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Fire Safety – Offenders sentenced for lighting the 2022 Awarua Wetlands wildfire during a total fire ban

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand acknowledges the sentences handed down today in the Invercargill District Court for offences under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017.
Deputy National Commander, Steph Rotarangi, says the offences related to a fire lit in the Awarua Wetlands in Southland on 2 April 2022 during a prohibited fire season where a total fire ban was in place.
Offenders have pleaded guilty to fire-related offences, including lighting a fire during a prohibited season and allowing fires to get out of control and spread. Sentencing has been issued for some, while another will be sentenced at a later date.
“The fire burnt through 1,330 hectares and had environmental and financial consequences in an internationally recognised conservation area. Fire and Emergency fought the fire for over a week” Steph Rotarangi says.
“Fire and Emergency declares or revokes prohibited or restricted fire seasons based on weather and ground conditions. We do this to prevent fires and keep people, property, and the environment safe from unwanted fire.
Compliance with fire safety regulations is essential, particularly in areas under a prohibited or restricted fire season where lighting fires in the open air is not permitted. While most individuals adhere to these requirements, clear breaches of fire safety legislation carry penalties.
“Given the significance of the impact of the Awarua Wetlands fire, and the fact the area was under a total fire ban, we considered it appropriate to prosecute three individuals for the fire.”
Department of Conservation (DOC) Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming, says the Awarua Wetlands fire caused significant damage to the biodiversity and ecosystem of the wetlands, caused vast carbon emissions, and seriously set back DOC’s conservation work in the area.
“Awarua Wetlands is one of the largest remaining wetland complexes in this country and was recognised as New Zealand’s first Ramsar Convention on Wetlands site of international importance in 1976.
“The fire burned about 980ha of wetland plants, which is an important habitat for threatened species like matuku-hūrepo/Australasian bittern and other birds, plants, insects, lizards, and fish. It also injured or killed a high number of animals.
“Weeds like gorse and Spanish heath are already beginning to invade the burned areas, in some places outcompeting native plants.
“Wetlands like Awarua store vast amounts of carbon, built up over thousands of years, which is released in fires like this one. It is estimated about 104,000 tonnes of carbon emissions were released into the atmosphere from this fire – equivalent to driving about 409,829,000 kilometres in an average petrol car.”
Steph Rotarangi says it is essential to not light fires in prohibited fire seasons, or in restricted seasons without a fire permit, and to check the weather conditions.
“We ask people who are considering lighting a fire in the outdoors to check the local fire danger and fire season at www.checkitsalright.nz.
Always make sure your fire is fully extinguished and check again the next day. If your fire gets out of control, you must call Fire and Emergency on 111 as soon as possible.
“Everyone should make an effort to know the fire danger and fire season and get fire safety advice at www.checkitsalright.nz whatever they’re doing and wherever they are.”
One offender was sentenced in relation to two offences under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act relating to lighting a fire in a prohibited fire season and allowing a fire to get out of control and spread. The offender was sentenced to 7 months’ home detention with post detention conditions, and to pay reparation of $10,000.
Another offender was sentenced in relation to an offence under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act relating to allowing a fire to get out of control and spread. The offender was sentenced to 200 hours community work and 12 months supervision, and to pay reparation of $10,000.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s successful prosecution following the significant Awarua Wetlands fire in Southland in April 2022 is the second prosecution under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017. Our first prosecution resulted in an $18,000 fine for an unauthorised burn-off.
Fire and Emergency’s primary focus will always be on reducing risk through providing education and advice, so organisations and individuals can clearly understand the risks that exist, and to provide them with the tools and information they need to comply.
In cases where Fire and Emergency determines non-compliance to be of a serious nature, it has a range of enforcement options available under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017, and its associated legislation, from issuing of infringements through to undertaking legal proceedings.
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands, adopted in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. The primary purpose of the Ramsar Convention is to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands through international cooperation.
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Upper Hutt crash closes State Highway 2 to southbound traffic

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

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State Highway 2 in Upper Hutt is currently closed to southbound traffic between Totara Park Road and Gibbons Street.

It follows a two-vehicle crash at the Gibbons Street intersection around 2:30 this afternoon.

Emergency services and contractors are at the scene and local road detours are available.

While the northbound lane remains open, access to State Highway 2 northbound from Gibbons Street is unavailable.

The Police Serious Crash Unit is attending, and traffic management can be expected to remain in place until its investigations are complete, and the crash site is cleared.

Southbound traffic must use an alternative route and drivers can expect delays when travelling through the area.

Updates on the highway’s status are available on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website. Drivers are urged to check road conditions before they travel:

Highway conditions(external link)

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Summer roadworks kicking back off in Tairāwhiti

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

If you’re travelling the Tairāwhiti state highway network, you can expect to see a renewed level of activity for 2025.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) crews are back at work repairing and renewing state highways to ensure more efficient travel and safer, more resilient roads.

Work on many sites on both State Highway 2 (SH2) and State Highway 35 (SH35) is either underway or about to begin. Many sites will have stop / go traffic management and temporary lower speed limits in place while work is carried out.

NZTA is reminding everyone using the state highway network around the region to plan their journeys and expect delays. While summer maintenance work has been staged to reduce the overall impact on road users, there is likely to be delays to people’s travel – with cyclone recovery work, annual road renewals and other projects underway.

Works are weather dependent and subject to change. Please allow extra time to travel around the region and use NZTA’s Journey Planner to check for updates.

SH35 sites underway or starting this month

  • Road resealing on SH35 between Christopher Rd and Pouawa Bridge will continue until late January. The work will take place between the hours of 6am to 6pm. Stop/go traffic management will be in place with 10-to-15-minute delays possible.
  • Overnight road resealing on SH35 between Tatapouri Boat Ramp and Okitu Scenic Reserve from 28 January to 1 February. The work will take place between 6pm and 6am. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to a temporary 30km/h speed restriction. Delays of between 10 and 15 minutes are possible.
  • Overnight road resealing on SH35 Awapuni Rd between Lytton Rd and the Speedway (Makorori) from 27 January until 3 February. The overnight work will take place between 6pm and 6am. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary 30km/h speed restriction will be in place. Delays of between 10 and 15 minutes are possible.
  • Ongoing cyclone recovery work on SH35 at Awatere Gully, until late March. A buttress wall with gabions (baskets fill with rocks) will be constructed to repair the underslip. Stop/go traffic management will be in place between 6am and 6pm with a temporary 30km/h speed restriction in place.  Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible.
  • Ongoing cyclone recovery work on SH35 at Kemps Culvert, until late April. Crews will reinstate the inlet/outlet of the culvert and focus on additional drainage improvements.  Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible between 6am and 6pm.
  • Cyclone repair work on SH35 at Kopuaroa, north of Tokomaru Bay, (underslip repairs and road reinstatement). Stop/go traffic management and temporary speed restrictions will be in place until mid-2025. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible.

SH2 sites underway or starting this month

  • A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 south between Maraetaha Rd and Wharekakaho Rd, Bartletts. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions between the hours of 6am and 6pm. Work is expected to be complete by 4 February.
  • A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 north between Whakarau Rd and Waihuka Rd, Puha. Stop/go traffic management will be in place with 10–15-minute delays possible between 6am and 6pm. Work is expected to be complete by 29 January.
  • A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 south between Maraetaha Rd and Wharekakaho Rd, Bartletts. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions between the hours of 6am and 6pm, 13 and 30 January. 
  • A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 north between Whakarau Rd and Waihuka Rd, Puha. Stop/go traffic management will be in place with 10–15-minute delays possible between 6am and 6pm, 6 to 24 January.
  • A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 south between Puninga Rd and Tarewa Rd, Whareratas.  Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions, between 6am and 6pm, 20 January to 3 February.
  • Ongoing cyclone recovery work on SH2 through the Otoko Hill area. Stop/go traffic management is is place in addition to temporary speed restrictions. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible until late 2025.

Summer is always a busy period for road maintenance, as the weather is typically drier and warmer.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi acknowledges this work will be disruptive for some road users and appreciates people’s patience while this strengthening work is carried out to make these road more resilient.

This summer, roadworkers are out across the region making improvements. Expect delays and allow extra time before you travel. Road workers are out in all weather and do their best to keep everyone moving. Be tolerant and respectful of all crew members and follow any instructions on site. They’re helping to keep you safe.

As always, work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website for up-to-date information on these works, including any changes due to weather.

Journey Planner (external link)

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Keeping State Highway 6 in tip top shape – night closures planned for February

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The top of the south summer maintenance continues with State Highway 6 Whangamoa Saddle, between Rai Valley and Hira, and the Pelorus Bridge next in line for work.

This route will have three weeks of night closures from late-February until mid-March for road resurfacing and maintenance work.

The work will run from 23 February until 13 March. During this time State Highway 6 between Hira and Rai Valley will be closed from 8 pm to 5.30 am, Sunday to Thursday nights. No work will be done on Friday and Saturdays.

To take advantage of this closure and reduce future disruption on this corridor, the Pelorus Bridge on State Highway 6 between Havelock and Rai Valley will be closed on the night of 23 February from 8 pm until 5.30 am. The bridge will be open for traffic at 12:30 am.

Rob Service, System Manager Nelson-Tasman, says it’s critical this important route between Nelson and Marlborough is regularly and properly maintained.

It’s essential our road crews get in well before winter to ensure the highway is in good shape before the cooler, wetter weather arrives. They’ll be clearing drainage, replacing a culvert, doing resilience improvements, and other general maintenance work.”

“The work on Pelorus Bridge on the first night of the closure involves replacing a bridge deck panel. The bridge must be closed while this work is undertaken. Our Nelson and Marlborough teams have worked together and planned this work to occur during the Whangamoa Saddle work to reduce the impact on road users.”

“We have deliberately timed the work to happen at night and it is also well outside peak summer holiday traffic. It means it will affect as few road users as possible,” Mr Service says.

The road will be opened once per night at 12:30 am to let traffic through. The freight industry and other drivers will need to plan carefully to ensure they meet this schedule.

Mr Service says given the narrowness of the road and the equipment being used, the highway must be closed.

“We realise road closures are disruptive, but they help keep our road crews safer and let us complete our work faster.”

“Doing this work during the day under stop/go when there is more traffic, would create major delays for drivers. Night closures help us avoid this,” Mr Service says.

And he says drivers need to be aware of other state highway maintenance work planned for State Highway’s around the region in February and March.

“Drivers must keep this in mind. Please, check road conditions before you travel. Be aware of where the road works are so you can plan your journeys properly,” Mr Service says.

Other State Highway maintenance works:

  • SH6 Havelock – Nighttime works: Asphalting
    • Tuesday, 11 February to Sunday, 6 March, 7 pm to 7 am. Stop/go with delays of up to 10 minutes.
  • SH6 Pelorus – Day time work: Area Wide Pavement Treatment
    • Monday, 10 February to Tuesday, 11 March, 7 am to 7 pm. Stop/go with delays of up to 10 minutes.

SH6 Whangamoa Saddle – works schedule and location:

  • 23 February to 13 March. Sunday to Thursday nights, 8 pm – 5:30 am.
  • No work will be done on Friday and Saturday nights. The highway will be open, but traffic management and temporary speed limits will apply at work areas.
  • There will be one nightly opening of the road at 12:30 am to allow vehicles through. Drivers must be at the closure points (at the weighbridge in Hira, and on the Rai Valley straight at Rai Engineering & Mechanical) by 12:30 am.
  • Bad weather may see works delayed or extended.
  • There will be other areas of work on our state highways across the top of the South during February. Please plan ahead when travelling.

SH6 Pelorus Bridge – works schedule and location:

  • Sunday 23 February, 8 pm – 5:30 am with one opening of the road at 12:30 am to allow vehicles to cross the bridge.
  • Drivers must be at the closure points at the Pelorus Bridge by 12:30 am.
  • Contractors will return to the site to complete maintenance work on SH6 Pelorus Bridge from 3 March to 6 March, 8 pm – 5:30 am. Expect delays of up to 10 minutes.
  • Bad weather may see works delayed or extended.
  • There will be other areas of work on our state highways across the top of the South during February. Please plan ahead when travelling.

Detour Route:

  • The alternate route for drivers wanting to travel over night between Blenheim and Nelson is via State Highway 63 and St Arnaud.
  • This a much longer route and will add more than two hours to travel times.

Works Location:

View larger image [PDF, 598 KB]

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One to face court after drugs, stolen items, and cash seized, Hawke’s Bay

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

An operation targeting methamphetamine dealing in the Hawke’s Bay has resulted in an arrest, alongside the seizure of drugs, stolen items, and around $57,500 cash.

In Hastings, at around 7.45am this morning, the Armed Offenders Squad arrested and charged a 55-year-old man in relation to the operation.

Following the arrest, a search of the man’s vehicle located around $7,500 cash, scales, and around 56grams of methamphetamine.

The Organised Crime Unit, assisted by Offender Prevention Teams, the Armed Offenders Squad, and a Police dog unit, executed three search warrants within Hastings and Napier later in the day.

In properties in Flaxmere and Camberley, Police staff located a small amount of methamphetamine and cannabis, as well as stolen power tools, e-scooters and e-bikes, and a stolen Holden Commodore.

At a commercial premises in Pandora, Napier, the Organised Crime Unit located $50,000 cash and 220grams of methamphetamine.

Detective Sergeant Kris Payne says, Police is pleased with the result from this operation.

“We work hard to disrupt the supply of methamphetamine and other drugs as we see first-hand the serious impacts and harm these illicit drugs have on our communities every day.”

Police will continue to target those who supply illicit drugs, which cause extreme harm and damage to our communities. However, we cannot do this alone, and we ask that anyone with information about the supply of illicit drugs contacts us on 105.

Information can also be reported to your local Police station or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

We encourage anyone affected by drug addiction to seek help through Alcohol and Drug helpline on 0800 787 797, or free text 8681.

The 55-year-old man appeared in Hastings District Court today, charged with possession of methamphetamine to supply and supplying methamphetamine. He is remanded in custody to reappear on Tuesday 11 February.

Further charges are likely.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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SH30 closed following crash, Whakatane

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 30, Whakatane is currently closed near Thornton Road following an earlier crash.

The crash involved a pedestrian and a vehicle and was reported just before 4:10pm.

The pedestrian has sustained serious injuries.

Staff from the Serious Crash Unit are conducting a scene examination.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays. Detours are in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Bringing change through compost, carbon, and connection (PPF)

Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Bringing change through compost, carbon, and connection (PPF)

People | Planet | Food – In this episode, host Roger Robson-Williams chats with friend and colleague Stephen Wallace, Sustainability Manager at AgResearch and Plant & Food Research,
Stephen shares his journey into sustainability, sparked by a passion for the environment and early efforts to combat food waste in the workplace. He offers insights into his collaborations with senior leadership to tackle greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and vehicles, emphasising the importance of reducing gross emissions and the role of carbon offsetting in climate strategies. The episode wraps up with practical advice on how individuals can contribute to a healthier planet, ensuring thriving ecosystems and healthy, sustainable food for all.
To view our full catalogue of podcasts go to our Scigest page: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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Luxon waves goodbye to record number of NZers with no plan in sight

Source: Green Party

Christopher Luxon’s State of the Nation speech today offered no real hope nor vision for a unified and prosperous Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Our country is not a corporation and a Prime Minister is not a CEO. Christopher Luxon today waved goodbye to record numbers of New Zealanders leaving the country as he offers nothing but reheated austerity,” says Green Party Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick. 

“Luxon’s stated plan is to magically ‘grow’ out of our problems, while he slashes investment in the very infrastructure and research necessary for any kind of growth. His version of growth costs worker’s livelihoods and a stable climate while lining the pockets of the wealthiest.

“There’s no future in turning our country into a chop shop and selling critical assets for parts.

“If you want proof of the nonsense in Luxon’s pitch today, just look to the fossil-fuel-reliance manufactured electricity crisis every winter. To the closure of pulp and paper mills in Ohakune and Tokoroa. To the lack of any industrial planning to support miners out of a volatile boom and bust cycle.

“Luxon’s State of the Nation wasn’t a vision for the future. It was a reheat of the rhetoric that’s failed us for more than 40 years.

“Doing more of the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity.

“Doing things that your own advice says will increase inequality and climate changing emissions is selling out your people and our future.

“The IRD tells us that the wealthiest 311 households hold more wealth combined than the bottom two and a half million, while paying half the effective tax rate of the average New Zealander. Rules reinforced by Luxon mean you can bank more money and avoid paying tax if you speculate on properties instead of working. That’s the productivity problem.

“We are a country of enormous talent that punches well above our weight. Let’s invest in that, instead of hoping some billionaires will come and save us. Such a ‘plan’ is not working out so well for the United States of America,” says Chlöe Swarbrick.  

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Statement on investigation of interest

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Auckland City Police have completed enquiries into a shoplifting in late 2024.

The shoplifting occurred at the Pak N Save in Royal Oak on 12 October 2024, and was reported to Police for investigation electronically using the Auror platform.

Police have carried out enquiries into the report and a decision has been made to not file charges.

Any Police investigation considers the Solicitor-General’s Guidelines for Prosecution, including factors such as evidential sufficiency and a public interest test.

In this case, Police have considered the public interest test was not met as well as taking other factors into account. The store has also been consulted on this decision.

For context, the item taken was valued at less than $40.

Given the subject of this complaint has not been charged with an offence, they are entitled to privacy and we are limited in further comment around a number of specifics.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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New Public Advisory Committee on Disarmament and Arms Control

Source: New Zealand Government

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the new membership of the Public Advisory Committee on Disarmament and Arms Control (PACDAC), who will serve for a three-year term. 
“The Committee brings together wide-ranging expertise relevant to disarmament. We have made six new appointments to the Committee and reappointed two existing members to ensure continuity,” says Mr Peters.
The new appointees are: international security lecturer and researcher Professor Bethan Greener; disarmament and arms control expert Dr Marianne Hanson; former New Zealand disarmament ambassador Dell Higgie; youth disarmament campaigner Olivia Shimasaki; nuclear testing and chemical weapons specialist Julian Tangaere; and international lawyer Angela Woodward, who has extensive experience working on verification issues related to nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. 
“The two reappointments are Emeritus Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies Kevin Clements, and former New Zealand Army engineer and landmine clearance specialist Martin Donoghue.
“We welcome the new members and look forward to their advice and contribution.
“We thank the several outgoing members of the Committee for their contribution over the last three years: Mary Wareham, Jamila Homayan, Edwina Hughes, Ena Manuireva, and Lucy Stewart,” Mr Peters says.
PACDAC was established by the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control Act 1987 (the Act) and is chaired by Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Committee’s role is to advise the Minister of Foreign Affairs on disarmament and arms control issues, and to advise the Prime Minister on implementation of the Act.   
The Committee also funds projects and scholarships advancing disarmament education and promoting peace, arms control and disarmament, and makes grants to non-government organisations implementing the 2002 United Nations Study on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education.