The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) recently hosted a delegation responsible for India’s electricity market to find a more sustainable energy future, together.
The delegation of commissioners, responsible for regulatory bodies in 26 regions across India, and New Zealand energy sector leaders explored key challenges, opportunities, and areas for potential collaboration in energy transition.
BEC Executive Director Tina Schirr says although New Zealand and India are vastly different in size, we share many of the same energy challenges.
“The conversation reinforced that energy transition is not just a technical challenge – it’s an economic and social one too. Growth and sustainability must go hand in hand, and international cooperation is critical in achieving this balance.
“India has experienced significant economic growth since the turn of the century. There is real opportunity for us to work closer together – particularly in workforce development.
“India produces more than one million engineering graduates each year, with deep expertise across energy-related fields. New Zealand will need a skilled workforce to meet its decarbonisation goals.
“India has the expertise and the capacity. Closer collaboration on workforce solutions could be a win-win for both countries.
“BEC remains committed to fostering international partnerships to support a secure, sustainable, and equitable energy future.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
Experienced Wellington business and marketing consultant Chris Tse has been elected Chair of the New Zealand Taiwan Business Council.
Chris replaces Charles Finny who stood down from the role at the most recent Council meeting. Charles was elected Chair in 2018.
Chris Tse is the Executive Director of Apexfresh, a business and marketing consultancy with expertise in the food, health and technology sectors. Chris has over 30 years’ experience in doing business with Taiwan, including a period living and working in Taipei. He has been a member of the executive committee of the NZ Taiwan Business Council since 2018.
The New Zealand Taiwan Business Council represents the interests of New Zealand businesses that trade or invest with Taiwan. Taiwan is one of New Zealand’s largest trading partners.
“I am honoured to take on the role of chair of the New Zealand Taiwan Business Council and follow in the footsteps of Charles Finny, who has been instrumental in developing trade and business linkages between New Zealand and Taiwan over many years. I look forward to building on the strong foundation that has been laid and creating new opportunities for growth, innovation and collaboration for New Zealand companies looking to do business in Taiwan” Chris Tse said.
Charles Finny says: “I am delighted to be passing the baton to Chris. He and his family have been involved in trading with Taiwan for many years. Seven years is a long time to be performing this role. The relationship with Taiwan is in excellent shape so it is the perfect time for this leadership change.”
The Cook Islands finds itself in a precarious dance — one between the promises of foreign investments and the integrity of our own sovereignty. As the country sways between partners China and Aotearoa New Zealand, the Cook Islands News asks: “Do we continue to haka with the Taniwha, our constitutional partner, or do we dance with the dragon?”
EDITORIAL:By Thomas Tarurongo Wynne, Cook Islands News
Our relationship with China, forged through over two decades of diplomatic agreements, infrastructure projects and economic cooperation, demands further scrutiny. Do we continue to embrace the dragon with open arms, or do we stand wary?
And what of the Taniwha, a relationship now bruised by the ego of the few but standing the test of time?
If our relationship with China were a building, it would be crumbling like the very structures they have built for us. The Cook Islands Police Headquarters (2005) was meant to stand as a testament to our growing diplomatic and financial ties, but its foundations — both literal and metaphorical — have been called into question as its structure deteriorated.
Then, in 2009, the Cook Islands Courthouse followed, plagued by maintenance issues almost immediately after its completion. Our National Stadium, also built in 2009 for the Pacific Mini Games, was heralded as a great achievement, yet signs of premature wear and tear began surfacing far earlier than expected.
Still, we continue this dance, entranced by the allure of foreign investment and large-scale projects, even as history and our fellow Pacific partners across the moana warn us of the risks.
These structures, now symbols of our fragile dependence, stand as a metaphor for our relationship with the dragon: built with promises of strength, only to falter under closer scrutiny. And yet, we keep returning to the dance floor. These projects, rather than standing as enduring monuments to our relationship with China, serve as cautionary tales.
And then came Te Mato Vai.
What began as a bold and necessary vision to modernise Rarotonga’s water infrastructure became a slow and painful lesson in accountability. The involvement of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) saw the project mired in substandard work, legal disputes and cost overruns.
By the time McConnell Dowell, a New Zealand firm, was brought in to fix the defects, the damage — financial and reputational — was done.
Prime Minister Mark Brown, both as Finance Minister and now as leader, has walked an interesting line between criticism and praise.
In 2017, he voiced concerns about the poor workmanship and assured the nation that the government would seek accountability, stating, “We are deeply concerned about the quality of work delivered by CCECC. Our people deserve better, and we will pursue all avenues to ensure accountability.”
In 2022, he acknowledged the cost overruns but framed them as necessary lessons in securing a reliable water supply. And yet, most recently, during the December 2024 visit of China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, he declared Te Mato Vai a “commitment to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient nation. Together, we’ve delivered a project that not only meets the needs of today but safeguards the future of Rarotonga’s water supply.”
The Cook Islands’ relationship with New Zealand has long been one of deep familial, historical and political ties — a dance with the taniwha, if you will. As a nation with free association status, we have relied on New Zealand for economic support, governance frameworks and our shared citizenship ties.
And they have relied on our labour and expertise, which adds over a billion dollars to their economy each year. We have well-earned our discussion around citizenship and statehood, but that must come from the ground up, not from the top down.
China has signed similar agreements across the Pacific, most notably with the Solomon Islands, weaving itself into the region’s economic and political fabric. Yet, while these partnerships promise opportunity, they also raise concerns about sovereignty, dependency and the price of such alignments, as well as the geopolitical and strategic footprint of the dragon.
But as we reflect on the shortcomings of these partnerships, the question remains: Do we continue to place our trust in foreign powers, or do we reinvest in our own community and governance systems?
At the end of the day, we must ask ourselves: How do we sign bold agreements on the world stage without consultation, while struggling to resolve fundamental issues at home?
Healthcare, education, the rise in crime, mental health, disability, poverty — the list goes on and on, while our leaders are wined and dined on state visits around the globe.
Dance with the dragon, if you so choose, but save the last dance for the voting public in 2026. In 2026, the voters will decide who leads this dance and who gets left behind.
Republished from the Cook Islands News with permission.
Covering period of Monday 10th – Thursday 13th February – MetService is forecasting an active start to the week about the central North Island, with the risk of thunderstorms and showers dwindling through the week as high pressure moving in from the west squashes any further rain that could dampen our dry soils.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch, issued this morning (Monday) for the Central North Island, is valid from 3pm-10pm Monday. MetService Meteorologist Katie Hillyer warns “While the dry grounds will welcome some rain, falling all at once isn’t ideal and poses a greater risk of surface flooding and hazardous driving conditions.”
These thunderstorms are expected to be slow moving, meaning they sit over an area for longer and pose a risk of localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h.
For tomorrow (Tuesday), showers and thunderstorms are on the menu again, this time reaching up into the upper North Island, but are currently at a lower risk of being severe. However, MetService advises to keep an eye on the forecast as we get closer to the time.
Eastern areas of both islands are continuing to see the cooler temperatures they have seen for much of the summer already, with some showers associated with a weak front moving northwards.
