Source: New Zealand Police
St Johns Road has been reopened following an earlier crash between a vehicle and pedestrian.
One person was transported to hospital in a serious condition.
An investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Police would like to thank motorists for their patience while the scene was cleared.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who died following a crash on Number 1 Line on 25 May.
He was Martin Lucien Symington, 53, from Australia.
Police extends our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
“Natural gas reserves continue to reduce faster and sooner than previously forecast,” says Karlene Tipler, Head of Data Service Delivery, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment.
“In 2024 natural gas proven plus probable (2P) reserves reduced from 1300 PJ to 948 PJ. The reduction in natural gas reserves is largely driven by field operators reducing their estimates of gas readily extractable in the ground by 234 PJ. The remaining reduction of 119 PJ reflects the portion of gas reserves that were used during the year.
“Contingent natural gas reserves, which is gas that exists in the ground, but cannot be extracted due to current economic or technical conditions, has increased by 184 PJ or 10% on last year’s figure.
“Some of this increase can be attributed to natural gas reserves being downgraded to contingent resources. A significant contributor to this is Pohokura field, which included a large volume of contingent gas which had previously not been reported.
“As economic and technical conditions change, some contingent gas may have the potential to be upgraded to 2P reserves.”
“Decreases in the majority of gas reserves were partially offset by the Turangi field, whose reserves were revised upward by 22 PJ. This resulted in a net increase, after accounting for 2024 production, of 2 PJ.
“Natural gas delivered from gas fields also reduced 22% in 2024 compared to 2023. The greatest contributors to this were Pohokura, Maui, Mangahewa, and Kupe fields, who between them dropped 109 TJ/day compared to last year’s data.
“Previous forecasts had annual gas production falling below 100 PJ by 2029, but due to revised production forecasts we now expect to reach this level by 2026.”
Read the full Petroleum Reserves 2025 data release:
Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Ashley Clarke of Marlborough CIB:
Police acknowledge the sentence handed down to Paul Thomas Armon today in the Blenheim High Court.
Mr Armon was sentenced to life imprisonment with 15 years non-parole for the murder of his mother, Jennifer Sheehan, late last year.
We extend our sympathies to Mrs Sheehan’s family.
They have asked for privacy at this difficult time.
I would like to thank our investigations team, as well as the wider public who helped us with information during the course of our investigation.
While no outcome can bring Mrs Sheehan back, we are pleased that the matter has now been concluded through the courts.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is ensuring more students with the highest learning support needs have access to warm, safe, dry and fit-for-purpose learning environments.
“We know many parents of children with high needs want the option of a specialist education setting. Right now, those choices are limited because our specialist schools are stretched beyond capacity. This investment is about giving families more choice and confidence their children can learn in the environment that best supports them,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
$30 million through Budget 2025 will expand specialist school property across New Zealand. Investment will fund the construction of 18 new satellite classrooms at host schools nationwide and 5 additional classrooms at two base specialist schools, relieving pressure on the network.
This funding will deliver:
Two classrooms for Blomfield Special School at Selwyn Park School in Dargaville,
Two classrooms for Hamilton North School at Ngaruawahia School in Waikato,
Two classrooms for Kimi Ora School at Taita College in Lower Hutt,
Two classrooms for Tauranga Special School at Te Puke Primary School in the Bay of Plenty,
Two classrooms for Rosehill School at Papakura Normal School in Auckland,
Two classrooms for Fairhaven School at Onekawa School in Napier,
Four classrooms for Central Auckland Specialist School at an Auckland school,
Two classrooms for Oaklynn Special School at Kelston Intermediate in Auckland,
Two classrooms at Ferndale School in Christchurch,
Three classrooms at Sara Cohen School in Dunedin.
“Specialist schools play a vital role in our education system. This investment recognises the incredible work these schools do and builds on the largest boost to learning support in a generation.
“The classrooms are set to enter construction over the next 12 months. The majority will be delivered using offsite manufacturing or repeatable designs which enable the funding to go further, so more schools get the extra classrooms they need. The sooner we build, the sooner schools can provide tailored support, so more children have the chance to thrive,” Ms Stanford said.
Source: New Zealand Government
New figures released today showing a decline in New Zealand’s gas reserves is a stark reminder why the Government is taking decisive action to bolster the industry and seek more investment in exploration and production, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.
“New Zealand needs a secure supply of affordable and reliable gas – for industry to continue and for Kiwis to keep the lights on. A 27 percent year on year decline in our natural gas reserves is further proof that the Coalition Government has made the right decisions in overturning the oil and gas ban, and is willing to become a cornerstone investor in gas production,” Mr Jones says.
“We simply cannot allow the de-industrialisation of New Zealand to continue. Our manufacturing sector, particularly in the regions, which rely on gas are at the mercy of the market. Rising gas prices are putting increasing pressure on manufacturers and are harming the competitiveness of our businesses, risking their viability.
“As an island nation we should be taking full advantage of our indigenous gas reserves to power our homes and businesses. The idea that we could transition to 100 percent renewable energy without the back-up of any kind of thermal energy is as naïve as it is unattainable.
“That’s why the Government has made some bold decisions about how we can arrest the impending degradation of our energy system. It is not too late to turn around our fortunes in this area.
“The Government has committed, through Budget 2025, $200 million over four years for Crown co-investment in new domestic gas field developments. This funding will allow the Government to take a commercial stake of up to 15 percent in new gas projects that feed the domestic market, helping to reduce sovereign risk and attract offshore investment.
“As well as removing the exploration ban, the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill which comes back before the House soon, better balances the regulatory burden and risk of decommissioning and gives the regulator more flexibility in how exploration permits are issued, giving the sector confidence to get to work.”
Other action the Government has taken includes the Investment Boost policy announced in the Budget.
Value of building work put in place: March 2025 quarter – information release
5 June 2025
Value of building work statistics estimate the value and volume of work put in place on construction jobs in New Zealand.
Key facts
In the March 2025 quarter:
Statistics remain provisional for the latest three quarters and are updated each quarter.
Visit our website to read this information release and to download CSV files:
Source: New Zealand Government
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey today announced that the Government has released the refreshed Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm.
“The updated strategy includes a targeted investment of over $81 million to improve access to support, strengthen prevention and early intervention and reduce the impact of gambling-related harm across New Zealand,” Mr Doocey says.
“We know that simply announcing strategies isn’t enough to make a material difference. We want New Zealanders to see real change and make progress, that is why as part of this strategy we’ve built in an independent review in 2025/26 to track what’s working, and what’s not.
“The strategy focuses on delivering timely, effective support for individuals, families and communities affected by gambling harm. Key areas of investment include increasing access to treatment and support, improving prevention and early intervention initiatives, and improving the effectiveness of support for those experiencing gambling harm.
“We know one of the biggest barriers to people accessing support is workforce, that is why the plan includes ways we will grow the gambling harm workforce. We will be creating up to 18 additional clinical internship places.
“It is expected these interns will be supported to develop gambling harm expertise by working closely with a supervisor in a clinical setting. This approach is necessary to bridge the gap between education and work and will give interns the practical experience needed to help people affected by gambling harm.
“Not only will this ensure more people can access help, but this will also support people who could otherwise struggle to meet the requirements to become registered clinicians.
“One in five New Zealanders will be affected by gambling harm in their lifetime—either directly or through someone they know. This can have devastating effects not only on individuals, but also on their families and wider communities.”
Services will be funded through the new Problem Gambling Levy Regulations, paid by non-casino gaming machine operators, casinos, TAB NZ, and Lotto NZ. Work is also underway on how online casino operators will contribute under upcoming regulations.
The strategy was developed through a two-stage consultation process and strongly reflects the voices of people with lived experience.
“I want to thank those who shared their experiences with us. You’ve helped ensure this strategy is reflective of real-life experiences and have helped to ground the strategy with a strong understanding of what support works best for you and our communities,” Mr Doocey says.
Source: New Zealand Government
For the fifth consecutive year, women’s representation on public sector boards and committees has reached 50 percent or above, with women now holding 52.1 percent of public sector board roles, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says.
Ms Grigg announced the results of the 2024 stocktake of gender and ethnic diversity on public sector boards and committees at an Institute of Directors event on Wednesday.
“I am delighted to see that women’s representation in public sector governance remains strong, and that women also continue to be well-represented in Board chair positions – at 44.5 percent.
“We know that having more women in leadership not only brings about greater diversity but is better for business with a positive impact on financial performance and better decision making.”
Ms Grigg says that Māori and ethnic diversity on public sector boards has also increased since collection of ethnicity data began in 2019.
“There are many great women leaders in New Zealand who have achieved amazing things. A big part of what we need to do now is inspire the next generation of leaders, and this includes identifying, supporting, and growing future generations of women in governance.
“This is a great achievement, but the work is not done. It’s taken a deliberate and coordinated effort to achieve this result, and we continue to focus on ensuring we have gender-balanced boards appointed on merit that result in better governance practices, decision-making and financial performance and, ultimately, better outcomes for New Zealanders.”
Source: New Zealand Police
Police in Christchurch are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vulnerable missing person.
79-year old Elisabeth went missing last night with a confirmed sighting on Bartlett Street, Riccarton.
There are also unconfirmed reports of Elisabeth being seen in Moana Vale at around 10am on 5 June.
Elisabeth is wearing blue pants, a dark coloured long-sleeve top, black shoes and has distinctive long blond/white hair.
If you see her please call 111 and ref P062766924.
ENDS
Source: Tertiary Education Commission
Last updated 5 June 2025
Last updated 5 June 2025
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We invest government funding in tertiary education organisations (TEOs), monitor their performance, and provide information and advice. We invest over $3.8 billion into tertiary education and the careers system each year.
We invest government funding in tertiary education organisations (TEOs), monitor their performance, and provide information and advice. We invest over $3.8 billion into tertiary education and the careers system each year.
Our investment supports more than 700 tertiary education organisations across New Zealand to provide all forms of post-secondary-school education, including foundation education, vocational education and higher education (including research).
Our investment helps to ensure a network of provision which meets the needs of different learners and communities.
The scope and breadth of our careers work has expanded to better support the changing nature of work and the future career needs of all New Zealanders between the ages of 7 and 70+. The focus is to help prepare New Zealanders for the future of work and the post-COVID challenges that lie ahead.
Over the coming years we will focus on equipping New Zealanders with the skills and capabilities to make them career confident and resilient. For our customers this means providing information, tools and support to inform and enable good educational and employment decisions.
Recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The TEC recognises and affirms our responsibility to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi:
We will give practical effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our work across the tertiary education and careers system.
We will ensure that our work is consistent with Te Tiriti o Waitangi-related goals of the Education Work Programme, the Tertiary Education Strategy and Ka Hikitia.
We acknowledge our responsibility to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in its entirety including taking into account the interests of whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori.
In particular, through our Ōritetanga Learner Success work programme, we will give effect to the Crown’s Third Article Treaty obligations to ensure equitable outcomes for Māori as learners. We will work to ensure that all Māori learners receive what they need to be successful, through the intentional design and stewardship of the tertiary education system.
We will support the Crown to meet its duties to actively protect the taonga of te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori and a strong wānanga system of tertiary educational delivery.
We are required to give effect to the Tertiary Education Strategy (TES). The TES sets out the Government’s current and medium-term priorities and long-term strategic direction for tertiary education. It is intended to address economic, social and environmental goals, and the development aspirations of Māori and other population groups.
Performance monitoring
In addition to our performance monitoring of the tertiary education sector as a whole, our Chief Executive is required to report to the responsible Minister(s) on performance of universities, wānanga and Te Pūkenga – formally the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST), the tertiary education institutes (TEIs) reflecting your ownership interest (on behalf of the Crown) in all 12 TEIs.
Through our work we support learners to understand and take hold of the lifelong opportunities they have to upskill, reskill and adapt to new challenges.
Delivering for learners also means delivering for communities and employers. We do this by working with these groups to make sure learners are equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to contribute to thriving and resilient communities and an innovative and sustainable economy.
For more information, please refer to our corporate publications: Annual Report, Statement of Performance Expectations, and the Briefing to the Incoming Minister 2020.
Related Content
Source: Tertiary Education Commission
Last updated 5 June 2025
Last updated 5 June 2025
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We provide information and advice to the Government and the responsible Minister(s). We also provide information and advice to tertiary education organisations (TEOs), other government agencies and external stakeholders.
We provide information and advice to the Government and the responsible Minister(s). We also provide information and advice to tertiary education organisations (TEOs), other government agencies and external stakeholders.
Minister of Education
Learner outcomes and TEO performance
We provide information and advice about learner outcomes and TEO performance, to support people to make better choices about what and where to study, and to encourage improvements in the performance of TEOs.
The areas we provide information and advice on include:
The information and advice we provide in these areas includes:
providing advice on the activities and performance of TEOs and the tertiary education sector
developing details of how to implement funding mechanisms
providing information and advisory services to the Minister on the tertiary sector, tertiary education and training issues
working closely with, and providing advice to, agencies across government, to strengthen connections between tertiary education, the social sector and the labour market
publishing information on TEOs’ performance, funds, educational performance and research.
Our performance
Each year, we report on the performance of our information and advice as part of our Annual Report.
These reports can be found on the Corporate publications page.
Related Content
Key Information Set for Tertiary Education Organisations
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Source: Tertiary Education Commission
Last updated 5 June 2025
Last updated 5 June 2025
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From time to time, we review policies, strategies and work programmes to ensure tertiary education remains relevant and of high quality.
From time to time, we review policies, strategies and work programmes to ensure tertiary education remains relevant and of high quality.
As part of this process, we often need to consult with relevant parts of the tertiary sector and individuals.
Current consultations – use the filter on the News and consultations page to find our current consultations, including those we are running on behalf of the responsible Minister.
Source: Tertiary Education Commission
Date
Reference Number
Title
19 December 2019
AM/19/01484
Aide-Memoir: Discussion paper: establishing a CoVE specialising in Secondary Tertiary Programmes, Multiple Pathways and Transitions (PDF 1.4 MB)
5 December 2019
B/19/01460
Funding Agreement between the Crown and Lincoln University (PDF 1.3 MB)
3 December 2019
1210568
Education Report: High-level decisions on the unified funding system for discussion at the strategy session on 12 December (PDF 7.8 MB)
22 November 2019
B/19/01385
Tertiary Education Commission 2019/20 Quarter One Performance Report
20 November 2019
B/19/01340
Tertiary Education Report: August 2019 Fees-Free Enrolment Update (PDF 658 KB)
20 November 2019
B/19/01339
Tertiary Education Report: August 2019 Enrolment Update (PDF 590 KB)
15 November 2019
AM/19/01341
Expenditure accrual adjustment to Vote Tertiary Education
13 November 2019
AM/19/01357
Overview of standard operating procedures and/or code of practices for TEI accommodation services
11 November 2019
Cabinet paper
Confirmation of Crown capital investment to support the rebuild of Lincoln University’s science facilities (PDF 1.2 MB)
7 November 2019
AM/19/01351
Tertiary Education Institution Accommodation Overview
1 November 2019
AM/19/01338
No recoveries for exceeding prior achievement limit in 2019 for YG and SAC 1-2
29 October 2019
B/19/01328
Tertiary Education Commission Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2019
25 October 2019
AM/19/01337
Reform of Vocational Education Programme Governance – Update
24 October 2019
E/19/01252
Ako Aotearoa 2019 Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards Evening – 30 October 2019
23 October 2019
B/19/01284
Crown support for Whitireia Community Polytechnic
15 October 2019
E/19/01277
Launch of Drawing the Future event on 18 October at Porirua East School
14 October 2019
B/19/01260
Report to Ministers from the University of Canterbury Futures Governance Oversight Group
14 October 2019
B/19/01275
ITP constitutions for two councils
9 October 2019
AM/19/01258
AgResearch business case for a new building at Lincoln University
4 October 2019
E/19/01256
Opening the 15th New Zealand Vocational Education and Training Research Forum on Tuesday 15 October 2019
25 September 2019
B/19/01192
Update on Careers System Strategy Engagement Process (PDF 500 KB)
20 September 2019
B/19/01175
Tertiary Education Commission draft Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2019 (PDF 276 KB)
19 September 2019
B/19/01211
Tertiary Education Report: Draft Cabinet paper on supporting the rebuild of Lincoln University’s science facilities and reallocation of funding to Tai Poutini Polytechnic (PDF 159 KB)
17 September 2019
B/19/01023
Review of the appointment of the Commissioner of Whitireia and WelTec (PDF 250 KB)
13 September 2019
B/19/01210
Establishing a Stakeholder Advisory Group for Reform of Vocational Education
13 September 2019
B/19/01209
Workforce Development Council and ITO Workstream: Progress update (PDF 861 KB)
13 September 2019
1204429
Briefing Note: Unified Funding Work Programme: Progress update (PDF 3.6 MB)
10 September 2019
E/19/01176
Ministerial visit to the University of Auckland on Tuesday, 10 September 2019
9 September 2019
E/19/01176
Ministerial visit to the University of Auckland on Tuesday, 10 September 2019 (PDF 871 KB)
9 September 2019
E/19/01169
Meeting with Greg Wallace, Chief Executive of Master Plumbers on Thursday 12 September 2019
6 September 2019
B/19/01141
ITP constitutions for seven councils (PDF 297 KB)
2 September 2019
E/19/01158
Ministerial visit to Unitec Institute of Technology on Tuesday, 3 September 2019 (PDF 3.2 MB)
27 August 2019
B/19/01065
Tertiary Education Report: Lincoln University Programme Business Case: Moving Forward (PDF 487 KB)
27 August 2019
B/19/01086
Tertiary Education Report: April 2019 Fees-Free Enrolment Update (PDF 640 KB)
21 August 2019
B/19/01085
Tertiary Education Report: April 2019 Enrolment Update (PDF 826 KB)
19 August 2019
E/19/01093
Minister of Education Opening the Primary ITO Symposium on Tuesday 20 August 2019
8 August 2019
AM/19/00929
Fees-free monitoring and addressing non-complying TEOs
26 July 2019
E/19/00868
Ōritetanga Learner Success Conference (PDF 240 KB)
26 July 2019
AM/19/00971
Talking Points for Cabinet on 29 July 2019 – NZIST Establishment Board Appointment
25 July 2019
B/19/00928
Lincoln University and the University of Canterbury Partnership Proposal (PDF 1.5 MB)
24 July 2019
B/19/00882
Crown support for Tai Poutini Polytechnic (PDF 670 KB)
20 July 2019
AM/19/00790
WAIKATO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 2018 Annual Report (PDF 459 KB)
19 July 2019
AM/19/00959
Southern Institute of Technology’s proposal for Telfrod – Talking point for Cabinet
19 July 2019
AM/19/00954
Annotated Agenda – NZ Institute of Skills and Technology Establishment
17 July 2019
B/19/00773
Update on Careers System Strategy and Career Action Plan (PDF 275 KB)
17 July 2019
B/19/00867
Southern Institute of Technology’s proposal for operating Telford in 2020 and 2021 (PDF 486 KB)
15 July 2019
AM/19/00800
Assurance findings for the Reform of Vocational Education Programme
15 July 2019
B/19/00763
2020 Investment Round Update: Indicative Allocations
11 July 2019
E/19/00879
Minister to visit Otago University on 12 July 2019 (PDF 465 KB)
10 July 2019
B/19/00819
Manukau Institute of Technology– council constitution (PDF 402 KB)
10 July 2019
AM/19/00880
Compliance monitoring of fees-free tertiary education and prosecution for false statutory declarations
4 July 2019
B/19/00785
TEC 2018/19 Quarter Three Performance Report (PDF 355 KB)
3 July 2019
B/19/00861
Review of the appointment of the Commissioner of Unitec (PDF 289 KB)
1 July 2019
B/19/00840
2018 Educational Performance Indicators (PDF 1.1 MB)
1 July 2019
AM/19/00820
Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi 2018 Annual Report (PDF 506 KB)
1 July 2019
B/19/00708
Publication of the Tertiary Education Commission’s Statement of Intent 2019/20–2022/23 and Statement of Performance Expectations 2019/20 (PDF 274 KB)
1 July 2019
AM/19/00827
Aide-Memoire: Lincoln University Programme Business Case: Moving Forward (PDF 303 KB)
1 July 2019
B/19/00840
2018 Educational Performance Indicators
28 June 2019
E/19/00835
Meeting with Service Skills Institute Incorporated on Monday 1 July 2019
25 June 2019
AM/19/00821
Talking Points for APH on 26 June 2019 – Appointment to the council of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (PDF 219 KB)
20 June 2019
AM/19/00790
WAIKATO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 2018 Annual Report
19 June 2019
AM/19/00797
Growing the Food and Fibres Sector – Recommendations for the TEC
17 June 2019
E/19/00776
University of Canterbury – Opening of the Rehua Building on 25 June 2019 (PDF 326 KB)
12 June 2019
E/19/00690
Meeting with the Commissioner of WelTec and Whitireia (PDF 346 KB)
12 June 2019
AM/19/00749
Update on Whitireia Community Polytechnic and the Wellington Institute of Technology
10 June 2019
AM/19/00739
Update on the current situation of funding training and education of carers
7 June 2019
B/19/00702
Recognition of Skills Active Aotearoa Limited as an industry training organisation (PDF 1.1 MB)
31 May 2019
B/19/00709
Waikato Institute of Technology Council Constitution (PDF 441 KB)
31 May 2019
AM/19/00704
Unitec Institute of Technology 2018 Annual Report (PDF 408 KB)
31 May 2019
B/19/00706
2018 final full-year enrolments at tertiary education organisations
31 May 2019
AM/19/00707
Update on the financial position of ITPs
30 May 2019
B/19/00703
Recognition of the Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand as an industry training organisation (PDF 479 KB)
30 May 2019
B/19/00701
Recognition of Primary Industry Training Organisation as an industry training organisation (PDF 897 KB)
30 May 2019
E/19/00705
Meeting with UCOL on 5 June 2019 (PDF 2.6 MB)
27 May 2019
AM/19/00648
Advice on options to support the University of Canterbury following the Christchurch mosque attacks
24 May 2019
B/19/00650
Ministerial appointment to Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi
17 May 2019
B/19/00706
2018 Final Full-Year Enrolments at Tertiary Education Organisations (PDF 1.1 MB)
17 May 2019
B/19/00640
Tai Poutini Polytechnic Capital Injection – Final Milestone (PDF 386 KB) Tai Poutini Polytechnic Capital Injection Appendix A (PDF 1.6 MB)
16 May 2019
AM/19/00651
Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki 2018 Annual Report (PDF 516 KB)
10 May 2019
E/19/00555
Meeting with Professor Jan Thomas from Massey University on 22 May 2019 (PDF 682 KB)
10 May 2019
E/19/00644
Meeting with Southland Federated Farmers
9 May 2019
B/19/00613
Letters for Ministerial appointments to two tertiary education councils (PDF 286 KB)
8 May 2019
E/19/00509
Minister to speak at the Open Polytechnic Graduation on Thursday, 23 May 2019 (PDF 3.2 MB).
3 May 2019
AM/19/00611
Lincoln University 2018 financial results (PDF 247 KB)
3 May 2019
AM/19/00615
Ministerial Appointment to the council of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi
23 April 2019
B/19/00527
Release of the 2018 PBRF Quality Evaluation Results
10 April 2019
E/19/00512
Meeting with Primary Industry Training Organisation on Thursday 11 April 2019
9 April 2019
E/19/00473
Meeting with WITT to discuss RoVE on 11 April 2019
8 April 2019
E/19/00482
Meeting with Andrew Robb from Tai Poutini Polytechnic on 11 April 2019
3 April 2019
B/19/00451
Salvation Army foundation education delivery consultation outcomes
3 April 2019
B/19/00469
Inspiring Futures – Response
2 April 2019
E/19/00465
Ministerial visit to open new Tech Park Campus development at Manukau Institute of Technology on 5 April 2019
28 March 2019
E/19/00446
BusinessNZ Major Companies Group – Chief Executive Forum on Friday 5 April 2019
27 March 2019
B/19/00448
Letters for Ministerial appointments to eight tertiary education institution councils
27 March 2019
B/19/00442
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology – council constitution
25 March 2019
B/19/00360
2018 Interim Full-Year Enrolments at Tertiary Education Organisations
18 March 2019
AM/19/00414
Talking Points for APH on appointments to eight ITP councils
14 March 2019
B/19/00161
TEC 2018/2019 Quarter Two Performance Report
12 March 2019
E/19/00396
Meeting with The Skills Organisation 14 March 2019
12 March 2019
E/19/00398
Meeting with Careerforce Thursday 14 March 2019
12 March 2019
B/19/00381
Letters for Ministerial appointments to two university councils
7 March 2019
B/19/00158
Careers System Strategy Workstream Implementation Update
5 March 2019
AM/19/00330
Talking Points for APH on appointments to two TEI Councils
1 March 2019
E/19/00166
Meeting with Competenz Chair and Chief Executive Thursday 7 March
1 March 2019
E/19/00234
Local Government New Zealand Rural and Provincial Meeting
27 February 2019
E/19/00165
Visit to Telford (PDF 326 KB)
26 February 2019
E/19/00150
Meeting with primary industry leaders to discuss your vision on Reform of Vocational Education (PDF 269 KB)
25 February 2019
E/19/00246
Meeting with the Tertiary Education Union (TEU) at Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) (PDF 2 MB)
15 February 2019
B/19/00082
Lincoln University and the University of Canterbury Partnership Proposal: next steps (PDF 2.3 MB)
11 February 2019
AM/19/0060
World Economic Forum OECD Release of Envisioning the Future of Education and Jobs: Trends, Data and Drawings report (PDF 159 KB)
7 February 2019
AM/19/00083
2018 full-year enrolment reporting timeline (PDF 397 KB)
1 February 2019
B/19/00081
Southern Institute of Technology’s proposal for operating Telford in 2019 (PDF 393 KB)
February 2019
Cabinet paper
Council Appointments for Ara Institute of Canterbury, Eastern Institute of Technology, Manukau Institute of Technology, NorthTec, Otago Polytechnic, Tai Poutini Polytechnic, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, UCOL and the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (PDF 320 KB)
30 January 2019
B/19/00055
Appointment of an advisory committee to support the Commissioner of Whitireia and WelTec (PDF 202 KB)
29 January 2019
AM/19/00064
Computer in Homes Tender (PDF 824 KB)
28 January 2019
AM/19/00063
Meeting with the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury (PDF 1.2 MB)
21 January 2019
E/19/00010
Ara Institute of Canterbury – Manawa and Outpatients facility opening on Thursday 31 January 2019 (PDF 1.2 MB)
11 January 2019
B/19/00028
Update World Economic Forum: Launch of Envisioning the Future of Education and Jobs (PDF 554 KB)
8 January 2019
B/19/00007
University of Auckland – amendment to council constitution (PDF 303 KB)
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Yep, they’re back and turning up in the weirdest places.
From footpaths to paddocks, suburban driveways to the occasional KFC carpark, young kekeno (New Zealand fur seals) are once again on the move. And as winter settles in, we’re entering peak Seal Silly Season—when juvenile fur seals begin exploring the world beyond their rocky seaside homes.
This seasonal flurry of furry adventurers might seem funny (we see you, seal at Bunnings Whangārei), but it also highlights the need for smarter planning as our native marine mammals return to historic habitats—including ones that now have busy roads running through them.
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We have teamed up with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to better understand where fur seals and sea lions are turning up near roads—and why. We’re building a national model of road-related risks for marine mammals, and your sightings can help.
“We’re asking people to report sightings of seals, fur seals or sea lions on or near roads,” says DOC Technical Advisor – Marine, Jody Weir. “Even a photo (if it’s safe!) can help us map hotspots and better understand the risks. This is citizen science in action.”
Using your reports, alongside existing road and habitat data, together with Waka Kotahi, we will identify areas where future road upgrades—like the seal-saving guardrails installed in Kaikōura—could help reduce risks for both wildlife and people.
This work is part of a growing science field called road ecology. It’s all about how roads affect the movement and behaviour of wildlife. As kekeno and other marine mammals bounce back from the brink and return to our coasts and towns, this research is more important than ever.
Kaikōura has already shown what’s possible. Targeted upgrades to key hot spots—where young fur seals had been clambering onto State Highway 1—have significantly reduced road risks. But we know this isn’t just a Kaikōura issue.
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Once rare on the mainland, fur seals and sea lions are now slowly reclaiming their old haunts. It’s one of Aotearoa’s great conservation success stories. But with that success comes new responsibility.
“We’re thrilled to see these taonga species recovering,” says Weir. “But we need to adapt alongside them. That means planning for coexistence, especially during Seal Silly Season.”
From May to September, young fur seals head off on solo adventures while their mums are out feeding and supporting next year’s pup. It’s a vital stage of development, but it can lead to some strange (and risky) detours.
If you spot a fur seal or sea lion on or near a road—or in an unusual inland spot—let us know! Your sightings will help shape the initial national road risk model and guide future conservation planning.
📧 Email: seeaseal@doc.govt.nz and report your sighting there.
OR
📞 Call: 0800 DOC HOT (362 468), if you see a sea lion or fur seal in distress, harm’s way or entangled, stranded, or deceased.
📍 Include:
Please also report the same details for any dead marine mammals you find on or near roads, and if you’ve seen them in the same place before, let us know when.
🗓️ Reports submitted by mid-June 2025 will help inform the first round of analysis—but we welcome sightings anytime.
These might sound like the setup to a joke—but they tell a real story about how our marine mammals are adapting to a modern, human-dominated landscape. And we need to do the same, with smarter planning and a bit of help from the public.
Source: ACT Party
ACT’s Agriculture spokesperson Mark Cameron has welcomed long overdue reforms to Fish & Game New Zealand, saying the days of licence fees being weaponised against farmers are finally coming to an end.
“For too long, Fish & Game has acted like a rogue lobby group by using hunters’ and anglers’ fees to wage war on the very people who care for our waterways because they’re the ones out there buying the licences,” says Mr Cameron.
“In Southland, farmers have been treated like villains. Local Fish & Game councils have backed court cases that would force thousands of farmers to get resource consents just to keep farming – massively increasing costs and red tape.
“That kind of activist overreach has destroyed decades of goodwill from farmers who’ve voluntarily allowed public access to their land.
“These reforms focus Fish & Game on its actual job: supporting hunting and fishing, not harassing the rural communities who make those activities possible.
“Fish & Game was never meant to be a political battering ram for anti-farming ideology. It exists to serve licence holders – and many of those are farmers.
“ACT is proud to back these changes and proud to stand with rural New Zealand.”
Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Timothy Leitch – Wellington Area Investigations Manager:
Today, Police have charged three people with manslaughter in relation to the fatal fire at Loafers Lodge on 16 May 2023.
Two men aged 75 and 58, and a 70-year-old woman will appear in the Wellington District Court later today, each facing charges of manslaughter.
Police have spoken to a third man and expect to also charge him with manslaughter in the coming days.
A dedicated team at Police has been working since the tragedy to establish if the state of the building and the management and compliance of its fire safety systems contributed to the fatal outcome.
The people we have charged today were involved with the management and operation of the building, and Police allege they were responsible for aspects of the building’s fire safety system.
Police previously charged a 50-year-old man with murder in relation to deliberately lighting the fatal fire. This matter is before the High Court, with a trial scheduled to start on 25 August 2025.
Police, Fire and Emergency and the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment would like to take this opportunity to remind all those who own or manage a building, particularly buildings with sleeping accommodation, of their responsibility to ensure those who occupy their premises are protected from fire.
• Ensure your obligations are met under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 by having the necessary evacuation procedures in place, and an approved evacuation scheme if you have a ‘relevant building’.
• Ensure the means of escape from fire for your building are maintained as outlined in the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Regulations 2018.
• Where applicable, ensure you understand the maintenance requirements for the specified systems outlined in your building’s compliance schedule as required under the Building Act 2004, particularly those relating to the building emergency warning system or fire alarm.
• If you are the owner of a tenanted residential property, ensure your fire safety obligations are met under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
The loss of life and injuries experienced during this fire were preventable, and Police would like to acknowledge the long-term impact, on those who lost loved ones, the residents who lost their friends, their home and treasured personal property, as well as the many others that have been affected by the far reaching and devastating event.
As this matter is now before the courts, police will not be commenting further.
Media reference material:
Evacuation Schemes and Procedures
Evacuation Schemes and procedures | Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Building Act 2004
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2004/0072/latest/dlm306036.Html
Compliance Schedule information
https://www.building.govt.nz/projects-and-consents/sign-off-and-maintena…
Managing your BWoF | Building Performance
Residential Tenancies Act 1986
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/DLM94278.html
https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/maintenance-and-inspections/laws-and-bylaws/
https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/maintenance-and-inspections/smoke-alarms/
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to the family of Liam Hockings:
As a family, we are still coming to terms with the devastating loss of Liam, who tragically lost his life in the Loafers Lodge fire. He would have turned 53, just a few days ago.
Liam was much loved – an intelligent, caring, and unforgettable character. His absence has left a huge void in our lives and in the wider Newtown community that knew and cherished him.
We are aware that charges have now been laid by NZ Police against people involved with the management and operation of Loafers Lodge. While nothing can bring the victims back, we support this step toward accountability.
This tragedy has highlighted serious concerns about the safety and conditions of some accommodation, particularly for vulnerable people in our communities who are often housed in buildings like this. Everyone deserves a safe place to live – regardless of their circumstances – and we urge all those who own, operate, or manage buildings to take their responsibilities seriously. Buildings must be safe, compliant, well maintained. Lives literally depend on it.
We also want to acknowledge the tremendous professionalism, integrity, and compassion shown by the New Zealand Police and the investigative team. Their diligence and care throughout this process has meant a great deal to us.
Our hearts go out to the families of the other victims who are grieving alongside us.
We hope that, through this process, Liams death will not have been in vain, and that it may lead to real, lasting change that protects others in the future, so that no other family has to endure what we have.
We ask for privacy as we continue to grieve Liam and we will be making no further comment at this time.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: Auckland Council
Aroha for the Manukau Harbour was on display at the highly successful 2025 Manukau Harbour Symposium, hosted by the Manukau Harbour Forum in Green Bay over Kings Birthday weekend.
More than 30 speakers – from rangatahi to specialist experts, mana whenua, scientists, conservation advocates, volunteers, Watercare and Auckland Council staff and elected members – updated the convention on their mahi and shared their stories of hope for the harbour’s future.
Jon Turner, Chair of the Manukau Harbour Forum said there was so much knowledge and experience, both on the stage and in the room.
“Everyone working around the harbour knows there is a great deal of work to do, but today left myself and others feeling inspired and hopeful.
“It was a conversation across generations and disciplines, with many of the speakers laying down a wero (challenge) to the audience.”
The day included the presentation of the new Ngā Tohu o te Manukau – Celebrating Harbour Champions Awards.
Seven recipients received awards:
A range of community groups hosted information booths about their projects, along with Watercare and Auckland Council’s Marine Biosecurity team.
The Symposium is supported by the Manukau Harbour Forum, a joint committee formed by the nine local boards of Auckland Council that surround the harbour. It advocates for better resourcing and a stronger focus on this taonga.
Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealand will host post-referendum talks between the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.
The ‘Burnham Consultations’ will be held at Burnham Military Camp at the request of Sir Jerry Mateparae, as independent moderator. The discussions will be led by Sir Jerry and his United Nations team.
“New Zealand looks forward to welcoming parties to the Bougainville Peace Agreement back to Burnham — 28 years after we last hosted peace talks there,” Mr Peters says.
“Our involvement is to provide the venue and environment necessary for substantive discussions on Bougainville’s political future.
“Reaching a mutually agreed outcome is important for Papua New Guinea, Bougainville, and the wider region, as is upholding the integrity of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, to which New Zealand is a witnessing signatory.”
Representatives will travel from Port Moresby to Christchurch on Friday to attend the talks.
Source: New Zealand Parliament
Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN (Green): Thank you, Madam Chair. We understand what the purpose is, because we had a discussion about this last night. But just following on from the previous speaker, the Hon Damien O’Connor, who was the previous trade Minister—and he captured it quite nicely—we already have a number of one-stop shop agencies for this. What is unique about this particular one?
I want to go on to the commencement date first, which is 1 July 2025. I want to check with the Minister, the Hon Tama Potaka: we’ve heard from the Minister previously on some of the work that is being done, potentially, in the background. But I think what we haven’t heard, succinctly, is a response to the question that was asked around the transition measures and whether they will be in time for 1 July, particularly from the perspective of collective agreements in terms of the Public Service perspective. So that’s my question in terms of the commencement date—whether 1 July is feasible or whether we should be looking at pushing the 1 July date out further.
But just now coming to the title of the bill, I know that we talk about “Invest New Zealand”, but what we’ve heard from the Minister—and, to be honest, every three questions that we ask, we get maybe one answer and the other two left unanswered; you know, we still haven’t heard exactly what was the advice given from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and we still haven’t really heard why the regulatory impact statement and the Budget had different amounts allocated to Invest New Zealand.
We are really curious as to whether “Invest New Zealand” is actually the best name for this, because there seems to be a half-heartedness when it comes to this particular bill and this particular agency, and there’s going to be a lot of confusion, and, to the Minister’s own words, “opaqueness”, when it comes to the way that agencies can be set up. Fundamentally, when we’re looking at the title of this bill, I wonder if the Minister in the chair would consider, from all of the things we’ve discussed, the lack of reassurance we have received from the Minister that this is indeed something that is going to be good for New Zealanders and for New Zealand in general. We’ve heard things and we’ve heard more concerns and more questions than actual responses, and the previous speaker, the Hon Damien O’Connor, mentioned that this is essentially going to be a real estate agency that’s going to sell off New Zealand one bit at a time.
So I wondered if a better title for this bill, rather than “Invest New Zealand”, would be “Divest New Zealand”, because that’s what, fundamentally, the concerns around this agency are going to be. We are actually no longer supporting New Zealand entrepreneurship and also innovation, but, instead, we expect overseas companies, carte-blanche, without any sort of precautions and provisions—we didn’t hear anything around how they’re going to ensure, from a procedural perspective, from an operational perspective, that there is not going to be any sort of anti-competitive measures, anti – money-laundering measures, or any of those things. Yes, I admit that they’re part of domestic legislation, but the fact is that just because the law is in place does not mean that the agency is well equipped to ensure that they are followed.
So I personally think that “Divest New Zealand” is a better term for us to use. But other ones—to be fair, if the Minister thinks that “Divest New Zealand” is a bit too on the nose and too similar to “Invest New Zealand”, we can look, I think, at changing the title to “Country for Sale”, because that seems kind of appropriate as well, or even just “Selling New Zealand Out”.
I think the other appropriate title, when we’re looking at the title of this—again, although we do see in the departmental report some of the advice that the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has undertaken in terms of our Te Tiriti obligations, we’re still not entirely convinced, particularly in light of some of our trade agreements but also in light of some of the current trajectory that the Government is going in. I think if we really want to signal to the world that we are a country that upholds indigenous rights, “Invest Aotearoa” would be a more appropriate title.
So I would like to hear from the Minister as to whether he would consider any of those titles and the change to the commencement date.
Source: New Zealand Parliament
Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN (Green): Thank you, Madam Chair. We understand what the purpose is, because we had a discussion about this last night. But just following on from the previous speaker, the Hon Damien O’Connor, who was the previous trade Minister—and he captured it quite nicely—we already have a number of one-stop shop agencies for this. What is unique about this particular one?
I want to go on to the commencement date first, which is 1 July 2025. I want to check with the Minister, the Hon Tama Potaka: we’ve heard from the Minister previously on some of the work that is being done, potentially, in the background. But I think what we haven’t heard, succinctly, is a response to the question that was asked around the transition measures and whether they will be in time for 1 July, particularly from the perspective of collective agreements in terms of the Public Service perspective. So that’s my question in terms of the commencement date—whether 1 July is feasible or whether we should be looking at pushing the 1 July date out further.
But just now coming to the title of the bill, I know that we talk about “Invest New Zealand”, but what we’ve heard from the Minister—and, to be honest, every three questions that we ask, we get maybe one answer and the other two left unanswered; you know, we still haven’t heard exactly what was the advice given from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and we still haven’t really heard why the regulatory impact statement and the Budget had different amounts allocated to Invest New Zealand.
We are really curious as to whether “Invest New Zealand” is actually the best name for this, because there seems to be a half-heartedness when it comes to this particular bill and this particular agency, and there’s going to be a lot of confusion, and, to the Minister’s own words, “opaqueness”, when it comes to the way that agencies can be set up. Fundamentally, when we’re looking at the title of this bill, I wonder if the Minister in the chair would consider, from all of the things we’ve discussed, the lack of reassurance we have received from the Minister that this is indeed something that is going to be good for New Zealanders and for New Zealand in general. We’ve heard things and we’ve heard more concerns and more questions than actual responses, and the previous speaker, the Hon Damien O’Connor, mentioned that this is essentially going to be a real estate agency that’s going to sell off New Zealand one bit at a time.
So I wondered if a better title for this bill, rather than “Invest New Zealand”, would be “Divest New Zealand”, because that’s what, fundamentally, the concerns around this agency are going to be. We are actually no longer supporting New Zealand entrepreneurship and also innovation, but, instead, we expect overseas companies, carte-blanche, without any sort of precautions and provisions—we didn’t hear anything around how they’re going to ensure, from a procedural perspective, from an operational perspective, that there is not going to be any sort of anti-competitive measures, anti – money-laundering measures, or any of those things. Yes, I admit that they’re part of domestic legislation, but the fact is that just because the law is in place does not mean that the agency is well equipped to ensure that they are followed.
So I personally think that “Divest New Zealand” is a better term for us to use. But other ones—to be fair, if the Minister thinks that “Divest New Zealand” is a bit too on the nose and too similar to “Invest New Zealand”, we can look, I think, at changing the title to “Country for Sale”, because that seems kind of appropriate as well, or even just “Selling New Zealand Out”.
I think the other appropriate title, when we’re looking at the title of this—again, although we do see in the departmental report some of the advice that the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has undertaken in terms of our Te Tiriti obligations, we’re still not entirely convinced, particularly in light of some of our trade agreements but also in light of some of the current trajectory that the Government is going in. I think if we really want to signal to the world that we are a country that upholds indigenous rights, “Invest Aotearoa” would be a more appropriate title.
So I would like to hear from the Minister as to whether he would consider any of those titles and the change to the commencement date.
Source: New Zealand Government
The Disability Support Services Taskforce will be extended for a year to continue its progress in stabilising the disability support system and shaping it for the future.
Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston says the Taskforce has been extended to 30 June 2026, with its work further enhanced by a billion-dollar funding boost announced in last month’s Budget.
“This Government is committed to the ongoing support of the disability community and delivering better outcomes for disabled people, their families and carers,” Louise Upston says.
“We’ve demonstrated this in Budget 2025, where the DSS Budget received $1 billion in additional funding over four years – that’s about $250 million a year of new money.
“This includes $60 million a year in residential care funding increases and about $190 million a year for increases across all DSS services for cost pressures, including care in the community.
“We are making good progress in delivering for disabled people, and the Taskforce will continue to play a key role.
“In August 2024, the Independent Review made recommendations to manage increasing cost pressures faced by DSS.
“The Taskforce was established to lead the implementation of these recommendations. That important work is progressing well, and I am now looking to the Taskforce to lead more work to further strengthen the system.
“The Taskforce has already made significant progress to stabilise DSS, including:
reviewing pricing and contracting arrangements for residential care, which are being implemented following Budget 2025
improving systems and processes for assessing performance and forecasting expenditure
reviewing needs assessment and allocation, and flexible funding settings so they better meet the needs of disabled people, their whānau and carers.
“My expectation is that DSS will continue to involve the disability community in discussions about how disability support services are delivered. I’ll have more to say on the next phase of work in the coming months,” Louise Upston says.
Notes for Editors
New funding for DSS in Budget 2025 included:
$1 billion over four years towards meeting the increasing costs of disability support services (including $240 million for residential care) and to support more people to access those services.
$10 million over two years to address the increasing costs for services and support for people with an intellectual disability and complex care needs who live in secure or supervised care under the High and Complex Framework. This will also fund critical workforce training initiatives and essential infrastructure, including repairs and maintenance upgrades.
$9.5 million over four years to recognise and respond to the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry. This includes work to strengthen how DSS audits the quality of its services, critical incident and complaints management processes and systems, and to contribute to other cross agency work to improve recordkeeping and the capability of the disability workforce.
Source: New Zealand Police
District:
Due to a motor vehicle crash, St Johns Road, Auckland is closed between College Road and Felton Matthews Road.
The road will be closed for at least 2 hours while Police enquiries into the crash occur.
ENDS
University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researchers have helped bring clarity to the great migration of early Pacific pioneers, considered to be ancestors of many Pacific people including Māori.
In a new study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, a group of international researchers involving several from Otago have recovered the first ancient genomes (aDNA) from Papua New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago – unlocking genetic insights from a region as culturally rich as it is historically pivotal.
Combining aDNA with dietary evidence and linguistics, the study reveals how the pre-colonial coastal communities were surprisingly genetically diverse from each other and suggests many cultural groups did not intermarry for some time.
Co-author Dr Monica Tromp from Southern Pacific Archaeological Research, in the Archeology Programme, says aDNA acts like a time machine, revealing how people lived and interacted thousands of years ago – and how those ancient connections still influence our world today.
“This groundbreaking research reveals something remarkable: Pacific Island cultures were far more diverse and complex than we ever imagined.
“Rather than being one unified group, these ancient communities represented a rich tapestry of different cultures and peoples.”
New Guinea, settled over 50,000 years ago, served as a vital launch point for early seafaring journeys into the wider Pacific – a chapter in human history marked by extraordinary navigational feats.
About 3300 years ago, the Lapita people – considered the earliest ancestors of many Pacific people, including Māori – settled in the Bismarck Archipelago, which became the cradle of the Lapita cultural complex.
The seafaring peoples were renowned for their intricate pottery and horticultural practices and embarked on voyages that would reach as far as Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa.
Yet until now, the genomic legacy of these early Pacific pioneers – and the islands they first called home – had remained unexplored, says Dr Tromp.
“They were some of the world’s greatest explorers and navigators, setting sail into the endless blue horizon centuries before Europeans ever dared venture far from their own coastlines.”
What makes the study particularly exciting is that it shows how far scientific technology has advanced, she says.
“The DNA analysis that made these discoveries possible would have been completely impossible just a decade ago.
“Hot, humid tropical climates typically destroy genetic material, but new techniques have opened up entirely new chapters of human history that were previously lost to us.”
One of the study’s most striking findings is the presence of individuals with completely Papuan genetic signatures on the island of Watom in the Bismarck Archipelago, where missionaries found the very first Lapita-style pottery in the early 20th century.
The individuals excavated on the island are all younger than evidence for the arrival of the Lapita Cultural Complex. One of these individuals additionally displays a rare case of cultural cranial modification, suggesting the co-occupation of the island by genetically and culturally different groups.
Co-lead author Dr Rebecca Kinaston from BioArch South says the researchers’ analysis reveals a fascinating picture of the earliest encounters in the Bismarck Archipelago.
“Despite the co-occupation, it seems the different groups didn’t mix for a long time, which is quite unusual for human encounters.”
The delay in intermarriage and the presence of people with Papuan ancestry inform on a debated matter in Pacific human history: Did the first settlers in the remote islands of Western Remote Oceania arrive unmixed and, followed by people from New Guinea, mix on the islands?
The new findings support previous studies, suggesting this is a likely scenario, and informing on the seafaring capabilities of Papuan ancestors, says Dr Kinaston.
The analysis of two geographically close communities inhabiting the South Coast of Papua New Guinea between 500 and 150 years ago proved to be particularly interesting, she says.
“Surprisingly, their ancestries started diverging 650 years ago, despite the absence of geographical borders.
“This divergence suggests the communities were shaped by distinct interaction spheres and cultural influences, with implications for our understanding of ancient trade networks and social dynamics.”
The co-authors say the publication of these ancient genomes marks a significant step forward in understanding the genetic diversity and historical dynamics of Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific.
Publication details:
The impact of human dispersals and local interactions on the genetic diversity of coastal Papua New Guinea over the past 2,500 years
Authors: Kathrin Nägele, Rebecca Kinaston, Dylan Gaffney, Mary Walworth, Adam B. Rohrlach, Selina Carlhoff, Yilei Huang, Harald Ringbauer, Emilie Bertolini, Monica Tromp, Rita Radzeviciute, Fiona Petchey, Dimitri Anson, Peter Petchey, Claudine Stirling, Malcolm Reid, David Barr, Ben Shaw, Glenn Summerhayes, Hallie Buckley, Cosimo Posth, Adam Powell & Johannes Krause
Nature Ecology and Evolution
DOI: 10.1038/s41559-025-02710-x
Source: New Zealand Government
Reforms to modernise and strengthen Fish & Game New Zealand will improve the national management of hunting and fishing resources and advocacy, while maintaining local control over local fishing and hunting rules, Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has announced.
“I want to make it as easy as possible for Kiwis to go hunting and fishing in New Zealand. This long overdue reform to Fish & Game will refocus the organisation on its core job of managing our sport fishing and game bird resources and implement a more professional approach to national decision making,” Mr Meager says.
“It is important to our economy that Fish & Game is a well-functioning, highly effective and efficient organisation. Licence holders are estimated to spend up to $138 million every year, and our hunting and fishing resources are the envy of the world, drawing in tourists from across the globe.
“Previous reviews have made clear current legislation is not fit for purpose, resulting in internal dysfunction, wasted revenue on duplicated activities and staff, variable governance practices, disconnect from licence holders and local advocacy which has overstepped the mark. These long-standing issues must be addressed.”
The reforms will make several key changes, including:
A stand-alone Fish & Game Act will be created, to better recognise the organisation’s contribution to helping New Zealanders hunt and fish.
“Sports fishing and game bird hunting are well-established traditions and important recreational pastimes for Kiwis. They have positive impacts on our regional economies and create wider benefits for tourism, wellbeing and our environment – making it even more crucial its regulator is modern and credible”, Mr Meager says.
Legislation will be introduced this year, and the Select Committee will provide an opportunity for stakeholders and the public to provide feedback on the proposals.
