it’s not expected to contain any significant changes to what’s in that Long Term Plan.”
    “We think it’s better for our ratepayers to save the expense of re-consulting on things and continue looking for cost-savings where we can.”
    He says the council is still required to develop an Annual Plan for 2025/26, and through that process council is working hard to get rates lower than what was originally projected for the coming year. The final plan and reduced rate increase will be confirmed and publicly available mid-year.
    Meanwhile, Chair Crawford says despite its decision not to consult on its Annual Plan, the council will be seeking feedback on its Draft User Fees and Charges for 2025/26.
    He says the council reviews its user fees and charges each year to make sure they’re fit for purpose and keep up with changing costs.
    “This year, in addition to a baseline 3.1% inflationary increase, we’re proposing some updates to wording and changes to three specific fees – for oil spill contingency plans, the initial charge for extension of consent period, and the purchase of hard copies of our proposed regional plan.”
    Chair Crawford says the council is also making some updates to reflect legislative changes since last year.
    “Our Draft User Fees and Charges 2025/26 document outlines the proposed updates we’re seeking feedback on – you can read the document at www.nrc.govt.nz/userfees .”
    Feedback can be made until Friday 28 March. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Political analyst hopes NZ, Australia will ‘step up’ over USAID cuts gap

    By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor

    The Trump administration’s decision to eliminate more than 90 percent of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funding means “nothing’s safe right now,” a regional political analyst says.

    President Donald Trump’s government has said it is slashing about US$60 billion in overall US development and humanitarian assistance around the world to further its America First policy.

    Last September, the former Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said that Washington had “listened carefully” to Pacific Island nations and was making efforts to boost its diplomatic footprint in the region.

    Campbell had announced that the US contributed US$25 million to the Pacific-owned and led Pacific Resilience Facility — a fund endorsed by leaders to make it easier for Forum members to access climate financing for adaptation, disaster preparedness and early disaster response projects.

    However, Trump’s move has been said to have implications for the Pacific, which is one of the most aid-dependent regions in the world.

    Research fellow at the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre Dr Terence Wood told RNZ Pacific Waves that, in the Pacific, the biggest impacts of the aid cut are likley to be felt by the three island nations in a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US.

    He said that while the compact “is safe” for three COFA states – Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau – “these are unprecedented times”.

    “It would be unprecedented if the US just tore them up. But then again, the United States is showing very little regard for agreements that it has entered into in the past, so I would say that nothing’s safe right now.”

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

    Dr Terence Wood speaking to RNZ Pacific Waves.   Video: RNZ Pacific

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious Crash, Whitemans Road, Silverstream

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are responding to a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Whitemans Road near Gard Street, Silverstream, Upper Hutt.

    The crash was reported around 9:50am.

    Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

    The road is blocked and motorists are advised to take an alternate route.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – RBNZ Stats Alert Business Expectations Survey: Concluding development update ahead of regular publication

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    3 March 2025 – We would like to thank all the businesses taking part in the development of the new Tara-ā-Umanga Business Expectations Survey as we build a representative sample survey of New Zealand businesses.

    Following a successful development phase, we plan to commence ongoing quarterly publication in mid-May 2025 (for the June quarter) in advance of the 28 May Monetary Policy Statement, in line with the timing of our other expectation surveys.

    This new survey includes several hundred businesses from different sectors around the country, from small to large firms. It is separate from the existing Survey of Expectations including expert forecasters and economists, and industry leaders (Table M14, 1987 – onwards), which will continue.

    Business Expectations Survey, final testing:

    We completed our development of Tara-ā-Umanga Business Expectations Survey with a fourth pilot survey in January 2025. The testing phase has allowed us to test the survey methodology over multiple waves, build the sample size over time, and creates a one-year span of quarterly data. A public consultation on the survey was undertaken during March 2024.

    Tara-ā-Umanga Business Expectations Survey: Concluding development update outlines our lessons learnt from the latest testing activities and resulting design decisions.

    The achieved sample size has built to 389 responding businesses in pilot 4 (383 in pilot 3, 251 in pilot 2 and 68 in pilot 1).
    We maintained consistent design decisions and survey weighting methods from pilot 3. Additional data analysis, using pilot 4 data, provides confidence that these choices are suitable for a high-quality ongoing survey. (ref. https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=1c3701d2d8&e=f3c68946f8 )

    While the pilot survey results are experimental, the new series are already demonstrating the value of a large representative sample survey. For example, by facilitating estimates of expectations broken down by business size and industry. It should be noted that while this survey represents a significant uplift in our expectations data, more observations are needed to enable us to estimate the relationship between these data and ultimate inflation outcomes.

    Background information

    Inflation expectations are important because households and businesses reflect their expectations in their price- and wage-setting decisions. Improving the quality of our expectation surveys is part of the wider response to our 2022 review of how we formulate and implement our monetary policy. In this review, we identified several areas where better data could support high quality monetary policy decision-making.

