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Warrant to arrest: Kayci Tapine

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Kayci Tapine, 27, who has a warrant for her arrest.

Police believe someone may have information on her whereabouts.

Tapine is known to have connections in the Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau, and Waikato regions.

Anyone with information is urged to call 111 immediately and quote file number 250208/8621.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

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Butter prices are falling at global auction, so why not in shops too?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Butter prices have been a hot topic of conversation this year. RNZ / screenshots

The price of butter fell 7.6 percent at Wednesday’s Global Dairy Auction , but what will this mean for the price consumers are paying at the supermarket?

In July, the price of butter had increased about 50 percent over the past year, pushed up by high global dairy prices.

Dairy prices fell for the seventh time in a row at the auction, with butter falling the most, but an agricultural expert told Afternoons, the public wouldn’t see a change in supermarket prices straight away.

The auction falls were partly due to a glut of dairy products as farmers produced more to capitalise on strong prices.

NZX Head Of Dairy Insights Cristina Alvarado said labour costs affected the price of butter in supermarkets, but over time, there should be a fall in butter prices.

“We need to take into account there’s a lot of cost that goes into the local supply chain, including manufacturing, and even though the ingredient itself has dropped internationally it’s only been in the last few months.

“It will take time for them to come through.”

However, Alvarado said if the prices of butter kept dropping there would be a downward pressure that would soon be seen coming through at supermarkets.

Alvarado believed New Zealanders were paying a “fair” price for butter at the supermarket.

“If we had much cheaper product it would bring horrible problems internationally for us as a lot of free trade agreements would be in conflict of that.

“In terms of what you pay for butter I would say we should probably accept it a little bit more to help our economy.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Dentist accused of treating patients while license suspended named

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dr Jacob Goldenberg and his company, Total Health Dentistry in Ponsonby, face 21 charges. RNZ / Liu Chen

An Auckland dentist accused of treating patients while his license was suspended can now be named.

Dr Jacob Goldenberg and his company, Total Health Dentistry in Ponsonby, face 21 charges under the Health Practitioners Competence and Assurance Act 2003 and the Fair Trading Act 1986.

The charges, filed by the Ministry of Health, alleged he worked as a health practitioner without holding a current practising certificate and falsely claimed dental services were being supplied by a registered dentist.

Goldenberg has not entered any pleas to the charges.

He had his practising certificate suspended by the Dental Council in March 2023, pending the completion of an investigation.

His practice was put into liquidation in April 2024.

He was granted temporary name suppression when initial charges were filed against him by the Ministry of Health in 2024, after previously being named by RNZ in its investigation of Goldenberg’s practice.

But at the Auckland District Court on Wednesday morning, Judge Kevin Muir denied Goldenberg’s request to keep name suppression until a verdict was delivered.

Speaking to Judge Muir in court, Goldenberg argued that he should not be named until he could give evidence because he considered the allegations against him to be inaccurate.

“The clinical facts won’t support the charges,” he said.

Judge Muir said there was no evidence that publicly naming the dentist would cause him extreme hardship and that the public had a right to know about the proceedings.

He said Goldenberg was given “ample time” to file an application in support of his bid for name suppression, which he did not do.

RNZ also opposed name suppression on the basis that publication might assist in alerting other people who might be affected to come forward.

Judge Muir decided Goldenberg’s name suppression would lapse at 4pm on 20 November, to allow him an opportunity to obtain legal advice.

Goldenberg is due back in court in January when a trial date is expected to be set.

Judge Muir urged Goldenberg, who has chosen to represent himself, to get legal representation.

He said standby counsel would be appointed to assist Goldenberg during the trial.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Thousands of insurance claims lodged as result of wild October weather

Source: Radio New Zealand

A house in Milton, Otago, had its roof ripped off in October wild weather. (File photo) RNZ/ Calvin Samuel

About 10,000 insurance claims have been lodged as a result of the wild weather that battered New Zealand last month.

Severe wind and heavy rain warnings were issued for much of the South Island and the lower North Island.

A wind storm on 23 October cut power to tens of thousands of homes, tore off roofs, and downed trees and fences, leading to a state of emergency being declared in Southland and Clutha.

The Insurance Council said about 70 percent of claims were from Southland and Otago.

“Most of the claims received to date are for wind-related damage, and insurers are working with customers to assess and progress these as quickly as possible,” a spokesperson said.

FMG – the country’s biggest rural insurer – said it had received more than 3000 claims from severe wind on 23 October that were expected to cost more than $28 million.

Damage in Southland. (File photo) Supplied / Emergency Management Southland

“Of these claims, approximately 1,500 are from Southland and 700 are from Otago,” a spokesperson said.

“We had over 650 claims for Canterbury and over 80 of those related to irrigators.

“We’re not expecting the number of claims to change significantly now. We’re continuing to work to resolve claims as quickly as possible – with 10 percent of claims closed and over $1.5m already in communities.”

FMG had also received about 350 claims from severe wind on October 21 with about 100 coming from Canterbury.

Tower’s head of natural disaster response Lisa Maxwell said Tower received 850 claims from the storm.

“260 of these are from our customers in the Southland region and 150 from our customers in Otago,” Maxwell said.

“The majority of claims are for minor damage, for example, fences, roofing and damage from debris.”

An IAG spokesperson said its AMI, State and NZI brands had received more than 4300 claims from 23 October.

“More than 3,000 of those claims were received from customers in Southland and Otago regions,” the spokesperson said.

“Most of the strong wind damage caused smashed windows and doors, flying roofs and sheds, and also spoiled food as a result of the power outages.

“Additionally, the hailstorm affecting Timaru and South Canterbury on 15 November has prompted more than 1,000 claims.

“At this stage, it’s too early to put a cost to these events.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Show You Care This World Children’s Day

Source: New Zealand Government

This World Children’s Day we should celebrate our nation’s caregivers and encourage others to consider becoming a caregiver.

“Every child deserves to feel secure, to be nurtured, and to know they belong. Today, there are more than 2000 caregivers across New Zealand, including respite, emergency, transitional and family home caregivers,” says Minister for Children Karen Chhour.  

“These are people who have opened their homes and hearts to children and young people seeking care and stability. 

“We still have children and young people dreaming of that stability—a place where they can simply be kids, go to school, and thrive without fear. This is not just a government responsibility; it is a shared community obligation.

“There is no single type of person who can make a great caregiver. We need people from all walks of life—single, partnered, young, older, working, retired. 

“If you are patient, kind, and committed to making a difference, seriously consider becoming a caregiver.

“Oranga Tamariki provides comprehensive training, guidance, and ongoing support for all approved carers, ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary to meet the needs of the children placed with them.

“This year we have undertaken a survey of caregivers and implemented a number of improvements to the supports we provide.

“The need for caregivers is diverse, ranging from short-term respite care that offers essential breaks to existing carers, to transition care for older children, and permanent homes where a child can grow up feeling safe and loved,” says Minister Chhour. 

You can learn more on the Oranga Tamariki website – https://www.orangatamariki.govt.nz/caregiving/becoming-a-caregiver/

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Update: Waikanae homicide investigation

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Detective Inspector Jamie Woods, Field Crime Manager:

A homicide inquiry is ongoing after a man died in Waikanae yesterday afternoon.

Police were called to Kakariki Grove at around 3.15pm yesterday, where a man was located critically injured and subsequently passed away.

Three men – aged 20, 25 and 26 – have been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to the incident that resulted in the man’s injuries. Further charges are currently being considered.

Police are also investigating an incident in Hadleigh Court, Waikanae at around 4.25pm yesterday, where a man was found with serious injuries. 

We believe the incidents in Kakariki Grove and Hadleigh Court are related, and we are working to establish exactly what has occurred, and to identify and locate anyone else who may have been involved.

A large number of officers from across Wellington District have been deployed to assist in this investigation, and Waikanae residents can expect to see a continued police presence in the Kakariki Grove and Hadleigh Court areas as we continue our enquiries.

If you have information regarding either of these incidents but have not yet spoken to us, please contact the investigation team via 105, quoting file number 251119/8049.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

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Clean Vehicle Standard Bill passes third reading

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government passed legislation today to slash the Clean Vehicle Standard’s charges and keep additional costs from being passed on to consumers.

“We’ve acted quickly to put these temporary measures in place to avoid the risk of an estimated $264 million in net charges being passed on to New Zealand households and businesses”, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“The Standard sets targets on vehicle CO₂ emissions – imposing charges on high-emission vehicle imports, while awarding credits on imported low-emission vehicles. The emission targets progressively tighten every year, to continually lift fuel efficiency. 

“However, right now the system isn’t working, with 86 percent of importers unable to meet the Standard without incurring additional charges on the vehicles they’re bringing in. The danger is that these extra costs will be added to vehicle prices.”

The changes will come into effect 1 January 2026.

The changes, which were announced earlier this week, include: 

  • Temporarily slashing charges by nearly 80 per cent – from a top rate of $67.50 to $15 per gram of CO₂ for new vehicles, and from a top rate of $33.75 to $7.50 for used vehicles, for 2026 and 2027.
  • Protecting credits – ensuring none expire before 31 December 2028.
  • Launching a full review – with recommendations to Cabinet by June 2026.

“These changes will mean that the import penalties applied to many popular vehicles will be significantly reduced. Depending on how much of the charge the importer can offset and how they price their vehicles, Kiwis could avoid thousands on the price of their vehicle.

“These changes mean Kiwis can still upgrade to cleaner, more fuel-efficient cars, while giving us the space to make sure the Standard is actually workable and delivers a long-term, sustainable path to lower emissions that fits New Zealand’s needs.”

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Global toolkit launched to keep seabirds safer

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  20 November 2025

The new Seabird-Safe Fishing Toolkit is an online, interactive platform to help fishing companies understand how they can reduce their captures of seabirds on longline hooks set for tuna.

Included in the toolkit are maps showing where threatened seabirds occur, fishing practices to reduce the risk of fishers accidentally catching seabirds, and resources to help companies monitor and improve their seabird-safe fishing performance over time.

DOC’s Senior International Advisor Mandy Leathers is the project co-lead with Southern Seabirds Trust.

“We all have a responsibility to care for our vulnerable seabirds and address the pressures and dangers we put on them,” Mandy says.

“New Zealand is known as the seabird capital of the world, and many are taonga to Māori. They’re a part of our identity.

“But unfortunately, 90% of seabirds that breed in New Zealand are in trouble, with bycatch in high seas longline fisheries being a significant pressure. It’s estimated that 30,000-40,000 seabirds are caught every year in the Southern Hemisphere.

“The good news – there are proven ways to reduce seabird deaths in longline fishing, and these are included in the ‘one-stop-shop’ toolkit,” Mandy says.

Examples of seabird-safe practices include setting fishing lines at night, sinking baited hooks quickly using weights, using a bird scaring line or using a hookpod, which protects seabirds from getting hooked during line setting.

“New Zealand’s own surface longline fleet is now using these best practices and has digital monitoring. We are well placed to support international high seas fleets to follow suit.”

Mandy says the toolkit results from a truly collaborative effort with crucial input from the fishing industry and sustainability experts around the world.

The toolkit is a New Zealand-led project, developed through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Oceans and Fisheries Working Group.

Mandy says even people who don’t fish can help ease the pressure on seabirds while they’re out naturing.

“Pick up plastics on the beach and other rubbish, and take part in trapping, because invasive predators are a huge problem at breeding sites. While preventing bycatch is our greatest priority, anything we can do to relieve the pressure on our seabirds will help.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Winston Peters vows to repeal Regulatory Standards Bill; David Seymour hits back

Source: Radio New Zealand

NZ First leader Winston Peters told Radio Waatea his party will repeal the Regulatory Standards Bill if re-elected. RNZ / Mark Papalii

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has vowed to repeal the Regulatory Standards Bill (RSB) if re-elected next year.

It’s prompted the bill’s key proponent, ACT leader David Seymour, to warn Peters could be jumping ship to Labour.

Peters told Radio Waatea’s Dale Husband he wanted the bill gone earlier on Thursday, having voted it through its third reading this time last week.

“It was their deal, the ACT Party’s deal with the National Party. We were opposed to this from the word go but you’ve only got so many cards you can play.

“We did our best to neutralise its adverse effects and we will campaign at the next election to repeal it.”

The Bill is the brainchild of ACT Party leader and Minister for Regulation David Seymour, who says it will “help New Zealand get its mojo back”.

It seeks to limit future lawmakers from introducing what Seymour considers unnecessary red tape into legislation, prioritising private property rights.

As part of this, it proposes establishing a Regulatory Standards Board, which would assess whether proposed laws align with several principles outlined in the Bill.

The Bill has faced fierce pushback from the public, with more than 98 percent of public submissions opposed.

Its critics say the principles are ideological, could favour big corporations, and would add delays and cost to lawmaking.

Speaking at Parliament on Thursday afternoon, Peters said he had done his best to “fix” the bill up.

“That sort of intervention in the democratic process is not fit for a modern democracy.

“It was in the coalition agreement but we will campaign against it in 2026.”

RNZ / Mark Papalii

‘Sounds like he’s getting ready to go with Labour again’ – Seymour

Seymour said it was a “pretty worrying” development.

“That’s Labour’s position. It sounds like he’s getting ready to go with Labour again.

“This is a landmark piece of legislation that ACT would never vote to get rid of so if he wants to do that, he’s got to go with Labour.

“What’s more, for the best interests of New Zealand, we need to get on top of red tape and regulation. It’s making us poorer. It’s ruining lives. It’s ruining our country and the Regulatory Standards Act is there to do exactly that; cut the red tape long term.”

Asked if he thought Peters was respecting the conventions of Cabinet, Seymour said it was an interesting question.

“Frankly, the government’s position is to have the Regulatory Standards Act and continue to develop it.

“I would have thought of all the things we could be focused on right now for New Zealand, it would be how do we get the cost of living under control, get some economic activity back, rather than speculating about what you might do in another scenario that the voters haven’t even had a say on yet.”

Seymour said the RSB was non-negotiable for his party.

“We’ve worked on this for 20 years because red tape is strangling our country, and the regulatory standards act is the way to deal with it.”

Asked if he was gearing up to work with Labour next year, Peters laughed.

“Don’t make me laugh,” he said.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Much-loved teacher at Auckland’s Takapuna Grammar School dies after diving accident in Fiji

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kevin Hu was a maths teacher at Takapuna Grammar School. SUPPLIED

An Auckland secondary school is mourning the loss of a much-loved maths teacher who died following a diving accident in Fiji.

Kevin Hu, was the head of calculus at Takapuna Grammar School.

In a notice to the school community, the school said it was informed of Hu’s death earlier this week.

It said Hu had been loved by his students and colleagues and made a significant impact during the three years he worked at the school.

“Students enjoyed being in Mr Hu’s Maths class because he made the subject accessible and fun.

“This week, we have shared stories about Kevin and supported one another,” it said.

“We have received so many lovely messages from parents, students, and members of the wider community, and we truly appreciate them.

“Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family, friends, and everyone who knew him.”

The school had professional help available for anyone who needed it.

Hu had previously been a maths teacher at Avondale College and before that spent seven years teaching in Nanjing, China.

Avondale College have been approached for comment.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) confirmed they were aware of reports of the death of a New Zealander in Fiji.

The spokesperson said MFAT had not been approached for assistance.

You can attribute to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: “We are aware of reports of the death of a New Zealander in Fiji. We have not been approached for assistance.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand