Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Sergeant Tony Woodbridge of Waitaki Police:

Ōamaru Police are eager to hear from the community to help identify those responsible for senseless acts of cruelty against wildlife.

Police were notified by the Department of Conservation (DOC) that three endangered sea lions were shot at the mouth of the Waitaki River on Saturday 9 August.

Two of the sea lions were deceased and a third wounded sea lion sadly had to be euthanised. 

Local iwi were notified of the situation.

Police are working with DOC rangers to investigate the evidence supplied to them.

If you can help, call Police on 105 quoting event number P063434540 or visit us at the Ōamaru Police Station.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Team

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has died after being pulled from the water on Tamaki Drive, Parnell, this afternoon.

Emergency services were notified about 3.35pm that the man had gone into the water from a boat at the marina.

Sadly, he was not able to be revived, and died at the scene.

His death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services have been called to Pembroke Road, Egmont National Park, after a report of several vehicles sliding on ice and coming off the road.

There are no indications of any injuries, however the road is currently extremely icy and will be closed.

Motorists should avoid the area if possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is introducing two new seasonal visa pathways to help New Zealand businesses access the workers they need during peak periods, while also prioritising jobs for New Zealanders. 

“We know the success of our seasonal industries is critical to growing the economy. These new visas will make it easier for employers to bring back experienced seasonal workers and to fill short-term roles that are hard to fully staff locally,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. 

“We are making sure businesses can access the right people at the right time, while also protecting opportunities for Kiwis.” 

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) is an up to three-year visa for highly experienced seasonal workers in roles such as rural contracting, sheep scanning, winemaking, and snow instruction. It enables skilled workers to return for subsequent seasons on the same visa. Visa holders will need to spend a minimum of three months out of every 12 months offshore before returning to New Zealand. 

The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) is a visa of up to seven months for short-term seasonal roles such as meat and seafood processing, calf-rearing, and wool handling. Visa holders will have to have at least one season of previous relevant experience and people will need to leave New Zealand for at least four months before the visa can be renewed. For visa over three months there will be a new requirement for insurance with health coverage.

Employers will be required to advertise these roles, as well as engage with MSD, to ensure that New Zealand workers continue to be prioritised.

“These visas are designed to reflect the realities of seasonal work and the diverse range of skill levels involved. They’ll help fill critical roles in industries where employers struggle to find enough New Zealand workers at peak times. From ski instructors guiding first-timers down the slopes to wine makers helping create next year’s vintage, these visas are designed to keep seasonal industries humming.” 

“These changes are part of our plan to deliver smart, flexible and nuanced immigration solutions to help grow our economy,” Ms Stanford says.