Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Work is moving at pace on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass project, with geotech work beginning this week, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Minister for the South Island and Associate Transport Minister James Meager say. 

“The Government is committed to supporting the fast-growing Waimakariri District. This much needed transport infrastructure will boost economic growth, reduce congestion, improve safety and access to housing growth areas. SH1 approaching Woodend currently carries around 21,500 vehicles per day, of which nine percent is freight. The traffic volume is expected to reach 28,000 vehicles per day by 2048. There have been 280 crashes on SH1 through Woodend between 2014 and 2023, with three fatalities and 25 serious injuries,” Mr Bishop says. 

“The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board endorsed the investment case for the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance in November 2024, which proposes: 

• Widening the southern section of the existing SH1 from two to four lanes.
• A new four-lane motorway bypass in the northern section.
• A grade separated interchange at the Williams Street intersection with SH1.
• Replace the Pegasus roundabout with an overbridge and signalised intersection.
• Kaiapoi Bridge seismic strengthening and widening.
• Construction of new bridges over the Cam River and overbridges at Woodend Beach Road and Gladstone Road.
• Tolling to support the construction and maintenance of the road. 

“In addition to endorsing the investment case in November last year, the NZTA Board also approved $68.1 million in initial funding to complete detailed design work and advance an early works package, as well as around $37 million for property acquisition. Further funding to begin and complete main construction will be considered by the NZTA Board in due course. 

“Delivering this project has substantial benefits, including a three-minute travel time saving along the state highway, and up to 10 minutes at peak. It is also expected to reduce traffic through Woodend from 21,000 vehicles per day to 8,000, and a reduction in deaths and serious injuries from 5.6 to 1.25 per year. 

“The investment case endorsed by the NZTA Board sets an investment envelope between $800 million and $1 billion to design, consent, and construct the project. 

“The Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 (GPS) requires NZTA to consider tolling for all new RoNS. The investment case confirms tolling is possible and the revenue will support the construction and maintenance of the road. The Government will consider this recommendation and announce next steps of the process in due course.” 

“NZTA is continuing to move at pace on the project with the detailed design contract awarded to Aurecon and Tonkin + Taylor in March this year. Getting geotech works underway is an essential part of the design phase of the project and will involve drilling around 70 boreholes up to 35 metres deep and digging pits at individual sites within the construction area,” Mr Meager says. 

“The geotechnical investigations will look at ground conditions, including soil and rock types, groundwater depths and the strength of soil and rock. This work will take around two months to complete. 

“Once geotechnical data is available, NZTA will confirm the scope and design of an early works package and prepare and lodge consent applications. The early works package will likely begin in early 2026, while main construction is likely to begin later in 2026. The project is expected to take four years to complete. 

“SH1 is a nationally strategic freight route and provides critical access to Christchurch City, Christchurch International Airport, Lyttelton Port, and the major health, education, commercial and industrial services in the Canterbury region. Delivering the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance will significantly improve reliability of the corridor and ensure people and freight can get where they need to go, quickly and safely. 

“I want to thank local Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey, Banks Peninsula MP Vanessa Weenink, Kaikoura MP Stuart Smith and Mayor Dan Gordon who have been a staunch advocates of this project, as well as wider Canterbury MPs Hamish Campbell and Nicola Grigg. I know we’re all looking forward to seeing more progress in the months and years ahead as we move into construction as soon as possible.” 

For more information about the project, you can visit the NZTA website here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-belfast-to-pegasus-motorway-and-woodend-bypass/

Source: New Zealand Police

A young has been arrested as Police progress an investigation into several serious incidents in Invercargill.

It follows two aggravated robberies, two burglaries and an attempted burglary, all between 1.50am and 4.30am on Monday morning.

Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, but the victims were understandably upset and shaken by what occurred, Detective Inspector Stu Harvey said.

Police have arrested and charged a young person in relation to the incidents. He is facing a number of charges and has been remanded in custody to appear in the Invercargill Youth Court today.

“The investigation into this offending is still very much active. We understand these events are unnerving for our community, and we are working hard to locate those we believe to be involved,” Detective Inspector Harvey says.

“We still need the public’s help and want to hear from anyone who might be able to assist.

“In particular, Police are seeking information about two vehicles that were seen in the area of some of the incidents. One of them, a stolen red Toyota Vitz, was involved in the offending and has been recovered while the other vehicle is described only as a car.

“Police would like to speak to anyone who saw vehicles fitting these descriptions between 1am and 5am on Monday.”

Anyone with information about these vehicles or those involved is asked to call Police on 105.  You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

A recent dog attack during a football training session at Tahurangi / Crum Park has highlighted the serious risk off-leash dogs pose to our communities.

A young girl, watching the football training with family members, was attacked by an uncontrolled dog. She will be left with a large scar and a life-long traumatic memory because of this preventable incident.

Auckland Council’s General Manager for Licensing and Compliance, Robert Irvine says this is not an isolated incident and off-leash dog attacks on sports fields are on the rise.

“Similar situations have occurred at other sports grounds where off-leash dogs have rushed at junior players during training,” Mr Irvine says.

“Week after week, dogs are walked off-leash across Auckland’s sports fields while children train, play, and compete; an attack can and does happen so quickly when there are kids running around and a dog is off leash,” he adds.