    For further information please see Tara-ā-Umanga Business Expectations Survey: Survey design and development: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=84645fcafe&e=f3c68946f8

    For the latest Monetary Policy Statement see Monetary Policy Statement February 2025: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=81002ac320&e=f3c68946f8

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Higher meat export prices boost terms of trade – Stats NZ media and information release: International trade: December 2024 quarter

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Higher meat export prices boost terms of trade – 3 March 2025 – Export prices increased more than import prices in the December 2024 quarter, which led to a 3.1 percent rise in the terms of trade, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    The terms of trade represent the ratio of export prices to import prices. They can be interpreted as a measure of New Zealand’s purchasing power on the international stage and as an indicator of the relative strength of the New Zealand economy.

    The total export price index rose 3.2 percent and the import price index rose 0.1 percent in the December 2024 quarter, compared with the September 2024 quarter.

    Export prices for meat products, which are New Zealand’s second largest export commodity by value, rose 6.8 percent in the December quarter. Lamb prices rose 7.0 percent, while beef and veal prices rose 6.1 percent.

    Files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Turnip the Beet: Cook up savings with better meal planning

    Source: Auckland Council

    The average New Zealand household wastes $1,500 worth of food each year—that’s the equivalent of three full shopping trolleys of groceries!

    Meal planning is one of the most effective ways to cut down on food waste and 80 per cent of us say we plan meals in advance. But judging by the amount of food wasted, it seems we might be planning to waste it instead.

    With four simple steps, you can plan your meals for the week ahead to make the most of your food, reduce waste and save money and time.

    Before heading to the shops, follow the four C’s for better meal planning:

    1. Check your week

    2. Check what you’ve got

    3. Choose your meals

    4. Create your list

    Check your week – who is home on which days? What days will you be too busy or too tired to cook?

    Check what you’ve got – see what needs using up in your fridge, freezer and pantry.

    Choose your meals – plan easy, flexible meals. Remember to use your leftovers.

    Create your list – and remember to take it with you when you go shopping.

    By adopting these steps, you’ll have a plan that saves money, cuts waste and keeps meal times stress-free.

    Photo credit: WasteMINZ

    During March, Love Food Hate Waste NZ is running a nationwide campaign to teach New Zealanders how to save money and save food using the better meal planning checklist.

    To help you choose your meals, the Easy Choice – Family Kai cookbooks by Love Food Hate Waste NZ feature healthy seasonal meal plans and budget-friendly recipes for families designed to create zero food waste. These cookbooks help families shop for, cook and eat nourishing and affordable food. There are versions available for all four seasons and they come with great advice on meal planning, storing food so it lasts, and shopping on a budget.

    Go to the Love Food Hate Waste website for the Autumn Easy Choice Family Kai Cookbook. You will also find many more helpful resources and guides for reducing food waste, including creative ways to use leftovers.

    Keeping Auckland’s food scraps out of landfill

    Prior to Auckland’s food scraps bins collection service, food waste made up 45 per cent of the weight of an average Auckland household’s rubbish bag or bin. Of this, waste audits have shown that a significant proportion could have been avoided in the first place or eaten.

    To reduce food waste going to landfill, where it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, Auckland Council supports Love Food Hate Waste to prevent waste at its source, supports food rescue initiatives to redistribute surplus food, and promotes home and community composting through the Compost Collective.

    Any remaining food scraps are then collected through Auckland Council’s kerbside food scraps collection service and converted to energy. Because every little bit helps!

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Annual Plan open now for public feedback

    Source: Auckland Council

    Auckland Council’s proposed Annual Plan 2025/2026 is open for public consultation, as the council invites all Aucklanders to have their say on its investment and services for the year ahead.

    The consultation also includes an opportunity to give feedback on the funding of events and destination marketing, and the priorities of local boards.

    The proposed Annual Plan 2025/2026 focuses on delivering the second year of the Long-term Plan 2024-2034. Consultation runs from 28 February-28 March 2025.

    Mayor Wayne Brown says it’s important Aucklanders have their say.

    “Council is here to serve Auckland ratepayers, and the Annual Plan is an opportunity for Aucklanders to speak up and have their say on what the council is focused on,” says Mayor Brown.  

    “We want the community’s thoughts on a bed night levy to fund major events like bringing the America’s Cup back to Auckland, hosting NRL rugby league matches, the ASB Classic and concerts like Coldplay and Taylor Swift.  None of these will happen without it, as I won’t rate struggling households to fill hotels.

    “This is also a chance to tell us what they want from their Local Boards and on the proposed rates for the next year. My message to Aucklanders is speak up, help inform our decision-making.”

    Auckland Council group chief financial officer Ross Tucker says the Annual Plan focuses on getting on with strengthening the financial and physical resilience of Auckland, while investing where it is needed most to manage growth.

    “This Annual Plan is about delivering on our Long-term Plan commitments, at a time when we know the cost of living is high for our ratepayers. This year we are prioritising investment in transport, water and fair funding for local communities,” says Mr Tucker.

    The plan sets out the proposed way to pay for services and investments, including a 5.8 per cent rates increase for the average value residential property, which is in line with the Long-term Plan.

    “We are also asking our communities for feedback on funding major events and destination marketing for the region. To help cover a shortfall in funding that was outlined in the Long-term Plan, the council would like to see the introduction of a bed night visitor levy,” says Mr Tucker.