“Even with the return of high pressure, southerly winds will keep the east coast cloudier and cooler until later this week. However, for spots like Central Otago temperatures are set to creep back towards 30°C for the end of the week” says Hillyer.
During Wednesday and into Thursday we start to see the scattered showers clear and temperatures warm as this high pressure system really takes hold of New Zealand, giving very little respite to the areas that need some watering. Looking forward to the weekend, this settled weather likely continues as this high pressure digs its heels in.
There have been some expressions of interest in the facility from other parties, and DOC will further investigate these opportunities alongside key stakeholders.
Great South Southland Regional Development Agency will support DOC in the evaluation process given their involvement with Te Punanga Manu over the years.
The sanctuary will keep operating as usual while alternative management options are explored further.
The review found work at Te Punanga Manu, although important for conservation, is not critical to the advocacy or protection of the species it houses – and is therefore not considered high priority biodiversity work for DOC.
The sanctuary also requires substantial investment in infrastructure and staffing to make it sustainable, says DOC’s Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming.
“One example is the takahē enclosure, which needs significant investment, with 2023 costings sitting around $100,000.”
DOC faces its own financial challenges and must prioritise its investment into conservation – which means it is not currently in a position to fund the upgrades needed at Te Anau Bird Sanctuary/Te Punanga Manu.
“Locally DOC’s high priority biodiversity work also needs investment, such as critical infrastructure to maintain predator-free Fiordland islands that are home to critically endangered species, including kākāpō, tīeke and mohua,” says Aaron.
“We know Te Punanga Manu is much loved by the Te Anau community and visitors alike, which is why alternative models to fund and operate the sanctuary will be considered.”
Currently Te Punanga Manu holds a small number of South Island takahē, kōwhiowhio/blue duck, pāteke/brown teal and Antipodes Island kākāriki.
“The well-being of manu will continue to come first no matter the outcome of the review,” says Aaron.
“We will keep the community, sponsors and stakeholders informed as things develop.”
Background information
DOC started the review of Te Anau Bird Sanctuary/Te Punanga Manu o Te Anau (Te Punanga Manu) in June 2024 and completed it in October 2024. The review assessed its current condition, purpose and sustainability. The decision to withdraw from management was made in January 2025.
Great South was established as the Southland Regional Development Agency in March 2019. Committed to driving economic, social and cultural growth, Great South has a clear mandate to leverage opportunities for Southland in the areas of economic and business development, tourism and events.
Ruth Money MNZM has been appointed New Zealand’s Chief Victims Advisor, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Ms Money is already an outspoken and energetic victims advocate with a proven track record of driving change. She has been a full-time volunteer since 2012 following a successful business career, and has extensive experience across the many and varied components of the justice system. She is committed to the view that society can and must do better for victims. “The advice provided by Ms Money over the next two years will be essential in ensuring there are 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime by 2029, while keeping the needs of victims at the forefront of our justice system. “I would like to acknowledge the work of Dr Kim McGregor in the role of Chief Victims Advisor over the past nine years, and I wish her well in the future.”
State houses at Arapuni Hydro Works from Archives NZ record number A1124
The guidance below is for tenants, landlords, and others in the rental accommodation sector to clarify what information may be requested at every stage of the rental process. We have also launched a new monitoring and compliance programme to ensure that rental agencies and landlords stay on the right side of the Privacy Act. Resources for Landlords Resources for Tenants Questions? If you have enquiries about the Privacy Act and rentals please email our Compliance Team. We’ve also included questions for tenants and landlords in our Ask Us database.
Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day… and it’s in the water and on the land all across the Auckland region. This year Tāmaki Makaurau is more loved up than ever on 14 February with festivities, walks and outdoor spots that are perfect for expressing aroha. Whether you’re spending time with your romantic partner or are single and celebrating your love for life with friends and family, we’ve got you covered with these dreamy date ideas.
Share your love for the outdoors with your loved ones by exploring Auckland’s parks and trails. The region’s world-class parks have recently been recognised in the Green Flag awards, with eight of the 38 winning parks in Australia and New Zealand coming from Tāmaki Makaurau. To stretch your legs on a longer hike, consider the Green Flag-winning Ātiu Creek Regional Park and Hunua Ranges Regional Park.
There are also many great spots that are particularly picturesque for a sunrise or sunset stroll, including Maungawhau / Mt Eden and Maungauika / North Head. Coastal paths like Tāmaki Drive Coastal Path, Westhaven Path or St Heliers to Achilles Point Path are great waterfront options, and you could even finish your walk by enjoying fish and chips while admiring the view. To find more walks visit the Akl Paths website.
The St Heliers to Achilles Point Path is a 30-minute walk offering views of Rangitoto and is a great spot for enjoying sunrises and sunsets.
If you’re harbouring romantic feelings, get out on the water this Valentine’s Day. Adventurous couples can enjoy testing the waters of their relationship with a gentle paddleboard along Takapuna Beach, St Heliers Beach or French Bay.
The still waters of Takapuna Beach are ideal for paddleboarding.
This year Valentine’s Day also coincides with the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival. Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake at the Manukau Sports Bowl on 13-16 February. More than 500 handcrafted lanterns will be on display at this free and family-friendly event which is typically held around the 15th day of the first Lunar month at the end of the Lunar New Year festivities.
Wander down lantern boulevard to enjoy more than 500 lanterns at the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival this Valentine’s Day.
Take a romantic stroll through the ‘lantern boulevard’, grab some delicious food from the many stallholders, watch a cultural performance on the main stage and end the night at 9.50pm with the spectacular fireworks display.
Please note that registration is now required for entry into the festival. Book your free tickets online.
There’s a reason why ‘dinner and a show’ is a classic date night option. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Auckland’s eateries, and enjoying theatre, comedy or a night of entertainment is a great way to make memories with your loved ones.
Auckland Council supports many theatres through funding such as the Regional Arts and Culture grants programme. This Valentine’s Day there’s plenty on stage including queer cabaret show Leather Lungs: Shut Up & Sing at Q Theatre, queer poetic performance and musical soundscape In the Body at Basement Theatre and Little Red Riding Hood-inspired adults-only circus cabaret Devour at Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre.
In The Body, written and performed Redwood Reider is a poetic performance and soundscape at Basement Theatre.
For those that prefer the classics, The Taming of the Shrew is playing in Shakespeare in the Park at The PumpHouse. The performance takes place in the outdoor amphitheatre but if the weather turns rainy mid performance, the production moves inside the auditorium.
Pack the picnic basket, fill the thermos, roll up the blanket and prepare your loved one’s favourite food to dine al fresco in one of Auckland’s parks this Valentine’s Day. There are more than 4000 parks to choose from, including secluded seaside spots such as Secret Cove, Charcoal Bay and Tawhitokino Regional Park (accessible at low tide), as well as gorgeous green spaces like Grey Lynn Park, Murphys Bush Reserve or Pukekawa / Auckland Domain.
If you’re looking to show off your grill skills to your beloved then try Cornwallis, Maungarei Springs Wetland or Shepherds Park – to find other barbecues near you, search for ‘barbecue’ on Auckland Council’s Find a park or beach page.
Barbecue facilities at Maungarei Springs Wetland is the perfect place for a Valentine’s Day picnic.
To really make romance bloom combine your picnic with a walk through the sculpture trail at Sculpture in the Gardens at Auckland Botanic Gardens.
A man faces a raft of charges after allegedly swinging a machete at Police in Napier overnight.
A 21-year-old Taradale man has been charged with dangerous driving; possession of an offensive weapon; assaulting Police; injures with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; resisting Police; threatening to kill; and driving with excess breath alcohol. He is due to appear in the Hastings District Court today, Monday 10 February.
About 1.30am, a vehicle was seen driving at speed on Kennedy Road in Napier with its headlights off. Police lost sight of the car, but a member of the public pointed Police toward Clive, where the vehicle was located travelling at double the speed limit.
As plans were being put in place to set up cordons and stop the vehicle, it crashed into a fence on Waitangi Road, Awatoto, causing significant damage to the car and fence. Police were not pursuing the vehicle.
A unit located the vehicle and the sole occupant, who was initially compliant. As Police approached him, the man allegedly pulled a machete from the vehicle and began chasing one of the officers while swinging the weapon.
Both officers deployed Tasers, which were ineffective in stopping the man, before he was subdued with OC spray.
Neither officer was injured by the weapon.
The officers involved were stood down for the rest of their shift. One officer was treated at the scene for a minor injury but did not require hospitalisation.
I’m incredibly proud of their efforts. They were faced with a dangerous and unpredictable situation where a moment’s delay could have been fatal. They used training and experience to bring the alleged offender into custody without serious injury to him, or themselves.
Sadly, this is a reminder of the needless violence Police face, often with little to no warning. While Police are trained to make decisions rapidly and under pressure, nothing prepares you for seeing your colleague being threatened with a machete.
I am proud of the way both officers executed their duty bravely – the community is safer because of their actions.
Three bags choco-block full of stolen items from a Pukekohe supermarket has landed one woman in court.
Yesterday at about 2.45pm, officers were conducting a prevention patrol in the Tobin Street area when a member of the public alerted them to a woman allegedly taking a number of items from the supermarket.
Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says officers approached a woman matching the description and a search of some nearby bushes located three bags filled with items.
“Officers found 10 tubs of mayonnaise, 13 bottles of shampoo and 66 blocks of chocolate stuffed inside the bags.
“None of the items had been paid for and she was quickly taken into custody.”
Inspector Hoyes says CCTV enquiries also assisted in the arrest.
“Offending like this is a blight in our community and we’re pleased this alleged offender will be held to account for her actions.
“We take these matters seriously and our staff will continue to target recidivist retail offenders.”
Police continue to encourage the public to report offending as it happens by calling 111.
A driver who allegedly fled from Police, drove with no lights on and attempted to hide inside a roof cavity, will now appear in court.
Just after midnight, an officer reported seeing a black Honda Integra travelling at speed through the Hillsborough area.
Auckland City West Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Wayne Kitcher, says the vehicle was signalled to stop but failed to do so and fled from Police.
“We did not pursue, but were able to follow the vehicle using cameras as it travelled along State Highway 20 without its lights on through the Waterview tunnel before heading west onto State Highway 16.
“The vehicle was tracked until the Police Eagle helicopter was able to continue observations as it exited the motorway towards Swanson.”
Inspector Kitcher says one occupant fled from the vehicle of Hetherington Road before the driver abandoned the vehicle on Urlrich Drive.
“The driver and another occupant then ran across a reserve and into a nearby address.
“One person was located inside the roof cavity and both occupants were taken into custody without issue.
“Police take this type of driving as a very serious risk to all road users.”
A 22-year-old will appear in Auckland District Court on 14 February charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop.
A 15-year-old has been referred to Youth Aid Services.
Message: 9th February 2025 – Beloved, respected and cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, confidante, mentor, motivator, inspiration and guiding light, Ray passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep in Australia on January 15th, 2025.
Ray had great respect and esteem for his friends and colleagues in the music, film & television entertainment industries, as well as the New Zealand wine industry (through Tirohana Estate), and a deep appreciation and love for the many fans around the world who were touched by his creative endeavours.
A force of nature and larger than life, Ray’s passing is a catastrophic loss to his family and they respectfully ask for ongoing privacy during this very difficult time.
A private family service has been held but it would mean a great deal if in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the non-profitable charity founded by Ray in New Zealand, the Cloud 9 Children’s Foundation (https://withyoueverystepoftheway.com) which supports and assists children and teenagers (and their families) touched by Autism Spectrum Disorder.
A writer, musician, producer, creator, viticulturist, philanthropist and dreamer, Ray’s legacy lives on in us all and his music, works and projects will live on. Ray’s beloved Cloud 9 Screen Entertainment will continue, as will Tirohana Estate in Martinborough.
‘You cannot ignore the whisper of mortality that inhabits every fading sunset’.
Raymond was a veteran of the television and film industries, where he began as a writer (having also had a career as a songwriter and musician). His first novel, The Number To Call Is… was a bestseller and achieved critical acclaim in 1979.
As lead writer/script consultant he worked on several motion pictures and television series. His credits range from Hotshot to Squadron (for the BBC), Trainer to the icon series Howards Way (also for the BBC), which is regarded by many as one of Britain’s best loved drama series (and which regularly achieved the highest ratings during its six-year run).
From 1989-1994 Raymond was also Head of Development for BBC Television Drama, and also retained as a consultant to the Controller of BBC Television Drama Series, where he had a production/creative liaison on a wide range of successful BBC titles – many of which are still being broadcast today.
In 1994 Raymond founded the Cloud 9 Screen Entertainment Group in association with the Sanctuary Group PLC.
Cloud 9 evolved to be of the most prolific independent production companies (with its titles being show in over 100 countries around the world) and helped contribute to the revitalisation of the Wellington entertainment industry (‘Wellywood’) by supporting and ushering in a new generation of talent in the Wellington and New Zealand television and film communities.
In addition to being Chief Executive of the Cloud 9 Group, Raymond has also Executive produced Cloud 9’s portfolio of titles from inception to the current day- many of which Raymond also created.
Credits include The Adventures of Swiss Family Robinson, Return to Treasure Island, William Shatner’s A Twist in the Tale, The Enid Blyton Adventure Series, The Enid Blyton Secret Series, The Legend of William Tell, within Cloud 9’s Classic Collection in association with CLT-UFA.
His numerous other credits include the iconic series The Tribe (5 seasons of 260 episodes), Atlantis High, Revelations -The Initial Journey, and The New Tomorrow (all created by Raymond).
In 2000, Ray was the Founder and Chairman of The Cloud 9 Children’s Foundation, a non-profit charity which supports and assists families touched by Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder..
In 2001 Raymond returned to his musical roots and composed the Spirit Symphony, which premiered at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington via a performance by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Kenneth Young). The symphony is performed in other parts of the world and has been released on CD (and digital release) worldwide. Raymond also composed many of the soundtracks of Cloud 9’s programming.
In December 2002 Raymond was appointed an Adjunct Professor by Queensland University of Technology in the Creative Industries Faculty as a vehicle for guest lecturing, mentoring and to consult in both the private and public sector on the television and motion picture industries.
In 2003 Raymond was honoured (along with Ray Bradbury) for the cult series, The Tribe, at the Dragoncon Festival in Atlanta, Georgia.
In recognition of Raymond’s achievements, he was appointed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2003 Honours List in recognition of his services to television and entertainment.
Raymond adjudicated at many festivals including BAFTA and was a member of the jury for the 2004 Emmy finalists.
In 2005, Raymond acquired Tirohana Estate (www.tirohanaestate.com) to pursue his hobby and love of premium wine and was a regular visitor to Martinborough in New Zealand and could often be found participating in each vintage, driving the tractor or ute, and enjoying a chat with diners and clients having a glass of Tirohana Estate’s wines.
In 2011, Raymond released his memoir book ‘Keeping The Dream Alive’. Raymond was active in bringing together and overseeing the ‘continuing story’ of The Tribe through the official series of tie-in novels released by A.J. Penn from 2012 and the audiobooks (narrated by several members of the original cast of The Tribe). Raymond wrote and Executive Produced The Tribe video game that was released in 2022 (and has since been released in 2024 as an Apple iOS mobile version). ‘The Tribe Collector’s Edition Screenplay’ was released as a book (and eBook) in December 2022.
Raymond was still heavily involved in philanthropy including his charity The Cloud 9 Children’s Foundation and as well as continuing to oversee Cloud 9’s ongoing activity with its catalogue of titles, was also busy writing original screenplays which he was actively developing in line with Cloud 9’s expansion into the motion picture industries.
Applications are now open for the Executive Leader Development Programme 2025. Our 9-month learning journey for experienced tier 2-3 leaders.
Now more than ever, New Zealand Public Service leaders are being called upon to lead in a way that delivers results and navigates current challenges whilst also looking ahead at future risks and uncertainties. They need to be bold, clear, calm, and connected to themselves and each other across the system so they can deliver in an increasingly complex, ever changing and fast paced Aotearoa and global context.
Through immersive residentials, practical development experiences, coaching and workshops leaders will hone their leadership practice collectively and individually.
Spaces are limited with nominations closing 21 March 2025. The 2025 cohort starts mid-May 2025 and finishes February 2026.
Wildfires in California, bushfires in Australia and some significant vegetation fires across Aotearoa has brought global attention to fire risk and is a good reminder of the risks posed by wildfires closer to home in Auckland’s regional and local parks.
While Auckland’s cooler, damper climate provides some natural protection, climate change is intensifying conditions that could increase the likelihood of fires, particularly with the shift from last summer’s El Niño to La Niña, bringing drier and windier summer months.
Balancing safety with ecological integrity
Auckland Council’s General Manager Parks and Community Facilities Taryn Crewe says recent reports of informal “bush cleaning” by community members in urban local parks — where decaying wood and understorey plants are removed — have raised concerns.
“These practices can inadvertently increase fire risk by encouraging invasive plant species, which are often more flammable than native vegetation,” Ms Crewe says.
“In other countries, bush cleaning can be a way of preventing fires and encouraging seeds to germinate, as well as to clear old vegetation to let light in,” she says.
“However, many New Zealand forest species prefer damp conditions and shade to germinate.”
Regional Parks Manager Scott De Silva adds that while practices like ‘bush cleaning’ and controlled burns may be appropriate in some overseas parks, they are not appropriate in New Zealand parks.
“If we remove regenerating native understorey, we risk enabling invasive plants like pampas, gorse and prickly hakea to dominate. These species form highly flammable monocultures and can increase fire danger over time.”
“Of course, the primary goal is ensuring fires don’t start in the first place, so we urge all park users to take care while enjoying their time outdoors,” Mr De Silva adds.
Long-term resilience through careful management
With the dry summer the region is having, Auckland Council is also urging Aucklanders to take care when in the outdoors, especially in regional parks, which cover a total of 41,000 hectares.
“The impact of climate change means dry seasons, with high fire risk, are much longer and conditions are more volatile,” says Mr De Silva.
“We’re taking proactive steps like controlling highly flammable invasive exotic species like hakea where we can, but visitors must also play their part by observing fire bans, staying cautious, and being mindful of conditions, especially on windy days.”
He added that while Auckland Council continues ecological restoration efforts, some newly planted areas may temporarily increase vulnerability as native vegetation establishes.
“Managing invasive species and promoting healthy, diverse ecosystems remain priorities in reducing fire hazards.”
Practical tips for reducing fire risks
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is currently in a restricted fire season. Anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire will need a fire permit authorised by Fire and Emergency, which they can apply for at checkitsalright.nz.
Open fires, including charcoal BBQs, are prohibited in all public areas throughout Auckland. This includes on beaches and foreshores, in parks, conservation areas and forests. It’s prohibited to light fireworks in any public places.
The council urges residents and park visitors to take these steps to help protect Auckland’s natural spaces:
Respect fire bans: check current restrictions and avoid activities that could spark fires, such as using open flames or discarding lit materials.
Be mindful of conditions: windy days significantly increase fire risks; refrain from activities that could ignite dry vegetation.
Support native ecosystems: avoid removing native plants or undertaking unauthorised “clean-ups” in reserves; healthy native vegetation helps buffer fire spread.
Manage vegetation at home: for those living near rural or parkland areas, maintain defensible space around properties by removing flammable materials like dry grass, leaves, and twigs; replace highly flammable species with lower flammability alternatives.
For updates on fire safety visit Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s fire prevention and fire safety website checkitsalright.nz.
And for information on low flammability plants for planting click here.
“Endless New Zealand politicians, including the present government, have pointed to our support for a rules-based international system” says PSNA National Chair John Minto. “The ICC is a key part of that system but Winston Peters has jettisoned this policy in favour of a US-First approach; rather than a New Zealand-First approach”
In fact, we can find no evidence that Peters has ever uttered a word of real criticism of the US in his entire political career.
Within the past two weeks Winston Peters has
Openly welcomed Israeli soldiers and Israeli war criminals coming into New Zealand, with no questions asked, for “rest and recreation” from their genocide in Gaza
Refused to condemn Trump’s racist plans for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza so his son-in-law can turn it into a “Riviera of the Middle East’. This is an intended international crime of epic proportion, and now
Refused to join 79 countries supporting the International Criminal Court against Trump’s actions
“The countries we are refusing to join in criticising Trump include two other Five Eyes countries, the UK and Canada, as well as Germany, France, Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, Netherlands, Greece, Norway, Portugal, Spain etc”
“Winston Peters has put New Zealand in the hard-right international minority extremist camp with Trump” says PSNA National Chair John Minto. “This is creepy and cowardly complicity with a state whose values we do not share.”
“Winston Peters’ ministry has been at great pains over the past year to state how much our government supports the work of the ICC. The MFAT website states “We have also been clear in our support of the International Criminal Court’s mandate in Palestine”
“But when the ICC issues arrest warrants against Israeli leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity, our government goes completely silent.”
“Will Winston Peters now copy his master and revoke an immigration ban on 33 Israeli settlers responsible for leading pogroms against Palestinian communities in the Occupied West Bank, as Trump did a few days ago?”
“US policy towards Palestine underlines the case for New Zealand to leave the Five Eyes US international spy network.”
“An independent foreign policy means making our own decisions and working with the great majority of like-minded countries who support international institutions, such as the ICC and the International Court of Justice.”
“Instead, we have a foreign minister who is in the US pocket and blindly working for the interests of Trump and his robber barons.”
AUCKLAND, 10 February 2025 – Avast, a leader in digital security and privacy and part of Gen , has announced that Avast Small Business Solutions will now be available in New Zealand through local distributor Ingram Micro New Zealand. This increases the range of cybersecurity solutions available to small businesses in the market.
Ingram Micro has been the local distributor for Norton, another consumer brand of Gen, in this market for more than 20 years. It will launch Avast Essential Business Security, Avast Premium Business Security and Avast Ultimate Business Security next quarter, giving New Zealand resellers access to a greater portfolio of robust cybersecurity solutions.
Mark Gorrie, Managing Director Gen APAC says that the collaboration with Ingram Micro New Zealand is a testament to Gen’s commitment to Powering Digital Freedom for people and businesses across the world.
“Our joint expertise and support will provide Kiwi resellers with the tools they need to enable their small business customers to thrive in an increasingly complex digital landscape. We have a long history of working successfully together and are confident that Ingram Micro is the right company to support our strategic growth in the region,” says Mark. “We’ll have a full programme of education, training, events and roadshows to ensure that resellers and retailers are able to confidently offer Avast Small Business Solutions to their customers.”
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About Avast Avast is a leader in digital security and privacy, and part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. Avast protects hundreds of millions of users from online threats, for Mobile, PC or Mac and is top-ranked and certified by VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs and others. Avast is a member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware, No More Ransom and Internet Watch Foundation. Learn more at Avast.com. Visit: www.avast.com.
After rampant rates rises across the country last year, Federated Farmers is calling for the Government to make seven key changes to restore confidence in local decision-making.
“The funding model for our councils is broken,” Sandra Faulkner, Federated Farmers local government spokesperson, says.
“Rage about rates increases will feature strongly when voters have their say in council elections this October, but the Government should also do more to rein in cost pressures.
“Central governments over the years have pointed the finger at council excesses and failings but part of the solution here is to fix faulty legislation and government policy.”
It’s clear that change is needed to turn back the tide on massive rates increases, Faulkner says.
“Fewer people are voting in local body elections, and rates jumped an average 15% this year alone, which has really hurt all Kiwis, including rural families.
“Meanwhile, central government has chipped away at the autonomy of local government with an ever-increasing list of national directions and requirements.”
Two of Federated Farmers’ seven recommendations call on the Government to surrender some of its tax take in favour of councils.
“We say the lion’s share of the cost of repairing and renewing local roads should fall on road users, not property owners,” Faulkner says.
Outside of the state highway network, councils are responsible for maintaining roads and bridges.
On average, councils get 53% of this cost via a NZ Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi Funding Assistance Rate (FAR), paid from fuel taxes and Road User Charges. The rest comes from ratepayers.
“Property value rates are a poor way to fund roads for the same reason as general taxation: it does not tie those who use roads with those who pay for roads,” Faulkner says.
“The system also lacks logic. In areas with a lot of tourism or freight, for example, locals are left paying for roading networks that serve a wider regional or national purpose.”
Because ratepayers baulk at rising road costs, councils feel obliged to scale back renewal and maintenance on roads that are a lifeline for rural families and businesses.
“So, we get deteriorating tarseal, potholes and even road closures in rural areas,” Faulkner says.
Federated Farmers argues the FAR rate should be lifted to an average 90%.
Another change that would reduce council funding pressure is to make Crown land rateable.
Currently, government land is exempt from local authority rates, apart from targeted rates and charges for utilities.
In 2023/24, Auckland Council estimated the Government was exempt from paying a total of $36.5 million in rates that year – worth $506.40 per household.
Federated Farmers also seeks legislation that focuses local government on providing necessary infrastructure, local public services and regulation.
“We want councils to stick to core services,” Faulkner says.
“That requires withdrawal of the controversial ‘four well-beings’ mandate – social, economic, environmental, and cultural – which has led to councils drifting into areas outside their areas of expertise, often duplicating work already handled by central government.”
Faulkner says there’s always debate on where to draw the line on what is a legitimate ‘local public service’.
“There should be room for fostering a sense of community through events such as celebrating Matariki, or investing in social infrastructure such as libraries, halls and swimming pools.
“But there should be restraint on councils from destroying their balance sheets through risky investments beyond their core purpose – things like convention centres and sports stadiums.
“We’re proposing that a referendum must be held before spending is committed on commercial facilities and ventures costing more than $500 per resident.”
New Zealand is at a crossroads with its 78 councils, Faulkner says.
“We can either continue to underfund big challenges on water, transport and housing, or we can look for new ways to restore confidence in a refocused and resourced local government.”
See Federated Farmers’ seven recommendations in its ‘Restoring confidence in local decision-making’ report –Restoring confidence
New Zealand has long been a member of the International Criminal Court, which impartially prosecutes serious war criminals for atrocities.
“The United States of America is attacking the ICC with sanctions and undermining its important and respected role as a prosecutor of war criminals,” Labour foreign affairs spokesperson David Parker said.
“It is one thing for the USA not to participate in the ICC. To go further and introduce sanctions to hinder the ability of the ICC doing its work for other countries is plainly wrong.
“In recent days, 79 countries have signed a statement condemning this. Those countries include Switzerland, Canada, France and Germany – countries we normally work closely with. New Zealand was notably absent.
“It is understandable that New Zealand does not want to criticise every decision made by President Trump.
“But our government won’t even speak up in the company of 79 others when an institution we are part of is threatened and undermined.
“Silence conveys consent.
“New Zealand’s reputation for being fair and principled is built on decades of important decisions like these – across successive governments.
“In its efforts to appease the new USA administration, New Zealand should not cravenly abandon its principles,” David Parker said.
Erica Stanford has reached peak shortsightedness if today’s announcement is anything to go by, picking apart immigration settings piece by piece to the detriment of the New Zealand economy.
“Dumbing down the rules for the investor visa risks watering down the economic benefits for New Zealand,” Labour immigration spokesperson Phil Twyford said.
“Allowing people to buy residence by parking their money in a passive investment like property that won’t generate jobs or sustainable economic development for New Zealand doesn’t sit well.
“Kiwi venture capitalists looking for investment opportunities urged the Government to keep Labour’s rules in place, and not open up to passive investments.
“This will stick in the craw for the hard-working migrants who have to crawl over cut glass to get residence. Giving the fast track to residence for the rich with no requirement for economic development for New Zealand, and removing the English language test for the rich but not for every day migrants, is not the Kiwi way.
“The focus on wealthy visitors to New Zealand in the very same week the Government has figures showing Kiwi unemployment is at record highs is absolutely tone deaf.
“I’m surprised Winston Peters doesn’t have more to say about this. It flies in the face of what he has fought for decades,” Phil Twyford said.
Spartina is a fast-growing, salt-tolerant grass that can grow to two metres tall.
Although it was originally planted in locations across New Zealand in the 1940s to stabilise land for reclamation, it has become an aggressive and persistent invader of inter-tidal mudflats – like those found around Coromandel Harbour
Spartina traps silt and sand, impacting the open mudflats needed by many migratory protected birds like kuaka/bar-tailed godwit, moho pereū/banded rail, and tūturiwhatu/dotterel, as well as some shellfish varieties.
DOC’s Coromandel Biodiversity Ranger Jamie Carey says the infestation of the plant in the Coromandel Harbour needs to be addressed, prompting an aerial herbicide operation his team has planned for February.
“When it comes to spartina, ‘do nothing’ is not an option,” says Jamie. “We need to control this plant, or it will spread and further compromise the biodiversity values in the harbour.
“If we don’t address this infestation quickly, we’ll lose valuable habitat for our native species.”
The operation will involve using a helicopter to apply the herbicide (Halyoxfop), which will rely on a patch of good weather with minimal wind. Jamie says this will be visible to people in and around the harbour, but there is no need for concern.
“We want to be transparent about this work; even though the aircraft will only be deployed for a few hours, people may wonder what it’s doing flying at such low levels.
“In short, it’s helping us protect native species habitat by addressing the spartina issue in the harbour.”
Monitoring will be undertaken after the operation to ensure water quality in the harbour has not been compromised, as per DOC’s consent to use the product.
Background information
Spartina is an aggressive and persistent invader of inter-tidal mudflats.
It invades mangroves, mudflats and estuaries taking over the inter-tidal zone. It forms big clumps that hold mud (sediment).
This raises the level of the land and can change coastal ecosystems. Bird and fish habitat is damaged by spartina.
The Government will consult on reducing the frequency of Warrant of Fitness and Certificate of Fitness inspections for vintage light vehicles and private heavy motorhomes.
At present these vehicles must be inspected every six months.
The consultation proposes to extend this to a year.
The Government is looking to reduce unnecessarily onerous compliance requirements for owners of vintage cars, vintage motorcycles and privately owned motorhomes, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“Everyone loves seeing a lovingly maintained vintage car out on the road for a Sunday drive, and cruising around our beautiful country in a motorhome is a quintessential Kiwi dream,” Mr Bishop says.
“There are around 128,000 vintage vehicles in New Zealand, and about 39,000 private motorhomes. At present the owners of these vehicles must spend time and money on Warrant of Fitness (WOF) or Certificate of Fitness (COF) inspections every six months.
“That’s despite motorhomes and vintage light vehicles travelling much less per year compared to most modern cars, and evidence showing that faults in these vehicles are half as likely to have contributed to serious crashes involving these vehicles. That’s true even when factoring in the smaller numbers of motorhomes and vintage vehicles on our roads.
“Evidence also shows that initial pass rates for vintage vehicles are higher compared to all vehicles under 40 years old.
“In fact, light vehicle WOF pass rates actually improve as vehicles age from 40 years old showing that, with proper care, some things really do get better with age.”
“That’s why we’re consulting on easing the overly onerous compliance requirements on these types of vehicles, so that owners of vintage cars and private motorhomes can spend less time waiting in line at the VTNZ, and more time tinkering happily in the garage or cruising the open road.”
The consultation is being run by NZTA, and proposes to:
Reduce WOF check frequency for vehicles over 40 years old from every 6 months to every year, and
Reduce COF check frequency for privately owned heavy motorhome vehicles from every 6 months to every year.
“Extending the time between WOF and COF inspections is a sensible approach to ensuring vehicles are safe while not going overboard on compliance.”
Public consultation on the proposed changes will begin on 24 February 2025. Visit nzta.govt.nzto share your feedback. The last day for feedback is 4 April 2025.
Note to Editors:
Vintage light vehicles refers to cars and motorcycles over 40 years old.
In total there are around 4.4 million light vehicles in New Zealand. Around 128,000 of them are vintage.
WOF pass rate statistics refer to initial WOF inspections only, and not re-checks.
To make a Rule change through this process, the Minister of Transport is required to consult with the public / interested parties.
Patient information at risk of privacy breach from deep cuts to IT staff
The PSA is asking the Privacy Commissioner to urgently investigate Health NZ’s plan to decimate its IT staff as part of the Government’s plans to cut health costs.
“The PSA is taking the unusual step of asking the Privacy Commissioner to urgently investigate cuts to data and digital teams at Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand because of the huge gamble with patient privacy and safety we believe Health NZ is taking with plans to cut almost half of IT staff,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, Acting National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
Health NZ Te Whatu Ora announced in December plans to cut 47% of roles in the Data and Digital Directorate, resulting in the loss of 1120 roles (including vacancies), all to save $100m.
“New Zealanders rightly expect that their private information as patients is held securely, but we don’t believe Health NZ can say hand on heart that will be the case if these cuts go ahead.
“Health NZ has important obligations under the Health Information Privacy Code and the Privacy Act, but we don’t believe the risks of breaching these obligations have been properly analysed in the rush to save money.
“The data and information these teams are responsible for is vital for clinicians to ensure the best possible treatment for patients. IT staff already warned Health NZ leaders late last year that the restructure raised the risks of unplanned outages. This could impact patients through the inability of clinicians to access patient data, as well as through medication and equipment failures.
“The Government is on notice that Health NZ’s IT systems are already under huge pressure and that the directorate is understaffed. The risk of a cyber security breaches is very real as the Waikato Hospital ransomware attack in 2021 showed.
“The Government should be investing in IT upgrades and more, not fewer staff to better protect sensitive patient records and ensure the benefits of centralising computer systems under the health restructure are realised.
“We urge the Privacy Commissioner to use his powers of investigation here before long term damage is done to the health system. We invite him to talk to impacted staff who know well the risks to patients from unplanned outages.
“It’s absolutely critical patient data is accurate, secure and available 24-7 for clinicians.”
– PSA letter to the Privacy Commissioner
– PSA submission to Health NZ / Te Whatu Ora on proposed restructure of the Data and Digital Directorate
Changes to investor visa settings will make New Zealand more attractive as an investment destination, says BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich.
We welcome the next move in the government’s foreign investment strategy to attract high net wealth individuals and their families. Investors bring international business networks, unique skills and expertise as well as capital to our country, says Mrs Rich.
A broader range of investment opportunities and internationally comparable settings will open the doors for investors that want to call New Zealand home. There is an opportunity for New Zealand businesses to leverage these networks for investment and international trade. We welcome these visa changes and look forward to continued efforts by the government to attract foreign investment and expertise.
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
The NZSA Youth Mentor Programme seeks Emerging Young Writers
Four secondary school students will have the opportunity to be mentored by one of New Zealand’s best professional authors in order to develop their craft and hone their writing skills.
The NZSA Youth Mentorship Programme offers aspiring young writers aged 15 -18 a mentorship, from May to November. The intent of the mentor programme is to foster and develop emerging writing talent with the support of established authors. There are 4 places awarded each year in the youth programme, and it is a game-changing opportunity for young writers.
NZSA has been running successful assessment and mentoring programmes since 1999 that aim are to nurture, encourage, inspire and develop emerging writers with the support of established writers through mentoring and assessment.
Comments from previous youth mentees Leo Reid from Hamilton had award-winning author Kyle Mewburn as their mentor in 2024 and had this to say: “Through the NZSA Youth Mentorship Program, I have developed my skills as an author outside of simply writing. My mentor Kyle was endlessly kind and patient with me and I feel I have grown into myself using her help. Kyle offered me the experience of working with a seasoned author as well as providing me with extremely beneficial feedback. I know I can apply these newfound skills to projects outside of the one I had been working on with Kyle. I will look back on this shared time with her as one of immense value to myself, on both a personal level and as a writer.”
“I feel that I improved my skills as a writer and made a great deal of progress in terms of my project — I now have a clear structure, a plan moving forward and many smaller pieces to work with and develop further. Michelle has helped me build confidence in my work and consider things I previously didn’t, such as pacing and specific characterisation, as well as highlighting my strengths,” said Stella Weston who was partnered with writer and editor, Michelle Elvy.
Yiyang Cao of Auckland had award-winning poet Siobhan Harvey for her mentor and said this about her experience, “I feel that I’ve developed significantly as a poet this year, a process that was well aided by the feedback exchanged with my mentor. Her suggestions on form and craft have been intriguing and helpful to me as I worked towards finding my own poetic voice. I’ve also achieved the goal I had entering the mentorship, of writing and compiling a personal anthology of 40 of my poems in 2023.”
The Youth Mentor Programme is run by the NZSA, the principal organisation representing writers in Aotearoa. We offer memberships for writers at all stages of their careers including students. Our assessment and mentorship programmes, such as our annual Youth mentorships, are offered with the support of Creative New Zealand.
About NZSA The NZSA represents over 1,800 writers in New Zealand. We offer support through advocacy and representation, professional development, information and guidance on publishing and the literary arts, administer prizes and awards and contract and business advice. We work to protect authors incomes and offer memberships for writers at all stages of their careers including students. Our many assessment and mentorship programmes, such as our annual Youth mentorships, are offered with the support of Creative New Zealand. NZSA is affiliated to International PEN, a voice that upholds freedom of speech and protests against writers falsely silenced and imprisoned around the world. www.authors.org.nz
New Zealand should be robust in its response to the “unacceptable” situation in Gaza but it must also back its allies against threats by the US President, says an international relations academic.
Otago University professor of international relations Robert Patman said the rest of the world also “should stop tip-toeing” around President Donald Trump and must stand up to any threats he makes against allies, no matter how outlandish they seem.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters told RNZ that New Zealand would not comment on the plan until it was clear exactly what was meant, but said New Zealand continued to support a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
Dr Patman said the president’s plan was “truly shocking and absolutely appalling” in light of the devastation in Gaza in the last 15 months.
It was not only “tone deaf” but also dangerous, he added, with the proposal amounting to “the most powerful country in the world — the US — dismantling an international rules=based system that [it] has done so much to establish”.
“This was an extraordinary proposal which I think is reckless and dangerous because it certainly doesn’t help the immediate situation. It probably plays into the hands of extremists in the region.
“There is a view at the moment that we must all tiptoe round Mr Trump in order not to upset him, while he’s completely free to make outrageous suggestions which endanger people’s lives.”
Professor Robert Patman . . . Trump’s plan for Gaza “truly shocking and absolutely appalling”. Image: RNZ
Winston Peters’ careful position on a potential US takeover of Gaza was “a fair response . . . but the Luxon-led government must be clear the current situation is unacceptable” and oppose protectionism, he said.
“[The government ] wants a solution in the Middle East which recognises both the Israeli desire for security but also recognises the political right to self determination of the Palestinian people — in other words the right to have a state of their own.”
New Zealand should also speak out against Trump’s threats to annex Canada, “our very close ally”, he said.
He was “not suggesting New Zealand be provocative but it must be robust”, Dr Patman said.
Greens also respond to Trump actions The Green Party said President Trump had been explicit in his intention to take over Gaza, and New Zealand needed to make its position crystal clear too.
Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said the Prime Minister needed to stand up and condemn the plan as “reprehensible”.
“President Trump’s comments have been pretty clear to anybody who is able to read or to listen to them, about his intention to forcibly displace, or to see displaced, about 1.8 million Gazans from their own land, who have already been made refugees in their own land.”
France, Spain, Ireland, Brazil and other countries had been “unequivocal” in their condemnation of Trump’s plan, and NZ’s Foreign Affairs Minister should be too, she added.
“New Zealanders value justice and they value peace, and they want to see our leadership represent that, on the international stage. So [these were] really disappointing and unfortunately unclear comments from our Deputy Prime Minister.”
Yesterday Foreign Minister Winston Peters told RNZ that New Zealand still supported a two-state solution, but said he would not comment on Trump’s Gaza plan until officials could grasp exactly what this meant.
Dozens of countries have expressed “unwavering support” for the ICC in a joint statement, after the US President imposed sanctions on its staff.
The 125-member ICC is a permanent court that can prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression against the territory of member states or by their nationals.
The United States, China, Russia and Israel are not members.
Trump has accused the court of improperly targeting the US and its ally, Israel.
Neither New Zealand nor Australia had joined the statement, but in a statement to RNZ the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had always supported the ICC’s role in upholding international law and a rules-based system.
University of Victoria law professor Alberto Costi said currently New Zealand is at little risk of sanctions and there’s no need for a stronger approach.
“At this stage there is no reason to be stronger. New Zealand is perceived as a state that believes in a rules-based order and is supportive of the work of the ICC.
“So there’s not much need to go further but it’s a space to watch in the future, should these sanctions become a reality.
“But as far as New Zealand is concerned, at the moment there is no need to antagonise anyone at this stage.”
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Three men have been rescued after being reported missing while rafting on the Waikaia River near Piano Flat.
Police were alerted at around 9.30pm yesterday that the men did not reach their designated pick-up point after a planned trip on the river.
After making initial enquiries overnight, Police Search and Rescue began the search at first light this morning.
Police would like to thank Fire and Emergency New Zealand for providing a Command Truck for a forward search base at Piano Flat.
Southern Lakes Helicopters – Te Anau assisted the search by providing a helicopter, which located two inflatable watercrafts in a gorge section of the river, about 6.5km north of Piano Flat.
At around 11.30am, one of the men was sighted by the helicopter near the river’s edge with a leg injury.
The other two men were located nearby a short time later, cold but otherwise uninjured.
The trio were winched from the river to safety by the helicopter and were medically assessed. The man with the leg injury was transported to hospital by Ambulance.
Police would like to thank Land Search and Rescue volunteers from Southland, Eastern Southland, Catlins, and Fiordland, alongside Amateur Radio Emergency Communications.
Police would also like to thank the public who provided vital information of the area and terrain.
As people travel back home from the Burt Munro Challenge, we remind motorists that our highways are not racetracks and there is no prize for getting home first.
Thousands of people are leaving the Invercargill region in the coming days, prompting our reminder to drive safely so you reach your destinations safely.
Ensure you plan your journey ahead and allow plenty of travel time in case of delays. With a significant increase in traffic heading out of the region, it is crucial to keep your cool all times.
Please drive to the conditions, obey all speed limits and restrictions, don’t drive impaired and keep your phone away. If you are feeling fatigued, pull over or have somebody else drive.
If you are on a motorcycle, wear all the appropriate safety gear and check your bike is road safe before setting off.
We hope everyone enjoyed the events in our region, and if you’re on the road, expect to see us out and about, making sure everyone’s safe.
The Government is modernising visa settings to incentivise migrants to invest in New Zealand. “Foreign investment has the potential to provide jobs for Kiwis, lift incomes by delivering new businesses and investing in existing ones. We should be rolling out the welcome mat and encouraging investor migrants to choose New Zealand as a destination for their capital,” Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says. “Unfortunately, changes made to the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa category by the previous government had the effect of discouraging potential investors from seeking New Zealand residence. Since 2022, migrants entering New Zealand under the AIP category have invested just $70 million. By contrast, in the two years prior to COVID-19 migrants invested $2.2 billion. “Rather than turning potential investors away, this Government is intent on welcoming people who want to contribute to New Zealand. We are already making it easier for digital nomads to work remotely while visiting here and have established Invest New Zealand to promote investment into this country,” Ms Willis says. “Capital is highly mobile and in an increasing complex world, people are looking for a safe and stable country to do business. We are now making our investor visa simpler and more flexible to incentivise investors to choose New Zealand as a destination not just for their capital, skills and international connections, but to build a life for themselves and their family here,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. From 1 April the current complex weighting system for the AIP will be replaced with two simplified investment categories:
The Growth category will focus on higher-risk investments, including direct investments in New Zealand businesses. It will require a minimum investment of $5 million for a minimum period of three years. The Balanced category will focus on mixed investments, with the ability to choose ones that are lower risk. There will be a minimum investment of $10 million over five years.
Other changes include expanding the scope of acceptable investments and removing potential barriers to investment, such as the English language requirement. “Incentivising, simplifying and broadening the investment offerings will make New Zealand more attractive and accessible to more foreign high-value investors. These changes will turbocharge our economic growth, bringing brighter days ahead for all Kiwis,” Ms Stanford says.
A national Palestine advocacy group has hit back at critics of its “genocide hotline” campaign against soldiers involved in Israel’s war against Gaza, saying New Zealand should be actively following international law.
“Why is concern for the sensitivities of soldiers from a genocidal Israeli campaign more important than condemning the genocide itself?,” asked PSNA national chair John Minto in a statement.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters, the Chief Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Rainbow and the New Zealand Jewish Council have made statements “protecting” Israeli soldiers who come to New Zealand on “rest and recreation” from the industrial-scale killing of 47,000 Palestinians in Gaza until a truce went into force on January 19.
“We are not surprised to see such a predictable lineup of apologists for Israel and its genocide in Gaza from lining up to attack a PSNA campaign with false smears of anti-semitism,” Minto said.
He said that over 16 months Peters had done “absolutely nothing” to put any pressure on Israel to end its genocidal behaviour.
“But he is full of bluff and bluster and outright lies to denounce those who demand Israel be held to account.”
Deny illegal settler visas Minto said that if Peters was doing his job as Foreign Minister, he would not only stop Israeli soldiers coming to Aotearoa New Zealand — as with Russian soldiers in the Ukraine war — he would also deny visas to any Israeli with an address in an illegal Israeli settlement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Whlle the commission said it had received 90 complaints about the hotline, it had also received eight complaints about immigration policy allowing Israeli soldiers to enter New Zealand under the visa waiver scheme that applies to Israel.
“Our campaign has nothing to do with Israelis or Jews — it is a campaign to stop Israeli soldiers coming here for rest and recreation after a campaign of wholesale killing of Palestinians in Gaza,” Minto said.
“To imply the campaign is targeting Jews is disgusting and despicable.
“Some of the soldiers will be Druse, some Palestinian Arabs and others will be Jews.”
The five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, shot 355 times by Israeli soldiers on 29 January 2024. Image: @Onlyloren/Instagram
Israeli soldiers are facing a growing risk of being arrested abroad for alleged war crimes committed in Gaza, with around 50 criminal complaints filed so far in courts in several countries around the world.
Earlier this month, a former Israeli soldier abruptly ended his holiday in Brazil and was “smuggled” out of the country after a Federal Court ordered police to open a war crimes investigation against him. The man fled to Argentina.
A complaint lodged by the Belgium-based Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) included more than 500 pages of court records linking the suspect to the demolition of civilian homes in Gaza.
‘Historic’ court ruling against soldier The foundation called the Brazilian court’s decision “historic”, saying it marked a significant precedent for a member country of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to enforce Rome Statute provisions domestically in the 15-month Israeli war on Gaza.
The foundation is named in honour of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab who was killed on 29 January 2024 by Israel soldiers while pleading for help in a car after her six family members were dead.
According to The New Arab, the foundation has so far tracked and sent the names of 1000 Israeli soldiers to the ICC and Interpol, and has been pursuing legal cases in a number of countries, including Belgium, Brazil, Cyprus, France, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
In November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, together with a former Hamas commander, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Minto accused the New Zealand Jewish Council of being “deeply racist” and said it regularly “makes a meal of false smears of anti-semitism”.
“It’s deeply problematic that this Jewish Council strategy takes attention away from the real anti-semitism which exists in New Zealand and around the world.
“The priority of the Jewish Council is to protect Israel from criticism and protect it from accountability for its apartheid policies, ethnic cleansing and genocide.
“We are demanding that accountability.”
NZ ‘going through the motions’ In a later statement, PSNA said the government had begun to “go through the motions” of questioning Israeli soldiers at the border but it was just a “look busy policy – too little too late”.
NZ requires Israelis to disclose IDF service details as condition for entry – a similar policy to Australia. Image: Times of Israel screenshot APR
Immigration questioning Israeli of soldiers about their military service in Gaza at the New Zealand border was revealed in a Times of Israel report today which said:
“New Zealand’s government immigration authority has begun to require Israelis applying for a visa to report details of their military service as a condition for entry, and at least one person has been denied admission after doing so.”
PSNA’s Minto said the government must also uphold the ICJ advisory opinion of 19 July 2024 which called on global governments to end support for Israel’s illegal occupation.
“This means we should also deny entry to every Israeli wanting to visit here who has an address in an illegal Israeli settlement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories,” Minto added.