“This behaviour not only puts children and adults at risk of injury, but it also degrades the quality of our fields. Dog fouling on sports grounds is a persistent problem — one that poses health risks and ruins the experience for players.

Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee Councillor Josephine Bartley, herself a dog lover and owner, says it’s unacceptable to have dogs running uncontrolled across our playing fields.

“No parent wants to see their child land face-first in dog excrement while playing soccer or rugby. 

“And not only children, but adults too, deserve a safe, clean environment to train and play,” Councillor Bartley says.

“Dogs must be always kept under control near playing fields. This sort of thoughtless behaviour has serious consequences; let’s keep our sports grounds safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone.”

Auckland Council’s regional rule states that dogs are not on most sports playing surfaces at any time. This includes marked football pitches. These areas are for organised sport and recreation — not dog exercise. Dogs may still be allowed away from playing surfaces, including on a leash on the sidelines when sport is being played. Alternative off-leash dog parks and spaces are provided away from playing surfaces.

To find out where your dog can be exercised off-leash click here

Source: New Zealand Police

A 39-year-old man is before the courts following an operation targeting illicit drug dealing in Queenstown, alongside the seizure of multiple illicit drugs and around $45,000 cash.

Following an investigation into the distribution of illicit drugs in the community, Police executed a search warrant at a Queenstown property yesterday morning.

The man was arrested and charged in relation to the operation.

Following the arrest, a search of the residence located varying amounts of ketamine, cocaine, MDMA, LSD, cannabis, and psilocybin.

Digital scales were also located, alongside $45,000 cash.

Detective Sergeant Miriam Chittenden says Police is pleased with the result from this operation.

“We work hard to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs within our community as we see first-hand the serious impacts and harm from these illicit drugs every day.

Police will continue to target those who supply illicit drugs, which cause extreme harm and damage to our communities. However, we cannot do this alone, and we ask that anyone with information about the supply of illicit drugs contacts us through 105, either online or via phone.

Information can also be reported to your local Police station or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

We encourage anyone affected by drug addiction to seek help through Alcohol and Drug helpline on 0800 787 797, or free text 8681.

The 39-year-old man is due to appear in Queenstown District Court on Monday 12 May, charged with multiple charges including offers to supply LSD, offers to supply psilocybin, possession of cocaine, and possession of MDMA.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police are investigating a crash in Hei Hei last month and are appealing for witnesses.

At around 4:15pm on Saturday 12 April, a vehicle collided with a pedestrian at the corner of Buchanans Road and Carmen Road.

The pedestrian sustained serious injuries however these are not believed to be life threatening.

Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash, or saw a dark-coloured Mazda people mover in the Hei Hei area between 4pm and 4:30pm on 12 April.

The vehicle travelled towards the airport along Carmen Road following the collision and was last seen at around 4:25pm turning into Roydvale Ave from Memorial Ave.

If you have any information that could assist, including dashcam or CCTV footage, please get in touch via 105, either over the phone or online.

You can reference file number 250413/9097.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the woman who died following a crash in Tirau on 10 April.

She was 79-year-old Nancy Ruth Smith, of Hastings.

We extend our condolences to her loved ones.

The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Motorists are advised to expect delays in Glen Innes due to a building fire in Mayfair Place around 7am.

Mayfair Place is cordoned off and emergency services are in attendance.

Taniwha Street and Apirana Avenue are currently closed although motorists can still use the roundabout.

The fire is contained and there are no reports of injury.

Motorists are advised to expect delays.

ENDS.

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has been arrested as Oamaru Police investigate three serious, violent incidents in 24 hours.

Sergeant Tony Woodbridge says members of the public have played a crucial role in the arrest, and while enquiries are ongoing, those involved are believed to be known to each other.

Two of the incidents involved individuals entering residential addresses. The first occurred on Queens Crescent at 11.45pm on Tuesday, where one person was assaulted. The second incident occurred at a Thames Highway address at 4am on Wednesday, where another person was assaulted.

Both victims were taken to hospital with moderate injuries.

At 4.20pm on Wednesday, Police were called to a serious assault at Centennial Park in Oamaru, where a woman was knocked unconscious. A white station wagon then drove at the offender, before ramming a black Subaru Legacy.

After the offender left in the Subaru, the victim got into the station wagon and the vehicle left the scene.

“The third incident occurred in a busy area, in the vicinity of a number of people, and with hockey games being played nearby,” Sergeant Woodbridge says.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was near the Centennial Park carpark, who saw or filmed the assault, or the vehicles leaving.”

Yesterday (7 May), Police arrested a 27-year-old Oamaru man in relation to the incidents.

He has been charged with breaching release conditions; four counts of assault with intent to injure; wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm; and two counts of burglary.

“Such serious violent incidents are always of concern, and we know this will be unsettling. I want to assure the Oamaru community that these were not random acts of violence, and we are doing everything we can to hold those responsible to account.

“We are still working to determine why this offending took place, and enquiries are ongoing to locate other people who may have been involved.

“Police want to thank the members of the public who have assisted us with information so far. We still need to hear from anyone who may have witnessed these events, or anyone who has information that can assist us.”

You can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250507/6833.

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

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on SH1, Leithfield on 15 April.

He was 49-year-old Ndafunzwa Musesengwa, of Amberley.

Police send our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

The circumstances of the crash are under investigation.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre