Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: PHARMAC

Source: New Zealand Police

Auckland City Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding a woman’s death in Parnell.

Police were called to Cracroft Street on the night of 7 July, after a woman was found unresponsive inside an apartment.

Today, Police can name the woman as 59-year-old Leiann Rae Davis.

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, Auckland Central Area Investigations Manager, says Leiann’s death remains unexplained.

“A post-mortem examination was carried out on Friday, the results of which are inconclusive,” he says.

“Police have since completed a scene examination at her apartment and the circumstances of her death remain under investigation.”

This will include Police awaiting further detailed pathology results.

A funeral was held for Leiann at the weekend.

Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says Police are continuing to support her whānau through the process.

Anyone with information that might assist enquiries can update Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250808/6672.

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

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The number of people in Northland waiting for their first heart specialist assessment (FSA) has dropped significantly, with the waitlist decreasing by 36 percent since November 2023, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Heart disease remains one of New Zealand’s biggest health challenges. Ensuring patients are seen promptly is vital to detecting heart conditions early and providing timely treatment,” Mr Brown says.

“It’s encouraging that more Northlanders are now accessing specialist care faster when they need it most.”

Between November 2023 and March 2025, the cardiology FSA waitlist fell from 1,091 to 691. The number of patients waiting longer than four months dropped by 68 percent, from 367 to 116.

“Whether it’s a dairy farmer receiving a timely assessment before their heart condition worsens, or a rural family no longer left anxiously waiting for a crucial appointment for their loved one, these improvements are making a real difference in people’s lives.”

This progress comes after a period between 2020 and 2023 when waitlists grew by 42 percent.

“Our patient-first commitment is reflected in the dedication of Northland’s hardworking teams, who have played a key role in reducing waitlists by:

Running regular cardiac clinics and tests at rural hospitals, reducing travel for patients and families
Coordinating assessments to minimise multiple visits
Prioritising those who have waited the longest
Expanding local services, including the catheterisation lab, and attracting skilled specialists at Whangārei Hospital

“Reducing wait times for First Specialist Assessments remains a Government priority, with a target for 95 percent of patients to be seen within four months by 2030.

“While there’s still more work to do, these results show that we’re making real progress towards faster, more accessible heart care for the people of Northland,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Fewer Waikato patients are waiting for critical heart and lung surgery, with the number of people on the cardiothoracic treatment waitlist dropping by 70 per cent since November 2023, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Heart and lung conditions can be life-threatening if left untreated, so it is fantastic news that more people in Waikato are getting the treatment they need faster,” Mr Brown says.

“Putting patients first means making sure every Kiwi can access timely, quality healthcare when they need it and that is exactly what is happening here in Waikato.”

Between November 2023 and March 2025, the number of people waiting for cardiothoracic treatment in Waikato has fallen from 90 to 27, a 70 per cent reduction. The number waiting longer than four months for surgery has dropped from 13 to 4.

“This is great progress, and it is making a real difference to people’s lives. Whether it is a grandparent needing a heart bypass to keep up with the grandkids, a young mum recovering from lung surgery and getting back to her family, or a Waikato farmer returning to work after life-saving treatment, this is about delivering for patients.”

Mr Brown says these improvements are a result of the strong focus on delivery by frontline health workers in the Waikato region responding to the Government’s health targets. 

“The region’s strong commitment to preventing surgery cancellations and expanding surgical capacity has delivered significant reductions in waiting lists. These outcomes reflect the hard work and dedication of local teams, whose focus on patient care has been essential to this success.

“Reducing wait times for elective procedures is a key priority for this Government. Our health target is clear – by 2030, 95 per cent of patients will be treated within four months.

“We are investing in our health workforce, validating our waiting lists, boosting capacity, and working closely with hospitals to make sure services meet patient needs, because that is what Kiwis deserve.

“This is part of our plan to deliver timely, quality healthcare for every New Zealander. We want everyone to access specialist care, such as heart or lung surgery, sooner – no matter where they live.”

Source: New Zealand Government

A revised code of welfare for deer balances ensuring the protection of farmed deer with practicality and the economic impacts on farmers, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard.

“I’m pleased to issue the revised Code of Welfare for Deer, the first of the priority pastoral livestock codes under review to be finalised and issued.

“New Zealand has a strong reputation for animal welfare, and it’s important that we continue to rank highly for animal welfare standards. It’s also important that our animal welfare codes are practical and that the costs being imposed are proportional to the anticipated benefits. 

“The work by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) to review the code involved close consultation with key players in the deer industry, and a number of changes were made as a result of their input.

“I want to thank NAWAC and industry for their work. This revised code shows that when we work together, we can achieve a balance and robust outcomes for industry.

“As with all codes of animal welfare, it provides requirements and guidance that will leave farmers in no doubt about the standards of welfare they must meet.” 

The code also encourages all those involved in the farming of deer to adopt the highest standards of animal handling and care. 

The new code and NAWAC’s accompanying report can be found at www.mpi.govt.nz/welfarecodes

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can advise a 16-year-old reported missing from the North Shore area last week has been located safe and well.

We would like to thank those members of the public for providing information, which assisted in locating him.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police caught two men at the same time — one in Feilding, one in Manurewa — during coordinated searches of houses in Manawatū and Auckland, for drugs and firearms.

Detective Sergeant Nick Lawton says investigations discovered alleged drug and firearm dealing had occurred between the two locations, so search warrants were carried out on Friday 8 August.

Police seized cannabis, methamphetamine, $5,000 cash, a 3D .22 pistol and ammunition.

“We arrested a 45-year-old man in Feilding who has been charged with possession and supply of meth, and in Manurewa we arrested a 47-year-old man who has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Further charges are likely as the investigation continues into electronic devices.

“In addition, we also located a woman who we’ve been wanting to connect with about a number of shoplifting incidents.”

Detective Sergeant Lawton says Police are pleased with the outcome from these collaborative efforts. 

“This was an excellent result from multiple officers.

“We were assisted by the Armed Offenders Squad, Offender Prevention Team and Criminal Investigation Branch.”

If you have any concerns about suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, contact Police on 105, or 111 if there is an immediate danger.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

A major investment in Whanganui Airport will improve safety, enhance regional connectivity and aid economic growth for the region, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.

The Government will use $3.35 million in taxpayer funding to complete construction of the new sealed parallel taxiway. The investment will address long-standing safety concerns by reducing the need for aircraft to backtrack on the active runway before take-off and after landing. 

“Whanganui Airport is one of New Zealand’s busiest regional airports in terms of flight movements. This new taxiway will reduce the risk of collisions and make flying in and out of the site safer for both pilots and passengers. It will also reduce aircraft congestion and improve resilience by providing an all-weather replacement for the grass taxiways,” Mr Meager says.

“Being able to make this decision now will also potentially save local ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars by keeping the current construction contractors on-site to finish the second stage of the taxiway safety improvements.”

The investment represents the taxpayer’s 50% share of the $6.7 million contracted costs to build the full taxiway. The remaining funding has come from the Whanganui District Council. 

“This investment is a result of the advocacy of local Whanganui MP Carl Bates, who first brought this issue to my attention several months ago. Mr Bates has worked constructively with the Government, Council and local operators to find a solution which encourages continued growth,” Mr Meager says. 

“His dedication to serving his local community has been critical in getting this investment over the line. Whanganui Airport is a vital regional hub for medical flying, and hosts New Zealand’s largest international flight training school the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA). 

“The NZICPA has resumed flight training operations and has demonstrated its commitment to providing a high quality, safe training facility that we need to meet the growing demand for commercial pilots. 

“Aviation is critical to New Zealand’s domestic economy, which relies on air travel for connectivity, tourism and economic growth. It’s important we take active steps to improve connectivity, address workforce shortages, and make it easier for aviators to operate in New Zealand.

“This is a significant step forward for regional connectivity. By providing funding for this development, we’re investing in the future of the Whanganui region and community, boosting economic opportunities and improving access for residents and visitors.”

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died after a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Croall Crescent, St Andrews, this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 3pm.

The pedestrian was transported to hospital, however they sadly died a short time later.

A scene examination has taken place and enquiries are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Hayward, Counties Manukau West Manager:

A 50-year-old man has been charged with assault following the discovery of a woman’s body in Papatoetoe yesterday.

Police were called to an Ashlynne Avenue address on Saturday about 10.30am.

Police are continuing to make enquiries, with a scene examination being carried out today, while a post-mortem will be conducted tomorrow.

The man is due to appear in Manukau District Court on Monday.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre