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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.”

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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 )

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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.”

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Man faces charges over series of thefts

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police have put a halt on an alleged crime spree in east Auckland, valued in the thousands.

On Monday afternoon, Police caught up with the offender in the Botany area and have so far laid 15 charges.

Senior Sergeant Simon Cornish, Counties Manukau East Intelligence Manager, says it is estimated more than $10,000 in property had been stolen. 

“We have been aware of a vehicle of interest that had allegedly committed petrol drive-offs late last year and into January,” he says.

“There have been reports in recent weeks of work vehicles being targeted in the East Tamaki area.”

Senior Sergeant Cornish says handbags, wallets, tools, and camera gear had allegedly been stolen from vehicles.

At this stage Police believe seven people have fallen victim to the man, with at least four petrol-drive offs allegedly committed.

“Yesterday afternoon, a victim quickly contacted 111 and provided us information about a vehicle an offender was leaving the East Tamaki area in,” Senior Sergeant Cornish says.

“A number of units deployed to the Botany area, including the Police Eagle helicopter, and the vehicle was stopped on Te Irirangi Drive.”

A 34-year-old man was arrested and faces numerous charges in the Manukau District Court.

Those charges include theft ex-car, theft and fraud offences relating to stolen credit cards.

He was appearing the Manukau District Court today.

Senior Sergeant Cornish says further charges cannot be ruled out as enquiries continue.

“This is a great outcome, and it sends a message to those who are continuing to commit offending – it’s only a matter of time before we are catching up with you.”

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Arrests made in relation to Ōpōtiki homicide

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson:

Two men have been arrested in relation to the death of a man on Church Street, Ōpōtiki on Saturday morning.

Yesterday evening, a 31-year-old patched Mongrel mob member was arrested and charged with murder. He appeared in court this morning and has been remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance at the Tauranga District Court on 26 February.

A 25-year-old man was also arrested on Sunday afternoon. He has been charged with assault and is due to reappear in the Whakatane District Court on 12 February.

Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the death.

Additional Police resources from the wider Bay of Plenty District have been in Ōpōtiki since Saturday morning assisting with inquiries and providing reassurance to the public.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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Fun ways to stay cool and active in Tāmaki Makaurau

Source: Auckland Council

Make the most of summer with Auckland Council’s Pool and Leisure Centres, suitable for all ages and comfort levels.    

Whether you’re after an outdoor pool surrounded by nature, a safe and relaxing ‘women only’ space for working out, a dedicated room for martial arts, or an award-winning fitness instructor to keep you motivated – we’ve got you covered.  

Plus, you’ll find some great suggestions on the best spots for water sports around Tāmaki Makaurau – dive right in!  

Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre  

Come check out the only outdoor pool on the North Shore at Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre. Pack a picnic for after your swim and enjoy the designated picnic area available onsite. Keen to get the blood pumping with a little something extra? Bring friends and whānau along and have a go at the rock-climbing wall, skate park or pump track for some unique and exciting ways to stay active.  

The Osborne outdoor pool at the Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre gets a great sunrise most mornings. The pool is accessible by hoist.

Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre

A special place awaits at Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa, which has eight pools on offer and much more! This multi-facility consists of a fitness centre, stadium, pool complex (8x), spa and sauna and bookable spaces for members of the community, making it a perfect spot for an outing with friends and whānau to be active, social or to kick back and relax.  

The Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa splash pad is suitable for all ages, and has relaxed swimwear requirements since it’s not an actual pool.

Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre  

Check out this award-winning pool and leisure centre in Stanmore Bay. You can stop by for a swim or to enjoy the splash pad with the little ones; have a workout at the gym, join a fitness class (includes access to the world-renowned LES MILLS classes), a round of badminton or even catch up with a friend at the onsite café. This location also hosts school holiday programmes, school-age and adult sports leagues, specialised programmes for seniors and drop-in sport sessions!  

The splash pad at the Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre is seasonal and open for the summer months only (Nov/Dec to Mar/Apr).

Papatoetoe Centennial   

You can make a splash year-round at Papatoetoe Centennial’s heated pools! There are also some fun splash pools for toddlers and little ones, and a 50m outdoor pool for those who enjoy being out in the elements. This location also hosts a special ‘ladies’ nights’ which encourage women to make the most of their workouts in a relaxing environment.  

Tōtara Park Pool  

How about a swim workout surrounded by nature? Check out Tōtara Park Pool’s outdoor summer-only pools that sit within the 216 hectares of lush native bush. You’re also welcome to make the most of the surroundings which consist of playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts and picnic areas.  

Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool (Browny’s Pool)  

Right in the heart of Auckland, you’ll find the best spot for some fun in the sun at Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool. Enclosed by pontoons, this location keeps swimmers safe and happy with this free facility that includes four 33 metre swimming lanes and a jumping platform. Changing facilities, including toilets and cold-water showers, are also available at the nearby Karanga Plaza. 

Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool, located in Wynyard Quarter, is a free, multi-purpose swimming area.

Howick Leisure Centre  

For one of the most varied recreation programmes in Auckland, check out Howick Leisure Centre. While you won’t find any pools here, you can come for the work-out and stay for the fun and sense of community. There’s plenty on offer at this location, like a dedicated martial arts room, amazing school holiday programmes, basketball, volleyball, badminton and table tennis for all ages.

Plus, easy car parking options, a well-equipped gym with no wait times, and fun group fitness classes from an award-winning exercise instructor who delivers her own curated choreography with unmatched passion and dedication.   

Water sports   

Keen for an active splash of fun in the outdoors? Tāmaki Makaurau has so much to offer when it comes to water sports. Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking for your next family outing. Some great paddling spots include Pt Chevalier, Mission Bay, Ōkahu Bay, Castor Bay and Takapuna Beach – just hire the gear and have a go.  

Vector Wero, Manukau  

For the adrenaline seekers, check out Vector Wero Whitewater Park, NZ’s first facility to offer an artificial river and water course for recreation, sports and training!  Choose from a wide range of adventure activities to suit your style and comfort level, from rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding and fun team-building challenges.  

Te Ara Moana Kayak Trail   

If you’re up for a multi-day paddling adventure, there’s the Te Ara Moana Kayak Trail – a thrilling self-guided five-day sea-kayak tour with a sea route between Ōmana Regional Park and Wharau Regional Park. This epic experience will have you paddling 50km along Auckland’s south-eastern coastline, enjoying the natural wonders and wildlife with overnight stops at some dreamy beachfront campgrounds.   

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are a fun way to improve balance, strength, and endurance.

Check before you swim  

While all Auckland Council Pool and Leisure Centres have staff available to keep you safe, that’s not quite the case when you’re outdoors making the most of nature around Tāmaki Makurau.

Don’t forget to check the Safeswim website for up-to-date information on water quality, wind, waves and tides as well as jellyfish swarms and other hazards. Safeswim is a fantastic tool to help keep you and your whānau safe and ensuring a great time outdoors for all.  

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Boaties’ guide to the exotic caulerpa rules in Auckland

Source: Auckland Council

Exotic caulerpa can travel quickly over long distances on vessels and equipment, and that’s why it’s been found around the Bay of Islands, Hauraki Gulf and parts of the Coromandel in popular anchorage locations.

It’s a changing situation. By knowing the rules, and where exotic caulerpa has been found, you can help stop its spread to new locations.

Exotic caulerpa locations

At the time of writing, exotic caulerpa has been found in eight locations in the region. As much as you can, avoid all locations where caulerpa has been found. 

For a more detailed view, you can also use this link to see an interactive web map that displays surveillance data.

The exotic caulerpa rules

Anchors, chains and fishing/diving gear can break up caulerpa and pieces get snagged, accidentally moving it to new locations. The rules are designed to stop this happening.  

Download this guide to the current Auckland rules and guidelines.

There are also restrictions in place outside our region in the Bay of Islands and Ahuahu / Great Mercury Island.

Legal restrictions can change at short notice, and Biosecurity New Zealand’s website will always contain the latest information.  

We recommend looking before you head out on the water.

Cleaning instructions

When at sea, check your anchor, chain and equipment for any attached seaweed. If you find any, bag it and bin it onshore. If you can’t do this, return it to the waters it came from; do not move it to a new location.

Why are there different rules in different locations?

In some locations, boats are still able to come and go, but they must follow specific cleaning protocols before departing. Also, they must not fish in this area using any method that makes contact with the seabed. In other locations, such as Aotea Great Barrier, the rules are more restrictive, prohibiting anchoring and contact with the seabed.  In setting restrictions, Biosecurity New Zealand considers the caulerpa coverage, as well as the volumes of vessel traffic and the potential impacts caulerpa, or controls, would have on an area.

Reporting exotic caulerpa

If you see any exotic caulerpa outside a known area, take a photo, record the location, and report it to MPI on 0800 80 99 66.

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Chip happens: Plan ahead for SH10 chipsealing night works

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises road users to plan ahead for upcoming chipsealing work on State Highway 10 between Mangonui and Taipa, starting Thursday 13 February.

Work will be carried out at night over 7 nights, with stop/go traffic management in place, to minimise disruption for road users. Temporary speed limits and traffic management will remain in place the following day to guide traffic over the new seal and help to embed it successfully.

It’s important to slow down through newly sealed sections of road because small chips can be flicked up from the road surface and damage vehicles – especially windscreens. That’s why we often keep temporary speed limits in place even after it looks like the work has been completed. As well as safety, the temporary speed limit also helps ensure the quality of the reseal. Travelling at the posted temporary speed limit allows for the chips to be embedded into the road surface and for them to remain in place as the seal cures.

Travel delays during these works are expected to be 5-10 minutes.

Chipsealing helps ensure a smooth, skid-resistant surface, free of potholes and slippery sections to reduce the risk of crashes and help keep everyone traveling on our roads safe.

Details of specific work sites for the week ahead can be found on the Northland state highway maintenance programme website.

Northland state highway maintenance programme(external link)

Work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website for up-to-date information, including any changes due to weather.

Journey Planner (external link)

This work is part of Northland’s significant summer maintenance programme, which will see approximately 203 lane kilometres of state highway renewed across the region by the end of May.

NZTA thanks everyone for their understanding and support while we carry out this essential maintenance.

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New Appointments to the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission

Source: New Zealand Government

Two new board appointments will bring infrastructure governance experience and capability to the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, says Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop.

“The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission is responsible for important work to improve New Zealand’s infrastructure system, including developing the National Infrastructure Plan to be delivered this year.

“The Government has appointed Tim Brown and Stephen Selwood to its board.

“Mr Brown and Mr Selwood bring a wealth of experience in leadership inside large scale organisations, extensive governance experience including of companies responsible for key infrastructure assets, and critical abilities in deep economic and strategic thinking. They join five existing board members: Raveen Jaduram, Suzanne Tindal, Dr Sina Cotter Tait, Maurice David, and Geoffrey Hunt.

“The two new members replace former chair Dr Alan Bollard who retired late last year, and Sarah Sinclair who resigned in September 2024. I thank the outgoing members for their work, and pay particular tribute to Dr Bollard’s many years of service and leadership.”

Note for editors:

Tim Brown has extensive governance involvement in the infrastructure industry includes three decades of large infrastructure asset investment, infrastructure finance and debt and capital markets across a range of boards. He has served on the boards of Infratil and Wellington Airport and is a councillor on the Wellington City Council.

Stephen Selwood was previously an establishment Infrastructure Commission Board Member, and served as Commissioner of Tauranga City Council from February 2021 to June 2024. He has extensive experience in the infrastructure sector and was Chief Executive at Infrastructure New Zealand. Stephen is the currently managing director of a commercial retail company.

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Man critically injured in Birkenhead

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are responding to a serious assault in Birkenhead this afternoon.

Just after 2pm, a man was located with injuries on Birkenhead Avenue by a member of the public.

Waitematā Field Crime Manager, acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison says an investigation is now underway to determine what has occurred.

“At this early stage we believe the man has sustained stab wounds and he has been taken to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition,” he says.

Police would like to hear from the public who may have seen an incident unfold this afternoon.

“Anyone who may have witnessed something taking place at an address or on the street should contact us,” acting Detective Inspector Harrison says.

“We would also like to hear from anyone with information about a vehicle seen fleeing the scene a short time afterward.”

Police have closed part of Birkenhead Avenue, near the intersection with Onewa Road.

A scene examination will take place this afternoon as part of the investigation, acting Detective Inspector Harrison says.

“Our investigation is still in the early stages in determing exactly what has taken place in Birkenhead this afternoon.

“The public will see an increased presence of our staff in the area, and we appreciate the public’s understanding while our staff carry out their work at the scene.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 105 using the reference number P061509544.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police