Category: New Zealand Government Public Service

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Entangled dolphin near Auckland now freed

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  09 January 2025

The juvenile/subadult dolphin, which was travelling with a fully grown dolphin, was first reported to DOC’s hotline on 29 December.

DOC Operations Manager, Kirsty Prior, says the team located the dolphin and its companion at 12:50 pm yesterday.

“The disentanglement team were able to get a working line with grapnel and floats on the animal. This allowed the team to bring the dolphin close to the boat and work carefully with specialist knives to cut it free by 1:54 pm.

“We monitored the area for several hours and can confirm the dolphin is free of the entanglement and swimming strongly.

“It will now likely take time to heal and rest after before moving out of the area. Please give the dolphins space during this time.

“We would like to thank everyone who called the hotline, the public were vital in helping our team do their job successfully”, says Kirsty.

Jocelin Friend from Te Kawerau ā Maki welcomed the invitation to be on the vessel and see the disentanglement take place.

“Te Wai Roa ō Kahu and Rangitōpuni awa are our ancestral waterways. Our duty as kaitiaki is to ensure our taonga species are treated with utmost care.

“I was impressed with how the team worked together swiftly, carefully and in respect of tikanga Māori to safely free the dolphin”, says Jocelin.

A reminder to everyone to stay vigilant on the water and keep their distance from marine mammals and to report any sightings to 0800 DOC HOT (0800 36 24 68).

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Night closures planned for State Highway 6, Annesbrook Drive, Nelson

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Christmas has come and gone, and as we move rapidly into 2025, the State Highway summer maintenance season kicks back into gear in Nelson.

State Highway 6 Annesbrook Drive is next in line for resurfacing and repairs later this month, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

The highway will be closed between the Whakatu Drive Roundabout and Blackwood Street from 7:30 pm to 5 am between 19 and 27 January (no work on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 January) when asphalting work will be carried out.

Rob Service, NZTA System Manager Nelson – Tasman, says this is essential maintenance work and is crucial for ensuring the highway is up to standard for all road users.

“Annesbrook Drive is one of Nelson’s busier arterial routes and carries more than 13,000 vehicles daily. It is essential it is maintained in good order.

“Asphalting is a longer lasting solution that provides a stronger and more durable road, reducing the frequency of future maintenance. Doing this work now prevents problems and costlier repairs later,” he says.  

A local road detour will be in place for traffic in both directions via Parkers Road, Bolt Road, and Quarantine Road. This detour is expected to add up to 10 minutes to travel time.

Once asphalting work is complete, road markings will be reinstated under night works with stop/go controls and a 30 km/h speed limit.

Given the nature of the work and the fact Annesbrook Drive is a busy road, Mr Service says drivers and residents must expect some disruption.

“We will do our best to minimise it as much as possible. This is why it will be done at night when there are fewer cars on the road. We have also deliberately timed the work after the busy holiday period and before Nelson Anniversary weekend.”

However, he warns drivers must factor the work into their travel plans.

“This is still a main route between Nelson and Richmond. Don’t get caught out. Drivers must be aware the detours will mean slightly longer travel times.”

During the work, Whakatu Drive will remain open in both directions between Waimea Road and Quarantine Road.

Access for people travelling to and from Nelson Airport will remain in place via Quarantine Roundabout and Quarantine Road, or by using the detour via Parkers Road and Bolt Road.

The shared cycle and pedestrian path between Gracefield Street and SH6 Annesbrook Drive, opposite Manchester Way, will be closed while work is underway. An alternate route will be in place in both directions.