    “The levy requires new legislation and, to inform the government, the council would like to hear Aucklanders’ views on a bed night visitor levy that could help raise $27 million and not just meet the shortfall, but fund even more destination management, marketing and major events activities in Auckland.”

    Local board agreements

    The final Annual Plan 2025/2026 will also set out local board agreements – with each of the 21 local boards setting out priorities for their community and where funds will be invested.

    A fairer funding approach will begin to be phased in for the Annual Plan 2025/2026 to enable local boards to better respond to the needs of their communities, by addressing funding imbalances between the 21 local boards.

    “Each local board’s priorities for the year are included in the Consultation Document,” says Mr Tucker. “Local boards provide a wide range of services such as local parks, libraries, pools, community facilities, and local art and environment activities, along with community events.

    “This makes their plans and priorities really relevant at a local level, and we encourage Aucklanders to take a look at what is planned by their local board, and provide feedback.”

    While the council is not proposing significant changes to services or investment levels compared with what is in the Long-term Plan, it is important to check in each year with all Aucklanders in our communities, to make sure plans are still on the right track.

    Additional proposals

    There are some proposed changes to targeted rates, fees and charges – including refuse collection being rolled out in North Shore, Waitākere and Papakura, and targeted rates for refuse in Franklin and Rodney. There are also some changes for fees relating to additional council services, such as dog adoption, cemetery and cremation, and bach fees.

    “We are also seeking input on the annual plan for Tūpuna Maunga Authority, which governs the 14 Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) of Tāmaki Makaurau. Public feedback is an important part of developing these plans.”

    The Annual Plan 2025/2026 Consultation Document for feedback is available online at akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan.

    Want to learn more?

    Join our online information session where you can hear more from the Auckland Council Finance team about the topics we are consulting on in this annual plan.

    You can also ask questions to subject matter experts.

    Wednesday 5 March 2025

    6pm to 7.30pm

    Register for the Annual Plan 2025/2026 Online Information Session via akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan (events).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Virtual care, real impact: ProCare funding provides Kiwis with summer healthcare support

    Source: ProCare

    This summer, health didn’t have to go on hold for hundreds of patients, thanks to funding from ProCare to provide subsidised virtual GP appointments via CareHQ. This funding ensured that patients within the ProCare Network could access the care they needed, even as general practices and their hardworking staff took a well-deserved break after another demanding year. Virtual appointments bridged the gap during the holiday period, meaning patients could continue to connect with trusted medical professionals from the comfort of their homes, or holiday spots.

    Between Monday 16 December and Sunday 9 February, CareHQ saw hundreds of patients through the ProCare Christmas funding programme, helping with concerns from viral upper respiratory tract infections, right through to gastroenteritis, or UTIs.

    Bindi Norwell, Group Chief Executive at ProCare says: “Our network of practices has been telling us that funding, and workforce, have been two big areas of concern this year. This funding initiative has offered crucial support for both patients and general practices. By supporting virtual consultations through CareHQ, we’ve helped alleviate pressure on in-person clinics, ensuring they could take a well-earned break after another demanding year.

    “At the same time, we’ve helped provide patients with an affordable, accessible way to get the care they need, whether they’re at home or holidaying across New Zealand. This flexibility has been a win for all involved, supporting the health of our communities while also looking out for the wellbeing of our hardworking primary care teams,” continues Norwell.

    “We’re under no illusion, that 2025 is going to continue to put pressure on practices, as government funding increases have been minimal and not enough to cover inflation, let alone increased costs to running a practice. This means that practices will continue to grapple with workforce shortages and need support with overflow and afterhours to keep up with high levels of patient demand moving forward, an issue for which we will continue to look for solutions,” concludes Norwell.

    Brett Butler, General Manager of CareHQ says: “Our team of highly qualified GPs and nurses were an exceptional resource over the Christmas break, demonstrating how virtual healthcare can be a vital support solution now and into the future. At CareHQ we are pleased to be able to offer this overflow and afterhours service throughout the year, including public holidays, keeping Kiwis healthy. Our care with patients, and flow through of consultation notes back to the practice ensure a smooth continuity of care, while also making sure individuals can be flexible with the type of care they need and when they need it.”

    Notes:

    About CareHQ

    CareHQ is a virtual consultation service that provides New Zealanders with a convenient and easy to use telehealth consultations with specialist General Practitioners (GP), there for when they can’t see their regular GP or need support after-hours. CareHQ has delivered more than 100,000 consults to New Zealanders to date and continues to grow every day.

    CareHQ is made possible by a partnership between Southern Cross Health Insurance and ProCare however CareHQ exists as an independent service from both these organisations.

    Collectively Southern Cross Health Insurance and ProCare already care for and are trusted by more than one million New Zealanders:

    Southern Cross has more than 920,000 members
    ProCare supports 143 general practices across Tāmaki Makaurau, covering almost 700,000 enrolled patients.

