Category: New Zealand

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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.

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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

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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

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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 

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Road closed following crash, State Highway 1, Marton

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Emergency services are responding to a report of a crash involving two vehicles on State Highway 1 north of Marton, reported shortly after 2pm. 

Indications are that there have been serious injuries.

The road is closed and diversions are in place. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Keep your family safe when posting back-to-school photos

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

As thousands of children prepare to head back to school, Police are urging parents to be diligent with their privacy settings before posting photos and videos online.

The start of the school year is often memorable, and many people like to mark the occasion by sharing images of their children on social media in school uniform and in front of either their home or school.

Unfortunately, sometimes these images unintentionally share more than just a picture of a happy child – they can share personal details that might put information about you and your family in the wrong hands.

While Police understand the importance of these milestones, parents and caregivers should remain cautious about the information that images posted on social media present and who can gain access to them.

While it’s rare for NZ Police to receive reports about children being located through information shared online in photos or videos, we know from our international counterparts that it does happen.

A few simple tips can protect your and your children’s privacy on social media:

  • Check there are no identifying features such as school uniforms and logos, school buildings or signs, and street signs. This applies if you are taking photos at home as well. If this is unavoidable, parents can edit and blur school logos and signs.
  • Research and understand app settings, including privacy settings. Turning off location settings or setting profiles to private/friends only.
  • Keeping your child’s personal information – including full name and age and what year they’re starting – private.
  • Report any inappropriate or suspicious behaviour online.

Be proactive with online safety to keep your child and their information safe as they head into a new school year.

ENDS

Where to report cases if you think your privacy has been breached?

NEW ZEALAND POLICE

  • 105 (non-emergency)
  • 111 (Emergency)

NETSAFE

  • Text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282
  • Email: help@netsafe.org.nz
  • Call toll free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723)
  • Online report form at netsafe.org.nz/report
  • Helpline open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm on weekends.

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Name release: Fatal crash, Milford Clandeboye Road

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now name the two people who died following a two-vehicle crash on Milford Clandeboye Road near Temuka last week.

Benjamin Joseph Downes, aged 32, died in the crash on 22 January.

Shakana Ackroyd, aged 19, was critically injured and subsequently passed away in hospital on 24 January.

Our thoughts are with their families and loved ones at this time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

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Health – Hospitalisation spike likely during back-to-school period

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

A spike in asthma-related hospitalisations is expected as children flock through school gates for the start of a new year.
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is encouraging everyone to be aware of the symptoms of an asthma attack and how to respond, with hospitalisations from attacks at their highest during week 3 of Term 1.
Symptoms of an asthma attack are a worsening cough, persistent wheezing, shortness of breath and/or feeling tight in the chest.
Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the back-to-school period is always a vulnerable time for the one in eight Kiwi children with asthma.
“The ‘back-to-school effect’ is greater than the ‘winter effect’ when it comes to children’s respiratory disease with the risk of hospitalisation two and a half times higher on the peak day in the third week of term 1 than on the first day of term.”
International studies have shown that various factors are associated with the increase, including a change of environment and exposure to different allergens, changes in emotions such as stress or anxiety, and exposure to more viruses from being around more people, Ms Harding says.
To keep children safe through the return-to-school period, parents and caregivers should ensure that their child has an Asthma Action Plan, which is shared with their school and their teacher, Ms Harding says.
“Make sure your child is taking their preventer medication as prescribed and bringing their reliever inhaler to school, and check that it’s not empty or out of date.”
Asthma is a common illness in New Zealand, affecting one in eight children and one in eight adults. About 96 people die from asthma each year – that’s nearly two people per week.
In addition, one-third of all respiratory-related hospital admissions are children and it is estimated that more than 360,000 school days are lost each year due to asthma-related symptoms in children.
For most children, going back to school is an exciting time, Ms Harding says.
“But unfortunately, for many, this period can lead to severe reactions – putting children at risk.
“That’s why investing in educating children about asthma is a huge focus for us,” she says. 
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27 January 2025 Transforming Lower Hutt: The Epuni Development Kāinga Ora proudly celebrates the completion of the Epuni Development, the largest housing project in Lower Hutt. This transformative initiative delivers 134 modern, warm, and energy-efficient homes, nearly tripling the capacity of the original site.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

The project sets a new standard for community-focused living by integrating housing with support services designed to help residents thrive. The development replaces 54 outdated homes with a mix of one-bedroom apartments and multi-bedroom family homes, several of which are designed to be accessible, catering to a range of needs. These homes have been built to the highest standards of warmth, dryness, and energy efficiency, providing a safe and secure environment for individuals and families.

Vicki McLaren, Kāinga Ora Regional Director for Greater Wellington, describes the development as a milestone in creating inclusive communities. “The Epuni Development is more than just housing; it’s about creating a supportive, connected, and inclusive community. This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work in partnership to meet housing and social needs together.”

The new Epuni development adds to the housing stock in Lower Hutt.

The development also features landscaped outdoor spaces and a shared community room, fostering a sense of connection among residents. On-site support services are delivered through key partnerships with Tākiri Mai te Ata Whānau Ora Collective and He Puāwai Trust. Tākiri Mai te Ata provides wraparound support including financial mentoring, mental health services, and health navigation, while He Puāwai Trust offers holistic whānau support that focuses on the well-being and empowerment of families. Together, these partnerships ensure residents not only have a place to call home but also access to the resources they need to thrive.

“This development isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating a place where individuals and families can feel secure and supported,” says Vicki McLaren. “From energy-efficient designs to accessible layouts, every detail has been considered with the residents in mind.”

Partnerships have been central to the success of the Epuni Development. Kāinga Ora worked closely with Urban Plus, Hutt City Council’s housing development agency, to further enhance the community’s housing options. Urban Plus is currently constructing 30 affordable townhouses on part of the site, fostering a balanced and inclusive neighborhood. Reflecting on this collaboration, Vicki McLaren adds, “ by partnering with organizations that share our vision, we’ve created a balanced and inclusive community. This project showcases how collaboration can lead to meaningful, lasting change.”

The Epuni Development not only addresses the urgent demand for housing but also establishes a blueprint for future projects. By integrating housing with community spaces and support services, it demonstrates Kāinga Ora’s commitment to long-term well-being and stability for its residents. “The Epuni Development sets a benchmark for future projects,” concludes Vicki McLaren. “It reflects our dedication to delivering not just homes, but thriving communities where people can truly belong.”

Page updated: 27 January 2025

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Hihi thrive in new regional park home

Source: Auckland Council

A conservation effort led by Auckland Council rangers to assist one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most treasured native birds is delivering groundbreaking results.

At least 55 rare hihi chicks have hatched in Shakespear Regional Park’s Open Sanctuary this summer – a first for the species in more than a hundred years.  

Auckland Council Parks Committee chair, Councillor Ken Turner, says the commitment from staff, local iwi, volunteers, and the Department of Conservation to reintroduce hihi to the Auckland mainland is a significant step to secure the future of this distinctive forest songbird.  

“I’m hugely thankful for the work that our rangers and others do to build on the conservation of our region’s flora and fauna. The success of this project will give hihi the boost it needs to flourish again, and Aucklanders an opportunity to experience these little treasures in their natural environment,” Cr Turner says.

The new chicks have emerged following a carefully managed journey in June 2024 for 40 adult hihi, also known as stitchbirds, from predator-free Tiritiri Matangi Island to a new mainland home at Shakespear Regional Park.

Senior Ranger of Shakespear Open Sanctuary Matt Maitland says the council’s Regional Parks northern team, Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society (SOSSI) and Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, who all worked together on the translocation, have been thrilled to see so many of the birds breeding.

“The number of healthy chicks to arrive has exceeded all our expectations, given it’s the first breeding season in their new home,” says Mr Maitland.  

“They are the first hihi – one of NZ’s rarest forest birds – to hatch and succeed in the area since disappearing from mainland Auckland in the 1870s.”

Mr Maitland credits an ongoing focus from partners involved in the project for its success, with translocation support provided by the Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust, the Department of Conservation Hihi Recovery Group, and Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi.

A couple of hihi were lost due to natural causes, but this is a great result compared with an unsuccessful translocation attempt in 2022, Mr Maitland says. 

The hihi is nationally threatened, with Te Hauturu-o-toi Little Barrier Island holding the only naturally-surviving population since the 1880s.

Recovery efforts have recently established small populations in pockets around the North Island, including at Tiritiri Matangi. Shakespear Open Sanctuary now brings the total number of hihi habitats to eight.

There are thought to be around 2000 hihi in the country, making it one of New Zealand’s rarest native birds.

The council and SOSSI volunteers will continue to closely monitor the new population at Shakespear Regional Park, while working with other partners to provide enhanced protection to their habitat alongside education initiatives.

SOSSI volunteer Maree Johnston and Auckland Council ranger Bruce Harrison carefully undertake the task of banding a hihi chick.