Works details

  • Sunday, 19 January to Monday, 27 January. 7:30 pm to 5 am. No work on Friday, 24 January or Saturday, 25 January.
  • Full road closure on State Highway 6 Annesbrook Drive, between the Whakatu Drive Roundabout and Blackwood Street.
  • Local road detour in both directions for all vehicles, including heavies, via Parkers Road, Bolt Road, and Quarantine Road. This detour is expected to add up to 10 minutes to travel time.
  • Access to and from Nelson Airport will be maintained via Quarantine Roundabout and Quarantine Road, or by using the detour via Parkers Road and Bolt Road.
  • SH6 Whakatu Drive will remain open in both directions between Waimea Road and Quarantine Road.
  • There will be no access between SH6 Annesbrook Drive and the Whakatu Drive Roundabout.
  • Access to/from SH6 Annesbrook Drive and Douglas Road will be closed during the work. Douglas Road will remain accessible via Gracefield Street.
  • There will be no left turn onto SH6, Annesbrook Drive from Maire Street during the closure times.
  • Access will be available within the site for residents, businesses, and emergency services. There will be no access between Whakatu Roundabout and SH6, Annesbrook Drive.
  • A 30 km/h temporary speed limit will be in place during the day outside of work hours. Road users must follow the instructions of contractors and obey all temporary speed limits and traffic controls.
  • The shared pedestrian and cycle path between Gracefield Street and SH6 Annesbrook Drive, opposite Manchester Way, will be closed while work is underway. An alternate route will be in place in both directions via the Gracefield Street Overpass, Langdon Overbridge, the Quarantine Road Pedestrian Underpass and SH6 Annesbrook Drive.

Works location

More information

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Five nights of closures for SH58 Whitby/Paremata, Porirua

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Road users and residents need to be ready for night closures on SH58 Whitby/Paremata, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

“Work is starting this Sunday night, 12 January, for five nights through to Thursday,” says NZTA Wellington Transport Alliance Manager, Roxanne Hilliard.

Road crews will resurface areas of State Highway 58 between Joseph Banks Drive and Postgate Drive for five nights. “They will set up from 7 pm each night so drivers should expect delays from then,” says Ms Hilliard.

Postgate Drive to James Cook Drive – two nights

Resurfacing will be carried out on Sunday 12 January and Monday 13 January. SH58 Paremata Road will be fully closed between Postgate Drive and James Cook Drive, 9 pm to 4.30 am each night until the following morning.

James Cook Drive to Joseph Banks Drive – three nights work

Resurfacing will be carried out on Tuesday 14 January, Wednesday 15 January and Thursday 16 January. SH58 Paremata Road will be fully closed between James Cook Drive and Joseph Banks Drive, 9 pm to 4.30 am each night until the following morning.

“SH58 between Pāuatahanui and Paremata is a critical transport link.” says Ms Hilliard. “Regular maintenance is essential to ensure it remains resilient and accessible to road users and residents. We appreciate everyone taking care around crews and on the detour route while this work is happening.”

Road users and residents are urged to plan ahead for these works.

Works schedule and detour maps

SH58 Postgate Drive to James Cook Drive

  • Sunday, 12 January and Monday, 13 January. Road closed 9pm – 4.30am the following morning.
  • Local road detour available – see map below.

View larger map [JPG, 106 KB]

SH58 James Cook Drive to Joseph Banks Drive

  • Tuesday, 14 January, Wednesday, 15 January and Thursday, 16 January. Road closed 9pm – 4.30am the following morning.
  • Local road detour available – see map below.

View larger map [PNG, 89 KB]

More information

  • Wellington Transport Alliance (sign up to roadwork mailing lists here)
  • Wellington roadworks
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Queenstown’s DOC visitor centre based in Glenorchy for two weeks

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  08 January 2025

DOC Operations Manager Whakatipu, David Butt, says the temporary site will be convenient and closer to most of the district’s extensive visitor network.

“These two weeks are some of the busiest we get for visitors,” says David.

“Glenorchy is a gateway to the area’s most popular day and multi-day hikes including the Routeburn Track, Greenstone/Caples Track and Dart/Rees Valley, making it a busy place for visitors wanting to get out and experience nature.

“We always want to figure out the best way to serve Whakatipu visitors, so we’re also keen to see how well the temporary site is received.

“The visitor centre in Queenstown (50 Stanley St) will be closed during this period, as staff will be based in Glenorchy. There will be notices on the doors to advise people of the temporary Glenorchy location and contact phone numbers for enquiries.”

The pop-up visitor centre will be run from the former Glenorchy Café on Mull Street and provide DOC information and services.

People checking in for the Routeburn Great Walk from 13-26 January will need to do so when they arrive in Glenorchy.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Passion for leadership led teacher to leave profession and study Graduate Diploma in Business at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

December 9, 2024

Tori Cowan-Smith has recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Business at EIT.

A teacher who earned her qualifications at EIT before embarking on a successful early childhood education career, has successfully pivoted to complete a Graduate Diploma in Business and found a job in management.

Tori Cowan-Smith, 26, who was born in Wellington but grew up in Hastings, finishing school at Karamu High School in Hastings.

Tori says that having grown up amongst many children in the family, studying to be a teacher was the natural pathway. It made sense to stay local and go to EIT, where she completed a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education).

“I’ve got a lot of cousins and young siblings and I think I just really liked to be around kids. Even at school I was always a natural leader so it just felt right”

“I just thought that I would give it a go because at the time it was a toss-up between early childhood or business. I decided to do early childhood and see where that takes me.”

She finished her degree in 2019, and has been teaching in early childhood full time for the past five years, the most recent place of work being Launch Active Early Learning Centre on Pakowhai Road.

Her role as a Team Leader drove that desire to study further and gain more experience in management. Over time this desire grew stronger, so Tori enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Business at EIT’s School of Business.

“I do have a really big passion for education, and I think the more time I spent in the education system, the more I realised I really enjoyed being a leader of teachers. So that grew my love of business, especially in HR and people and building strong teams.”

Tori majored in Management, but soon found herself drawn to HR.

“My lecturer Russell Booth also helped me realise that my strengths were in building relationships and helping people grow, so I just ran with that idea.”

Halfway through the programme, Russell was told a job was going at Te Whatu Ora, so he suggested it to Tori.

She applied for and was given the role in Organisational Culture and Development.

“It’s a learning and development-based role where I coordinate the learning for nurses employees in different areas of the hospital, both in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne”

In another irony, her role sees her dealing with EIT nursing students and graduates who come to Te Whatu Ora.

Despite juggling work and study (up until this month when she finished at EIT), Tori is loving her role.

“I’ve made a lot of good connections there and I’ve gained new insight into the healthcare system. I’ve got a really good team and I feel like I definitely get to use my strengths and I feel valued in what I do. It’s meaningful work.”

While doing her Master’s degree is a consideration in the future, for now she is content to focus on her job and career.

EIT Head of the School of Business, Dr Gareth Allison, said: “Tori’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of lifelong learning. Her ability to transition from early childhood education to business management while leveraging her skills in leadership and teamwork highlights the diverse opportunities a foundation in education can provide.”

“We’re proud to see EIT alumni like Tori thriving in their careers and creating meaningful impact through their professional growth.”

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Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road eastbound lanes closed Saturday 18 Jan 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (SH2) eastbound lanes between Pāpāmoa and Paengaroa (towards Whakatāne / Rotorua) will be closed between 5.30am and 1pm on Saturday 18 January 2025 for the cycle-leg of the Tauranga Half Triathlon, which is part of the Mount Festival of Multisport.  

This is the fifth year the event has used the Toll Road lanes for the cycle leg and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is pleased to be able to support the on-going success of the event.  

The alternative route for motorists during this time is via Te Puke Highway.   

Minor delays may be experienced for Toll Road users during this time and traffic management will be in place at the Domain Road Interchange and Paengaroa Roundabout.  

The westbound lanes between Paengaroa and Pāpāmoa will operate as usual.    

For safety reasons, the Paengaroa Roundabout will be closed to spectators and traffic management will be in place. The best place to watch the event is along Marine Parade and Oceanbeach Road, Mount Maunganui.   

Road closures relating to the Mount Festival of Multisport(external link)

Detour information

View larger map [PNG, 631 KB]

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SH5 road rebuild between Oturoa Road, Rotorua and South Waikato

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

To kick start the New Year, State Highway 5 (SH5) from Oturoa Road west to the South Waikato boundary will be getting a refresh. The 8-week road rebuild will take place 5- 6 days a week from 7am to 6pm beginning Tuesday 14 January. Enabling works are underway this week to get the worksite ready.

Both lanes of SH5 are being rebuilt says Sandra King, Bay of Plenty System Manager at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).  

“The work involves digging down to remove the existing road pavement and replacing it with new layers.  

“The worksite is almost 2 kilometres long, so motorists should expect some delays during the day, but we’re starting it during the school holidays when traffic volumes are lighter, meaning less disruption for motorists and the community,” says Ms King. 

There will be stop/go in place for the majority of the week as well as lane switches and a temporary speed limit of 30km/h while the work is taking place.  The crews may also be required to work on Saturdays.  

“Our state highway network is essential for moving people and goods around the country, and our work ensures the road is safe and accessible for everyone who travels on it,” says Ms King. 

This work forms part of the government’s $2.07 billion investment into road and drainage renewal and maintenance across 2024-27 via the State Highway Pothole Prevention fund.  

Also in Rotorua, resurfacing work which started on Tuesday 7 January on State Highway 30 Te Ngae Road, will continue for 10 nights between 8pm and 5am. While the work is taking place the road will be closed and traffic detoured. All traffic travelling north including heavy traffic will be required to turn left at Vaughan Road and follow detours to Ōwhata Roundabout. All southbound traffic will turn right at Ōwhata Roundabout and follow detours to Marino Road/SH30 Te Ngae Road intersection.  

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Serious crash Appleby highway, SH60 Tasman District

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

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A serous crash involving two vehicles on SH60 near Redwood Road, Appleby Highway, has closed the highway mid this afternoon.

This will affect anyone travelling between Golden Bay or Motueka/Kaiteriteri and Richmond/Nelson today, or Mapua and Ruby Bay.

Police are attending and people are encouraged to delay travel through this area, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

SH60 between Moutere Valley Highway at Pea Viner Corner and Dominion Road has been closed to allow emergency services to clear the scene.

Closure points

  • SH60 Coastal Highway and Dominion Road
  • SH6 Appleby Highway and Moutere Highway intersection.

Detour routes

  • Nelson to Motueka bound road users please detour via Moutere Valley Highway (Pea Viner corner)
  • Motueka to Nelson bound road users please detour via Dominion Road, through to the Moutere Highway.

Road users are advised to not travel if they do not have to. 

Next update: 6pm or as the situation changes.

Traffic and travel pages(external link)

View larger map [PNG, 200 KB]

Tags

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Postponement of SH2 Masterton to Carterton resurfacing due to cold temperatures

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Resurfacing works planned for the week starting Sunday, 12 January on SH2 between Masterton and Carterton have been postponed due to the unusually cold temperatures we have been experiencing.

Works will be planned as soon as ground temperatures allow us to complete the surface work without compromising quality,” says Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

Night-time road closures will detour onto Cornwall Road and the Hughes Line. (See map below). A further update will be provided once the weather has improved, and new dates have been confirmed. 

These particular works cannot be carried out in colder ground temperatures as it would affect the quality of the surfacing. NZTA requires overnight ground temperatures to be at or above 15 degrees for this work.

Road users are encouraged to check for updates on the highway’s status on the NZTA website once this work gets underway:

Highway conditions – Wellington(external link)

SH2 Masterton to Carterton detour route once resurfacing work gets underway.

Earlier media release: State Highway 2 Masterton to Carterton – urgent road repairs planned before Christmas

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Summer maintenance crews grateful for support from motorists in Auckland

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi would like to thank everyone who travelled on the Auckland motorway network over the summer break for their patience while critical maintenance work was carried out on State Highway 1.

To minimise disruption to road users, NZTA took advantage of lower traffic volumes during the holiday period to replace a bridge joint at Spaghetti Junction and carry out essential maintenance on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

NZTA Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Jacqui Hori-Hoult says our crews on the ground were grateful to all road users who adhered to traffic management in place and showed respect towards the on-site workers, helping to keep everyone safe.

“We acknowledge the work will have caused disruption and delay and we want to thank all road users who were patient and adhered to the lower speeds and traffic management in place while our roading crews were working to make our roads even more resilient.

“We were able to complete critical work and ensure the safety of our teams within closures on some of the busiest sections of the Auckland motorway network. Road users’ compliance was high which is a fantastic outcome for our roads and for the safety of our workers.”

Further maintenance work is scheduled to begin Sunday 19 January in the port area, on State Highway 16 The Strand. This will include full lane closures during the weekend and lane restrictions on week nights.

For a schedule of the SH16 works, please visit:

SH16 Port area summer works – The Strand, Stanley Street and Gladstone Road