Category: New Zealand

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Reminder: State Highway 1 Blenheim roundabout resurfacing to begin next week

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Two busy Blenheim roundabouts will be resealed next week.

The State Highway 1/State Highway 6 Nelson Street roundabout will be the first to be resurfaced with night works planned from Sunday, 2 February until Tuesday, 4 February, between 7 pm and 5 am.

During this time the roundabout will be closed to all traffic to allow for asphalting work to be carried out and a local road detour will be in place.

Asphalt is a longer lasting solution that provides a stronger road. It also reduces the amount of future maintenance the roundabouts will need.

Contractors will then carry out night works on the State Highway 1 Main Street roundabout from Sunday, 9 February, until Wednesday, 12 February, between 7 pm and 5 am.

During this time the roundabout will be closed to all traffic to allow asphalting work to be completed and the same local detour route will be in place.

The work is deliberately planned to coincide with State Highway 1 Weld Pass night closures as most southbound traffic will be using the inland route to travel to Kaikoura and Christchurch. It means the resealing work will affect fewer drivers.

A local road detour will be in place for all traffic in both directions via Alabama Road, Battys Road, Nelson Street, Hutcheson Street and Lansdowne Street. 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.

The roundabout resealing will create some disruption and delays and drivers are urged to allow extra time when travelling through Blenheim until the work is completed.

Works details

State Highway 1, Grove Road / State Highway 6, Nelson Street roundabout

  • Sunday, 2 February to Tuesday, 4 February. 7 pm and 5 am.
  • Full road closure at the Pitchill Street, Lane Street (on Dillon’s Point Road), Auckland Street and Bomford Street intersections before the roundabout.
  • Local road detour in both directions for all vehicles, including heavies, via Alabama Road, Battys Road, Nelson Street, Hutcheson Street and Lansdowne Street. This detour is expected to add up to 10 minutes to travel time.
  • No access to the northern end of the Blenheim Railway Station during work hours. Access to the carpark will be via the southern end (Horton Street) only.
  • Access will be available for emergency services.
  • 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.

State Highway 1, Main Street roundabout

  • Sunday, 9 February to Wednesday, 12 February. 7 pm and 5 am.
  • Full road closure at the Alfred Street, Freswick Street, Kinross Street, Symons Street and Park Terrace intersections before the roundabout.
  • Local road detour in both directions for all vehicles, including heavies, via Alabama Road, Battys Road, Nelson Street, Hutcheson Street and Lansdowne Street. This detour is expected to add up to 10 minutes to travel time.
  • Access will be available for emergency services.
  • 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.

More Information:

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Crash closes access to State Highway 2 at Silverstream

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

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Access to and from State Highway 2 is following a crash on Silverstream Bridge this morning.

The incident was reported around nine am this morning.

While State Highway 2 remains open, Silverstream Bridge is closed to traffic in both directions.

The Police Serious Crash Unit is attending, and the closure could last several hours.

Drivers should avoid the area and use an alternative  route to access State Highway 2 from Upper Hutt.

Updates on the incident’s status can be checked on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

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Business Appointments – Fusion5 appoints CEO for New Zealand

Source: NZ news tips

Message: 28 January 2025 – Wellington, New Zealand. Australasian business solutions company Fusion5 has announced the appointment of Kristy Brown as Chief Executive Officer for its New Zealand operations.
The appointment will see Fusion5 Australia and New Zealand led respectively by Sven Martin and Kristy Brown. Martin took on the initial Australia/New Zealand CEO role in 2023 and will now be entirely focused on the market expansion and growth opportunities in Australia.
“Appointing dual CEOs in New Zealand and Australia is essential for realising the growth potential in both countries,” says Rebecca Tohill, Fusion5 Executive Chair. “It will allow us to harness local energy and drive without distraction as Fusion5 evolves from a business solutions provider to a transformation partner specialising in systems integration and delivering high-value, holistic solutions.”
“Kristy has an impressive track record at Fusion5, particularly in advancing our Microsoft capabilities and business,” says Sven Martin, Fusion5 CEO – Australia. “We’ve collaborated successfully over the years, and I’m genuinely excited for her. With her as my counterpart in New Zealand, I can provide dedicated focus on the Australian market, ensuring both regions thrive.”
An experienced business leader, Brown joined Fusion5 in 2016 and built a highly successful Microsoft practice within New Zealand. Brown was appointed Fusion5’s Chief Microsoft Officer – Australia/New Zealand in 2024. Today, Fusion5’s multi-award-winning Microsoft practice constitutes over 60% of its revenue.
Brown is also known for her commitment to mentoring and nurturing the next generation of talent within the business.
“I’m truly excited to be leading Fusion5 New Zealand,” says Brown, “and I appreciate the trust the business continues to show in me and the support from those around me. Being appointed to this role is a privilege and an opportunity for Fusion5 to bring significant performance improvements for our local customers. As we grow, we never want to lose sight of what’s important to our customers and our people. With dual CEOs in place, we can do this – and more – effectively and at scale.”
“Kristy has outstanding market engagement skills; her passion, drive, and ability to connect with customers, partners, and our people make her the ideal leader to propel our growth in New Zealand,’ says Tohill. “Between Sven and Kristy, Fusion5 is in the best possible hands.”
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Fire Safety – Restricted fire season begins for Porirua and Kāpiti Coast

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a restricted fire season for the Porirua and Kāpiti Coast areas from 8am today, until further notice.
A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire must go to checkitsalright.nz and apply for a fire permit authorised by Fire and Emergency.
District Manager Brett Lockyer says Porirua and the Kāpiti Coast have become extremely dry since the beginning of the year.
“Although there has been a bit of rain in the last couple of days, we still have a lot of very dry vegetation on the west side of the district, which could easily catch fire,” he says.
“With that in mind, we’re restricting how and when people can light fires in those areas.
“We will keep monitoring the conditions, but for now we suggest that people hold off on any planned burn activities, and check on their recent fire sites to make sure these are fully out.”
Brett Lockyer says if people aren’t sure what the restrictions are in their area, they should go to www.checkitsalright.nz and enter their address.
“You will need a permit to light a fire, and you will need to comply with any conditions set out,” he says.
“This is a very risky time of year for wildfires, so we’re asking everyone to help us keep Wellington District’s people, property and environment safe from fires this summer.”
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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.
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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

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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

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“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

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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.

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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