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Police acknowledge IPCA findings on use of force

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority over the use of force against a group of youths.

On 26 September 2022, a fleeing driver event concluded on Murphys Road in Flat Bush.

The stolen vehicle had earlier been detected in the Manukau area.

The Authority were notified after footage of Police staff’s conduct emerged on social media.

Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray says a thorough investigation was carried out into the incident.

“One of the constables, Officer A, admitted to using excessive force to arrest one of the young people,” he says.

“The constable was charged with common assault, pleaded guilty in court and was subsequently discharged without conviction.”

The IPCA agreed with Police action taken around Officer A.

Another constable, Officer B, was not charged after his actions on the day were assessed.

The IPCA found Officer B’s actions in lifting and dragging one youth from the car to a safer location were reasonable in the circumstances.

However, it found Officer B went on to use excessive force against the young person.

Police acknowledge this finding.

Superintendent Gray says: “Any situation immediately after fleeing driver incidents are very dynamic and can pose risk to all concerned.

“Our staff make decisions every day about acting with urgency towards a situation while also keeping the safety of all top of mind.”

An employment investigation was carried out into the matter, the outcomes of which are confidential given Police has privacy obligations to employees.

Superintendent Gray says both constables remain members of Police.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Supercharging literacy & numeracy achievement through te reo Māori

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is driving better outcomes for Māori students by providing kura and schools high-quality structured literacy and numeracy resources in te reo Māori.

“My aspiration is for all tamariki Māori to flourish and be successful in their learning. This is the first time children learning through te reo Māori are being taught using structured approaches in a way designed specifically for them. We’re ensuring tamariki and their teachers have access to the tools they need to succeed and learning isn’t left to chance,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

From Term 1, all 310 kura and schools from Years 0 to 8 using Te Marautanga o Aotearoa will begin receiving Rangaranga Reo ā-Tā (structured literacy) kits and Poutama Pāngarau (numeracy) workbooks and Pāngarau resources. These resources have been purposely created based on the science of learning and will benefit 27,000 students across the country.

“Packs have a book for each phase of learning that provides yearly guidance, lesson plans and activities. Digital versions of the resources will also be available online to ensure flexibility for schools and parents. Professional learning and development will continue to be available for teachers throughout 2025, ensuring they have the confidence to teach in a structured way.”

Schools can also use Hihira Weteoro, a purpose-built phonics check to understand how a child’s reading and oral language learning through te reo Māori. Checks will happen at 20, 40 and 55 weeks of schooling and will help identify those who need extra support earlier.

“Parents can have confidence this Government is putting the foundations in place so their children can strive to do their best at school. I am committed to lifting achievement for Māori learners and close the equity gap that has persisted for too long. We will ensure every child gets the very best start so they can grow the New Zealand of the future,” Ms Stanford says.

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Operation Waitangi well under way

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Operations for a memorable and safe Waitangi Day are well under way in Northland, with Police and partner agencies gathering for one of the biggest events of the year.

Together, Police are working with a number of communities and partners as annual events take place in the lead up to 6 February.

Northland District Commander, Superintendent Matt Srhoj, says planning for Waitangi involves a massive effort, which takes place over a number of months.

“Police have been working with Iwi and the Waitangi National Trust to ensure they are able to deliver safe and enjoyable Waitangi celebrations.

“Planning involves understanding the environment and sentiment and ensuring we have appropriate contingencies in place.”

“We are expecting large numbers of people to attend the week’s commemorations.”

Waitangi Ltd Chief Executive, Ben Dalton, says the atmosphere ahead of Waitangi Day is relaxed as people from near and far make their way to the area.

“A lot of work goes into strengthening and building key relationships and interactions with Iwi and other partners prior to Waitangi, including Police.

“All these teams are integral in an event of this size and it’s great to have everyone’s support.”

Superintendent Srhoj says Police are reminding people to be safe and patient on the roads and within Waitangi as it gets busier during the lead up.

“With people travelling around this beautiful region, we are asking everyone to take care and to take extra steps to mitigate risks while driving by wearing seatbelts, driving to the conditions and following speed limits.

“There will be an increase in traffic, so please be patient.

“Our aim is for the community to arrive and get home safely and to celebrate Waitangi 2025 in a safe and respectful manner.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Operation Waitangi well underway

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Operations for a memorable and safe Waitangi Day are well underway in Northland, with Police and partner agencies gathering for one of the biggest events of the year.

Together, Police are working with a number of communities and partners as annual events take place in the lead up to 6 February.

Northland District Commander, Superintendent Matt Srhoj, says planning for Waitangi involves a massive effort, which takes place over a number of months.

“Police have been working with Iwi and the Waitangi National Trust to ensure they are able to deliver safe and enjoyable Waitangi celebrations.

“Planning involves understanding the environment and sentiment and ensuring we have appropriate contingencies in place.”

“We are expecting large numbers of people to attend the week’s commemorations.”

Waitangi Ltd Chief Executive, Ben Dalton, says the atmosphere ahead of Waitangi Day is relaxed as people from near and far make their way to the area.

“A lot of work goes into strengthening and building key relationships and interactions with Iwi and other partners prior to Waitangi, including Police.

“All these teams are integral in an event of this size and it’s great to have everyone’s support.”

Superintendent Srhoj says Police are reminding people to be safe and patient on the roads and within Waitangi as it gets busier during the lead up.

“With people travelling around this beautiful region, we are asking everyone to take care and to take extra steps to mitigate risks while driving by wearing seatbelts, driving to the conditions and following speed limits.

“There will be an increase in traffic, so please be patient.

“Our aim is for the community to arrive and get home safely and to celebrate Waitangi 2025 in a safe and respectful manner.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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SH3 blocked south of Inglewood

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 3/Mountain Road, Inglewood is blocked near the intersection with Dudley Road Lower following a crash.

The crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian was reported just after 8am.

Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Government casts global net for new ships and invites alternative proposals

Source: New Zealand Government

Rail Minister Winston Peters says the Government has started the world-wide market engagement to buy two new medium-sized ferries to replace the Interislander fleet.

“The Government will immediately engage shipyards internationally, identifying those with the capability, capacity and interest to deliver new ferries by 2029,” says Mr Peters.

“This will narrow the list of potential ship builders to those able to strike a deal, ensuring no time is wasted when we issue the ship specifications later this year.”

At the same time, the Government is opening the process for eligible parties to put forward ideas for alternative procurement options to deliver ferry services. 

“We announced in December that any better ideas than direct procurement of new ferries and port agreements for the enabling infrastructure will be heard. Interested parties should put their best foot forward now,” says Mr Peters.

Mr Peters says ideas for alternative procurement options will need to demonstrate:

  • the ability to deliver ferries in 2029 with appropriate freight and passenger capacity and that meet certain specified standards
  • the ability to provide confidence that any landside development necessary will support new ferries operating in 2029
  • capability and experience in the operation, financing and/or investment in maritime transport infrastructure
  • the ability to manage risks associated with the transition from current ferry operations to new arrangements
  • value for money on a whole of life basis, delivering an annual economic return, at less cost than a Government-led procurement

Details on how maritime transport operators or infrastructure investors can register interest in providing ideas and receive further information are available on the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) website (www.gets.govt.nz).

The deadline for the written submission of ideas via GETS is 28 February 2025

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Pōwhiri at Te Whare Rūnanga, Waitangi 2025

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Mai i te kore, ki te pō,

ki te ao marama,

ko te ara o te tika,

ko te ara o te pono tēnā

e kōkiri mō te whakatipuranga

ō āpōpō.

He aha tēnā o ngā oāti

e whakapono atu nei e tatou,

e te iwi.

Hākoa te kaupapa e pikau atu nei,

me kawe i roto i te aroha, i te ture,

me te whakapono.

Maranga mai e te iwi

E ngā hapu mano tini

Ma te atua tatou te iwi e arāhī!

Kei āku nui

Kei āku rahi

Tena koutou

Tena koutou

Tena tatou katoa

Tau ana!

[From the nothingness, to the night, to the world of light, of understanding

We seek the pathway that is right

We seek the pathway of truth

In the faith that the legacy we leave is for the now and the future generations.

Whatever the kaupapa at hand, we must, seek the truth, with compassion, and with conviction and with belief.

Arise e te iwi

Arise e ngā hapu

May we be guided by the creator

To the assembled multitudes

Greetings to one and all.]

Few places in Aotearoa New Zealand can match the complex legacy of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. As a wāhine Māori with whakapapa to the people of this place – and as the 37th person to serve as Governor or Governor-General – I am deeply connected and committed to this whenua and te pito o te whenua – and it is my privilege to speak here, on this, our nation’s marae.

When James Busby constructed his house here in 1833, these grounds were an isolated outpost of British influence. Two years later, he joined my tupuna here at the signing of He Whakaputanga – and in 1840, it became the place where two peoples – of very different world views – committed themselves to a new kind of relationship in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

By 1932, these grounds – like the Treaty itself – were neglected and largely ignored by the powers that be. When Lord Bledisloe was brought here, and heard the history, he resolved to buy the property and gift it to the nation, so that it could become a place of pilgrimage for all New Zealanders.