    About ProCare

    ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Wellington Water review reinforces the need for change – Porirua City

    Source: Porirua City Council

    Porirua City Council says today’s reports into Wellington Water Limited’s operations reinforce the urgent need for change in water service delivery in the region.
    A series of reports were released today, with a particular focus on costs, and the value for money of the services delivered by the council-controlled organisation.
    Porirua City Mayor Anita Baker said the shareholding Councils had sought assurance that Wellington Water had an absolute focus on delivery, value for money and sustainable operational improvements.
    The need for this assurance became even more obvious when the company revealed a $51 million budget error in 2024.
    “In response to this requirement for assurance, and with the appointment of a new Chief Executive in September 2024, Wellington Water commenced a series of immediate changes to company structure, organisational culture and processes to lift capability and improve outcomes,” Mayor Baker said.
    “I would like to acknowledge the work of the board and new CE in finding and fixing these huge issues.
    “Today’s reports confirm our concern that Wellington Water is not operating efficiently. In particular, the report finds that when benchmarked against councils across the country, costs have been ‘consistently more expensive’, particularly for drinking water and wastewater assets”.
    The reports also found a lack of oversight, assurance and weak financial processes and controls in the management of consultant and contractor panels.
    Mayor Baker said the results showed that we need to fix water services “once and for all”.
    “The results are terrible, and I’m not surprised. This is the reason we need change, and why I have consistently been a supporter of water services reform.”
    She said the fact that Wellington Water had been relying on other organisations’ IT systems was symptomatic of the many structural issues with the current model.
    “The Wellington Water model is past its use by date. It has not worked as intended and we need to move to a more mature and accountable model that will serve us into the future ,” she said.
    “We’ve been on a five-year water reform path, and if we proceed with the preferred new model Wellington Water won’t exist after 1 July 2026”.
    Porirua City is working with Hutt City, Upper Hutt City, Wellington City and Greater Wellington Regional Councils, alongside iwi partners, on a new model for water services delivery.
    The councils have agreed, subject to community feedback, that establishing a new multi-council-owned water organisation is the best way to deliver water services in the future. Each council will be consulting on this proposal starting on 20 March 2025.
    Mayor Baker says in the meantime, Council has asked Wellington Water to do two things:
    1. to concentrate on making their current operation as cost effective as possible
    2. to prepare the organisation to be disbanded in anticipation of establishing a new water company with clearer accountability and a stronger investment path.
    “What we do next is critical – we need to move as quickly as possible to a new delivery model.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Going for growth in exports and aquaculture

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Coalition Government is going for growth by unlocking additional exports and creating jobs in the aquaculture industry Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones and Minister for Agriculture, and Trade and Investment Todd McClay announced today.

    The two ministers have confirmed support for salmon farming which is estimated to create an additional sector wide $500m of salmon exports by 2035. 

    “The Coalition Government will be co-investing $11.72 million over five years from the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund as part of a $29.3 million programme, led by New Zealand King Salmon to increase production and drive up exports, Minister McClay says. 

    The joint project will look at ways to expand salmon farming around New Zealand including in deep water while continuing to meet environmental obligations.”

    “The ‘Future Salmon Farming Programme’ will prove the viability of open ocean farming for the King Salmon species to make New Zealand a leading global supplier for this high value product.

    “It will also drive innovation, allowing fish farmers to maximise productivity and profitability and get a better return for their product.”  

    “We expect this investment to boost exports and produce more higher paying jobs in our regions,” Todd McClay said.  

    Minister Shane Jones says this is another example of the Coalition Government’s commitment to growing the aquaculture industry and supporting innovation in the sector, to the benefit of all New Zealanders.

    “We have a strong track record of supporting New Zealand aquaculture, including investing in projects to boost mussel spat availability, extending the resource consents for marine farms, and listing seven aquaculture projects in the Fast-Track Bill, which includes two new open ocean salmon farms.

    “It’s clear that open ocean aquaculture is going to be key for the industry’s growth. These farms will increase our capacity for farmed salmon by 40,000 tonnes annually in addition to the expected 10,000 tonnes from New Zealand King Salmon’s pilot open ocean farm.”

    “The Coalition Government has got big plans for the aquaculture sector, which I’ll be releasing in full soon. Open ocean salmon farming is a big part of these plans, as it directly supports our focus on delivering profitable, resilient, and sustainable marine farms around New Zealand, that work for the regions, Māori, our marine farmers, and the economy as a whole,” Mr Jones says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Crash closes State Highway 2 between Masterton and Carterton (SH2 OPEN in both directions)

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Update 1:45pm: The northbound lane is now open, and State Highway 2 is now OPEN in both directions.

    NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank drivers for their patience and cooperation while emergency services and contractors responded to the crash.

    Update 1.10pm:

    The highway’s northbound lane has reopened. However, a closure remains in place for southbound traffic.

    Southbound traffic must continue to detour via East Taratahi Road and Hughes Line.

    Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

    Highway conditions – Wellington(external link)

    12.35 pm:

    State Highway 2 is currently closed between Masterton and Carterton following a crash early this afternoon.

    The two-vehicle crash occurred north of Clareville and was reported shortly after midday.

    State Highway 2 is closed between the Wiltons Road roundabout and the Hughes Line intersection.

    Local road detours are available via East Taratahi Road and Hughes Line.

    Emergency services are at the scene.

    Drivers can expect  traffic delays until the crash scene is cleared. Please take extra care when travelling through the area, follow all instructions of emergency services, and allow extra time for your journeys.

    Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

    Highway conditions – Wellington(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Grape News! Drivers urged to be ready for Marlborough grape harvest

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Marlborough drivers are being asked to take extra care on the region’s roads with the annual grape harvest underway.

    Harvest season sees an increase in heavy machinery moving between vineyards from now until mid-April, with activity peaking in the middle of March.

    Drivers can expect to see harvesters and an increase in the number of trucks on the roads across the wider Marlborough region, as vineyards bring their grapes in for pressing and processing.

    Road users can expect activity on all of the region’s state highways – SH1, SH6, SH62, and SH63 – and on local roads.

    Drivers must take extra care on the roads and drive appropriately when they encounter harvesters and trucks.

    This especially applies when overtaking. Drivers must check their passing distances, look out for oncoming traffic, and for trucks and harvesters entering and leaving vineyard areas.

    Truck drivers carrying grapes for processing are also urged to watch their speed and drive with caution through roundabouts as these have been hot spots for spill incidents in the past.

    Grape harvester travelling in Marlborough.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New management for Pūponga Farm Park

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  03 March 2025

    HealthPost Nature Trust will carry out restoration work in the Triangle Flat area of the farm park. They aim to build a 3 km-long low predator fence across the base of the spit to provide a line of defence against reinvading introduced predators. The farm and crossing road area will remain open to the public.

    Pax Leetch and Ellie Miller, who manage land next to the farm park, have successfully applied to graze land from the west of Old Man Range to Greenhills. This area will remain as a working farm.

    These concessions run for five years while DOC works with our Treaty partners —Iwi Chairs of Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Rārua and Te Ātiawa, and Manawhenua ki Mohua — to develop a long-term strategic vision for the site, which is rich in ecological and cultural values and a popular visitor destination.

    Last September, the Department of Conservation (DOC) ran an expression of interest process inviting parties to put in proposals for managing these sites as the previous license to graze was ending after 27 years.

    Eight proposals were received and an evaluation panel made up of Manawhenua ki Mohua, Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board representatives and DOC staff decided on the successful applicants.

    HealthPost Nature Trust will also fund 50 per cent of a salary for a DOC ranger to be based in Pūponga, who will spend half of their time working on the Trust’s biodiversity initiatives and half keeping the popular area maintained for visitors to enjoy.

    They will work closely with Pest Free Onetahua, a large-scale conservation project removing pests on Onetahua/Farewell Spit and the surrounding areas.

    Triangle Flat is a very significant archaeological site, and any proposed restoration would need to be careful not to impact these important values.

    The Trust’s agreement will expand the significant restoration work they have been carrying out at Cape Farewell since 2017 to benefit burrowing seabirds, including creating a 3-hectare predator-free sanctuary.

    The Trust has worked in partnership with Manawhenua ki Mohua and DOC for several years which has led to pakahā/fluttering shearwaters translocated to the area.

    DOC Golden Bay Operations Manager Ross Trotter says Onetahua/Farewell Spit Nature Reserve is a unique ecosystem and a significant biodiversity hotspot, with several rare plants and more than 90 bird species recorded in the area. It’s recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

    “HealthPost Nature Trust’s vision is exciting because if we can get predators down to really low numbers, Onetahua would be a much-needed safe haven for some of our threatened species in the area. It might also mean more rare species could be released into the area in the future.”

    Ross says DOC was impressed with the calibre of the proposals and wants to thank everyone who submitted an expression of interest.

    “We believe we’ve got a great outcome for the future of Pūponga Farm Park that is in the best interest of this really special part of the country.”

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Napier Sailing Club Proves a Powerhouse

    Source: Press Release Service – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: Napier Sailing Club Proves a Powerhouse

    Napier Sailing Club’s junior sailors have once again demonstrated their strength on the national stage with an outstanding performance at the New Zealand International Optimist Dinghy Association Ranking Selection Regatta.

    The post Napier Sailing Club Proves a Powerhouse first appeared on PR.co.nz.

    – –

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Major delays expected, Mount Albert

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Motorists are being advised of heavy delays following a multi-vehicle crash on the North-Western Motorway this morning.

    The crash, reported to Police just after 6.30am, has blocked one citybound lane near the St Lukes off-ramp.

    It appears five vehicles, including one towing a boat, have crashed in the far right lane.

    As this stage there are no reports of injury.

    Emergency services are responding and motorists are advised to expect delays or seek an alternative route while the scene is cleared.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Cuts to frontline health services exposed by health workers survey

    Source: PSA

    Chilling evidence of the Govt’s broken promise
    – 81% say cuts have damaged health services
    – 86% say cuts will make it harder for people to get healthcare
    – 72% agree health is underfunded
    The PSA’s survey of nearly 1300 health workers lays out in stark detail how the Government’s promise that its cuts would not impact frontline health services is blatantly false.
    Four out of five workers said that cuts and restructuring over the last year had damaged the services they delivered.
    Examples of the impacts of the cuts quoted in the comprehensive PSA Report Health Care in Crisis included:
    Hiring restrictions mean that we are only able to run our national paediatric clinic at half capacity. This directly impacts children’s access to timely healthcare.
    Cancer patients are not getting adequate diagnosis to help guide their drug regimen.
    We now have nurses and social workers covering receptionist duties which takes them away from clinical duties.
    Cutting IT support is effectively cutting frontline healthcare.
    “The survey is chilling reading for New Zealanders. It shows that the Government’s repeated claims that cuts would not impact frontline health services are just false,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    The survey underpinning the report was run between Friday 24 January and Wednesday 29 January and was completed by 1,287 healthcare workers.
    “Make no mistake this report makes clear that health is in crisis and Government policies are to blame. We now have stark evidence from health workers who know the system best that funding cuts and the hiring freeze are having a direct impact on services.
    “This is a government prepared to put saving dollars ahead of saving lives. Patient care should not be sacrificed to pay for tax cuts for landlords and big tobacco.
    “This report is a wake-up call for the new Health Minister Simeon Brown. He needs to listen to what health workers are telling him and advocate for more funding so New Zealanders get the timely, quality care they deserve.
    “The stakes are too high for cuts and job losses to continue; that’s why the PSA has taken Health NZ Te Whatu Ora to the Employment Relations Authority to stop these reckless and poorly thought through cuts.
    “Enough is enough – health workers say the Government must lift the hiring freeze, fill vacancies urgently and work with unions, and workers to build and fund a health system that provides the care patients need.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Market – Buyers breathe and browse in “breezy” market

    Source: Brainchild PR for RealEstate.co.nz

    New Zealand Property Report February 2025

    National stock levels climb to over 35,000, the highest since 2015
    11,000 new listings hit the market, below usual expectations
    Average asking prices cool as sellers flex to meet buyers

    The latest data from realestate.co.nz shows a continued rise in the number of properties available for sale, reaching levels not seen during February for a decade. Despite this, the number of new listings was lower than expected, and the national average asking price dipped slightly, indicating that sellers are continuing to adjust to market conditions.

    Sarah Wood, CEO of realestate.co.nz says that even though buyers continue to be spoilt for choice, the market remains active:

    “The market currently looks relatively breezy, especially compared to the frantic pace the market saw in 2021.

    “Buyers have time to breathe and do their due diligence as stable market conditions continue, while properties are still selling through, which is good news for sellers.”

    National stock continues to climb

    Nationally, stock climbed to 35,712 in February, a 10.2% increase from January. The increase was seen across all regions, with 14 of 19 regions recording double-digit increases.

    Gisborne experienced the biggest rise in stock, rising 80.2% month-on-month. Wood explains that high stock and new listings percentages are often seen in less populated regions like Gisborne due to its small listing set.

    “Nationally, the continued rise in stock levels brings us back to levels we haven’t seen in ten years, though not the highest ever recorded.”

    New listings lift, below usual expectations

    Over 11,000 new listings came onto the market in February, marking a 27.6% increase from January. Wood says that although February is usually a busy month for new listings, this February was lower than expected:

    “We’re used to seeing a rush of new listings as everyone gets back from the beach and into business as usual. This year it’s less dramatic than the 40% uplift we would usually see.”

    Compared to the same time last year, new listings were down 3.6% nationally. A mixed bag of growth and decline was seen across the regions, with Gisborne seeing a 79.4% increase in new listings, and Northland the largest decline, down 23.4%.

    Prices dip as sellers flex to meet buyers

    The national average asking price dipped to $851,090 in February, down 4.7% year-on-year and down 2.0% month-on-month. Despite the drop, the national average asking price remains between $840,000 and $890,000, as it has for the past two years.

    Wood notes that the slight decline nationally, suggests sellers are becoming more flexible as stock levels remain high:

    “With high stock levels, sellers are having to be more willing to negotiate.”

    Seven of nineteen regions saw both year-on-year and month-on-month decreases in average asking prices. Leading the way was Central Otago/Lakes District (down 7.9%), Wellington (down 5.3%), West Coast (down 6.9%), Bay of Plenty (down 6.5%), Northland (down 3.9%), Auckland (down 3.5%), and Taranaki (down 2.6%).

    At the other end of the spectrum, only three regions saw month-on-month and year-on-year growth: Gisborne, Otago, and Marlborough. Two regions achieved all-time February average asking price highs: Marlborough ($807,847) and Otago ($645,377).

    Market moving, slow and steady

    While buyers have more negotiating power due to the number of properties on the market, the market isn’t fully in buyers’ power nationwide. Just two regions, Auckland and Nelson & Bays remain buyers’ markets, where properties are selling at a slower rate than usual. Wood explains that the data shows a more balanced playing field between buyers and sellers:

    “Properties are still selling, but at a steady pace. This is great news for buyers who have more options and more negotiating power. The good news for sellers is that properties are selling, with the number of properties sold increasing in January by 17.5% year-on-year according to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand, so working with agents and other experts to make your property attractive is key.”

    About realestate.co.nz

    We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996. Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry.

    Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.  

    Whatever life you’re searching for, it all starts here.

    Want more property insights?

    • Market insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and trends over time.
    • Sold properties: Switch your search to sold to see the last 12 months of sales and prices.
    • Valuations: Get a gauge on property prices by browsing sold residential properties, with the latest sale prices and an estimated value in the current market. 

    Glossary of terms:

    Average asking price (AAP) is neither a valuation nor the sale price. It is an indication of current market sentiment. Statistically, asking prices tend to correlate closely with the sales prices recorded in future months when those properties are sold. As it looks at different data, average asking prices may differ from recorded sales data released simultaneously.

    New listings are a record of all the new residential dwellings listed for sale on realestate.co.nz for the relevant calendar month. The site reflects 97% of all properties listed through licensed real estate agents and major developers in New Zealand. This description gives a representative view of the New Zealand property market.

    Stock is the total number of residential dwellings that are for sale on realestate.co.nz on the penultimate day of the month.

    Rate of sale is a measure of how long it would take, theoretically, to sell the current stock at current average rates of sale if no new properties were to be listed for sale. It provides a measure of the rate of turnover in the market.

    Seasonal adjustment is a method realestate.co.nz uses to represent better the core underlying trend of the property market in New Zealand. This is done using methodology from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research.

    Truncated mean is the method realestate.co.nz uses to supply statistically relevant asking prices. The top and bottom 10% of listings in each area are removed before the average is calculated to prevent exceptional listings from providing false impressions.      

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hamas accuses Israel of ‘blackmail’ over aid, demands end of US support for Netanyahu

    Asia Pacific Report

    The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has accused Israel of “blackmail” over aid and urged the US government to act more like a neutral mediator in the ceasefire process.

    “We call on the US administration to stop its bias and alignment with the fascist plans of the war criminal Netanyahu, which target our people and their existence on their land,” Hamas said in a statement.

    “We affirm that all projects and plans that bypass our people and their established rights on their land, self-determination, and liberation from occupation are destined for failure and defeat.

    “We reaffirm our commitment to implementing the signed agreement in its three stages, and we have repeatedly announced our readiness to start negotiations on the second stage of the agreement,” it said.

    Al Jazeera Arabic reports that Israel sought a dramatic change to the terms of the ceasefire agreement with a demand that Hamas release five living captives and 10 bodies of dead captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and increased aid to the Gaza Strip.

    It also sought to extend the first phase of the ceasefire by a week.

    Hamas informed the mediators that it rejected the Israeli proposal and considered it a violation of what was agreed upon in the ceasefire.

    Israel suspends humanitarian aid
    In response, Israel suspended the entry of humanitarian aid until further notice and Hamas claimed Tel Aviv “bears responsibility” for the fate of the 59 Israelis still held in the Gaza Strip.

    Reports said Israeli attacks in Gaza on Sunday have killed at least four people and injured five people, according to medical sources.

    “The occupation [Israel] bears responsibility for the consequences of its decision on the population of the Strip and for the fate of its prisoners,” Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement.

    Hamas denounces blackmail headline on Al Jazeera news. Image: AJ screenshot APR

    Under the agreed ceasefire, the second phase of the truce was intended to see the release of the remaining captives, the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and a final end to the war.

    However, the talks on how to carry out the second phase never began, and Israel said all its captives must be returned for fighting to stop.

    In an interview with Al Jazeera, an analyst said that although the fragile ceasefire seemed on the brink of collapse, it was unlikely that US President Donald Trump would allow it to fail.

    “I think the larger picture here is Trump is not interested in the resumption of war,” said Sami al-Arian, professor of public affairs at Istanbul Zaim University.

    “He has a very long agenda domestically and internationally and if it is going to be dragged by Netanyahu and his fascist partners into another war of genocide with no strategic end, he knows this is going to be a no-win for him.

    “And for one thing, Trump hates to lose.”

    No game plan
    In another interview, Israeli political commentator Ori Goldberg told Al Jazeera that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was caught between seeing the Gaza ceasefire through and resorting to a costly all-out war that may prove unpopular at home.

    “I’m not sure Netanyahu has a game plan,” Goldberg said.

    “The reason he hasn’t made a decision is because . . . Israel is not equipped to go to war right now. Resilience is at an all-time low. Resources are at an all-time low.”

    War crimes . . . a poster at a New Zealand pro-Palestinian rally in Auckland on Saturday. Image: Asia Pacific Report

    In December, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees reported that more than 19,000 children had been hospitalised for acute malnutrition in four months.

    In the first full year of the war — ending in October 2024 — 37 children died from malnutrition or dehydration.

    Last September 21, The International Criminal Court (ICC) said there was reason to believe Israel was using “starvation as a method of warfare” when it issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

    United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said all efforts must be made to prevent a return to hostilities, which would be catastrophic.

    He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and find a way forward on the next phase.

    Guterres also called for an urgent de-escalation of the violence in the occupied West Bank.

    Almost 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli war on Gaza since 7 October 2023.

    New Zealand protesters warn against a “nuclear winter” in a pro-Palestinian rally in Auckland on Saturday. Image: Asia Pacific Report

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information following possible sightings of missing man Travis Langford

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have today been notified of several possible sightings of Travis Langford, who has been missing since 17 January.

    Travis travelled from Wellington to the Waikato region, where his car was located burnt out at a farm on Tolley Road in Ngaroma on 18 January.

    The sightings reported today were of a man matching Travis’ description, wearing a poncho, and were at the following locations: on State Highway 30, approximately 20-25 kilometres south of Te Kuiti; the Kopaki rail overbridge; near Powell Road; and near Mangaokewa Road, where he appeared to be hitchhiking. The attached images show the locations of these sightings.

    Based on these sightings, Police believe the man was heading north, and may have been picked up by a passing motorist.

    We want to hear from anyone who was travelling on State Highway 30 between 9.30am and 12pm today, who may have seen this man; anyone who picked up a hitchhiker matching the description of this man; or anyone that has dashcam footage from the area that may be relevant.

    If you can help, please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 250119/4439.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Carterton

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are currently attending a two-vehicle crash on SH2, West Taratahi, near Carterton. 

    Police were called about midday. 

    Initial indications suggest one person has serious injuries.

    The road is closed, with diversions in place.

    Motorists should avoid the area if possible.

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Nukuhou

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are at the scene of a serious two-vehicle crash on SH2 East, Nukuhou, Whakatane.

    Police were called shortly before midday.

    Initial indications suggest two people have been seriously injured.

    The road will be closed, with diversions in place.

    Please avoid the area if possible.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious assault, Palmerston North

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Shelley Ross:

    Police are making enquiries after a man was found with critical injuries at a Cloverlea address yesterday.

    He was transported to hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.

    A scene guard is in place at the address, and a scene examination will be carried out over the coming days.

    We would like to reassure the public that preliminary enquiries have established this is an isolated incident. 

    Residents will notice an additional Police presence in the area while our enquiries are carried out.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Auckland facility to support Police training

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A new training base to open in Auckland is another example of what can be achieved with a Government that is backing Police, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello says.

    “Opening up training in our largest city provides Police with the opportunity to attract, train and get quality new officers from our largest market and will supplement the training that occurs at the Police College in Porirua.

    “The coalition Government has a commitment to increase frontline Police numbers by 500 and provided $191 million in last year’s Budget to fund recruitment and training, and $34.6 million in capital to ensure that they are properly equipped to do their jobs. 

    “That investment has enabled Police to focus on doing what they need to to improve the recruitment pipeline and attract quality new recruits and get them out on to the streets faster.

    “We want Police to do all that they can to drive recruitment, increase the number of Police and to make our communities safer and that’s exactly what they’re doing,” Ms Costello says.

    “The announcement of the new training base is a concrete example of that. As well as training recruits, the Auckland facility will be used for senior training courses, and I am confident that it will also be a useful resource for other agencies.

    “This Government will continue to back Police and make changes to improve law and order in New Zealand.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Coming soon to Auckland

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    New Zealand Police will open training for new recruits in Auckland this year as growing numbers of people pursue careers on the frontline. 

    Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is making the announcement ahead of running in the Auckland Round the Bays event this morning.

    Commissioner Chambers says making training available in Auckland, in addition to the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC), is another positive step toward delivering our target of 500 additional officers.

    “Having a training wing open in Auckland is an important part of our plan. It will increase our training capacity and open the doors for even more quality applicants.

    “We know that being away from home for 20 weeks has been a deterrent for many people wanting to join Police. This will open the door to their dream job that might not otherwise have been possible.

    “The new training based in Auckland will provide an opportunity for recruits to train closer to home and from the outset be immersed in the communities they’ll be serving once they graduate.

    “This extra training location will support us to get applicants through the pipeline and into training faster. The median time between application and starting at RNZPC has already reduced by more than 90 days over the last year and we’re looking to cut that down even further.

    “The Auckland base will also be used for senior courses as the RNZPC prioritises recruit training.”

    Those in the Auckland wing will be able to stay at their own home during training. From tomorrow, there will be an option when applying on Newcops.govt.nz that allows recruits to indicate they are open to being trained in Auckland. The location for the new training base is still in the final stages of being confirmed and will be announced soon.

    “Extensive planning and organisation is essential to delivering this new training base. It was important that we share this news as early as possible so we can prepare and promote this option to people considering joining,” Commissioner Chambers says.

    “We’re doing a huge amount of work to deliver on the 500. Although the number of graduates from RNZPC has been impacted by an increase in the length of training early in 2024, the number of constables has continued to trend upwards since we resumed our regular graduation cadence.

    “Last year we saw record numbers of applications to join Police. In the period July to December 2024, Police received 5277 applications, which is more than double the same period for 2023.

    “We expanded our talent pool through updates to the application criteria and our recruitment marketing. Last month, we launched the remake of our 90s classic advertisement, which has seen huge support among staff and the public. Another exciting recruitment campaign is due to launch later this month.

    “We’re making our recruitment process more agile and fit-for-purpose. Our recruitment booth at the Round the Bays event today will enable qualified and ready candidates to meet the first six steps of the recruitment pathway in a single day.

    “Having more officers on the beat is important for deterring crime, enforcing the law and increasing feelings of public safety.  We’re committed to delivering on the 500 target.”

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –