Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Inspector Peter Raynes:
Police were notified of an incident near Manurewa train station at around 6pm this evening.
Emergency services are currently responding.
Police would like to reassure the community that there is no risk to public safety and advise that an increased Police presence can be expected in the area for some time.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has emphasised New Zealand’s commitment to Pacific regionalism during the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiji today.
“New Zealand is a steadfast and long-standing advocate for Pacific regionalism, as a founding member of the Pacific Islands Forum and host of the inaugural Forum Leaders Meeting in Wellington in 1971,” Mr Peters says.
“In these uncertain geo-strategic and challenging economic times, it is more important than ever that the region stands together and sets our own agenda – rather than being pressured or even dictated to by external influences,” Mr Peters says.
“At the same time, the scale of the challenges we face as a region make it imperative that we are welcoming and encouraging of the interest of dialogue and development partners who wish to work with the Pacific for mutual benefit.”
Mr Peters welcomed the report of the High-Level Persons Group into Pacific regional architecture, which was presented at today’s Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
“The issues facing the Pacific are so urgent and important that we need our regional organisations working as effectively and efficiently as possible in advancing our collective interests. This report offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform our regional architecture so that it’s fit-for-purpose for tackling today’s acute challenges.”
During today’s meeting, Mr Peters also offered New Zealand as a host of the 2027 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.
“New Zealand last hosted the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in 2011, so we feel it is important to put our hand up again,” Mr Peters says.
“While the 2027 host will ultimately be a decision for Forum Leaders to make in the Solomon Islands next month, we wanted to make clear that New Zealand is ready to serve as host again.”
While in Suva, Mr Peters also held a range of bilateral discussions with Pacific counterparts.
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government’s second RMA Amendment Bill has passed into law, bringing in sweeping changes to many of the handbrakes on New Zealanders’ lives, helping to drive economic growth, and laying the groundwork for job creation,” RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says.
“The Resource Management Act (RMA) has been holding New Zealand back for decades. It has let successive governments and councils say ‘no’ to progress, ‘no’ to development, and ‘no’ to building the houses, infrastructure, clean energy and other important projects that New Zealanders need to get ahead,” Mr Bishop says.
“Our full replacement for the RMA will be introduced to Parliament this year, be passed into law next year, and be in effect by 2027- but in the meantime, through this Amendment Bill, we’re making it quicker and simpler to consent renewable energy, boost housing supply, and reduce red tape for the primary sector.
“The Bill contains five broad packages of changes which will remove roadblocks and cut red tape holding back progress for:
“We also added a new provision which requires Auckland Council to allow even greater housing and development around key stations benefitting from City Rail Link investment, to ensure Aucklanders reap the full benefits of this transformational investment into the city.
“We added changes to ensure a more cost-effective transition between the current RMA and the upcoming new planning system by putting a stop to councils making RMA plan or policy statement changes until the new system is in place in 2027. There will be some exemptions for important work that aligns with Government priorities, or for activities such as managing natural hazards.
“Alongside this change, we added a new a new regulation making power that will allow the responsible Minister to recommend changes or even removal of parts of council RMA plans and policy statements that are proven to be holding back economic growth, development, or job creation.
“This week we also took urgent action to prevent what could have amounted to a ‘stop work’ notice for thousands of New Zealand farmers, by further amending the Bill to broaden what water discharges can be allowed as a permitted activity.
“And, to the great excitement of countless Wellingtonians, we added a provision that removes heritage protections from the unsafe and derelict Gordon Wilson Flats in Wellington, clearing the way for the flats to be demolished so that new student accommodation can be built.”
“This legislation is part of our wider three-phase RMA reform programme. In Phase One, before Christmas last year, we repealed the previous government’s overly complex RMA changes.
“Phase Two is now well underway, with our Fast-track one-stop shop up and running, the biggest package of national direction changes in New Zealand’s history being worked through with decisions due before the end of this year, and this second Amendment Bill delivering meaningful improvements.
“Phase Three will see the complete replacement of the RMA with two new laws that better reflect the importance of private property rights. The new planning system legislation will be introduced to Parliament before the end of this year, pass into law next year, and be in effect by 2027.”
The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill will be enacted the day after it receives royal assent, which is expected in the coming days.
Note to editor:
See attached fact sheet for a summary of changes to be enacted through the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill.
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
The Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Award finalists highlight the wide range of great work under way to keep our seafood sector productive and fisheries healthy, says deputy director-general Fisheries New Zealand Dan Bolger.
The finalists for this year’s awards include people and groups with projects ranging from reseeding initiatives and innovative fishing methods to new ways of transforming waste into value-added products.
“We’re an island nation, with one of the largest oceans in the world. It sustains the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who go fishing for fun, sport and food, and is also a significant earner, bringing in $2.2 billion dollars in exports and providing thousands of jobs all around the country,” Mr Bolger says.
“Making the most of our ocean resources requires hard work, dedication and innovation from many people from across New Zealand.
“These awards recognise the individuals, businesses, iwi organisations, and not-for-profits who are demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainability and innovation in our seafood sector.”
Fisheries New Zealand received a high number of quality entries and it was not easy for the independent panel of judges to select just 3 finalists for each category.
“The judges were pleased to see a variety of entrants including large scale enterprises and boutique businesses, and veterans of industry as well as relative newcomers, all demonstrating fresh thinking and a ‘can do’ attitude,” Mr Bolger says.
The finalists for each category are:
Operational Innovator Award, sponsored by Fishserve
Market Innovator Award, sponsored by Aquaculture New Zealand
Future Leader Award
Ocean Guardian Award, sponsored by Dragonfly Data Science
Tangata Tiaki/Kaitiaki Award, sponsored by Te Ohu Kaimoana
The winner of the Supreme Sustainability and Innovation Award, sponsored by Seafood New Zealand, will be selected from winners across these categories.
New Zealand’s seafood sector is full of people finding clever ways to care for the ocean and our planet, says chief executive Seafood New Zealand Lisa Futschek.
“Fishers spend more time on the water than most, so are seeing first-hand the changes in our environment – like climate change and sedimentation. Their connection to the sea runs deep.
“These awards are a wonderful way to celebrate the mahi of not only the commercial sector but all Kiwis making a difference in this area,” says Ms Futschek.
“Congratulations to all the finalists. By sharing their stories and honouring their efforts, I am certain we will inspire even more ideas and action to help sustain and protect our moana.”
In addition, a Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Award will be presented to recognise a long-term contribution to sustainability and innovation in the seafood sector.
The winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony at Parliament on 11 September 2025.
Find out more about the Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards
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.
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is investing in a new Biodiversity Research Centre future-proofing New Zealand’s unique natural history and providing construction jobs right now, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“We know improving the quality of New Zealand’s infrastructure is vital to growing our economy and helping Kiwis with the cost of living. Around 150 staff are expected to be on site during peak times, but the contractor expects more than 2,000 people to be involved in the project in some way.
“This is just one of the $6 billion worth of infrastructure projects our government is getting underway before Christmas.
“The new facility in Upper Hutt will house Te Papa’s natural history specimen collection containing more than 860,000 preserved specimens, including the world’s largest collection of New Zealand and Southern Ocean fishes.
“The current Tory Street facility is earthquake-prone and no longer fit for purpose. Without this investment, the collection would have faced disposal, which may have been more costly, and a devastation to science and research.
“Te Papa’s collection is a cornerstone of scientific research in biosecurity, biodiversity, and environmental science, supporting industries such as seafood, aquaculture, horticulture, agriculture, and forestry both nationally and globally.
“It includes specimens dating back over 150 years, with the oldest being a hoki fish caught in Wellington Harbour in 1869. Alongside smaller samples stored in jars, the collection features large marine species such as sharks and a colossal squid, all preserved for scientific study.”
Construction is set to begin next week, with completion expected by March 2028. The collection will be transferred shortly after, and the current facility will be decommissioned by April 2029.
The Government is investing $112.5 million over the next three years. The project is projected to cost $155.4 million overall. It previously received $42.9 million in 2022.
Source: New Zealand Government
Feedback is being sought on proposals to cut the rock lobster catch on Northland’s east coast to allow the fishery to recover.
“Rock lobster, which plays an important role in the marine ecosystem, is prized by commercial, recreational and customary fishers,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.
“The proposals that have been developed are significant. They would reduce catch on Northland’s east coast to, in the longer term, increase the abundance and size of rock lobster in that fishery.
“It’s about allowing the fishery on the east coast to recover so there are more and bigger lobsters in Northland’s east coast fishery,” Mr Jones says.
The proposals include:
“Officials engaged with the public late last year ahead of developing these proposals, and it’s clear from feedback that we all want a healthy and thriving Northland rock lobster fishery,” Mr Jones says.
“Taking steps to increase the abundance and size of rock lobster in this fishery is good for fishers but also for the marine environment. Rock lobster helps keep kina in check so they don’t destroy important kelp forest habitat and cause bare areas of rocky reef known as kina or urchin barrens.
“I’ve made dealing with kina barrens a priority. Last year, I introduced new tools to help tackle kina barrens, and in April I closed the inner Hauraki Gulf to rock lobster fishing.”
Consultation on the Northland proposals starts today, and people have until 5pm on 22 September 2025 to make a submission.
More information, including how to make a submission, can be found on MPI’s website.
Source: New Zealand Police
New Zealand Police is congratulating Fijian Police Officer Corporal Sailasa Kerekere and his dog Villain on their graduation from the Police Dog Training Centre (DTC) in Trentham today.
Corporal Kerekere marked the occasion in front of Fiji Police training Sergeant Nuimaia Lawanicina and training staff from the DTC.
This is Corporal Kerekere’s second operational dog, and he now heads back to the front line with an explosives specialist, a black Labrador called Villain.
“My first dog Hague and I worked together for two years as a drug detector team. I covered a large area with him, and this new pup Villain is a great dog too. I think he’ll be really good at his job,” he says.
The team trained at Trentham, supported under New Zealand and Fiji Police’s Partnership Programme and the Pacific Detector Dog Programme.
National Coordinator Police Dogs and Pacific Detector Dog Programme (PDDP) Manager, Inspector Todd Southall, congratulated Corporal Kerekere.
“Corporal Sailasa Kerekere has trained here in Upper Hutt for eight weeks and now the rest of his training is completed back in Fiji under the watchful eyes of advisors from the PDDP,” he says.
New Zealand Police has a close partnership with its Pacific neighbours and the PDDP is part of a commitment to increase safety across the region.
The DTC has been working with Pacific countries for much longer than the PDDP has been running, Inspector Southall says.
“About 20 years ago we started to work with some of the Pacific countries – initially the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Tonga, then later Fiji and now French Polynesia and New Caledonia has been added this year.”
The PDDP officially started in 2018, funded through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye, Tasman Organised Crime Unit:
Police executed a warrant earlier today at a Wanaka address and charged a 28-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman with defrauding a person of $1,044,500 over the past two years.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye said the Tasman Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) has been investigating two suspects who first lived on the West Coast and have recently moved to Wanaka where they have been living the high life with rented properties and high end European cars.
Their lavish lifestyle has been funded with money allegedly defrauded from family, friends and associates, for cancer treatment that inquiries show was never required and never obtained.
“The TOCU has been investigating this matter for only two weeks and has acted as promptly as possible to prevent further offending on this scale.
“Inquiries to date including an ongoing financial analysis of bank accounts used by the couple which indicates there are other victims who have not yet spoken with police. We’re identifying who they are and will be investigating their complaints.”
Existing matters against the couple were filed at court in April 2024 for fraud related offending against another two victims, totalling $79,000. They will appear in the Queenstown District Court where bail is opposed.
“Members of the TOCU will continue to investigate this matter to ensure all offenders are held to account. We’re also seizing assets where possible to assist with any possible reparation, and so that potential victims are protected from further offending by this couple.
“If you feel like you have given money away to this couple that matches with some of the deceptive reasons mentioned here or have information that can assist the inquiry, contact the Tasman Organised Crime Unit.”
“We’re based in Greymouth where the team will be actively investigating your complaint. Please quote case number 241031/7310,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye.
If you believe you are, or have been, a victim of fraud, contact Police at www.police.govt.nz/use-105, or call Police on 105 and report the matter.
If you have handed over your bank details, contact your bank and immediately suspend your account.
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Source: New Zealand Police
Police have made two arrests over an aggravated robbery in Onerahi on Monday afternoon.
Whangārei CIB have been investigating after a woman’s bag was taken from her near an alleyway on Ross Street on 11 August, around 3pm.
“A woman’s bag was taken after a weapon was allegedly presented at her,” Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer says.
“Enquiries have been underway to locate the two young males allegedly involved in this crime.
“This resulted in us locating two males, aged 14 and 16, yesterday.”
Police have charged the 14-year-old male with aggravated robbery and breaching bail.
He will be appearing in the Whangārei Youth Court today.
The 16-year-old has been referred to Youth Aid.
Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says an Onerahi address was searched as part of enquiries.
“Crucially, we have located a laptop that was in the woman’s bag at the time,” he says.
“This is a great result in both holding these two males to account, and recovering the laptop as I know it contained irreplaceable university material.
“Police and the community will not tolerate violence or other intimidation.”
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can today release the name of a man who died in Ruakākā on Monday.
He was local man, 29-year-old Matthew George Taylor.
Matthew leaves behind a partner and three young children.
“They are all struggling to come to terms with their loss,” Sergeant Simon Craig, from Ruakākā Station, says.
“What should have been morning exercise in good conditions has turned into a tragedy.”
His family have asked for privacy as they continue to grieve.
Police have established that Matthew had gone kayaking in the sheltered Ruakākā estuary.
“A search operation got underway after Matthew failed to return home,” Sergeant Craig says.
“Matthew was located a few hours later by Ruakākā Surf Lifesaving Club members in the estuary a short distance from where his upturned kayak was found.”
Police acknowledge those involved in the search for Matthew.
A rāhui has been put in place by Patuharakeke kaumātua over the Ruakākā River, which lifts this afternoon.
Police are referring Matthew’s death to the Coroner.
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Jarred Williamson/NZ Police