Category: 24/7

Posted on

Events – Firefighters Compete at UFBA South Island Waterway Challenge

Source: United Fire Brigades’ Association

Each year, over 20,000 fires threaten precious homes, businesses, our natural environment and lives across New Zealand. We have seen several large vegetation fires this summer already and they all require one thing – lots of water and brave people to put it there!
Firefighting relies on timing, technical expertise, and teamwork to save lives and property; the branch on the hose, the hose to the pump, the standpipe to the hydrant, and each person playing their part.
Since 1885, the United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) Waterway Challenge has helped firefighters test their hose-running and pump-operating skills in a fun, safe, and competitive environment. The track has 19 different setups covering rural and urban approaches to firefighting.
On Saturday 1 February, over 50 volunteer firefighters from around the South Island will show off their teamwork and firefighting skills that they use to protect property and lives, as they compete in teams against each other in the annual UFBA South Island Waterway Challenge.
Teams of firefighters will be coming from Lincoln, Lyttleton, Rangiora, Westport, Greymouth, Brunner, Methven, Cromwell, Mataura, Balclutha, Wyndham, Mossburn, Sefton, Rolleston, Luggate, and Ross Volunteer Fire Brigades.
Competitors have trained all year, some are highly experienced and we have some fresh faces ready to take on the challenge. This firefighting event helps teams prepare for the biennial UFBA National Waterway Challenge a few weeks after the South Island event.
Bring the kids along to watch this competitive display of firefighting techniques.
Location: Darfield Domain
Date/Time: Saturday 1 February 2025 from 0930hrs till 1600hrs (approx.) 
About the UFBA – for over 145 years the United Fire Brigades’ Association has been the leading association representing firefighters in New Zealand. Today our services support around 14,000 firefighters throughout the fire and emergency services sector by providing advocacy, skills-based challenges, workshops and service honours.
Posted on

Crash blocks Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Fergusson Drive is currently blocked near the Silverstream Bridge following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash occurred just before 9am.

No injuries have been reported.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

issued by Police Media Centre

Posted on

Information sought following incident in Palmerston North bar

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are investigating a reported stabbing in Palmerston North last night and would like to speak to witnesses.

Police were called to a bar on Main Street about 11:30pm, after reports of an altercation between a small group of people.

Upon arrival one person was located with a stab wound to the neck, requiring hospital treatment.

A scene guard was in place at the premises overnight and Police will conduct a scene examination today.

If anyone has any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250128/6100.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Posted on

“Something is very wrong in our society and economy” – NZCTU Workforce Survey shows people fear for future

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

Insecurity in work, housing, and health among working people has emerged as the key finding from the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi’s 2025 annual Mood of the Workforce survey.

NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff says the survey, which polled more than 1900 people, shows immense concern that the Government is taking Aotearoa New Zealand in the wrong direction.

“We’ve been running this survey since 2019, and I have never seen such a negative response. People are in fear for their jobs and their businesses, their ability to keep their homes, and for their health,” said Wagstaff.

“They also don’t trust this Government to make it better because they are feeling firsthand the damage that’s been done with austerity policies that are only benefiting an already privileged few.

“The message that the Government has no interest in helping working people, who are the majority of New Zealanders, is coming through strongly in people’s comments on the tax system, the health system, and their work.

“People are sharing stories of losing their jobs or struggling to cover the work of colleagues who have already lost their jobs. These are heartbreaking to hear. But so are the stories of families being broken up as people’s kids leave the country to find better job prospects, or of parents having to act as a safety net for their adult children. These children have been hit hardest by the recent downturns, and an unfair and unforgiving housing market.

“A consistent theme is an overwhelming sense that something is very wrong, both in our society and with the economy.

“We’ve seen that at a statistical level in things like the recent Curia polling which showed people feel we are on the wrong track as a nation, but the results from our workforce survey give a close up and troubling picture of what that means in people’s lives.

“My great concern is that rather than admit that their policy direction is hurting people and damaging our economy, the Government is doubling down on it in their recent announcements.

“Whether that’s because of the Government’s arrogance or because they live in a bubble of privilege and don’t understand the damage they are doing is immaterial. People want a change of direction and to see things done a different and better way.

“Any politician or political party that ignores working people and their communities does so at their peril,” said Wagstaff.

View the results

Posted on

Weather News Update – Sunny Interlude Before Midweek Rain – MetService

Source: MetService

UPDATE: Covering period of Monday 27 – Thursday 30 January – MetService is forecasting a quieter weather day on Tuesday before another system sweeps across the South Island later in the day and into Wednesday, bringing rain and strong winds. Meanwhile, the North Island gets a reprieve from the muggy conditions of the past weekend, enjoying fresher air ahead of the next weather system later this week.

Following the devastating tornado in Mangawhai early on Sunday morning, Monday brought yet another day of unsettled weather for parts of Aotearoa New Zealand. Showers and thunderstorms were widespread in the east, with unseasonable snow falling in elevated parts of Canterbury, driven by a cold front moving northward. For regions marking Auckland Anniversary Day in the northern half of the North Island, the day was brighter and more settled.

This brighter weather extends across much of the country on Tuesday, thanks to a brief ridge of high pressure. MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane explains, “After an active couple of days weather-wise, many may welcome a bright and sunny summer day. However, the odd shower may still pop up in the western South Island and upper North Island. Later in the afternoon, the next weather system begins to make its presence felt.”

