Posts

Posted on

Support for Māori economic development projects

Source: New Zealand Government

A major infrastructure upgrade at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, supported by $10.2 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, is progressing well with some new facilities opening in time for the 185th Waitangi Day commemorations this week, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say.

The Ministers also today announced $7.1m funding for Māori economic development projects in Northland and Taranaki.

“The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are a nationally significant site for all New Zealanders and it is important they are maintained at the highest level,” Mr Potaka says.

“The grounds are also the No.1 tourism destination in Northland and each year the number of visitors increases, boosting the local economy. More than 160,000 people visited last year, including about 50,000 on Waitangi Day 2024. The infrastructure improvements will ensure the grounds are fit for purpose year-round.”

Mr Jones says it was clear the facilities and buildings at the Waitangi grounds were reaching the end of their shelf life and needed upgrading.

“I am pleased that work has cracked on in time for this year’s events, and that all-important bathroom facilities and carparking is in place.”

The remaining upgrades at Waitangi are expected to be finished by November 2026. The total cost of the upgrades is $10.65m.

The Ministers announced the funding in November last year, along with $10.1m for infrastructure improvements at Rātana Pā near Whanganui.

Today the Ministers also announced $7.1m in grants from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) for enabling infrastructure in three Māori economic development projects in Northland and Taranaki.

“We understand access to capital is a particular barrier for Māori entities and businesses, and the RIF aims to be a potential source of investment in Māori-led regional infrastructure projects that have merit, and it is proven funding cannot be found elsewhere,” Mr Jones says.

“It is often difficult for Māori to borrow against collectively owned whenua (land) and some Māori entities have lower levels of assets that can be used by lenders as security collateral. Investing in the Māori economy is important for lifting the New Zealand economy as a whole.”

Research from Business and Economic Research Limited and the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment shows the Māori economic contribution to the New Zealand economy grew from $17 billion (6.5 per cent of GDP) in 2018 to $30b (8.4 per cent) in 2023.

“These three grants from the RIF will provide these communities with the funds needed to unlock potential Māori economic development opportunities while supporting growth and resilience in these regions,” Mr Potaka says.

The three projects are:

  • Te Kao Community Microgrid (Te Tai Tokerau) project will receive a $3m grant to construct a solar- and wind-powered microgrid connected to a community battery in Te Kao village to provide a consistent low-cost energy supply to the community and local businesses.
  • Ngā Wāhi Tapu o Pukerangiora (Taranaki) will receive $2.8m to build tourism infrastructure at Pukerangiora Pā, a site of significance to increase cultural tourism opportunities. 
  • Waimamaku Community Solar Resilience Programme (Te Tai Tokerau) will receive $1.3m to install solar power and batteries to multiple businesses and community facilities to provide consistent and reliable power.

In September the Government provided a $5.8m grant to improve water infrastructure at Parihaka in Taranaki, a place of passive resistance, peace, and shelter during the New Zealand Land Wars.

Posted on

Road closure, SH39, Ngāhinapōuri

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 39 is closed following a crash near Ngāhinapōuri.

Emergency services attended the crash involving three vehicles, reported at around 2.20am. Critical injuries are reported.

Serious Crash Unit are conducting a scene examination.

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

Posted on

Opening of He Kura Toi Tangata: 50 years of the Waitangi Tribunal

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Toitū Kāhui tangata

Ka Haea te ata,

ka Hāpara te ata

Ka korokī te manu

Ka wairori te kutu

Ko te ata nui, ka horaina

Ka Taki te umere,

He po, he po, he ao

ka awatea.

E koro, ….Matiu,

Kua tatū mai ō rahi ki te whakanui i te kaupapa o te rā, arā , Te Taraipiunara o Waitangi rima te kau tau ki muri, whakaara mai ai.

Hoki wairua mai!, Hoki wairua mai!

Hoki wairua mai!

Koutou, tātou kua tatū mai i runga i te reo karanga o te rā,

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa

[Be alert for this is a gathering of great significance. As the dawn breaks, and we hear the birds call, we move from the time of darkness to the new era of enlightenment. Each new dawn enables us to embrace new knowledge, to be inspired by the possibilities that rise in front of us.

Matiu(Rata) We have arrived to celebrate 50 years of the Waitangi Tribunal, which was begun under your watch. Return in spirit to embrace your people, as we celebrate its journey.]

To one and all gathered here today, greetings.

I specifically acknowledge:

Distinguished members of the judiciary, including the Honourable Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann, Chief Justice of New Zealand, and

The Honourable Chief Justice Debra Mortimer, Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia,

Ministers of the Crown,

Members of Parliament,

Ngati Kawa, Ngati Rahiri, Ngati Hine and Ngati Kuri representatives,

Bishop Te Kitohi Pikaahu and Dame Claudia Orange.

I am truly honoured to take part in the opening of this exhibition commemorating the first 50 years of the Waitangi Tribunal.

How fitting that He Kura Toi Tangata begin its tour of Aotearoa here in Waitangi – te pito te whenua – where Te Tiriti, the foundational document for the Tribunal’s work, was conceived in its English and te reo Māori iterations – and was signed by rangatira, as well as my earliest antecedent in this role, Captain William Hobson.

Kō ngā tahu ā ō tapuwai inanahi, hei tauira mō āpōpō. The footsteps laid down by our ancestors create the paving stones upon which we stand today.

Retrospectives challenge us to consider and compare how we were in the past, with how we are today. This exhibition will prompt us to reflect on the impacts and achievements of the Waitangi Tribunal over the past 50 years, and the ways they are woven through our story as a nation.

From its small beginnings; to the gradual additions to its powers, Members and support staff; to its ground-breaking reports – the Tribunal has become a vital forum for the airing of concerns about a wide range of issues; for the seeking of redress for past wrongs; and for exploring the meaning of Te Tiriti as it pertains to the contemporary world.

The Tribunal has achieved so much, whether it be in greater public awareness of Te Tiriti and te ao Māori, in contributions to legislative development and new institutions, and of course, in the Treaty Settlement process.

Tonight, I particularly want to pay homage to those claimants who spent many decades of their lives toiling on behalf of their hapu or iwi – often at great personal cost – and sometimes not living long enough to see the resolution of those claims.

In addition, I want to acknowledge all who have been involved in working with the Tribunal, including those behind the scenes. Sir Doug Graham observed that the Treaty Settlements in the 1990s would not have been possible without the Tribunal’s research and deliberations – which, incidentally, included research undertaken by our current Minister of Justice, the Honourable Paul Goldsmith, during his time with the Tribunal. The research done by, and presented to the Tribunal over its 50 years is an immensely valuable resource for all New Zealanders.

On behalf of the people of New Zealand, I thank Members – past and present – for their willingness to grapple with complex histories and contentious issues, and to make recommendations that have often been at the leading edge of the practical application of te Tiriti.  As Sir Doug said: “They have done their country proud”.

I hope the more difficult moments were balanced by moments of intense satisfaction – whether it be enabling histories to be heard and recorded for posterity – or providing a forum for debate about emerging societal, cultural or environmental issues.

There is so much to learn from the lessons of history uncovered during the Tribunal process. The Tribunal’s recommendations have, in turn, become part of the historical record.

If Matiu Rata could have been with us tonight, how proud he would have been to celebrate his legacy with you all – and to honour the people who played their part in taking the Waitangi Tribunal forward on its journey.

Congratulations to everyone here tonight who has been involved in the Tribunal process to date, as well as all those involved in the making of this powerful and timely exhibition. I am delighted to now formally open He Kura Toi Tangata: 50 years of the Waitangi Tribunal, 1975-2025. 

Posted on

Remains located, identified as woman missing since March

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Waikato Western Area Commander Inspector Will Loughrin:

Police can confirm the remains of a woman missing since March 2024 have been found in the Pureroa Forest in Waikato.

Police were alerted to the discovery by a local hunter on Monday evening, 27 January.

Police can now confirm the remains are those of 79-year-old Judy Donovan.

Judy was laying bait with a group in the forest on 23 March last year when she became separated.

That afternoon, Search and Rescue teams, including Land Search and Rescue, Police Search and Rescue, and dog units, were deployed to the area.

The search for Judy was suspended in April last year after a large-scale, weeks-long search. The choice to suspend a search is always a tough one. It involves the assessment of a number of factors, including consultation with survivability experts.

In May, Police and a cadaver dog deployed to the area again, however, they were unable to locate her. 

Judy’s family has been advised of the discovery, and they are being offered support at this incredibly emotional time.

A post-mortem examination has been completed along with the formal identification process.

As the matter is with the Coroner, we are unable to provide further comment.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Posted on

Arrests and impounds following poor driving in Auckland

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police have made arrests and seized vehicles after reports of dangerous driving through parts of south Auckland today.

Just before 11.30am, the public began reporting dirt bikes blocking a Manurewa intersection at Great South and Weymouth roads.

Police have established the movements were part of a funeral procession moving from Manurewa to Pukekohe.

“A group of vehicles were observed heading south on State Highway 1 driving in an unsafe manner,” District Shift Commander, Senior Sergeant Nick Ewen says.

“The Police Eagle helicopter deployed and monitored the driving behaviour from overhead.”

Police staff on the ground intercepted the vehicles in the Pukekohe area.

Senior Sergeant Ewen says three people were arrested on the roadside, with four vehicles also being impounded.

“Those arrested will be facing driving-related offences in court,” he says.

“Counties Manukau staff have also impounded a further two dirt bikes at an address.

“This is a great outcome, and it sends a message that Police and the wider community will not accept dangerous or unsociable behaviour on our roads.”

Senior Sergeant Ewen says Police would like to hear from any members of the public as enquiries continue.

“If you witnessed the driving behaviour or have dashcam footage, we need to hear from you,” he says.

If you have footage or information to assist Police, please call 105 using the reference number P061507502.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Posted on

New implementation date for Significant Plan Amendment and Replacement Plan criteria

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 4 February 2025
Last updated 4 February 2025

Print

Share

The Tertiary Education Commission is extending the implementation date for Significant Plan Amendments (SPA) and Replacement Plans (RP) criteria – to 1 January 2026.
The Tertiary Education Commission is extending the implementation date for Significant Plan Amendments (SPA) and Replacement Plans (RP) criteria – to 1 January 2026.

We appreciate the feedback on the proposed criteria for SPAs and RPs that providers and peak bodies gave us at the end of last year. 
We initially intended to publish the criteria (via a Gazette notice) by the first quarter of this year. We are making progress on revising the criteria, but we want to make sure we get the settings right. So, we have extended the implementation date. We will engage with peak bodies on the revised SPA and RP criteria in May. 
At this stage, there are no set criteria. If you are a provider, you still need to follow the guidance for SPAs and RPs: Changing your Plan. 
If you are considering changes, then, as a first step, you will need to contact your Relationship Manager (RMI) or our Customer Contact Group.
If you have any questions, please contact 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz using the subject line: [Edumis #] Significant Plan Amendment / Replacement Plan.

Posted on

Overnight shift of SH1 southbound traffic

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

|

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises the two southbound lanes on State Highway 1 between the BP motorway service centre and Drury Interchange will be shifted eastward overnight on Monday 10 February.

Full closures from 9pm to 5am of the Southern Motorway in both directions between Papakura and Drury interchanges are required from Sunday 9 February to Thursday 13 February to roll out this traffic switch. During these closures, traffic will be detoured between these interchanges along Great South Road.

This temporary realignment will see the two southbound lanes shift to the east. The two northbound lanes between the Drury Interchange and the BP motorway service centre will then be shifted westward in the coming weeks. These lane realignments will provide additional workspace in the central median for motorway widening and stormwater improvements.

There will be further lane shifts in both directions across the life of Stage 1B of this project, similar to traffic layouts during Stage 1A of this project.

For more information on the project and to sign up to updates, please visit the Papakura to Bombay project page:

Papakura ki Pukekura – Papakura to Bombay project page

Tags

Posted on

McKee refocuses training for real estate agents

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has acknowledged today’s High Court decision which saw Janet Dickson’s claims in her case against the Real Estate Agents Authority dismissed.
“As a matter of principle, Mrs Dickson chose not to complete the compulsory professional development topic Te Kākano (The Seed) – which introduced real estate professionals to Māori culture, language, customs, and the Treaty of Waitangi. Under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 the REA is required to cancel a real estate agent’s licence if they do not complete their CPD requirements. Mrs Dickson applied for an exemption from completing Te Kākano and that application was denied. She therefore faced the prospect of not being able to practise as a real estate agent for five years.
“I sent a Letter of Expectation to the Real Estate Authority Board in February last year clearly outlining that CPD requirements should be relevant to the job of real estate agents.
“I advised the Board that I did not consider the mandatory CPD topic in 2023 – Te Kākano (The Seed) – to meet my expectation of being relevant to the real estate profession.
“It is critically important to me that the Real Estate Authority can demonstrate that its services materially improve outcomes for all New Zealanders and that they represent value for money.
“This case has shed light on an overly harsh punishment for real estate agents who have not completed the CPD requirements,” Mrs McKee says.
“No other profession imposes a five-year disqualification period on individuals for failing to complete their CPD requirement. It is a disproportionate response that stops people from working in their chosen profession.
“The Regulatory Systems (Occupational Regulation) Amendment Bill which I introduced to Parliament in December last year addresses this by removing that clause from the Real Estate Agents Act 2008, creating consistency with other regulated professions.”

Posted on

Aviation – Recent drone usage around Auckland Airport raises serious concerns

Source: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

4 February 2025 – The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is concerned about any reports of unsafe drone operations near Auckland Airport which have the potential to delay flights.

“Unauthorised drone activity is careless and can present a danger to both aviation and public safety,” says Dean Winter, DCE.

The CAA continues to urge all drone operators to know, understand and comply with the Civil Aviation Rules and to fly responsibly. Anyone who needs to fly drones in controlled airspace must get clearance to do so from Air Traffic Control (ATC). This is easily done by filing a flight request through the Airshare phone app or online through the Airshare website:

New Zealand’s hub for drone users – AirShare: https://govt.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f87e4df3e4e99e9d7eb7b4c7e&id=d1a6b915fc&e=f0dc75bbf6

These incidents highlight the importance of attending drone training courses to understand how to operate drones in a safe manner, especially near airports or other areas where public safety could be impacted.

When drones are reported in the controlled airspace adjacent to airport runways, Air Traffic Control have procedures to segregate passenger aircraft from any potential threat posed by unauthorised drone activity. Whilst this is not a normal situation, the procedures for dealing with such eventualities are trained for.

The airport’s controlled airspace or ‘control zone’ includes areas where aircraft operate at lower altitudes during take-off and landing, which makes the presence of a drone in these areas potentially dangerous.

Drone operators are required to get approval from air traffic control to operate within this airspace. Authorised drone activity within a control zone can occur with prior permission and/or coordination with ATC.

This is just weeks after a drone operator filmed footage during Auckland’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, hovering dangerously close to the top of the Sky Tower.

That flight, conducted at night, violated several Civil Aviation Rules, including flying over people and property without consent, operating within 4km of an aerodrome and flying at an altitude higher than the 120m legal limit.

For more information about safe drone flying, see:

CAA website’s drones section ( https://govt.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f87e4df3e4e99e9d7eb7b4c7e&id=9f31d38b71&e=f0dc75bbf6 )

CAA’s summer campaign actively encourages drone operators to follow the rules ( https://govt.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f87e4df3e4e99e9d7eb7b4c7e&id=8cdc2fd5ac&e=f0dc75bbf6 )

Posted on

Hipkins must rule out Te Pāti Māori attempt to break democracy

Source: ACT Party

Responding to Te Pāti Māori’s call for an unelected Te Tiriti Commissioner to veto legislation from Parliament, ACT Leader David Seymour says:

“ACT would like to thank Te Pāti Māori for being so honest about the fact they don’t support rule by elected Parliament. Ironically, they’ve shown voters electing the next Parliament what’s at stake if they vote Labour, the Greens, or Te Pāti Māori.

“If we take Te Pāti Māori seriously, it would be one vote, for one party, once. A person who ‘needs to be Māori’ would have a veto on all laws.

“If breaking democracy is a bottom line for Te Pāti Māori, Labour and the Greens need to rule out ever being in Government with them, or they’ll never be in Government with anyone. New Zealand voters will see to it, and Labour and the Greens will be collateral damage.

“Labour and the Greens need to decide if they’re still serious parties. Labour and the Greens faced a test when the Speaker asked for their votes to censure Te Pati Māori’s haka last year. They voted against the Speaker and with Te Pati Māori. If they can do that to Parliamentary debate, what else are they up for?

“Te Pāti Māori’s latest crazy demand also shows why they oppose the Treaty Principles Bill. It is about all New Zealanders having an equal say through democratic processes. Te Pāti Māori want the opposite.

“The Treaty Principles Bill would prevent our founding document from being twisted to justify these kinds of constitutional travesties. Te Tiriti promised the same rights for all New Zealanders. That should include the right to cast a vote and have your values put into action by Parliament, without an unelected Commissioner vetoing your democratic choices on behalf of one group of New Zealanders.”