Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from Bay of Plenty coast from Whakatane to Mount Maunganui due to the presence of toxins.

“Routine tests on tuatua from the location have shown levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin over the safe limit,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle. “The warning extends from Whakatane to Mount Maunganui.

See the map of the warning for Bay of Plenty

“Please do not gather and eat shellfish from this area because anyone doing so could get sick.

“Affected shellfish include bivalve shellfish such as mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles and scallops, as well as pūpū (cat’s eyes), Cook’s turban. 

“Cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin, so shellfish from this area should not be eaten.

“We are monitoring an algal bloom in the region, which is spreading. This type of algae produces a dangerous toxin and when shellfish filter-feed, these toxins can accumulate in their gut and flesh. Generally, the more algae there are in the water, the more toxic the shellfish get.”             

Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning usually appear within 10 minutes to 3 hours of eating and may include:

• numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, hands, and feet
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• dizziness and headache
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhoea
• paralysis and respiratory failure and, in severe cases, death.

Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.

Finfish are not affected by this public health warning, but we advise gutting the fish and discarding the liver before cooking. 

New Zealand Food Safety has had no notifications of associated illness.

If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued, phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately. You are also advised to contact your nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.

“New Zealand Food Safety is monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation,” says Mr Arbuckle. 

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Find out more

Shellfish biotoxin alerts

Subscribe to shellfish biotoxins to receive email alerts

See signage in the affected area.

Podcast about shellfish contamination

Collecting shellfish and keeping them safe [PDF, 1.4 MB]

Causes and symptoms of toxic shellfish poisoning

About toxic algal blooms

Food safety for seafood gatherers booklet [PDF, 1.2 MB]

Source: New Zealand Government

Victims of sexual violence will soon have the power to determine name suppression orders, with legislation passing third reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“These changes will help ensure victims of sexual violence and their needs are returned to the heart of the justice system. We’ve been clear from day one that victims are our priority as we work to restore law and order.

“This Bill will ensure the courts cannot issue a permanent name suppression order for an adult convicted of a sexual offence, unless the victim agrees to it.

“Currently victims’ views only have to be taken into account by the courts. Long battles over name suppression retraumatises victims, as does the inability to discuss what happened to them and to warn others. 

“I recognise that some victims will not want to make this decision, some will not be able to, and others may not be available. In these cases, the court will decide about name suppression for the convicted offender.

“We’re also ensuring victims of all sexual crimes, including intimate visual recording offences, are automatically given name suppression. There is a legislative gap, which means some victims of sexual offences receive automatic name suppression and others do not.

“Finally, this Bill amends the law so that children under the age of 12 will not be able to be questioned about whether they consented to sex. This makes it crystal clear that children cannot consent to abuse.

“These changes will help restore real consequences for crime, and ensure there are 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime by 2029.”

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 60, Mahana is closed following an earlier crash. 

Police were alerted to the two-vehicle crash at around 2.30pm near Apple Valley Road.

Initial indications suggest there are injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

The road is closed while emergency services are in attendance.

Motorists are advised to follow diversions and expect delays.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown today officially opened Tauranga Hospital’s new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU), marking a major milestone in improving critical care services for the region. 

“This newly expanded and refurbished ICU and HDU complete a significant $21 million upgrade of critical care services for the Bay of Plenty. It will make a real difference for patients, their families, and the staff who care for them,” Mr Brown says. 

Previously, Tauranga Hospital had 6 intensive care beds, 4 high dependency beds, and 10 coronary care unit (CCU) beds – a total of 20 beds – all located on the same floor.  

“This limited capacity was putting critical care services under pressure, with demand often exceeding capacity. At times, this meant some planned surgeries requiring intensive care afterward had to be postponed.” 

The upgrade increases intensive care and high dependency capacity from 10 to 16 beds on a dedicated floor, while the CCU is now located on its own floor with space designed to expand to 20 beds in the future, which could be used for coronary care or other acute care services as demand requires. 

“The refurbished CCU provides a larger, separate space for heart patients and improves coordination of cardiology services, including quick access to the hospital’s two state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation labs – the second of which opened last month. 

“The ICU and HDU now occupy a fully refurbished, dedicated floor, giving more patients access to the highest level of care in the right environment. 

“Expanding critical care capacity will improve patient flow from the emergency department for unplanned admissions and reduce the need to delay planned surgeries.  

