Author: MIL OSI Publisher

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Overnight road and lane closures at Bay Link 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The final phase at the Bayfair roundabout is underway, involving reconstructing the ground-level roads leading into and away from the Bayfair roundabout to bring them up to standards required across the project.

People travelling through the area will continue to see changes to the road layout and the way they travel as well as overnight road and lane closures. 

Upcoming night works to place asphalt on Maunganui Road northbound (from Bayfair roundabout to opposite Concord Avenue) include: 

Sunday 1 October

  • Maunganui Road northbound will be fully closed from opposite Exeter Street to opposite Concord Avenue from approximately 7pm to 6am
  • For road users travelling from SH29A or Pāpāmoa/Tauranga Eastern Link towards the Bayfair roundabout, a signposted detour via the Bayfair flyover, SH2 north, the Golf Road roundabout and SH2/Maunganui Road south will apply. 
  • For road users travelling from Matapihi Road or Girven Road towards Mount Maunganui or the city centre, a signposted detour via Maunganui Road southbound, SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange, SH29A roundabout and the Bayfair flyover will apply. 

Monday 2 October

  • Maunganui Road northbound will be fully closed between Bayfair roundabout and Concord Avenue from approximately 7pm to 6am.
  • For road users travelling from Matapihi Road or Girven Road towards Mount Maunganui or the city centre, a signposted detour via Maunganui Road southbound, SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange, SH29A roundabout and the Bayfair flyover will apply.  
  • Maunganui Road southbound will be fully closed between Concord Avenue and Bayfair roundabout from 10pm to 6am. 
  • For road users travelling from Mount Maunganui or the city centre to Matapihi Road, Girven Road or Maunganui Road at ground level before Exeter Street, a signposted detour via the Bayfair flyover, Te Maunga interchange, SH29A roundabout and Maunganui Road northbound will apply. 
  • For road users travelling from Mount Maunganui or the city centre to Bayfair Shopping Centre, a signposted detour via Concord Avenue and Farm Street will apply.   
  • Access to Maunganui Road properties between Concord Avenue and Bayfair Shopping Centre will be retained at all times. 

Tuesday 3 October

  • Bayfair roundabout closed between Matapihi Road and Girven Road, and Girven Road and Matapihi Road from approximately 7pm to 6am
  • For road users travelling from Matapihi Road towards Girven Road or Maunganui Road southbound, a signposted detour via Maunganui Road northbound, Golf Road roundabout and Maunganui Road southbound will apply.  
  • For road users travelling from Girven Road towards Matapihi Road or Maunganui Road northbound, a signposted detour via Maunganui Road southbound, Te Maunga interchange, SH29A roundabout and Maunganui Road northbound will apply. 

Wednesday 4 October

  • A single lane closure on Matapihi Road eastbound, approaching Bayfair roundabout from approximately 7pm to 6am 
  • This work is weather dependent. If it is delayed because of weather or other unforeseen issues, it will be carried out on the next suitable night/s. 
  • All existing roads within the extent of the Bay Link site are being replaced to support heavier and a higher number of vehicles. At the same time, work continues to upgrade the new signalised Bayfair roundabout which will improve safety and accessibility and transform how people on all modes move through the area at project completion. 

Waka Kotahi thanks drivers, local residents and business for their patience. 

Find out more at nzta.govt.nz/baylink

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Legal exemption for e-scooters extended by five years 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has extended the legal exemption for e-scooters in New Zealand which allows them to be used without being classified as motor vehicles for a further five years.

The declaration which exempts e-scooters with a maximum power output of 300 watts from being classified as motor vehicles was first introduced in September 2018, for a period of five years.

E–Scooters (Declaration Not to be Motor Vehicles) Notice 2018(external link)

The exemption means that e-scooters are not required to meet motor vehicle standards or be registered when used. In practice this means that riders are not required to have a driver’s licence, e-scooters do not have to have number plates on them, and they can be used in different spaces, including on footpaths.

Waka Kotahi National Manager Regulatory System Design Chris Rodley says the decision to extend the exemption by a further five years has been made following a thorough review into the effectiveness and safety of e-scooters, including engagement with key stakeholders and an online public survey.

E-scooter declaration renewal decision

“Our overall conclusion is that e-scooters have made, and continue to make, a useful contribution to the land transport system. Their use is increasing across New Zealand, they are increasingly used for transport rather than just for recreation, user satisfaction is generally high, and they have emissions reductions benefits,” he said.  

Mr Rodley also acknowledged the concerns about the safety of e-scooter use that were raised during the review.  

“Our review found that while the greatest risk is to e-scooter riders themselves, some pedestrians also feel anxious or stressed about sharing the footpaths e-scooters. 

“While there are mechanisms in place to ensure the safe use of e-scooters, such as geo-fenced no-go and low-speed zones for rental e-scooters, Waka Kotahi believes that there is scope for further improvements, such as lower speed limits in high pedestrian areas and more use of speed limit signage. 

“Over the next five years we will continue to explore these and other measures to promote the safe and responsible use of e-scooters. 

“These improvements will be progressed through a co-ordinated approach between multiple parties, including Waka Kotahi, local authorities, share-scheme e-scooter operators, the Ministry of Transport, Police, and others.”  

More information about E-scooter declaration renewal decision

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Search warrant being executed in Napier

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are conducting a pre-planned search warrant on Taradale Road, Napier this evening.

A cordon is in place at the address and traffic detours are in place through Henry Hill Street and Tom Parker Avenue.

The public are advised to avoid the area while staff work to carry out the warrant safely and efficiently.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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10,000th person signs up to the Firearms Registry

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

New Zealand’s new Firearms Registry has hit a significant milestone with the 10,000th licence holder entering their firearms into the official record today.

There are now 10,044 licence holders in the Firearms Registry, who between them have collectively recorded 47,162 firearms – representing an average of 4.7 firearms per licence holder.

Licenced firearms owners across Aotearoa have been responding positively to the Registry, says Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority. It has taken just three months to get the 10,000th licence holder entered into the system. This is almost 5 percent of the 234,335 active firearms licence holders in New Zealand.

Te Tari Pūreke Executive Director Angela Brazier says the Firearms Registry is about making communities safer. It is one of the responses to firearms-related crime by disrupting criminals access to firearms.

If a person has a firearms licence, they are required to provide information for the Firearms Registry and to keep it up to date. People must provide information for the first time when they have what is known as an activating circumstance. These are set out in the regulations and include things like buying or selling a firearm; a change in licence holder information like a change of address; or if they report firearms lost or stolen.

If they don’t have an activating circumstance licence holders are required to provide information for the Registry by 31 August 2028.

“We would like to thank all the licence holders who have filled in the Registry so far, and we are encouraging those with activating circumstances to act on this, and get their firearm details into the Registry,” says Ms Brazier.

“When fully populated, the Registry will provide a picture of all lawfully held firearms and arms items in New Zealand.  This will give greater transparency when firearms are changing hands and ultimately make the availability of firearms to the black market more difficult.

“Disrupting the flow of firearms to criminals works in tandem with other Policing initiatives that target organised criminal groups and gangs. These separate but complimentary strategies are together making it harder for criminals to possess and use firearms and are making our communities safer.

“Additionally, if firearms are seized from criminals or found at crime scenes, their origin will be more traceable.” 

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

• The Arms Legislation Act 2020 was passed by Parliament on 18 June, 2020. This legislation amended the Arms Act 1983 to establish a new firearms regulatory framework with greater regulatory oversight and stronger regulatory tools. This included the introduction of the Firearms Registry.

• Licence holders have been able to register their firearms for just over three months now – from the 24 June 2023.

• Licence holders are required to provide information to the Registry whenever they have an ‘activating circumstance’. A comprehensive list of activating circumstances is available on the Te Tari Pureke website: ‘When to register your arms items’ https://www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/firearms-registry/when-regis…

• In total it has cost $10.4 million to establish the new Firearms Registry. Te Tari Pūreke estimate that ongoing running costs will be $8.5 million per annum.

• A Horizon research poll (carried out for Gun Control NZ) in August, which found 71 per cent of New Zealanders supported the Registry, while only 14 per cent opposed it. In the same poll, some 53% of New Zealanders said people felt safer now that the Registry was active and some guns had been banned https://horizonpoll.co.nz/page/678/large-major 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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New controls to protect Lake Ōkataina from clams

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Temporary biosecurity rules are being introduced for Lake Ōkataina in the Bay of Plenty as part of a precautionary and balanced approach to reducing risk of spread from the freshwater gold clam.

The lake is being closed for a month, from 1 to 31 October to boating and fishing, through a mechanism called a Controlled Area Notice (CAN) under the Biosecurity Act.

“While the clam has not been found outside of a 99km stretch of the Waikato River, the temporary CAN is in response to a request from Ngāti Tarāwhai, while other options, including boat cleaning stations, are put in place,” says Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general Stuart Anderson.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council supports the decision to put a CAN in place to reduce the risk of a biosecurity incursion in the region.

“Lake Ōkataina holds special cultural significance to Ngāti Tarāwhai because it contains a drowned pa site and other submerged Māori archaeological features. It is also a popular trout fishing lake and its popularity with fishers, many who travel from Waikato, makes it vulnerable. It is also a lake of high ecological value, and these features are recognised by certain restrictions already placed on some lake uses,” says Mr Anderson.

“Biosecurity New Zealand is taking a cautious and balanced approach to managing this clam that allows people to enjoy our lakes and rivers while protecting them from this invasive shellfish.”

Over the temporary closure period, boat cleaning facilities will be installed to provide assurance that boats entering the lake are free of freshwater gold clams.

Cleaning stations will also be installed in the Waikato to help river and lake users meet Check Clean Dry requirements. The first station should be in place in about 3  weeks at Lake Karāpiro and options are being worked through to put cleaning stations at all major boat ramps.

“We appreciate people want to get on Lake Ōkataina at the start of the trout fishing season, but a small sacrifice this month goes a long way towards preserving it for generations to come,” says Mr Anderson.

“Once we have the facilities to ensure all boats coming into the lake are clam-free, the lake will be open to enjoy for the remainder of the season.”

The CAN prohibits the movement of boats and other watercraft and fishing equipment – including rods, waders and nets – into the lake. The lake can still be enjoyed for other activities such as walking on the shore, picnics and swimming.

People who have a need to continue using boats in the lake during the period can apply for a special permit.

“We continue to work with all parties to protect our freshwater environment from this clam,” said Mr Anderson.

“We have completed extensive surveillance of the Waikato River and its wider catchment we have also undertaken surveillance at six national sites so far, with no positive results. We are planning, with regional councils, to carry out surveillance at approximately 80 further sites.

“Surveillance of a number of waterways around Rotorua undertaken by Te Arawa Lakes Trust and Bay of Plenty Regional Council has also found no evidence of the clam.

“We are also planning to run trials to determine the feasibility of suppressing the clam population in the Waikato River and these should be underway by November. 

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Karekare Road closure for slip repairs

Source: Auckland Council

The designs for slip repairs on Karekare Road are completed and construction is scheduled to start on Monday 9 October and are expected to continue through to February 2024.

Access to the Karekare Valley will be via Lone Kauri Road. Lone Kauri Road will be available to residents and service vehicles only for this period. Once this work is finished, works will begin on Lone Kauri Road. 

Auckland Transport and its contractor, Fulton Hogan, are working hard to restore the access roads for the Karekare community and safety is a priority. With this in mind, AT asks that everyone uses the alternative routes and stays clear of the works and machinery over this period.

AT and Fulton Hogan will continue to liaise with neighbours and those affected by the planned road closure and construction works. In the meantime, if you have any queries or concerns, please email ATengagement@at.govt.nz.

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Man charged following Lincoln Road overbridge incident

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Relieving Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray:

A male has been charged following an incident on the Lincoln Road overbridge on Wednesday afternoon in which he was shot by Police.

The 29-year-old male was transported to hospital yesterday afternoon with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. 

He remains in a stable condition.

He has been charged with multiple counts of presenting a firearm, as well as aggravated robbery, and Police are preparing for a bedside hearing to take place tomorrow.

There are several investigations that remain ongoing into the incident.

Those are a Police Critical Incident, an Independent Police Conduct Authority Investigation, and a Coordinated Learning Review.

As this matter is now before the Court, Police are limited in further comment.

I would again like to acknowledge our staff whose actions brought this incident to a swift resolution, as well as the victims who were also impacted during this incident.

We are ensuring support is in place for those who were involved.

ENDS.

Anna Thompson/NZ Police 

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Many Southern tracks open, but caution advised

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  28 September 2023

Department of Conservation staff have been assessing tracks and other structures across southern South Island following last week’s storm event which triggered a State of Emergency across the region.

DOC Operations Director Southern South Island Aaron Fleming says so far reports for the major tracks are looking positive, but some local tracks remain closed.

“Now the weather has cleared, the clean-up begins. Our staff have been working hard to get out across the region to check for damage and ensure our structures are safe. The major impacts on many of the tracks appears to be windfall – trees and other debris covering tracks – and erosion from floodwaters,” Aaron says.

“This means people will need to take extra care when out exploring, but for the most part, many tracks are open.”

Where damage is more significant, such as large washouts or bridges are down, DOC has closed tracks until repairs or remediation can take place, Aaron says.

This includes the Lake Sylvan Track near Glenorchy and the Mt Crichton Loop near Queenstown. Dore Pass carpark and Mackay Creek Campground on the Milford Road are closed due to washouts, and Freeman Burn Hut in Fiordland is closed due to the risks posed by a dam which has formed upstream of the hut.

“We’ll be updating our website as more information comes through but in the meantime, we encourage people to use extra caution when heading out.

“Rivers may still be high and land could be unstable so people should use good judgement and don’t take unnecessary risks.”

With significant weather events becoming more frequent due to the impacts of climate change, DOC is looking at ways to build resilience across its network of infrastructure, Aaron says.

“Repairing and replacing assets takes time and resources. The February 2020 storm caused significant damage to tracks, huts and bridges across Otago and Fiordland that were important to local communities, recreational users and tourism operators alike. We’ve made excellent progress with those repairs, with the majority reopened but still have work almost four years later.

“We need to ensure our assets such as tracks, bridges and huts are resilient to the impacts of climate change, and this means it’s not always about simply replacing like for like.

“We need to think differently and plan ahead,” Aaron says.

In the meantime, people planning to head to public conservation land should always check the weather forecast, look at the DOC website or contact their nearest visitor centre for up-to-date information on track conditions.

If people come across any damage or windfall they can send photos to their local DOC office.

Contact

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Roads to reopen following protests in Wellington City

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Please attribute to Acting Superintendent Wade Jennings, Relieving Wellington District Commander:

Roads around Parliament will be reopened this afternoon following today’s protests.

Protest groups that marched to Parliament have dispersed and Police report no issues from today’s protest activity.

An estimated 2000 people marched from Civic Square to Parliament.

Police maintained a high presence in the city to manage traffic and keep counter protest groups apart.

Approximately 100 staff were on duty for the protest and march, which was uneventful.

The crowd has now departed from Parliament grounds, and we are continuing to monitor the area as people leave the city.

We are pleased that our message to protesters seems to have been heeded.

The ability to protest peacefully is an important part of being a democratic community – but key for us, is this activity remains peaceful.

With protesters largely gone from the area, we are now keen to reopen the roads, and restore people’s ability to travel through the area.

Reopening the roads earlier than planned is important for our local community and businesses who have been disrupted the most by this activity.

We are grateful to them for their patience through this.

Police will continue to have a presence around the Parliamentary precinct this evening and overnight.

Police are continuing to engage with protest groups planning a similar event on Saturday.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Have you seen Dylan?

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are appealing for assistance from the public to locate West Auckland man Dylan Bradford, who has been reported missing.

Dylan is 34 years old, of medium build, 168cm tall and has tattoos on the rear of his right elbow and left forearm.

He was last seen wearing a black jacket and blue adidas tear away track pants late on Saturday evening 23 September.

A person matching Dylan’s description was captured in CCTV images walking up Don Buck Road towards Red Hills Road, past Massey High School, at 11.40pm that same evening.

Police and his family have concerns for his welfare and safety.

Anyone who knows where Dylan is, or has information on his whereabouts, is urged to contact Police on 105, referencing case file number 230924/2185.

Information can also be provided via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS