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Cash in transit robbery in Takanini

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: Cash in transit robbery in Takanini


Location:

Counties Manukau

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Rob Hunkin, Counties Manukau Police.

Police are currently at the scene of an aggravated robbery that occurred at the Takanini Southgate shopping complex this morning.

Just after 11am, three heavily disguised offenders carrying a firearm approached security guards who were transporting cash back to the security van.

The offenders presented a firearm at the security guards and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash.  Thankfully the security guards were not injured during the robbery.

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Marine protection off South Island coast

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Marine protection off South Island coast

Two options to protect areas of ocean off the east coast of the South Island will be considered by Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage.
The Ministers today released the final report of the South East Marine Protection Forum. The Forum is an independent body established by the previous government in 2014. It includes representatives of Kāi Tahu as manawhenua, commercial and recreational fishers, tourism, science, the environmental sector, and the broader community.
The report provides two alternative networks of marine protected areas off the coast from Timaru in South Canterbury, to Waipapa Point in Southland.
In late 2016, the Forum consulted with the public, industry and stakeholders on 20 sites for possible inclusion in a network of marine protected areas.
“The Forum has worked hard to produce a thorough and comprehensive report. We would like to thank Forum members for their work over three years, their dedication to a collaborative process and the significant contribution the report makes to advancing marine protection,” Ms Sage said.
“There was strong public involvement in the Forum process with more than 2,800 submissions received during public consultation.”
Mr Nash acknowledged the work of the former Ministers for Primary Industries and Conservation who began the process in 2014.
“This has been a long and demanding process over three and a half years. While it has not always been easy for participants I acknowledge the time and effort that has been invested,” Mr Nash said.
“Forum members were given a challenging task and their final report and recommendations reflect the variety of perspectives on marine protection. They spent a great deal of time considering the best ways to protect our marine life and marine environments. I am grateful for their work and for the efforts of those who made submissions during the process.  
“I understand that some, but not all fishing representatives, subsequently asked for more work to be done after the recommendations had been finalised and agreed. I do not believe that is necessary. We are happy with the quality of the report and the robust and demanding process followed by the Forum.
“In the end the report reflects the diverse range of views. We will now carefully consider the Forum’s recommendations,” said Mr Nash.
The Forum has proposed two alternative networks to the Ministers:
Network 1 – covers 1267 km2 of the Forum region and includes 18 of the 22 coastal habitats in the Forum region, seven of 12 estuarine habitats and two biogenic habitats.
Network 2 – covers 366 km2 of the Forum region, includes 10 of the 22 coastal habitats, no estuarine habitats and two biogenic habitats.
“Marine protected areas (MPAs) are vital to protect important habitats and feeding areas for marine mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates,” Ms Sage said.
“New Zealand’s marine environment is 15 times larger than its land mass and it’s important this is safeguarded for future generations.”
The Forum’s report provides detailed recommendations. It also explains the broader cultural and customary contexts of the marine habitats, as well as the economic, social and environmental considerations it took into account. The Ministers will now work through the next steps, which involves consultation with colleagues and agencies.
The Ministers said it was not yet clear what steps would be needed if new marine protections are required for the South Island’s south east coast. Before any changes are made to existing protections, they would seek the views of all parties in Parliament and invite public submissions.
Further information
The Forum report is on the SEMPF website at https://south-eastmarine.org.nz/

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Indonesia

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Indonesia

Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorism in Indonesia. While effective counter-terrorism measures have reduced the risk of attacks, Indonesian authorities continue to arrest terrorist suspects in the advanced stages of attack planning. Terrorist cells exist and have the capacity to carry out attacks anywhere in the country, including Bali. Terrorists may specifically target Westerners or Western interests in Indonesia, as well as police and security forces.

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Pacific Cyclone Season: 1 November to 30 April

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Pacific Cyclone Season: 1 November to 30 April

The Pacific cyclone season begins on 1 November and runs until 30 April.

New Zealanders travelling to the Pacific are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Travellers who register can be warned if a major cyclone approaches and given advice on precautions to take. We can also make contact with you following a significant cyclone to check on your well-being.

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SH4 set to re-open between Whanganui and Raetihi

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: SH4 set to re-open between Whanganui and Raetihi

NZ Transport Agency Regional Transport Systems Manager Ross I’Anson says travel will be restricted to a single lane at the site while work is undertaken to remove unstable material above the road, with stop-go traffic controls in place.

The unstable material was identified during a regularly scheduled geotechnical inspection earlier this week, and the road has been closed since 5pm Monday while a more detailed inspection has been undertaken to determine how to safely remove the material.

The roadside barriers will protect motorists from falling material while the work is undertaken to remove it. The work is expected to be completed by mid-May, weather depending.

Mr I’Anson says SH4 through the Paraparas has several bluffs along its length made up of papa, which is particularly susceptible to weathering. The Transport Agency regularly monitors these bluffs as part of an ongoing geotechnical inspection regime for the road.

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State Highway 1 repair works update

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: State Highway 1 repair works update

The temporary concrete safety barriers installed immediately after the storm will be removed so that crews can access the area to repair the footpath and install a new permanent safety barrier.

The road will be open to two lanes from 5:30am to 7pm each day, with a temporary reduced speed limit of 50km/h in place for northbound traffic. From 7pm crews will begin setting up the work site for night operations, and the road will be down to one lane under stop go traffic control until 5:30am.

Once this work is complete, the footpath and cycleway will be open again. The safety barrier that was damaged in the storm will be replaced and speed limits along this stretch of SH1 will return to normal (80km/h).

“Apart from the final resurfacing of the road and footpath, the rest of the work is not weather dependent,” NZTA’s Regional Transport Systems Manager Mark Owen says.

“Crews have been working since the storm, largely in the shoulder of the road, but this last phase of work may impact on people’s journeys both during the day and at night.”

“We’re aiming to have the work completed within the next 2 weeks so that pedestrians, cyclists and motorists can have full access along this stretch of highway.”

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One more day to finish resurfacing of SH1 through Mangamuka Gorge

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: One more day to finish resurfacing of SH1 through Mangamuka Gorge

Contractors need one more day of fine weather to finish the job, says the NZ Transport Agency’s System Manager Steve Mutton.

The road will be closed this Sunday 11 March to make up for the day lost last weekend. The closure will follow the same timetable as previous weekends, starting at 8:30am on Sunday. It will reopen 4pm–5pm and close again until 8pm if necessary.

The resurfacing requires dry weather, so any rain will force a postponement to Monday or Tuesday.

“Right now, and we’re still a few days out, Sunday is looking like the best day for it,” says Mr Mutton.

The detour via State Highway 10 between Awanui and Pakaraka will add about 10 kilometres to a one way journey.

“Motorists who don’t use the detour and choose to find their own way are reminded to drive with extreme care as some local roads may have uneven surfaces, minor slips or been damaged by recent bad weather in Northland,” says Mr Mutton.

The Transport Agency apologises for any inconvenience while this important safety and maintenance work is completed.

Check the Transport Agency’s website:for the latest highway information or sign up to www.onthemove.govt.nz for up-to-date information on what is happening on the route you plan to travel; freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS for national and regional travel updates.

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Adams to take fight to the Government

Source: National Party – Headline: Adams to take fight to the Government

New National Party Finance Spokesperson Amy Adams has signalled a strong focus on ensuring the continued success of the New Zealand economy and says she will fight hard against Government policies that will slow New Zealand down.

“New Zealand currently has one of the strongest economies in the western world. That’s not an accident. That’s a result of the hard work of New Zealanders backed by the strong economic plan of the previous National-led Government,” Ms Adams says.

“New Zealand succeeds best when we are open and connected with the world. I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting with and listening to successful exporters and employers in the weeks ahead.

“National will be advancing new economic and social policies ahead of the next election, but first we have to stop the threat posed by Labour’s economic mismanagement.

“Many of the Labour-led Government’s planned policy changes will sacrifice our economic success and make it harder for New Zealand businesses to compete and succeed.

“These changes are bad for all of us. Slower business growth means less investment, fewer job opportunities, and lower wages generally than would otherwise be the case.

“Already businesses are less confident now than they were six months ago, despite the world economy steadily strengthening over this time.

Ms Adams singled out Labour’s overseas investment changes, employment law changes, and proposed new taxes as things that would ankle-tap the country’s medium-term economic performance.

“In Select Committee National MPs are constantly hearing how the Overseas Investment Bill will chill foreign investment. That’s bad for housing construction, bad for the regions, and bad for our economy overall.

“And now the Government’s Tax Working Group is clearly looking to design a more redistributive tax system that removes any incentives for New Zealanders to work hard and get ahead.

“The Government needs to focus on the quality and quantity of their new spending. They are continuously ramping up expectations. I’ll be keeping a close eye on their approach to spending taxpayers’ money.

“This Government needs to heed the lessons of success and stop trying to introduce policies that will only take us backwards and damage the economic security of all New Zealanders.”

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Bridges appoints Adams Finance Spokesperson

Source: National Party – Headline: Bridges appoints Adams Finance Spokesperson

Opposition Leader Simon Bridges has appointed Amy Adams as Opposition Finance Spokesperson, saying she is the best person to ensure the Government builds on the National Party’s world-class economic record and does not squander New Zealand’s hard-won success.

“I am today announcing Amy Adams as our Finance Spokesperson and the third-ranked MP in our Caucus, ahead of the caucus reshuffle to show the economy remains the National Party’s number one priority.

“Having a strong economy allows us to invest in public services and create opportunities for New Zealanders – something the National Party has demonstrated over the past decade.

“And, as a result of our strong economic plan this Government has inherited one of the fastest growing economies in the developed world, one which is seeing 10,000 jobs created a month on average, rising household incomes, budget surpluses, and falling government debt. All this is helping ensure New Zealanders get ahead.

“However, the Labour-NZ First-Green coalition Government seems intent on squandering that through plans to impose more taxes on hard-working New Zealanders and through rolling out negative and backward looking policies which will slow down our growth and see New Zealanders miss out.

“The National Party will fight these changes and Amy is the best person to lead that effort.

“Amy is an incredibly experienced former Minister, serving as Associate Minister of Finance as well as holding a range of important and challenging portfolios, from Social Housing to Justice and Environment, which she handled with real diligence and focus.

“She has chaired Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Select Committee, has a background in commercial law and is a talented and hard-working member of the National Party caucus.

“Amy follows in the footsteps of the National Party’s hugely successful finance ministers, Bill English and Steven Joyce, and I have no doubt she’ll do a great job on behalf of all New Zealanders. I look forward having her on my team.”

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Viet Nam Prime Minister to visit

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Viet Nam Prime Minister to visit

Viet Nam’s Prime Minister, Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, will visit New Zealand 12–14 March, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today.
“Viet Nam is an important partner for New Zealand, and I am delighted to have this opportunity to deepen the links between our two countries.”
Viet Nam is one of the fastest growing economies in South East Asia. New Zealand’s two-way trade with the country is now worth over $1.7 billion annually and is growing rapidly. Last year almost 30,000 New Zealanders visited Viet Nam and there is significant potential for further cooperation in agriculture, aviation, education, and other trade sectors.
Prime Minister Phúc is visiting New Zealand for the first time as Prime Minister, and will be accompanied by his wife, senior Ministers and business leaders.
“Viet Nam is an influential member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The visit is a valuable chance to discuss pressing regional issues so I’m looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Phúc again,” said Ms Ardern.
Note: New Zealand and Viet Nam celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations in 2015. Prime Minister Ardern met Prime Minister Phúc when she visited Viet Nam last November to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Da Nang.