To enable both signatories to be represented on these grounds, Sir Āpirana Ngata led the construction of Te Whare Runanga – to complement the Treaty House and represent the iwi Māori of Aotearoa.

This taumata was to be where the signatories of Te Tiriti could meet in dialogue. It has continued to play a role in growing our relationship.

The 1940 Waitangi centenary commemorations have gifted us an iconic image of Sir Āpirana Ngata, leading a vigorous haka in celebration of the opening of Te Whare Runanga. It so perfectly captures his passion to revive pride in Māoritanga. His efforts, along with that of countless others, have borne fruit in the 21st century with the revival of te reo Māori, celebration of waiata and kapa haka with Te Matatini, and te Ao Māori reflected in film, literature, music, and performance.

In 1835, our tipuna who signed He Whakaputanga wanted to consolidate their ability to be successful producers, entrepreneurs and traders. A century later, Sir Apirana Ngata was also driven to develop a stronger economic base for iwi Māori, with his vision of wellbeing and prosperity in all facets of life.

As guardians of these grounds, the Waitangi National Trust Board has helped generations of New Zealanders to better understand the impact of our history, most recently in the two magnificent museums on this site. The new exhibition at The Museum of Waitangi Te Kongahu – He Kura Toi Tangata, which marks 50 years since the Waitangi Tribunal was established, reminds us of the histories uncovered during the Tribunal’s enquiries, the impact of its work, and its many achievements.

So many of us will have vivid memories of times spent here. We feel the wairua of those who have stood and spoken and are no longer with us – and in time, we too will become part of the story of the Treaty Grounds.

Whatungarongaro te tangata, toitū te whenua.

Our mokopuna will continue the work of our tupuna and I am confident they will be better placed than my generation to take up the mantle of responsibility. They are hopefully better informed by history, they understand the need to care for the planet, and they are more used to living with complex identities in the 21st century.

Let us therefore reflect on our journey in this beautiful country at Waitangi, and our part in its ongoing legacy.

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Science – Golden elegant enigma seeks ‘2025 Bug of the Year’ crown

Source: NIWA

2025 Bug of the Year: Yellow Mayfly nomination
Golden elegant enigma seeks ‘2025 Bug of the Year’ crown
A short-lived, strikingly stunning native mayfly known to fly-fishers and aquatic admirers yet seldom seen by the public may have its time in the spotlight this month as a nominee for the 2025 New Zealand Bug of the Year. While the adult yellow mayfly or piriwai only dances on this earth for a short while, the aquatic insect has a prehistoric past, with mayflies one of the oldest surviving winged insect orders on the planet, alongside dragonflies and damselflies.
“The yellow mayfly should be celebrated as perhaps the most beautiful mayfly in Aotearoa New Zealand, if not the world,” says NIWA Freshwater Ecologist Brian Smith, who has put forward the piriwai for the coveted crown for both its looks and rather interesting personality and lifestyle. As one of New Zealand’s leading freshwater invertebrate taxonomists, Smith believes the unheralded yellow mayfly deserves more recognition.
Part of the scientific name for the insect, Ameletopsis perscitus, means ‘very clever’ or ‘exceedingly sharp’, with the yellow mayfly living up to its name. “Draped in vibrant yellow, the sexually immature adult stands out in stunning contrast against the muted greens of its native forest surroundings. But this piriwai’s uniqueness extends beyond its alluring appearance. It is the sole species in its genus, and the only representative of the exclusively Gondwanan family Ameletopsidae in Aotearoa. Piriwai really does represent.”
The life story of the yellow mayfly can only really be understood by appreciating how it overcomes the many challenges to its survival, Smith says. “Adults lead a very short life. They are unable to eat, and the female only has a few days to find a mate and deposit her impressive clutch of up to 8,000 eggs back into the stream.”
He admits that beneath the adult yellow mayfly’s elegant and ephemeral beauty, lies a darker side, a very rare predilection among mayflies. “In its aquatic nymph stage, piriwai is a formidable predator. With lightning speed, the nymph ambushes and devours unsuspecting aquatic insects, employing powerful jaws concealed beneath a comically oversized head.”
Smith is hoping that the enigmatic insect will capture the attention of the public in the 2025 New Zealand Bug of the Year, who have until midnight 17 February to vote for the yellow mayfly at New Zealand Bug of the Year. So far more than 8,000 votes have been cast. “This striking duality between the delicate, transient beauty of the adult and the predatory ferocity of the juvenile presents a fascinating paradox: a creature that is both a fleeting symbol of elegance and yet was a ruthless hunter.”
This rather uncommon mayfly is distributed throughout the country from the Southland and Fiordland streams and up the West Coast and as far as the upper North Island’s rivers.
There is the bigger picture too, about these insects that spent most of their lives as nymphs in freshwater, before emerging in spring and summer for their short adult lives. “Our waterways boast an extraordinary legacy of uniqueness with species of mayfly, stonefly, and caddisfly found nowhere else on earth. These insects are indicators of waterway wellbeing, vital to the health and balance of freshwater ecosystems, and the first to disappear as water quality degrades.”
He says while the increasing pressures of pollution, habitat loss, and deforestation often shift attention to more visible and charismatic species like native freshwater fish, it’s equally crucial to highlight the plight of lesser known yet essential insects like Ameletopsis perscitus. “This nomination aims to shine a light on these overlooked gems, celebrating their beauty and raising awareness about their indispensable role in maintaining ecological health. Let’s champion the tiny, the vital, and the irreplaceable.”
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Appointments – IHC welcomes new Chief Executive Andrew Crisp

Source: IHC

IHC welcomed its new IHC Group Chief Executive Andrew Crisp at a pōwhiri in Wellington on Monday morning.

More than 200 people gathered to welcome Andrew Crisp, who joins IHC from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

“I was fortunate to meet with some people with intellectual disabilities before I started and I heard their request for me to step up for people with intellectual disabilities and for IHC,” Andrew says. “I will answer that call.”

Andrew joins the IHC Group at a key moment amid changes in disability funding, opportunities in social and community housing, a continued need to advocate for people’s rights and an ongoing determination for people with intellectual disabilities to have their say.

He says he has three key initial priorities. “I want to listen, first and foremost, to learn and understand the whakapapa of the organisation, I want to connect inside and outside the organisation to gather a range of perspectives and I want to work with everyone to prioritise the resources on things that will have the most positive impact on the people we support.”

IDEA Services Board Chair, and IHC New Zealand Board Member Suzanne Win formally welcomed Andrew emphasising the importance of the new role in the lives of many thousands of people looking to him to lead and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

She reminded everyone that just three people have held this esteemed role and have each made an impact for people with intellectual disabilities – which is our mission and calling.

“Last year IHC turned 75 and in the early years much change occurred as people with intellectual disabilities moved out of institutions and into communities,” said Suzanne. “There have been battles for equity in every policy area since – education, health, housing, employment, rights and more. It’s great to reflect on achievements, but only as we acknowledge how much more needs to be done.

“We are proud to be a rights-based organisation. People have the right to good health care and education, a good home, equitable access to services and participation, autonomy and social connection.”

Suzanne said that the organisation is excited to welcome a new champion to our sector and there are many challenges laid at his feet.

“This is more than a job,” said Suzanne. “It is history and future thinking, advocacy and consistent quality delivery, disability and housing, community connection and individual support. Much expectation and hope is resting on your shoulders,” she said.

“But you are not on your own. You join a team of thousands.

“Some of us are vocal and some of us are quiet,” she said. “Sometimes we’re excited, sometimes we’re angry, sometimes we’re worn out and sometimes we’re energised – but we’re all unwaveringly and doggedly committed to our mission and we’re proud to be here.”

Andrew already has visits to services and the wider organisation booked in the diary including to Waikato and Canterbury and he’ll be starting by visiting services and staff in Lower Hutt later this week.

About IHC New Zealand

IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties

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Crown shows commitment to Ngāpuhi settlement

Source: New Zealand Government

The Crown has today shown its commitment to settling with Ngāpuhi by initialling the proposed transfer of Kororipo Pā to Ngāti Rēhia, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka say.

“This initialling is an important step in beginning to provide reparations to Ngāpuhi and will be the first redress the Crown provides,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“Ngāti Rēhia has long sought the return of Kororipo Pā, and since 2022 Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust has formally engaged with the Crown on its proposed early vesting. The Trust intends to hold the site as kaitiaki on behalf of Ngāpuhi.

“I need to emphasise that public access to the reserve will not be affected.

“Initialling the deed is a significant milestone. Before the deed can be signed, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust will seek support for the proposed vesting from its hapū members.

“This initialling demonstrates our commitment to reaching a comprehensive Ngāpuhi Treaty settlement, which remains a high priority. I would like to commence negotiations with Ngāpuhi as soon as possible. 

“Kororipo Pā will transfer to Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust as a historic reserve and on-account of a future comprehensive Ngāpuhi settlement.”

“This has been a long journey and I thank Ngāti Rēhia and others for their ongoing commitment to reaching a resolution,” Mr Potaka says. 

“The Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai and Ngāti Rēhia have a long-standing partnership and I’m glad that mahi will continue to protect the significant historic taonga and conservation values of Kororipo Pā.”