“This will ease pressure on the emergency department while ensuring people receive the elective care they need, both of which are essential to meeting the Government’s health targets for shorter emergency stays and reduced elective treatment wait times.” 

The upgraded ICU also features three negative pressure rooms, providing additional protection for patients and staff by helping contain infectious diseases when needed. 

“Improving health infrastructure is a top priority for the Government to ensure patients receive timely, quality care. The upgraded critical care services at Tauranga Hospital will strengthen healthcare for the local community and the wider Bay of Plenty region, ensuring patients have access to the critical care they need, exactly when they need it,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is strengthening trafficking and people smuggling laws to stop criminals using loopholes to evade real consequences for crime, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“Since 2009, over 50 victims of trafficking have been identified, but only four prosecutions have been undertaken. Just two of these prosecutions have led to a conviction. This doesn’t make sense, and our fear is this is just the tip of the iceberg.

“These criminals must be held accountable for their actions. Real consequences for crime is an essential part of our ongoing work to restore law and order, which we know is working.

“Those who traffic, smuggle, and exploit other human beings are preying on some of our most vulnerable, and causing egregious harm, particularly to women and children.

“We know these laws are not fit for purpose. Prosecution in trafficking cases is currently far too difficult, and offenders are receiving lighter sentences. These laws need to be more consistent with international standards, including those in UN conventions.”

The specific changes are: 

Removing the requirement to prove that coercion or deception occurred when the trafficked victim is under 18.
Making it explicit that consent is irrelevant when the victim is under 18 or when coercion or deception was present.
Ensuring that migrants cannot be smuggled into New Zealand using authentic, but fraudulently obtained travel documents.
Providing greater protection for undercover Police investigating cases of child exploitation.

“This comes as part of the reform the Government is making to the Crimes Act 1961,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“This addresses issues raised by submitters on Greg Fleming MP’s Member’s Bill currently before the House. I’d like to thank him for his work.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Chris Seed will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.

“New Zealand’s strategic partnership with the United States is one of our most important and long-standing relationships,” Mr Peters says.

“It is therefore essential that New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States has the necessary experience, judgement and influence to effectively represent our country in Washington DC and navigate the range of important and pressing issues that are vital to New Zealanders.

“Mr Seed is one of New Zealand’s most senior and accomplished diplomats and is accordingly the right person for this vital role,” Mr Peters says.

Mr Seed served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade from 2019-2024 and has previously led New Zealand High Commissions in Canberra and Port Moresby. He will take up the role in January 2026.

Mr Seed succeeds Rosemary Banks, who will shortly complete her second term as Ambassador in Washington DC.

“Ms Banks has had a most distinguished diplomatic career, having led New Zealand missions in Paris, New York and Washington,” Mr Peters says. 

“Twice Ms Banks has been asked by her Government to serve in Washington DC and we are enormously grateful to her that twice she answered that call to serve with distinction as New Zealand Ambassador to the United States.

“Ms Banks’ long diplomatic experience and her elevated standing amongst her US counterparts, during such a challenging time in global affairs, has seen her contribute greatly to one of New Zealand’s most critical bilateral relationships,” Mr Peters says. 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  13 August 2025

The 68-metre cycle bridge replaces the old McArthur Bridge, which was removed after it was severely damaged by rockfall in 2021.

While the 64-kilometre Great Ride cycle trail has remained open, it hasn’t been able to be ridden as a full loop without the bridge, as it spans a gorge and the river is unsafe to cross.

Department of Conservation North Canterbury Operations Manager Leeann Ellis says having the new bridge open for summer will increase tourism and visitor opportunities.

“We know the Hanmer Springs community and keen riders across New Zealand have been looking forward to the new bridge to reconnect the Great Ride.

“Cyclists, trampers and hunters now have safe, all-weather access across the upper Waiau Uwha to make full use of the St James Conservation Area and beyond.

“It’s taken longer than we’d hoped but the new bridge has been built to be more robust and resilient to climatic changes.”

St James Trails Trust Manager Mark Inglis says the new bridge completes the trail once again and will bring a welcomed boost to local economy.

“It’s fantastic to have the trail stitched back together with this stunning bridge.

“We’re expecting thousands of riders to come and ride the completed trail. It’s been assessed cyclists spend on average $500 per trip – so they will bring a real boost to the local economy.”

Mark Inglis says the new bridge is a big improvement on the old one and spectacular. “It spans right across the gorge, 17 metres above the river, and is completely ridable.

“The team from Abseil Access have done an amazing job building the bridge, working in difficult conditions through snow and frosts over the past couple of months.”

The DOC-designed swing bridge is located 60 metres downstream of the old bridge to avoid future rockfall hazards.

New Zealand Cycle Trails general manager Janet Purdey says the new bridge will give the region and its cycle tourism operators/businesses a welcome lift.

Nationally, the Great Rides attract more than one million visitors to the regions, which equates to $1b worth of expenditure each year. And with cycle tourism on the rise in New Zealand, the goal is to increase that visitor expenditure to $2b in the next 10 years, says Janet Purdey.

“In the Canterbury region alone, the good news is the opening of the bridge will attract more riders, more visitors and increased spending in the region.”

Improvements to the cycle trail are planned, with funding applications submitted to the Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails’ Fund for support to move some of the challenging sections of trail away from the 4WD track. There are also plans to upgrade the trail on the western side of the river now access has been restored.

The St James Cycle Trail offers challenging riding through stunning scenery of mountain peaks, high country lakes, alpine meadows and beech forest. It’s best suited for fit, experienced mountain bikers, who can complete the trail in one long (6–9 hour) day or a two-day trip, stopping overnight in campsites or one of three huts.

The 14-kilometre Homestead Run loop offers a shorter ride for families and those with less experience and time.

Background information

The St James Cycle Trail is one of 23 designated Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand, chosen because they showcase some of New Zealand’s most outstanding landscapes and places. It was established in 2009.

Throughout the country there are more than 1600 businesses that service the Great Rides and, on average, figures show visitors spend $900 each.

Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails is the over-arching body that looks after the family of 23 Great Rides spread from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island.

The St James Cycle Trail Trust manages the cycle trail in partnership with DOC, which is responsible for infrastructure such as bridges. DOC, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the trust jointly fund maintenance of the Great Ride.

Before the bridge was damaged, about 1400 people rode the full trail annually, and about 2700 people rode part of the track. About 5000 riders and walkers use the Homestead Run each year.

The first McArthur Bridge was built in the 1870s and named after three McArthur brothers who ran the St James Station until the early 1900s. There have been three other bridges at this site since then including the DOC suspension bridge removed in 2021.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

The Serious Crash Unit and emergency services are at the scene of a single vehicle crash in Northland.

The crash occurred around 10.12am on SH 14, Tangiteroria, Kaipara and involves a motorbike.

The rider has been airlifted to Auckland Hospital in a serious condition.

Although SH14 has been reduced to one lane traffic at the crash site, Police advise traffic is moving in both directions.

An investigation into the cause is underway at the site.

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is endorsing a coroner’s message about the critical difference that wearing seatbelts can make, following findings on a crash that claimed the lives of four young South Korean skiers in South Canterbury last year.

Bumhee Cho, 23, Junwoo Park, 20, Sangseo Kim, 16, and Hyunseo Han, 17, died after the vehicle they were in collided with another car on State Highway 79 near Geraldine in August last year. Three of the men died on impact and another died in December following severe injuries he suffered.

Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale, in her findings made available today, said that it was clear from the evidence of the pathologists and the crash analyst that the injuries sustained by these young men were made considerably worse because they were not wearing seatbelts.

Additional evidence to that effect was supplied by the other motorist that they struck in this head-on crash: he was wearing a seatbelt and was restrained within the cab of his vehicle. He was injured, but not fatally injured.

The coroner reinforced the message to motorists: always wear your seatbelt, whether you are the driver or passenger, as seatbelts save lives.

Director of Land Transport Brent Alderton says the coroner’s message about the value of seatbelts may be familiar, but it is an important reminder.

Since 2020 there has been a steady increase in deaths and serious injuries where people have not been wearing seatbelts on New Zealand roads. NZTA is currently targeting the issue as part of its road safety marketing campaign:

Seatbelts campaign: Warmer seatbelt warnings

“Whatever the cause of a crash, the evidence shows that one of the best things you can do to prevent death or serious injury is to wear your seatbelt,” Mr Alderton says.

Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of drivers and passengers being killed or seriously injured by about 40 per cent. If everyone wore their seatbelts, an estimated 25 lives could be saved in road crashes every year.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now confirm the name of the man who died following a crash on SH6, Okaramio on 19 July.

He was Tachyon Hutt, 23, from Picton.

Police extend our condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre