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Corrections to trial ‘hospital hub’, current model of hospital escorts ‘no longer fit-for-purpose’

Source: Radio New Zealand

NZ Herald / Greg Bowker

Corrections are set to trial a pilot for a “hospital hub” with the current model of hospital escorts “no longer fit-for-purpose,” according to the CEO.

The news comes after a prisoner was on the run for more than a week after escaping while in a hospital escort in Auckland.

In an email sent to staff on Friday and seen by RNZ, Department of Corrections chief executive Jeremy Lightfoot said the Director of Physical Health and Chief Nurse within Pae Ora, Ben Storey, had joined Custodial Services for the next 12 months as Corrections Lead of Hospital Hub.

“Those of you who work in custody will know how resource intensive prison escorts to hospitals can be, as well as the risks they can pose. Considerable time is often spent in the Emergency Department or out-patient waiting rooms.”

  • Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz

Corrections was also aware that other patients could find it “intimidating” to be next to a person in handcuffs, Lightfoot said.

“The current model for hospital escorts is no longer fit-for-puporse. It’s not good for our custodial officers (the overtime hours required can potentially create a health and safety issue), the people being escorted, or other patients. We need a more coordinated and planned approach to managing prisoners in hospital.”

Department of Corrections chief executive Jeremy Lightfoot RNZ / Diego Opatowski

Storey would be working alongside Custodial and Pae Ora teams as well as external stakeholders “to develop new operating models,” Lightfoot said.

“He’ll be analysing our data to better understand where, why, and for how long our people are in hospital. This will help us build a stronger picture of our resourcing requirements to support hospital escorts.”

There was also the potential to secure a physical location to coordinate teams while based in the hospital.

“The focus will be on ensuring our custodial officers are well resourced and equipped, with the safety of our people and the community prioritised. We are also considering introducing a new roster to manage escorts in a more planned way.”

Lightfoot said it was intended there would be a pilot of a hospital hub at one of the Auckland hospitals.

“Auckland has been chosen given the high number of prisoners across the Auckland-based prisons that can be in hospital at any one time (on some days upwards of 30 Auckland based officers are undertaking escort duties).

“The lessons learned from the pilot will be applicable across the entire network. This is a critical piece of work, and we will keep you posted on progress.”

A Corrections spokesperson told RNZ the work was not connected to any particular incident, and that triaging would still be determined by medical staff at hospitals.

Commissioner of Custodial Services Leigh Marsh said in a statement public safety was the top priority. Each year Corrections carries out tens of thousands of prisoner escorts between prisons, courts, specialist medical facilities and rehabilitation providers, he said.

“Corrections is exploring what improvements can be made to ensure the health and safety of our staff, strengthening our prison operations and maintaining public safety.

“This will involve us looking at data to clearly understand where, why, and for how long prisoners are in hospital. From there we will be looking at whether we need to develop new operating models for our hospital escort process. This will not involve a reduction in the number of staff carrying out hospital escorts.”

Marsh said the purpose was to ensure corrections officers carrying out hospital escorts were well resourced and equipped, with staff and public safety paramount.

“Some of the options to be explored include how we better coordinate services and having a dedicated roster for hospital escorts to reduce the reliance on overtime.

“This work has only just started and Corrections will be working with stakeholders, including our unions on these potential opportunities.”

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

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Man charged after family harm incident in Masterton

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Police have arrested a 25-year-old man following a family harm incident in Masterton.

Officers were called to a River Road address late Thursday afternoon and found a woman unconscious and bleeding.

She was taken to Wellington Hospital in a serious condition.

The man was due to appear in Masterton District Court on Friday, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

“A scene examination is underway at the River Road address and residents can expect to see a continued police presence in the area while further enquiries are made,” Detective Inspector Jamie Woods said.

“We want to reassure the members of our community that there is no risk to public safety following this isolated incident.”

Anyone with information that could help police was urged to contact them via 105, quoting file number 260115/7089, or provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Family Violence

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

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Watch: Mourners gather to remember Sir Tim Shadbolt at funeral

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mourners have queued under umbrellas to pay their respects to Sir Tim Shadbolt, whose funeral service begins in Invercargill.

The 78-year-old former mayor of Waitematā and Invercargill died last week.

The funeral service will be held at Invercargill’s Civic Theatre from 2pm with doors open from 1pm. The service will also be livestreamed on the Invercargill City Council’s website.

People gather to pay their respects to Tim Shadbolt. Katie Todd

An RNZ reporter at the service says plenty of people were already lined up outside the theatre before the doors opened at 1pm

After the service, people are expected to line the streets for the funeral procession that will travel via the Sir Tim Shadbolt Terminal at Invercargill Airport, before a private ceremony at Eastern Cemetery.

Tributes have been flowing in for Sir Tim since his death, describing him as a colourful and charismatic character who championed local politics and his city.

He was made a Knight Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List for his services to local government and the community.

Supplied/LDR – ODT/Stephen Jaquiery

After the service, the funeral procession would leave for the Invercargill Airport – home to the Sir Tim Shadbolt Terminal, via Tay Street and Clyde Street, before making its way to Eastern Cemetery for a private interment.

Mayor Shadbolt stands in front of his portrait in November, a piece that is titled Seriously. Stephen Jaquiery / ODT

Anyone who wants to pay their respects is invited to line the streets for the procession.

Sir Tim first came into the national spotlight as a student activist in the 1960s, drawing attention to issues including apartheid and the Vietnam War.

He donned the mayoral chains for the first time in Waitematā in 1983, holding them for six years.

He tried his luck again in 1992, standing for mayor in Auckland, Waitākere and Dunedin.

While he was unsuccessful in those races, he breezed into the top job the following year during a by-election in Invercargill.

He also dabbled in national politics, becoming the New Zealand First candidate for the Selwyn by-election in 1994 – less than a day after joining the party.

Sir Tim served in Invercargill until 1995, but was re-elected in 1998 and held onto the mayoral chains until an unsuccessful tilt in 2022.

Tim Shadbolt with a group of protesters outside the Auckland Town Hall in 1973 Te Ara / Public Domain

With the city in decline, he championed the Zero Fees scheme at the Southland Institute of Technology, in a bid to attract more to the south and keep more young people in the region.

Major buildings including Stadium Southland were built during his term, and others including the Civic Theatre were refurbished.

On the screen, he competed on Dancing with the Stars, broke the world record for the longest television interview – just over 26 hours – and made cameo appearances in the 2017 remake of Goodbye Pork Pie and The World’s Fastest Indian.

He became known as the man who put Invercargill on the map, with Invercargill Airport officially naming the Sir Tim Shadbolt Terminal last year to mark his legacy.

In a statement announcing his passing, his partner Asha Dutt said they lost the cornerstone of their family and the man who devoted himself to promoting Invercargill for almost 30 years.

“Tim was a kind-hearted man who cared deeply about the people around him. He was a champion for the underdog and an active political campaigner from his student days of anti-war protest, his activism for Māori rights, and his fight to keep the Southern Institute of Technology and Zero Fees autonomous.

“Tim will be remembered with gratitude, respect, and affection for his commitment to the south and his passion for life.”

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

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Could NZ have the best Elvis impersonator in the world?

Source: Radio New Zealand

What began as a casual rendition of ‘Blue Hawaii’ has led Wellington performer Taurean Kenny Mill to a win at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist’s preliminary round.

One of the region’s youngest Elvis tribute artists, Mill took home the honour last week in Australia and will travel to the USA later this year for the semi-final.

Growing up, Elvis was always part of the soundtrack at his home. Mill’s family were fans, but it wasn’t until a casual karaoke session that his path crystallised. After hearing the then 17-year-old sing, established Elvis tribute artist John Lancaster suggested he “do some more Elvis”.

For the next year or so, Lancaster trained Mill toward the Elvis Down Under competition at Upper Hutt’s Cosmopolitan Club.

Becoming Elvis requires mastering the physical vocabulary – the mannerisms, the choreography, the vocal flourishes – alongside the look, he says.

While many newcomers opt for the early rockabilly era, Mill has thrown himself headfirst into Elvis’s 1970s period. The pros tell him it’s a bold choice for a first-timer.

“The voice is definitely up there, it’s the top mark in the judging sheets, and mannerisms and choreography – that’s sort of my big three,” he says.

“So I sing from my stomach, maybe tuck a bit of chin in and try to get that sort of muffled Elvis sound. That’s just sort of a technique that I do.”

Even walking into the RNZ studio, Mill arrives in full character. He’s dressed in a lava-red puff shirt beneath a black jacket – something, he says, Elvis might have worn before heading onstage – paired with flared bell-bottoms, boots, and replica rings. Among them is a copy of the four-leaf clover ring Elvis famously wore during the final year of his performing life.

Mill has his costumes shipped from Canada, though his ultimate ambition is to source replicas from an American store that once designed outfits for the King of Rock ’n’ Roll himself.

Along the way, he’s found camaraderie within the tribute circuit.

“It’s actually quite a big brotherhood – a lot of us Elvis guys together. Everyone’s very supportive of each other.”

The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist semi-final round is set for August this year in Memphis, Tennessee.

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

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Man arrested following family harm incident, Wairarapa

Source: New Zealand Police

A 25-year-old man has been arrested following a family harm incident in Masterton on Thursday.

Police were called to the River Road address at around 5pm.

Detective Inspector Jamie Woods says upon arrival, a female was located unconscious and bleeding. She was transported to Wellington Hospital in a serious condition.

“The 25-year-old is due to appear in the Masterton District Court today (16 January) charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

“A scene examination is underway at the River Road address and residents can expect to see a continued Police presence in the area while further enquiries are made.

We want to reassure the members of our community that there is no risk to public safety following this isolated incident.”

Police are not seeking anybody else in relation to this incident.

If anyone has information that could assist our investigation, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz.

Please quote the file number 260115/7089.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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New Zealand vacates embassy in Iran as threat of violence escalates

Source: Radio New Zealand

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

New Zealand’s embassy in Iran has temporarily closed due to what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) says is a “deteriorating” security situation.

Human rights groups estimate the death toll has reached over 2500 since protests against the regime began last month.

A ministry spokesperson said all diplomatic staff left Iran on commercial flights overnight (NZ time), shifting operations to Ankara in Turkey.

On Thursday, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand was “appalled” by an escalation of violence and repression.

“We condemn the brutal crackdown being carried out by Iran’s security forces, including the killing of protesters,” Peters said.

“Iranians have the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and access to information – and that right is currently being brutally repressed.”

The government has continued to advise against all travel to Iran, and for any New Zealanders in the country to leave now.

“The ability of the New Zealand Government to provide consular assistance to New Zealanders in Iran remains extremely limited,” the MFAT spokesperson said.

“There are severe communication challenges in Iran, which are limiting the ability of people to get in touch with family and friends. When they are able to, New Zealanders in Iran should let family and friends know they are safe.”

Earlier this week the United Kingdom also temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran, with all staff evacuated.

Protests against the regime began in the capital Tehran in late December, sparked by the country’s dire economic conditions, and have since spread across the country.

US President Donald Trump had threatened military action over Tehran’s severe response to the protests.

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

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Traffic jams as carpark closure clashes with EB Games closing down sale

Source: Radio New Zealand

Queensgate Mall in Lower Hutt has assured shoppers closures to parts of the carpark are temporary, and caused by planned maintenance.

The closure of parts of the parking building exacerbated traffic jams on Thursday as crowds queued for the closing down sale at EB Games.

The closed areas have prompted questions and speculation online.

The mall contains, among other stores, an IMAX cinema, Farmers, the Warehouse, H&M, and Woolworths.

Hutt City Councillor Brady Dyer posted a video to social media of people queueing up for the EB Games closing down sale. Facebook / Hutt City Councillor Brady Dyer

A spokesperson for the mall said in a statement the recent closures were “a precautionary measure to allow for planned maintenance works to be completed safely”.

“The affected areas are clearly marked, and while there is no risk to customers, colleagues or our retail partners, vehicle and pedestrian access has been restricted while these works are being completed,” they said.

They expected access to be reinstated next week, subject to progress on-site. The mall remained open and trading as usual, and other car parks remained available.

“We are aware there has been increased traffic driven by a combination of planned maintenance, weather conditions, and higher-than-usual customer demand, including the EB Games 50 percent sale, which has lifted visitation to the centre,” they said.

EB Games announced on Wednesday that it would be shutting all 38 stores around the country by 31 January, and videos on social media showed lines snaking around the mall on Thursday.

Hutt City Council told RNZ it had not been involved in decisions to close the carpark.

In 2018, the mall was partially closed for earthquake strengthening.

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

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Changes proposed for deemed value of fish

Source: New Zealand Government

Changes to the system that values fish caught by commercial fishers outside their quota allowance will better reflect the actual value of the fish depending on how its landed, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

Under the system, commercial fishers who catch fish outside of their quota allowance can sell it but must pay a fee called deemed value.

These fees are generally based on the market value of the fish, taking into account sustainability and utilisation objectives for each stock. The system is designed to ensure all fish are landed and accounted for under the quota management system (QMS), and fishers do not catch more than what is sustainable.

“During consultation on wider fisheries reforms, I heard feedback that the one-size-fits-all approach to setting deemed values for fish stocks is not working for some of our most productive commercial fishers.

“To ensure a future-focused, flexible fisheries management system, changes to the way deemed values can be set will be included in the Fisheries Act Amendment Bill,” Mr Jones says.

Under the current rules, the same deemed value rate for a fish stock must be applied to all commercial fishers.

“This means that a standard deemed value disadvantages some fishers because of differences in the value of fish based on whether they are landed fresh or frozen.”

Inshore stocks are mostly caught by smaller vessels operating around the coastline. They land the fish fresh, which receives a premium price. For these stocks, the deemed value rates are based on the average market price received for fresh fish.

“However, we are seeing a small but increasing volume of inshore fish being taken as bycatch in deepwater areas by vessels which must freeze their catch because of long fishing trips. This process significantly reduces its market value but fishers must still pay a deemed value close to the much higher market rate for fresh fish. 

“The growing number and wider distribution of these inshore species makes their capture by deepwater freezer vessels more common which can have significant financial impact on these fishers,” Mr Jones says.

“This change will allow the setting of deemed value rates based on the actual value of the caught fish through alternative rates set for inshore stocks caught by deepwater freezer vessels.”

Mr Jones has also decided not go ahead with a proposal for commercial fishers to land marlin bycatch.

“As part of wider fisheries reforms, officials tested a proposal to allow for commercial fishers to land and sell marlin under strict conditions. At present, this is prohibited. 

“However, after weighing up the issue as well as the benefits, I have decided not to allow commercial fishers to retain and sell any bycatch of marlin,” Mr Jones says.

He is awaiting advice on the treatment of a number of other species.

The Fisheries Act Amendment Bill will be introduced to Parliament in early 2026. The public will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the bill during the select committee process. 

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Person critically wounded in shooting in Auckland’s Onehunga

Source: Radio New Zealand

Armed police were in the area of Arthur St and had cordoned off part of the busy road. RNZ/Calvin Samuel

A person has been left with life-threatening injuries after reportedly being shot in Auckland’s Onehunga.

A police spokesperson confirmed armed police were in the area of Arthur St and had cordoned off part of the busy road.

Do you know more? Get in touch at: iwitness@rnz.co.nz

Police said they received reports a person had received injuries consistent with a gunshot wound at a property shortly after 11am.

St John said they transported one person to Auckland Hospital in a critical condition.

Armed police were in the area of Arthur St and had cordoned off part of the busy road. RNZ/Calvin Samuel

An increased police presence will remain in the area while an investigation is underway.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police.

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

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Don McGlashan doesn’t feel like ‘a colourful enough specimen’ for new doco

Source: Radio New Zealand

Legendary New Zealand singer and songwriter Don McGlashan reckons there are far more interesting people than him to focus a documentary on.

“I do feel that I’m not kind of a colourful enough specimen to go under the microscope, there’s other specimens out there that might be more interesting to look at,” McGlashan tells RNZ’s On the Air.

Despite that, he had been approached half a dozen times to do a story on his life, but nothing ever came to fruition.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

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