NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SAR teams support trapped tramper with survival kit as bad weather delays rescue

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    A survival kit dropped to a tramper in snowy conditions played a key role in keeping him alive through freezing conditions before rescuers could reach him.

    The tramper, a Danish national, was in the Two Thumbs Range, North West of Tekapo. He initially contacted police for assistance by way of a broken 111 call, after heavy snow closed in around him late in the afternoon of Wednesday, 26 July. Through the call, police were only about to get an approximate location for the tramper. He later activated his personal locator beacon which provided an accurate GPS location.

    Maritime NZ’s RCCNZ coordinated the response, after receiving the beacon activation. With darkness setting in, RCCNZ tasked a night-vision and winch-equipped Garden City Helicopter from Christchurch to assist the man. The helicopter got overhead of the tramper, but two winch attempts to lower a medic failed due to the new snow recirculation and limited definition on the night vision devices.

    “There was about a metre and a half of snow in the area. The rotors of the helicopters were forcing it up, meaning they were unable to safely land in the area,” Manager, RCCNZ and Safety Systems Justin Allan says. 

    The situation was then reviewed and it was decided rescuers were unable to extract the man that day. Conversations then took place about how to best support him through the night. 

    Our search and rescue officers got in touch with the team at Southern Lakes Helicopter and the Department of Conservation’s Aoraki Search & Rescue Team to look at options to support the response. 

    “While the man was reasonably well prepared for the conditions, a decision was made to supply him a survival bag containing a tent, radio, light, sleeping bag and extra clothing to help him manage in the freezing temperatures,” Allan says. 

    Aoraki Search & Rescue Team Leader, Dave Lewis says it was important to get the tramper the resources he needed in trying conditions. 

    “Temperatures were exceptionally cold, with a lot of snow around. There was also an incoming storm setting in for the night. Ensuring he had extra equipment played a crucial role in him surviving the night,” he says. 

    RCCNZ maintained contact with the tramper overnight to ensure he was coping with the conditions. The tramper was airlifted back to Tekapo on Thursday 27 July at about 11 am.

    Tramping in snowy conditions? Think before you go

    Justin Allan says anyone planning on heading out in this sort of weather needs to understand the conditions and reflect on them against their capabilities. 

    “In locations with significant snow, we recommend trampers check out the advice the Mountain Safety Council has developed,” he says. 

    “From RCCNZ we want to thank the on-the-ground teams who worked tirelessly in trying conditions to ensure the tramper had the supplies he needed to last the night, and then got him safely to Tekapo” Justin Allan says.

    Link

    Mountain Safety Council’s advice on avalanche safety

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Shiling to depart Wellington for Singapore

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Maritime NZ has lifted the detention order it previously imposed against the container ship Shiling.

    This means the vessel has satisfied the imposed conditions, and it can now depart New Zealand for Singapore.

    It will leave at about 3.30 PM this afternoon (7 July).

    Over the last three months, the Shiling broke down twice in and around New Zealand waters; resulting in two significant stays in Wellington while repairs were undertaken.

    While the imposed conditions have been satisfied; the Shiling’s owners have agreed to have the vessel escorted by the MMA Vision (a vessel capable of emergency towage) to 200 nautical miles off New Zealand coast.

    “This is an extra layer of protection to keep the crew on the vessel and New Zealand safe,” Maritime NZ’s Deputy Chief Executive, Regulatory Operations Deb Despard says.

    “Maritime NZ wants to assure people in New Zealand, we have taken this vessel’s issues very seriously.

    Over the last week and a half the Shiling has undertaken a range of trials to show it can satisfy the necessary requirements to be released from its detention.

    “These started with testing the engine alongside the berth at CentrePort, then progressing to harbour trials and finally an open sea trial south of Wellington, with a tug escort throughout.”

    The trials were overseen by the vessel’s classification society* and an overseas technician for the main engine manufacturer.

    “These played a key role in checking the vessel for issues, and reassuring us (Maritime NZ) and other parties involved that the vessel has satisfied the conditions previously imposed, and can undertake the journey to Singapore,” Deb Despard says.

    The process around managing the Shiling has involved a range of organisations from us (Maritime NZ) as the local regulator, our counterpart in Singapore, the Wellington Harbourmaster, CentrePort as well as private companies; including towage providers, insurers and the owners of the vessel.  

    Maritime NZ will continue to monitor its movements out of New Zealand waters. 

    The vessel’s flag state (Singapore) has ordered it travel directly to Singapore.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Captain’s decision to deviate from planned passage put vessel and crew in danger

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The dangers of large ships deviating from a passage plan when in extreme weather has been highlighted in the sentencing of a Captain at the Wellington District Court this week.

    Yongyu Li was the Captain of the ship Spinnaker SW. He pleaded guilty in May to one charge of operating a ship in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk when he altered course without further assessment and navigated the large ship dangerously close to Portland Island while underway to Tauranga to load cargo.  The charge was filed by Maritime NZ.

    Prior to its departure on 14 February 2023, the vessel was anchored off the Mahia Peninsula to shelter from the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle. 

    Maritime NZ Investigations Manager John Maxwell says the 175 metre vessel was en route to Tauranga as the east coast was being hit by the cyclone. The country was in a national state of emergency while the vessel was under way. 

    “Due to the heavy conditions at sea, the Captain decided to change the route without further assessment, navigating the vessel close to Portland Island.

    “This was an incredibly risky decision. Navigating a large bulk carrier close to the island meant there was a risk it would get into dangerously shallow waters, removing the safety net of deeper water should something have gone wrong with the vessel, such as a loss of power.

    “The decision of Captain Li to alter course without further assessment of whether the route was safe put the crew, vessel, and the environment at risk.

    If something went wrong, the conditions would have hampered a potential response as well,” John Maxwell says.

    The original passage plan for the vessel was for it to go around Portland Island at a safe distance.  This allowed for the significant swells and heavy weather anticipated by the crew.

    After its departure from anchor, the vessel was recorded as encountering six to seven metre swells. The heavy weather caused the ship to roll, and the captain made the decision to navigate the ship closer to the Mahia Peninsula and Portland Island.

    “This change in route took the vessel close to shallow water, passing two spots with depths of 9.4 and 10m.

    “This is very shallow for a bulk carrier of this size, and would have only left it with a couple of metres of clearance between the vessel and a potential grounding” John Maxwell says.

    Captain Li’s decision to deviate from the agreed safe passage plan and undertake the above route, coupled with the heavy weather, was in the circumstances reckless and risked danger to the vessel, the crew on board, and the surrounding environment.

    Editor’s Note:

    Sentencing details

    Captain Li was convicted of operating a ship in a manner that caused unnecessary danger or risk under s 65 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and sentenced on 19 July 2023 to a fine of $1,875, which included a discount of 25 per cent for his early guilty plea.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Miraculous rescue in the Pacific highlights regional search and rescue collaboration

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) played a key role in ensuring two Tuvaluan fishermen were able to get home safely after becoming lost earlier this month. The two men were rescued following a collaborative coordinated effort by agencies from across the Pacific.

    The fishermen, who were on-board a 5.8 metre aluminium vessel, went missing on Saturday 1 July. They did not take any emergency location equipment out with them. Due to the inability to be able to get a read on where they may have drifted, there was a significant search area.

    After three days adrift, and multiple searchers working from the sea and air, the MV Nivaga III, a local vessel, found the pair at 9 PM on Tuesday 4 July.

    The Fijian Rescue Coordination Centre asked RCCNZ’s assistance with the search after the pair had been missing for two days.

    Justin Allan, General Manager RCCNZ and Safety Systems says this rescue wasn’t just finding a needle in a haystack. The coordinating agencies had to start with finding the haystack first.

    “The identified search area was approximately 5500 nautical miles. For a comparison, Lake Taupo has a perimeter of 104 nautical miles,” he says.
    This successful rescue was based on regional cooperation between the Fijian Rescue Coordination Centre, Tuvalu search and rescue coordinators and response assets, and RCCNZ. The New Zealand Defence Force also sent its new P8A to assist with the search.

    Recently RCCNZ has been undertaking work to support the development of their Fijian counterparts’ search and rescue capability. This involved a two-week training course, with a focus on coordination search efforts, assessing search areas and tasking assets such as vessels of opportunity and aircraft.

    “The vessel was eventually found right in the middle of the search area, which highlighted the planning and coordination capability of the Fijian MRCC,” Justin Allan says.

    The RCCNZ also wants to acknowledge the support of the NZDF who carried out the first operational deployment of the P8A Poseidon in support of this search.

    “It is reassuring knowing NZDF has an asset like the P8A that we can quickly call upon to assist with searches such as this,” Justin Allan says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime NZ reply to TAIC preliminary report into i-Catcher capsize

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) today released its preliminary report into the capsize of charter fishing vessel, i-Catcher, off Kaikōura on 10 September 2022. Five of the 11 people on board lost their lives.

    Maritime NZ Deputy Chief Executive Regulatory Operations, Deb Despard, says this was a tragic incident.

    “I want to offer my sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this incident, as well as to everyone else who has been affected,” she says.

    In its recommendations TAIC raised issues about how vessels’ fuel systems are inspected by maritime surveyors, particularly the parts of the system that cannot be seen and easily accessed because they are under decks or behind bulkheads.

    Maritime NZ is acting on TAIC’s recommendation and is engaging with surveyors who inspect vessels, owners and operators who run them and maritime industry organisations so they are all aware of this important issue when conducting surveys and carrying out maintenance.

    “We are working on guidance for the industry to remind them about some of the considerations raised.

    “We are treating this as a priority and will communicate it to the industry as quickly as possible,” Ms Despard says.

    Maritime NZ’s investigation into the incident is continuing. Any enforcement action must be taken no more than a year after the incident.

    In fairness to everyone involved, and to protect the integrity of the investigation, Maritime NZ cannot make any further comment about the incident until the investigation is concluded.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Achilles Bulker update 1

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    A Maritime NZ detention notice is in place against a log carrying vessel, currently anchored off Tauranga.

    On Monday 24 July, the Panamanian flagged Achilles Bulker was departing Tauranga, bound for China when it encountered steering problems. It was subsequently determined that the rudder had disconnected from the ship during the outbound pilotage.

    The vessel remains anchored off Mount Maunganui, and the rudder was recovered by divers last week and brought to shore.

    The detention notice means the vessel is prohibited from leaving Tauranga until the certain conditions have been satisfied.

    Due to the rudder failure, the Achilles Bulker will need to be towed to a dry dock for repairs.

    The owners of the vessel are responsible for managing the towage process.

    Maritime NZ is working closely with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the Port of Tauranga on the arrangements to bring the vessel back into Tauranga to remove the cargo of logs before it can be towed.

    Maritime NZ has started an investigation into the rudder failure.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime NZ issues a detention notice on MV Shiling

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    A detention notice has been issued by Maritime NZ on the vessel, Shiling.

    The ship is currently at Wellington’s CentrePort.

    The detention of the vessel prohibits it from leaving Wellington Harbour until a number of conditions are satisfied.

    The imposed conditions relate to repairs and maintenance, seaworthiness, sea trials, and arrangements for departure.

    These conditions are in place to ensure safety is at the forefront of the next journey the vessel undertakes through New Zealand waters.

    Several of the conditions will require the flag state and the vessel’s classification society to provide evidence to Maritime NZ confirming that the Shiling can safely operate, before it can be released.

    The notice of detention does not stop the vessel from being moved to different berths or locations around CentrePort or the harbour. This will be managed by the port in conjunction with the Wellington Harbourmaster.

    The owners of Shiling are responsible to ensure the conditions imposed by Maritime NZ are satisfied prior to the vessel being released from detention. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime response Shiling update 15

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The Shiling will shortly be piloted into berth at Wellington’s CentrePort.

    It has taken about 24 hours for the ocean going tug, the Skandi Emerald to tow the vessel from Tasman Bay to Wellington.

    From this vessel losing power on 12 May, to it coming into Wellington today, this has been a complex operation, involving a significant number of people and organisations, not just here, but around the world, Incident Controller David Billington says.

    “From its call for assistance on that morning, through to CentrePort’s pilotage into berth, we have seen response agencies, the owners of the Skandi Emerald, international insurers, the owners and harbourmasters have worked tirelessly to support this tow.

    This is a 290+ metre vessel and there are a lot of variables to manage when planning its movements.

    “This includes, weather, other vessels and berthing availabilities.

    “We saw on the weekend there were rough conditions forecast at its anchorage at Tasman Bay, and Nelson Harbourmaster supported this operation by allowing the Shiling to be towed to a point of shelter,” David Billington says.

    Maritime NZ also checked in on the crew of 24 during the period the vessel was without power.

    The Incident Response Team will be standing down now the vessel is berthed.

    Editor’s Note

    A Maritime NZ Incident Controller will be available for comment between 2 and 4 PM this afternoon. Please contact MNZ media to book an interview. They will be available to comment on this incident.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime response Shiling update 14

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The Shiling under tow by the Skandi Emerald is on schedule to reach Wellington Harbour by late tomorrow (23 May) morning.

    The towage operation started in Tasman Bay at about 10.30 AM, Monday 22 May.

    It is currently tracking at between 5 – 6 knots.

    Incident Controller David Billington says the top priority is ensuring the operation is undertaken as safely as possible.

    “The crew of the Skandi Emerald is very experienced in managing, tows in a range of conditions, including what could be experienced in the Cook Strait.

    “Weather conditions are reasonably stable for the journey too,” he says.

    All of the Shiling’s crew remain on board the vessel.

    The two vessels should be arriving in Wellington for pilotage at around 11 AM, Tuesday 23 May.

    A 500 metre exclusion zone has been put in place around the towage operation for the duration of the journey to Wellington.

    “The exclusion zone is in there for a reason, and it is to keep both the towage operation and other people safe,” David Billington says.

    A Maritime NZ incident response team will continue to monitor the vessels as they make their journey to Wellington. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Shiling to undertake harbour trials

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The Singaporean-flagged cargo vessel the Shiling will this afternoon undertake harbour trials as planning continues for its departure from Wellington.

    The vessel lost power twice in New Zealand, over the last three months; initially in mid-April, and then after its subsequent departure on 12 May. On 23 May it was towed back to Wellington under the control of an ocean-going tug, the Skandi Emerald .

    After the Shiling returned to Wellington, Maritime NZ issued a detention notice against the vessel, which included stringent conditions it has to meet prior to departure.

    Maritime NZ’s Deputy Chief Executive, Regulatory Operations Deb Despard, says the organisation’s focus has been on ensuring all steps are made so vessel can safely leave New Zealand waters.

    “This has been an ongoing process involving us [Maritime NZ], the vessel, its owners and their agents, insurers, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Shiling’s classification society, the Wellington Harbourmaster, CentrePort and related organisations such as towage providers.

    “Everyone has worked with the aim to get the Shiling safely back to Singapore,” she says.

    The owner of the Shiling continues to be responsible for the management of the issues with the vessel, as well as meeting the conditions imposed by Maritime NZ, the Marine and Port Authority of Singapore and the vessel’s classification society.

    Work to understand and remedy the vessel’s issues has been ongoing for more than a month. It has included the vessel’s owner bringing in experts from overseas, including engineers from the manufacturer of the engine, and working with its classification society to ensure the necessary work is carried out effectively and safely.

    “Today is a significant step in getting the vessel ready to depart New Zealand waters. The harbour trial is the first of two, the second being a more rigorous test outside the harbour.

    “As outlined in the conditions imposed; the vessel’s sea trials, and a portion of its journey out of Wellington, will see the Shiling accompanied by a suitable escort vessel which is capable of emergency towage.

    “We do not want to see a repeat of what we saw in April and May with this vessel, that is why we put a significant number of stringent conditions in place,” Deb Despard says.

    Maritime NZ will be closely monitoring the trials and its departure out of New Zealand.

    Dates for the sea trial and the vessel’s departure for Singapore are yet to be confirmed, and will be determined by feedback from the trials, conversations with other relevant parties and the weather. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: RCCNZ assists helicopter with engine failure

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Rescue Coordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ) has responded to a helicopter with a reported engine failure near Glenorchy this morning after receiving a distress beacon alert and MAYDAY call at 9:51 am.

    The pilot, who had two clients on board, was able to land the helicopter with minor damage to the aircraft. All three were uninjured.

    To provide assistance, RCCNZ deployed two Queenstown based rescue helicopters to the scene. A separate commercial helicopter also responded to the MAYDAY call.

    The people who were onboard the helicopter will be taken to Queenstown for assessment.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime response Shiling update 9

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Preparations continue for towing the Shiling to Wellington, dependant on favourable weather conditions.

    Incident Controller, Andrew Saunderson, says a suitable weather window is required to enable the tow’s safe completion.

    “Safety remains the top priority, and Maritime NZ is working with all parties before proceeding with the tow.”

    No activities are scheduled for today, and the ship will remain at anchor with the Skandi Emerald nearby providing support.

    The ship’s owner has told Maritime NZ that they believe the fault they have identified can be rectified in New Zealand.

    On Wednesday, equipment and crew members with expertise in towage will be transferred to the Shiling for the operation to tow the ship to Wellington. It will take time to set up the tow equipment and then wait for the right weather window.

    Centreport will draw upon their experience in handling ships without main-engines and are working with the ship’s owner and agent.

    Maritime NZ is actively engaged in discussions with the relevant stakeholders, including the Wellington Harbourmaster and the ship’s owners, to ensure a safe, coordinated approach.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime response Shiling update 11

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The Shiling will remain at anchor at Tasman Bay until at least the start of next week.

    It has been anchored at Tasman Bay since 13 May. The Skandi Emerald (an ocean going tug)has been supporting, and will tow the Shiling to Wellington once the voyage and towage plans have been signed off, the weather conditions are judged safe for the tow and CentrePort has space for the vessel.

    Maritime NZ needs to sign off the plans before the two vessels can depart Tasman Bay.

    Incident Controller David Billington says the Skandi Emerald and the Shiling have been working together with a towage expert to prepare for the transportation of the vessel from Tasman Bay to Wellington.

    “Moving this vessel safely is a top priority,” he says.

    The towing of the Shiling by the Skandi Emerald is expected to take about 20 hours, and from its current location at Tasman Bay to Wellington is between 100 and 120 nautical miles depending on the route taken.

    “This means conditions for Tasman Bay, the Cook Strait and Wellington need to be taken into account when planning the voyage.

    “Timings around the tow and arrival into Wellington are still to be confirmed. However, an opportunity has been identified for the tow to be undertaken early next week.

    Maritime NZ is working closely with the Wellington Harbourmaster and CentrePort as they plan for the Shiling’s journey to and arrival in Wellington. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime response Shiling update 10

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Planning around the timing and the voyage for the tow of the stricken Shiling to Wellington is ongoing.

    The vessel lost power and steering on Friday 12 May, and has been anchored at Tasman Bay since Saturday 13 May.

    An ocean going tug, the Skandi Emerald towed it from where it initially lost power (22 nautical miles North North-West of Farewell Spit), to its current anchorage point.

    Once a passage and towing plan has been confirmed, the Skandi Emerald will tow the Shiling to Wellington, timings around the departure and arrival at Wellington’s CentrePort are weather dependent.

    These plans are developed by the Shiling and Skandi Emerald . Maritime NZ has oversight.

    Incident Controller David Billington says Maritime NZ’s priority is ensuring the towage of the vessel from Tasman Bay to Wellington is undertaken as safely as possible.

    A crew change for the Skandi Emerald will occur today (17 May), while supplies will be transported to the Shiling as well.

    This change over requires the Skandi Emerald to come closer to shore to enable the crew swap.

    “A towage expert will also be boarding the Shiling later this afternoon (17 May) to support the connection between the two vessels, the tow plan and the voyage to Wellington.

    “They will be taken to the vessel by the Skandi Emerald ,” David Billington says.

    CentrePort and the Wellington Harbourmaster are being kept up to date with the plans for the Shiling . 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime response Shiling update 12

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    A Maritime NZ Incident Response Team will continue to monitor the Shiling over the weekend.

    The vessel is currently at anchor off Tasman Bay, supported by the Skandi Emerald (an ocean going tug).

    Plans are being developed to tow it from Tasman Bay to Wellington early next week.

    No further updates will be provided over the weekend unless the situation changes.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime response Shiling update 13

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Towage of the Shiling to Wellington by the Skandi Emerald is now underway.

    It is expected to take about 20 to 25 hours to get the vessel from its current location to Wellington.

    The Shiling and the Skandi Emerald have been located north of Nelson since 13 May.

    A 500 metre exclusion zone is in place around the towage operation for the journey to Wellington.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: University Research – Daytime boosts immunity, scientists find – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    Kiwi scientists have discovered how daylight can boost the immune system’s ability to fight infections.

    NZT 6am Saturday 24 May: A breakthrough study, led by scientists at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, has uncovered how daylight can boost the immune system’s ability to fight infections.

    The team focused on the most abundant immune cells in our bodies, called ‘neutrophils’, which are a type of white blood cell. These cells move quickly to the site of an infection and kill invading bacteria.

    The researchers used zebrafish, a small freshwater fish, as a model organism, because its genetic make-up is similar to ours and they can be bred to have transparent bodies, making it easy to observe biological processes in real time.

    “In earlier studies, we had observed that immune responses peaked in the morning, during the fish’s early active phase,” says lead researcher Associate Professor Christopher Hall, from the Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology.

    “We think this represents an evolutionary response such that during daylight hours the host is more active so more likely to encounter bacterial infections,” says Hall.

    However, the scientists wanted to find out how the immune response was being synchronised with daylight.

    With this new study, published in Science Immunology, and led by two doctoral researchers, neutrophils were found to possess a circadian clock that alerted them to daytime, and boosted their ability to kill bacteria.

    Most of our cells have circadian clocks to tell them what time of day it is in the outside world, in order to regulate the body’s activities. Light has the biggest influence on resetting these circadian clocks.

    “Given that neutrophils are the first immune cells to be recruited to sites of inflammation, our discovery has very broad implications for therapeutic benefit in many inflammatory diseases,” Hall says.

    “This finding paves the way for development of drugs that target the circadian clock in neutrophils to boost their ability to fight infections.”

    The research was funded through the Royal Society of NZ’s Marsden Fund.

    Current research is now focussed on understanding the specific mechanisms by which light influences the neutrophil circadian clock.

    Find out about animal-based research at the University of Auckland: http://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/research/about-our-research/openness-in-animal-research.html

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Whangārei

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has died after a truck collided with a power pole in Whangārei overnight.

    The crash, at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Ewing Road, was reported to Police at 1.25am today.

    The driver of the truck was the sole occupant.

    Enquiries are under way into the circumstances of the crash.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Kaikohe: Investigation continues into little girl’s death

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Northland Police are continuing to investigate the tragic death of a 3-year-old girl in Kaikohe on Wednesday evening.

    Police attended an address on Taraire Street where the girl was initially located unresponsive.

    “A scene examination has taken place today and will continue into tomorrow,” Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston, of Northland CIB, says.

    “These are always difficult investigations, for the whānau, community and the police themselves.”

    At this stage the circumstances are still unexplained. A post-mortem was conducted today and Police are waiting on the results.

    “The investigators are determined to uncover the full facts and have a team of 20 working on the case,” Detective Inspector Johnston says.

    “The enquiry team is supported by staff who’ve arrived from other districts given a number of serious matters being investigated.”

    Investigations into the little girl’s death will continue across the weekend.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Far North Homicide: Police reassure community

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A homicide investigation is continuing into the death of a 77-year-old man in Horeke.

    The investigation has been underway after the man was found critically injured at a property on Waikerikeri Road in the early hours of 22 May.

    He sadly died at the scene.

    Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston, of Northland CIB, says a scene examination is ongoing at a property on Waikerikeri Road.

    “A team of 15 investigators are working on the enquiry, with Northland receiving support from other Police districts and from ESR scientists,” he says.

    “Police want to assure the community that no other persons are being sought in relation to this matter.”

    A 73-year-old man, who arrived the Kaikohe Police station on Wednesday night, has been remanded in custody on a range of unrelated charges.

    He will reappear in the Kaikohe District Court next month.

    Enquiries will continue into the 77-year-old man’s death.

    “A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted on the victim tomorrow,” Detective Inspector Johnston says.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Clutha

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has died following a crash in Tapanui this afternoon.

    Just after 3:30pm, Police were called to a single vehicle crash on Station Road.

    The vehicle collided with a garage before catching fire. The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

    Police are making enquiries to determine the circumstances of the crash.

    Station Road remains closed while enquiries continue.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Supercars for the South Island

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    A second round of the hugely successful Supercars events will be held in Christchurch from next year with support from the Government’s Major Events Fund. 
    “For more than 20 years Supercars Championship events have played an important role showcasing our beautiful country to an international audience and I’m thrilled the South Island will now be part of this from next year,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. 
    “The Government is investing $5.9 million from the Major Events Fund to support Supercars events in both Taupō and Christchurch for the next three years. 
    “This means international – and domestic – visitors can attend back-to-back rounds across consecutive weekends in Taupō and Christchurch, allowing them to extend their stay and enjoy more of what New Zealand has to offer. 
    “It was fantastic to be part of the estimated 50,000 strong crowd at the recent ITM Supercars440 event in Taupō. The place was buzzing with people in town to enjoy one of the most popular Trans-Tasman motorsport events.
    “We know the 2024 event generated significant economic and tourism benefits for the Taupō region and New Zealand with more than 3,300 international visitors attending and spending more than $5.2 million while here. Not to mention the invaluable exposure in key tourism markets with a total broadcast reach of 246 million, including 3.9 million in Australia. 
    “I’m pleased that with this investment New Zealand’s strong relationship with Supercars will continue in Taupo and extend to include Christchurch, with all the benefits that brings.” 
    Supercars Ltd has selected Ruapuna Motorsport Park, Christchurch as the host venue for the South Island round.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drug find all zipped up in Clover Park

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police performing routine breath testing in East Auckland last night bagged a whole lot more than expected.

    Just after 6.30pm, officers signalled for a driver to slow down to be breath tested at a checkpoint on Dawson Road.

    Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says Police immediately noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle.

    “Officers invoked a search of the vehicle and located a substantial amount of cannabis in the footwell of the passenger side of the car.

    “A total of nine large zip lock bags with more than 4kgs of cannabis were found inside a large rubbish bag.

    “Subsequently, the driver also recorded a breath alcohol level of 600 micrograms per litre of breath, more than twice the legal limit,” Inspector Cook says.

    “This was a great find and it’s pleasing to remove these drugs out of our community.”

    Police continue to remind people that if you are drinking, do not drive, Police will be out in force anywhere – anytime.

    A 45-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court today charged with driving with excess breath alcohol and possession for supply of cannabis.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: $1 billion of Māori funding gone

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government should hang its head in shame after a budget that takes a knife to more Māori programmes.

    “In Budget 2024 more than $300 million was cut from Māori specific initiatives – Te Arawhiti, The Māori Health Authority, and Māori TV. Budget 2025 cuts even deeper with around $750 million cut from Māori Housing, Māori economic funds, Māori Education and programmes like Māori trades training,” Māori Development spokesperson, Willie Jackson said.

    “Over the two budgets, Tama Potaka has now slashed more than $1 billion of Māori specific funding and that is shameful.

    “Louise Upston has also made the shameful choice to stop funding Māori trade training when Māori unemployment has risen to 10.5 percent, with no plan to support Māori into meaningful jobs.

    “The biggest hit is in Māori housing. Whai Kainga Whai Oranga and the whole Māori housing programme has been scrapped. In total $624 million has been wiped from the books.

    “Tama Potaka is ignoring the housing data showing Māori are in the most need and has chosen to wash his hands of Māori housing.

    “This government is providing a mere $3 million per year worth of new funding for Māori Wardens and the Māori Women’s Welfare League – yet has increased its ministerial budget for international travel by $2 million per year.

    “At the same time, David Seymour is introducing his Regulatory Standards Bill under urgency that extinguishes more Māori rights, cementing this government’s lack of care towards Māori.

    “This government has proven once again that it has turned its back on the Māori-Crown relationship,” Willie Jackson said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt guts emergency housing while need increases

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The National Government has cut $1 billion from the emergency housing budget on the false pretence that demand is reducing, while also ending contracted emergency housing from December this year.

    “The Government promised New Zealanders that those in genuine need would get access to emergency housing but the Budget shows they simply have no intention of providing it,” Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said.

    “The Government is trying to kid the country in to thinking that this is an area they can save money because the need isn’t there.

    “It is a lie, borne out of the need to fill gaps in the Budget.

    “Homelessness is increasing at unprecedented levels and frontline providers say things have never been so bad. Before this budget, homelessness had already grown by 40 percent in Wellington. Lord knows how high it is projected to grow, and how fast because of this budget.

    “New Zealanders need to ask themselves a pretty simple question – do they trust the Government who need to make cuts to make their budget add up, or frontline providers who are seeing homelessness increase every day?

    “Ending contracts without a clear alternative for where people will go is a disgrace. Housing is a human right.

    “Make no mistake – families will be living on the street because of this decision today,” Kieran McAnulty said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: More Supercars for New Zealand

    Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE (2)

    Published: 23 May 2025

    The Government is investing $5.9 million from the Major Events Fund to support Supercars events in both Taupō and Christchurch for the next 3 years.

    On this page

    The 2024 Taupō Supercars generated significant economic and tourism benefits for the region and New Zealand with more than 3,300 international visitors attending and spending more than $5.2 million while here. 

    Having consecutive events in Taupō and Christchurch will allow international visitors to extend their stay in New Zealand, supporting tourism in our regions.

    More information about Supercars:

    2025 Repco Supercars Championship | Supercars(external link)

    Read the Beehive press release:

    Supercars for the South Island(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

    Last updated: 23 May 2025

    https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/more-supercars-for-new-zealand
    Please note: This content will change over time and can go out of date.

    Crown copyright © 2025

    https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/more-supercars-for-new-zealand
    Please note: This content will change over time and can go out of date.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: City centre opens up for more homes and jobs

    Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

    Taller buildings and increased development capacity are on the way for Auckland’s city centre, following Auckland Council’s decision to accept recommendations that will help deliver more homes, more businesses, and better access to the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau.  

    The decision was made by Auckland Council’s Policy and Planning Committee, which accepted in full a set of recommendations from the Independent Hearings Panel (IHP), an expert body established to hear public submissions and evidence on Plan Change 78. The IHP recommendations were based on extensive public input, expert evidence, and hearings.

    “As a city resident, I’m pleased plans to increase density to allow more growth in the central city under Plan Change 78 are now done and dusted. When I look at the swathes of people coming in and out of the city to work every day, this makes a lot of sense. It is also one of three growth areas highlighted in my manifesto”, says Mayor Wayne Brown.  

    Unlocking long-term capacity

    Chair of the committee, Councillor Richard Hills, says unlocking this amount of development capacity in the city centre makes room for well over four times the number of homes and businesses we have today. This enables around a 300 per cent increase in floor space. 

    “This is a positive step forward giving more people the chance to live, work, and study close to major transport, shops, and services, future-proofing our city for the people who live here now and the ones still to come. 

    “Our city centre is already one of Auckland’s fastest-growing residential areas and our largest employment hub. It supports around 159,000 workers and 15,500 businesses, contributing approximately 20 per cent of Auckland’s total GDP and around 8 per cent of New Zealand’s. 

    “Our decision today, will help create a more vibrant, bustling and lively city centre — one that’s alive with people, jobs, culture, and opportunity — like you see in successful cities around the world.” 

    “It also supports our investment in the City Rail Link and other city centre upgrades which is also helping to attract $6 billion of private-sector investment. This further strengthens the city centre’s role as a hub for jobs, housing, retail, hospitality, culture and community.” 

    What the changes involve

    Most of the changes the council publicly notified in Plan Change 78 were backed by the IHP with only a few minor differences, which advances the council’s overall growth strategy for the area. 

    Key changes include increasing building heights across much of the city centre and removing limits on floor areas to allow for a wider variety of building sizes and types. These changes are central to the council’s plan for more quality homes, businesses and services in the heart of Auckland and supporting a liveable, dynamic and attractive city centre. 

    18 midtown developments – recent, underway and planned – within 5 minutes’ walk of 3 Te Waihorotiu Station entrances. Station entrances shown in blue on map.

    What’s next for Auckland’s growth plan? 

    With the council’s decisions now made, they will be notified by 30 May 2025. Once notified they will be included in the Auckland Unitary Plan and are expected to become operative in June 2025. 

    Outside of the city centre, Auckland Council is working on a new plan change that will deal with two of the biggest challenges we face in our region – strengthening rules to better protect people from natural hazards such as flooding and enabling more housing in the right places, especially near large centres and transport hubs. On its own the legislation that underpins Plan Change 78 does not let us tackle the challenges that floods pose or consider the government’s proposal to opt out of the MDRS. 

    For this work to proceed, a change in legislation is required to allow the council to withdraw the remainder of Plan Change 78, except for the city centre decisions made today, which is being considered as part of the government’s RMA reforms. The council is currently working on an approach while we wait for central government to give the go ahead. 

    Key Changes

    • Maximum building heights have significantly increased within the City Centre Zone. In many areas, including along the western edge, height limits will increase from 30 metres to 72.5 metres, roughly 20+ storeys. In the core of the city centre there will be unlimited height (subject controls to protect sunlight access to key parks and open space, significant views of the harbour and maunga, and historic heritage). 

    • The council’s changes in the publicly notified Plan Change 78 allowed for four times more development capacity in the city centre over what currently exists. The IHP has made further changes to allow for even more capacity. 

    • Modelling is underway to calculate the differences between the notified capacity and the further increases made by the council’s decision today. 

    • Floor Area Ratios — planning rules that limit how much total floor space can be built on a site — have been removed. This will allow far more flexible building designs for commercial and residential use and allows for more efficient land use, as long as buildings meet other adaptable urban design rules.

    • The western edge of Karangahape Road will increase heights from 15 metres to between 35 and 72.5 metres, depending on the building type, allowing more development in a walkable, well-connected area near rapid transit. This does not affect historic heritage protections for Karangahape Road currently in place.

    • The council accepted IHP recommendations to slightly reduce the Karangahape Road Precinct by removing a small block that includes 538 and 582 Karangahape Road. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill (No 2) — In Committee—Part 1 – 001481

    Source: Govt’s austerity Budget to cause real harm in communities

    Hon SIMON WATTS (Minister of Revenue): Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Look, a very good morning, everyone. Welcome back to the growth Budget, and what a great Budget it is. I don’t mind doing a basic lesson in what depreciation is for the member because, in effect, what we are doing is increasing the rate at which people can claim a tax deduction, increasing it in the first year and the balance will be claimed for the rest of the asset life. This is a timing difference; we are bringing forward that ability to claim that tax deduction. We’re not creating some new world or new paradigm of other aspect. We are simply moving that benefit forward so that New Zealand businesses can achieve a tax deduction—from yesterday—and get the benefit of that in terms of less tax this year.

    That is a significant investment and opportunity for them as a business. But it in no way has any impact on what would be a normal rate of depreciation on any economic asset over the life of that asset. So the whole premise of the question is uninformed and without basis. Our policy is very much focused on delivering that economic growth. And heck, I mean, I guess some people in the House are concerned about too much economic growth. But on this side of the House, we think a little bit differently. We sort of think economic growth is a good thing. It sort of helps us with a range of factors including higher paid jobs, better standard of living, and more tax revenue flows.

    CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): That’s true, but that’s not what the member asked the Minister, thank you.

    Hon SIMON WATTS: Well, the member asked about the risks in regards to the policy and I have clarified that it is a depreciation policy which is well articulated in accounting standards.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Thursday, 22 May 2025 (continued on Friday, 23 May 2025) – Volume 784 – 001482

    Source: Govt’s austerity Budget to cause real harm in communities

    Hon SIMON WATTS (Minister of Revenue): Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Look, a very good morning, everyone. Welcome back to the growth Budget, and what a great Budget it is. I don’t mind doing a basic lesson in what depreciation is for the member because, in effect, what we are doing is increasing the rate at which people can claim a tax deduction, increasing it in the first year and the balance will be claimed for the rest of the asset life. This is a timing difference; we are bringing forward that ability to claim that tax deduction. We’re not creating some new world or new paradigm of other aspect. We are simply moving that benefit forward so that New Zealand businesses can achieve a tax deduction—from yesterday—and get the benefit of that in terms of less tax this year.

    That is a significant investment and opportunity for them as a business. But it in no way has any impact on what would be a normal rate of depreciation on any economic asset over the life of that asset. So the whole premise of the question is uninformed and without basis. Our policy is very much focused on delivering that economic growth. And heck, I mean, I guess some people in the House are concerned about too much economic growth. But on this side of the House, we think a little bit differently. We sort of think economic growth is a good thing. It sort of helps us with a range of factors including higher paid jobs, better standard of living, and more tax revenue flows.

    CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): That’s true, but that’s not what the member asked the Minister, thank you.

    Hon SIMON WATTS: Well, the member asked about the risks in regards to the policy and I have clarified that it is a depreciation policy which is well articulated in accounting standards.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police shut down drug operations across Kumeū

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police have uprooted several illicit drug operations nestled amongst the community in Northwest Auckland.

    In the past week, Police have recovered nearly 400 kilograms of cannabis, 40 grams of cocaine and made three arrests.

    Waitematā North Area Commander, Inspector Mike Rickards says local Police have been targeting large cannabis grow house operations run by Vietnamese organised criminal groups around the Kumeū area.

    Warrants were terminated yesterday, 21 May, and 16 May at two properties.

    “On Wednesday, our Kumeū and Helensville staff terminated a search warrant at a Station Road property where a sophisticated operation was uncovered.

    “At the property, we located 931 cannabis plants weighing 237 kilograms.”

    Police also located a vast amount of equipment used to manufacture.

    It followed a previous warrant last Friday at a nearby address, where two Vietnamese nationals were arrested.

    Inspector Rickards says Police located 130 cannabis plants weighting up to 155 kilograms.

    “Inside, we also seized a large amount of cash as well as high-end equipment used in the manufacturing of cannabis.”

    Cocaine was also located at the property.

    Two arrests were made, and a 27-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man have been remanded in custody on drugs offences.

    A third warrant was also conducted on 16 May, which resulted in a Head Hunters associate being arrested.

    “The Waitematā Gang Disruption Unit and members of the Offender Prevention Team attended,” Inspector Rickards

    “A 36-year-old man was arrested after he initially tried to dispose of illicit drugs at the address.”

    Police located 30 grams of cocaine as well as cannabis at the property.

    The man was arrested and has been charged with possession for supply of cocaine and cannabis.

    Inspector Rickards says Police are pleased with the outcome.

    “Our team’s operations over the past week have in no doubt disrupted the illegal operation and prevented harm in our community.

    “It will have had an impact on drug distribution across the Rodney area.

    “We’re really clear that we won’t tolerate this in our community, and we’ll continue to target these groups who are cashing in on their offending.”

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –