Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source:

Te Pāti Māori is gravely concerned by the Government’s approval of the Trans-Tasman Resources (Taranaki VTM) seabed mining project under its fast-track regime. This marks the first time a commercial shallow seabed mining operation has been approved anywhere in the world- pushed through with no transparency, no public input, and no consent from tangata whenua.

“This project will extract 50 million tonnes of seabed every year, dumping millions of tonnes of sludge into the moana for 35 consecutive years,” said Te Pāti Māori co-leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

“Iwi, hapū, whānau, and local government have spent over a decade fighting to stop this destructive proposal- winning in the highest courts of the land.

“The approval hasn’t come because it’s safe or supported. It’s been enabled by a fast-track process that gives unchecked power to Ministers and shuts out those most affected.”

Te Pāti Māori acknowledges the tireless efforts of iwi, environmental protectors, legal experts, scientists, divers, and everyday New Zealanders who have stood up for this moana.

“Their voices weren’t lost- they were deliberately excluded. This decision is devastating. It confirms that economic interests have been placed above environmental safety, public accountability, and Treaty justice. The fast-track regime isn’t about efficiency- it’s about erasure” said Ngarewa-Packer.

Te Pāti Māori stands in full solidarity with iwi, communities, and all New Zealanders who oppose this decision. We reaffirm our total opposition to seabed mining and the fast-track process that enabled it.

“We must make this a one-term government- and repeal the fast-track regime at the very first opportunity” concluded Ngarewa-Packer.

Source: New Zealand Police

Kopu Road between Kopu and Thames has reopened, after being closed earlier this morning when a person was found with what appeared to be serious injuries.

Police have now established that the person had suffered a medical event.

The person has been airlifted to Waikato Hospital and the road has reopened.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government will subject a draft Pandemic Treaty to a full National Interest Test before deciding whether or not New Zealand should sign up to it, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Health Minister Simeon Brown say. 

The draft Treaty will be discussed at the annual meeting of the World Health Assembly in Geneva from next week 

“Decisions about how New Zealand responds to any health emergency are made in Wellington, not Geneva, and we are determined to preserve our sovereign decision-making ability,” Mr Peters says.

“While negotiations on the draft Treaty have been completed, there are a number of steps remaining – which are likely to take some years – before the New Zealand Government will take a decision on whether or not we should sign up.”

Mr Brown noted that, after three years of negotiation, the World Health Assembly next week would have the Pandemic Treaty presented to it for adoption.

“New Zealand supports the aim of strengthening global health systems and to improve pandemic preparedness and response,” Mr Brown says.

“This will also help New Zealand support our Pacific partners to better manage future pandemic responses in our region.”

Mr Peters says that it is very important to New Zealand that its sovereign decision making on health is protected. 

“Any Treaty needs to confirm the sovereignty of countries to address public health matters within their borders and gives no power to the WHO or any other international body to direct, order, or change national laws or policies, or to direct countries to take specific actions, such as ban or accept travellers, impose vaccination mandates, or implement lockdowns.”

“For these reasons, any future decision on whether or not to sign and ratify the Pandemic Treaty will be informed by a full National Interest Test.” 

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a crash on State Highway 1, Putaruru this morning.

Police were notified just after 7am that a truck had collided with a parked car, near the intersection with Sholson Street.

The truck driver was unresponsive when emergency services arrived at the crash scene.

Medical attention was immediately provided but sadly he could not be revived. 

The road remains partially closed and motorists should continue to take alternative routes where possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 1 in Putaruru is partially blocked following a crash this morning.

Police were notified just after 7am that a truck had collided with a parked car, near the intersection of State Highway 1 and Sholson Street.

There may be traffic delays and motorists should take alternative routes where possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a crash in Takanini last night.

Emergency services were called to the crash between a vehicle and a dirtbike on Mill Road just before 8.30pm.

Sadly, one person was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit attended and enquiries to determine the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Wairarapa Police are working to track the offenders behind 29 car thefts in the space of two weeks.

The number of thefts is an increase on the 37 vehicles that were stolen in the two months to May last year. Wairarapa Area Prevention Manager Senior Sergeant Gill Flower said the recent rise is believed to be down to groups of criminals operating in the area.

“There’s no reason behind some of these thefts – they’re doing it for their enjoyment and don’t care about all damage they’re doing to the cars and the impact it has on people.

“Of the 29 recent cases, 25 have been in Masterton. Mazda Demios and Ford Couriers have been the main target for these offenders, and we’re asking people to take some additional steps to keep their vehicles safe.

“Some of the vehicles have been left unlocked, or keys left in places that are easy to access. People are also leaving items in their cars, and that attracts attention too. These offenders aren’t above stealing your prescription glasses, so the less you can leave in your car, the better.”

Senior Sergeant Flower said steering wheel locks were a cost-effective way to immobilise a car and make it less attractive to thieves.

“Some people can’t afford insurance, but a steering wheel lock will mean your car is undrivable. It’s a worthwhile investment, especially if you have to park your car on the road.

“We’re working hard to track these offenders, but we need the public’s help to do that.

“If you see suspicious behaviour, call 111,” Senior Sergeant Flower said. “The faster we get a report, the quicker we can act.”

Even in cases where Police can’t respond immediately, the reports helped Police track where offenders were operating.

“For us it’s valuable intelligence.”

“If you can’t report something straight away, please still tell us about it by making a report through 105.

“We’re working hard to find these offenders, but we need the community to help us.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following the two-vehicle collision south of Pahiatua yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 2 at around 3pm on Thursday.

Sadly, the driver of one of the vehicles died at the scene. There were no other significant injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has carried out a scene examination and enquiries into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

39 minutes ago

EIT staff and students embraced the cold, plunging into an ice bath at the Hawke’s Bay campus as part of an initiative to raise awareness for mental health.

Held on Tuesday, the challenge saw Head of the School of Trades Todd Rogers, Dean Helen Ryan-Stewart, Mental Health Lecturer Chris Malcolm, and Ira White from Human Resources take turns submerging themselves in freezing water alongside three student volunteers.

The initiative was part of a global resurgence of cold-water challenges, revived in the United States nearly a decade after the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, using the hashtag #SpeakYourMIND to raise mental health awareness.

A crowd of supporters gathered with cheers, laughter, and plenty of encouragement as each “dipper” stepped up to the tub. The event combined light-hearted fun with a serious message, promoting open conversations around mental health and showing solidarity with those facing mental health challenges. Funds raised went to the Jolly Good Chaps Charitable Trust.

Ira showed particular resilience, taking a full bucket of ice-cold water over the head with a smile.

All four staff members embraced the challenge with good humour and were met with enthusiastic applause.

“Hopping into a bucket of ice is never easy,” Todd said.

Chris said mental health was an important focus. “One of the key things was resilience, so we wanted to test the resilience of some of these people hopping in the ice.”

Leanne Harkness, who helped coordinate the event, said the turnout and energy on the day reflected strong support for student mental health. “It’s been quite a warm day, so it was lucky for our dippers.”

Watch the video of the challenge here.

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 days ago

Dr Sally Rye (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou) has been appointed as Head of Research at EIT, marking a return to the institution where her academic journey began.

She brings more than a decade of experience across education, health, and social development, with a strong focus on kaupapa Māori and community-led research.

Sally returns to Hawke’s Bay after holding national roles in the tertiary and public sectors, most recently at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Her interdisciplinary background includes business development, social work, youth development, mental health, addictions, and teaching.

She is widely recognised for her innovative approach to research centred on wellbeing, equity, and mātauranga Māori.

She says the decision to take on the role was grounded in a desire to contribute to her own community and invest in the future of her mokopuna.

“EIT is deeply embedded in this region. For me, this role is about returning home — not just geographically, but to a place that shaped who I am. I’m here to support a research culture that reflects our people, our priorities and our potential,” she says.

Her vision includes strengthening communities of practice, where staff and external partners can collaborate on shared kaupapa, and making research more visible, vibrant, and relevant to everyday life.

“I want to shift the perception of research from something isolated or academic to something aspirational, creative and community driven. Whether it’s improving local health outcomes, celebrating cultural knowledge, or informing how we teach, research should be part of everything we do.”

Sally also brings a deeply personal connection to her research practice. Her doctoral work explored the relationship between gut health, brain function and wellbeing — a journey inspired by her own health challenges. This work evolved into a holistic, kaupapa Māori programme that helped hundreds of wāhine Māori reclaim their hauora through nutrition, spirituality, connection, and movement.

She remains active in both national and international research spaces and recently presented at the Eru Pōmare Centre at Otago University in Wellington.

Sally was formally welcomed onto the Taradale campus at a pōwhiri in February and officially began her role in March. She is currently connecting with staff across all EIT campuses and welcomes interest from those keen to collaborate or join a community of research practice.

Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart, EIT’s Executive Dean, Education, Humanities and Health Science, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sally to EIT”.

“Her experience across various disciplines combined with her passion for research and rangahau provide a perfect fit for our institution. Sally’s vision aligns with EIT’s goals and values, and her leadership will drive our research and innovation space forward.”