From Tuesday afternoon, winds strengthen over the lower South Island as the approaching weather system brings the potential for Heavy Rain and Strong Winds. MetService has issued Strong Wind Watches from Fiordland to inland Canterbury for Tuesday late afternoon to Wednesday. Heavy Rain Watches are also in effect for Fiordland and the ranges of the Westland District, primarily overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday. In the eastern South Island, brief rain is expected on Wednesday as the weather system moves through, while conditions clear on Thursday, with lingering rain possible for Buller and Tasman. The rain reaches the lower North Island early Thursday, where it is expected to be for much of the day.

In the North Island, the muggy conditions of recent days are replaced by cooler, fresher air. Single-digit temperatures may greet some areas in the central and lower North Island on Tuesday morning. “I imagine the cooler temperatures will make sleeping a lot easier for many compared to these last few nights,” adds Makgabutlane. However, warm overnight temperatures return to the lower North Island towards the end of the working week.

Posted on

Name Release, Fatal crash, Winton Lorneville Highway

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police can now confirm the name of the woman who died following a two-vehicle crash on Winton Lorneville Highway, Tuesday 21 January.

She was Thachawalai Youngdaeng of Thailand.

Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Posted on

Release: Nicola Willis prioritises visitors over everyday Kiwis

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

In her first announcement as Economic Growth Minister, Nicola Willis chose to loosen restrictions for digital nomads from other countries, rather than focus on everyday Kiwis.

“The fact that Nicola Willis is offering benefits to visitors that she won’t even allow New Zealanders, shows exactly where her priorities lie,” Labour’s finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

“I don’t have a problem with tweaks here and there so we can ensure we have good investment in New Zealand, but I do have a problem with Nicola Willis’ double standards.

“National is choosing to prioritise visitors to New Zealand, instead of tackling the urgent challenges facing Kiwis today. Nicola Willis doesn’t even know how many people will benefit from these changes or have an estimate as to how much our economy would grow.

“With rising rents, workforce shortages, and businesses crying out for more support, this announcement shows a lack of focus on the real issues affecting our economy.

“With one hand she’s begging foreigners to come here to work from home, while implementing strict policies on Kiwi public servants to stop them from doing the same.

“We need real long-term solutions for economic growth that provides the jobs of Kiwis, not a short-term sugar hit,” Barbara Edmonds said.

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

Posted on

Curtain lifted on illegal cannabis operation

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Sergeant Adam Elder, Alexandra Police:

A man is before the courts after the curtain was lifted on his cannabis growing operation in Roxburgh, Central Otago.

On Friday 17 January Police executed a search warrant at a Roxburgh house, and inside Police located five indoor tents which housed 12 mature cannabis plants.

Alongside the plants, a quantity of already dried-out cannabis was located packaged, which Police will allege was ready for distribution.

Three high-powered air rifles were also located at the address and have since been seized, as he was not permitted to be in possession of them.

A 55-year-old man has been charged with possession of cannabis for supply, cultivating cannabis, and possessing equipment to cultivate cannabis, and is due to reappear in the Alexandra District Court on Thursday 30 January.

In another search on the same day, at a different property in Roxburgh, Police located a large amount of drug paraphernalia, including utensils believed to be used for smoking methamphetamine, in a house bus. Inquiries are ongoing.

Police have been and will continue to work hard to identify and locate those involved in the illegal supply of drugs, and work with our community to address the underlying drivers of demand

If you have any information that may assist Police in identifying those involved in the illegal supply of drugs please contact Police.

You can contact us on 111 if it is happening now, or via 105 either online or over the phone.

Alternatively you can report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Posted on

Serious Crash, SH5, Waipunga

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are responding to a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 5 near Matea Road, Waipunga, Taupō District.

The crash was reported around 4pm.

Initial indications suggest at least two occupants are in a moderate to serious condition.

The road is closed while emergency services work at the scene between Matea Road and Pohoukura Road. 

Motorists are advised to expect delays and take an alternate route.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Posted on

Quick reporting from public sees two teens arrested, Invercargill

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Detective Peter Smallfield, Invercargill Police:

Two young people are facing Youth Court in Invercargill after a series of burglaries in a stolen car overnight.

A Mazda vehicle was stolen from a Kingswell address in the early hours of the morning by two people, who later pulled up to a jewellers in the central city around 5am.

They have got out and attempted to smash the windows with a scooter, and when they were not able to gain entry, travelled to a service station in Newfield.

Again, they were not able to gain entry.

Stopping the vehicle on a street nearby, they have had an interaction with a member of the public, in which they have pretended to have a firearm with them in order to scare them away.

They have then travelled to a dairy in Winsdor, where they have managed to smash their way in.

The pair stole items including vapes, cash, and confectionery before getting back into the vehicle and driving a short distance away.

A Police dog unit has located the vehicle and tracked the occupants who had fled on foot, taking them into custody shortly after 6am.

Two young males were due in the Invercargill Youth Court today, appearing jointly on three charges of burglary, one of theft of a motor vehicle and one of being unlawfully in a closed yard.

This behaviour is incredibly frustrating for residents and business owners in our community, and it’s pleasing to have been able to immediately hold this pair to account.

We want to extend our thanks to the members of the public who observed suspicious behaviour and reported it to Police on 111 straight away, enabling the quick apprehension of the two youths.

It is also a reminder to take every precaution possible to help avoid becoming a victim of crime.

Remember to take property security measures with your vehicles – keep them inside a secure garage if possible, remove valuables, and consider a steering wheel lock. This all helps make your vehicle less desirable for opportunistic thieves.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre