Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Government

The 100-year anniversary of Te Kūiti Hospital is a major milestone and a reminder of the critical role rural hospitals play in providing healthcare closer to home, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey say.

“For a century, Te Kūiti Hospital has been at the heart of the King Country community, delivering essential care and support to generations of local families,” Mr Brown says.

“Rural hospitals like Te Kūiti are vital to ensuring people in smaller communities can access healthcare without travelling long distances. Over the past year alone, more than 3000 patients have presented to the hospital’s emergency department, which continues to exceed the national health target for shorter stays in ED.”

Te Kūiti Hospital serves around 14,200 people from Te Kūiti, Ōtorohanga, Piopio, and Tahāroa, and provides emergency care, specialist clinics, an inpatient unit, laboratory and radiology services, and allied health support. 

“It also works closely with local primary care providers to meet the growing demand for healthcare in the region, reducing the need for locals to travel long distances to access healthcare.”

Mr Doocey says the Government recognises the challenges rural communities face and is taking steps to improve access to healthcare.

“That’s why we’ve invested $164 million over four years to boost urgent and after-hours care across the country, including in rural areas, so New Zealanders can get the help they need, when and where they need it.

“During the Rural Health Roadshow in Te Kūiti, I heard loud and clear how important Te Kūiti Hospital is to the local community. The hospital has been selected as one of six rural prototype sites trialling practical improvements such as better access to diagnostics, on-call pharmacy support, and digital tools that provide clinicians real-time backup and advice.

“These trials will help shape the design of rural health services for up to 70 rural locations over the next two years.”

Mr Brown says the Government is also focused on strengthening and growing the rural health workforce through initiatives such as rural training hubs and the new medical school at the University of Waikato.

“The new medical school will prioritise clinical placements in regional and rural areas, helping grow a pipeline of homegrown health professionals who understand and are committed to serving their communities.

“As we mark 100 years of Te Kūiti Hospital, we are building the foundations for the next 100 years, ensuring rural New Zealanders continue to have access to timely, quality, and reliable care close to home.”

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  01 November 2025 Source:  Office of the Minister of Conservation and Office of the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality

“I’m thrilled to announce the Government will fund the completion of Te Ara Mangawhero and progress Te Hangāruru, connecting them into the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle journey,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“These two routes are among the last sections needed to complete the full trail from Mount Ruapehu to the Tasman Sea, with just one section remaining before cyclists can complete the 231 km journey.”

Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka says “This kaupapa is linking our people, our stories, and our whenua (land). Completing these trails will strengthen local communities and regional economies while enhancing the environment that sustains us.

“Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust and Te Korowai o Wainuiārua are leading this mahi (work) alongside Ngā Ara Tūhono Trust and the Department of Conservation. This is another powerful example of partnership in action. Together, they’re creating experiences that honour the rich experiences and cultural significance of the land.

“Visitors come to Aotearoa New Zealand for our landscapes, our bush, and our stories. Te Ara Mangawhero and Te Hangāruru will nurture that connection, places where visitors and locals alike can experience the beauty, meaning, and identity of this region.

“We are focused on practical partnerships that protect our taiao, celebrate our culture, and strengthen regional economies, ensuring our natural heritage continues to sustain people, place, and purpose for generations to come.”

The works will be funded by the International Visitor Levy ($7.7 million) alongside $3.1 million from the recently announced Major Events and Tourism Package. Sections of the track will be open to the public as they are completed, with the full project due to be concluded in early 2027.

“Our Government’s Major Events and Tourism Package has been designed to drive visitor spending, support local businesses, and create jobs up and down the country. Ready-to-go projects like these cycle trails will bring more visitors to the region, entice them to stay longer, and build confidence in the local economy,” Louise Upston says.

“Adding to the diversity of experiences in the Ruapehu district will develop long term resilience in the regional tourism sector. It’s a stunning area of New Zealand and it deserves to be showcased.”

Notes to Editors:

• Ngā Ara Tūhono Mountains to Sea cycle journey is one of the Great Rides of New Zealand.
• The Great Ride is divided into ten sections which can be completed separately or completed as a full trail from mountains to sea (including a 32 km boat section on the Whanganui River).
• The trail extensions being funded are 13 km for Te Ara Mangawhero, and 1.1 km for Te Hangāruru (including a 99 m suspension bridge).
• The final short section between the Last Spike and Waimarino (National Park Village) will remain to fully realise the 320 km Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle trail. Ngā Ara Tūhono Trust is progressing this section with Te Korowai o Wainuiārua.

E eke paihikara ana ki te manawaroa ā-rohe ki Ruapehu

Ka maha ake ngā manuhiri ki te rohe o Ruapehu, ā, ka pakari ake te ōhanga ki te Puku o te Ika i ētahi ara paihikara e rua, ko ēnei ara ka peka atu ki ētahi wāhi ātaahua rawa.  

“E hīkaka ana te ngākau ki te whakamōhio atu, ka utua e te Kāwanatanga te whakaotinga o Te Ara Mangawhero me te whakawhanake tonutanga o Te Hangāruru, kia honoa ai ēnei ara ki te haerenga paihikara e kīia nei ko Ngā Ara Tūhono,” hei tā te Minita mō te Tāpoi me te Manaaki, hei tā Louise Upston.

“Ko ēnei ara hou ētahi o ngā wāhanga whakamutunga e whakaotia ai te haerenga katoa mai i te maunga o Ruapehu ki te Tai-o-Rehua, ā kotahi noa iho te wāhanga e toe ana i mua i te wā ka āhei ngā kaieke paihikara ki te whakaoti i te haerenga katoa, e 231 kiromita te roanga.”

Ko te kī atu a te Minita Whāomoomo a Tama Potaka, “E tūhono ana tēnei kaupapa i ō tātou tāngata, ā tātou pūrākau, me tō tātou whenua. Mā te whakaoti i ngā ara ka pakari haere nei ngā hapori me ngā ōhanga ā-rohe me te whakahaumako tonu i te taiao e whāngai nei i a tātou.

“E ārahi ana a Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust rātou ko Te Korowai o Wainuiāura i tēnei mahi ki te taha o Ngā Ara Tūhono Trust me Te Papa Atawhai. He tauira whakahirahira anō tēnei o te mahi rangapū e whakatinanahia ana e te tangata. Ko rātou katoa e mahi ngātahi ana ki te waihanga i ngā wheako e whakahōnore nei i ngā wheako whairawa me te hiranga ā-ahurea o te whenua.

“Haere mai ai ngā manuhiri ki Aotearoa mō te horanuku, te ngahere, me ngā pūrākau te take. Ka tiakina taua hononga e Te Ara Mangawhero me Te Hangāruru, ngā wāhi e toro atu ai ngā manuhiri me te haukāinga ki te rerehua, te hiranga, me te tuakiri o tēnei rohe.

“E aro atu ana mātou ki ngā rangapū whaikiko e haumaru ai te taiao, e whakanuia ai tō tātou ahurea, e pakari ai hoki ngā ōhanga ā-rohe, kia taea tonutia ai e tō tātou tuku ihotanga ā-motu te tautīnei te tangata, te wāhi, me te take mō ngā reanga e tupu mai nei.”

Ka utua ēnei mahi e te International Visitor Levy (7.7 miriona tāra) ki te taha o te 3.1 miriona tāra i ahu mai rā i te Major Events and Tourism Package kātahi anō ka pānuitia atu. Hei te wā ka oti tētahi wāhanga o te ara, ka whakatuwherahia ki te marea, ā, ka oti katoa te kaupapa nei i te wāhanga tōmua o te tau 2027.

“Kua waihangatia te Major Events and Tourism Package a te Kāwanatanga hei whakakaha ake i te mahi hokohoko a ngā manuhiri, hei tautoko i ngā pakihi ā-rohe, hei whakarite hoki i ngā tūranga mahi huri noa i te motu. Mā ngā kaupapa rite pēnei i ēnei ara paihikara ka maha ake ngā manuhiri ki te rohe nei, ka poapoatia hoki rātou ki te whakaroa ake i tā rātou nohonga ki konei, ā, ka piki ake te whakapono ki te ōhanga ā-rohe,” te kī a Louise Upston. 

“Mā te tāpiri atu ki te kanorautanga o ngā wheako ki te rohe o Ruapehu ka whanake ake te manawaroa mauroa i te rāngai tāpoitanga ā-rohe. He wāhi ātaahua rirerire tēnei ki Aotearoa nei, ā, e tika ana kia whakaaturia atu.”

He Kupu mā ngā Etita:

• Ko te haerenga paihikara o Ngā Ara Tūhono Mountains to Sea tētahi o ngā Great Rides o Aotearoa.
• Tekau ngā wāhanga o te ara ka taea e te tangata te whakaoti takitahi, ka taea hoki e te tangata te whakaoti te ara katoa mai i ngā maunga ki te moana i te wā kotahi (tae ana ki tētahi wāhanga waka ki runga i te awa o Whanganui, e 32 kiromita te roanga).
• Ko ngā ara tāpiri e utua ana ko te 13 kiromita o Te Ara Mangawhero, me te 1.1 kiromita o te ara o Te Hangāruru (tae ana ki tētahi arawhiti tārewa e 99 mita te roanga).
• Ko te wāhanga whakamutunga, he wāhanga poto noa nei kei waenga i te Last Spike me te Waimarino ka noho tonu mai hei whakaoti mā mātou ā muri nei e tutuki ai te 320 kiromita o te ara paihikara e kīia nei ko Ngā Ara Tūhono. Ka whakahaerehia tēnei mahi e Ngā Ara Tūhono Trust rātou ko Te Korowai o Wainuiārua.

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Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

33 seconds ago

EIT Bachelor of Nursing graduate Tiara Grayndler-Hollis’ journey to becoming a hospice nurse in Tairāwhiti was inspired by the two men who meant the most to her: her ‘papa’ and her father.

The 30-year-old mother of three (Ngāti Porou, Whakatōhea) began studying at EIT Tairāwhiti in 2022 after her ‘papa’ Hugh Grayndler, who she cared for, passed away the year prior.

“While caring for him, he mentioned that he wished I was his nurse,” Tiara said.

“When I lost him, I didn’t know what I was going to do because my days consisted of dropping my kids off and then going to him, caring for him and going home. So, I decided to study nursing to honour him.”

Midway through her studies, Tiara’s father Rob Hollis was diagnosed with cancer. She brought him home to care for him while continuing her degree.

“The team at EIT were incredible. They really supported me through that time. I was caring for Dad and still trying to study, and they made it possible.”

Her father passed away in March 2024.

It was during this time that Tiara was introduced to the work of Hospice Tairāwhiti. Her father was under their care, and the experience left a lasting impression.

“Seeing how the hospice team cared for Dad and our whānau really touched me. I saw another side of nursing, and it made me realise hospice was where my heart was. My ‘papa’ inspired me to become a nurse, and my dad guided me to hospice.”

She completed her final placement with the hospice team and made it clear that it was the only place she wanted to work.

“I told them I’d only put hospice down on my NETP (Nursing Entry to Practice Programme) application. I was lucky to have already built a connection with the team while they were caring for my dad.”

Now working as a hospice nurse, Tiara says the role allows her to continue honouring her ‘papa’ and father.

“I still feel connected to them here. I just enjoy being out there helping whānau towards the end of life, making sure their symptoms are controlled and they are not suffering.”

She was also able to put her skills to use towards the end of her uncle’s (Henry Hollis) life earlier this year.

“It felt like I was honouring my dad again.”

Before nursing, Tiara had considered a very different path. After finishing high school, she studied travel and tourism with dreams of becoming a flight attendant. Plans to join the Air Force with her cousin were then put on hold when she became a mother.

During her time at EIT, Tiara explored different areas of nursing, including geriatric nursing and mental health. A placement at Te Waharoa, a service grounded in te ao Māori, left a strong impression. But it was her father’s hospice journey that ultimately shaped her direction.

She now balances her work with raising her three children, aged eight, seven and five.

“I love what I do. The hours fit around my kids, and I get to make a difference every day. It is a privilege.”
Reflecting on her studies, Tiara says EIT Tairāwhiti’s small classes and supportive environment made all the difference.

“It’s such a whānau-based place. The tutors are understanding and genuinely care about your family life. If you have tamariki, EIT Tairāwhiti is definitely the place to study.”

EIT Senior Nursing Lecturer Adrianna Grogan said: “Tiara’s life experiences with the losses of whānau prior to beginning the Bachelor of Nursing programme and during the programme have shaped the registered nurse she is today”.

“Through challenging situations, Tiara remained committed and focused on her studies and her ultimate goal of becoming a registered nurse. It was with great pride that I watched Tiara walk across the stage at her graduation, carrying her father’s photo and knowing that when you are committed to what you are doing, you can achieve your dream.”

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died after a serious crash in Whatawhata this evening.

At around 5.15pm, emergency services were alerted to a car that had gone into a river near Te Pahu Road.

Sadly, after the vehicle was removed, one person was located deceased.

The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

28 seconds ago

EIT Bachelor of Nursing graduate Jaedi Davies (Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāti Porou) is giving back to her East Coast community through her work with iwi-based health provider Ngāti Porou Oranga.

Motivated by her 11-year-old son’s medical challenges and a desire to serve her iwi, Jaedi returned home to pursue nursing, completing her degree a year before her 40th birthday.

“I’ve been around the healthcare system for a while with my son who has been medically unwell pretty much his whole life. It was kind of a no-brainer. I wanted to give back to my iwi and show my children that no matter where you live or what obstacles you face, you can achieve your goals.”

After finishing high school in Tairāwhiti, Jaedi joined the army before moving to Australia. The 39-year-old mother of two moved back home in 2019.

She began her studies at EIT Tairāwhiti in 2022 with the NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation before enrolling in the three-year Bachelor of Nursing.

Despite disruptions, including the lingering effects of COVID-19 and the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, Jaedi found strong support from EIT staff and her classmates.

“The tutors were really helpful. They gave me options, but I chose to persevere through it all.”

Jaedi says the highlight of her studies was not just graduating but doing so alongside her classmates.

“We all started together in year one and walked across the stage together. That was really special.”

Her final-year placement with Ngāti Porou Oranga led directly to her current role.

Now part of the New Entry to Practice (NETP) programme, she helps deliver healthcare in Ngāti Porou.

“We live so rural, and we don’t have a lot of clinicians. It’s about encouraging the next generation to come through and take over from those who won’t be here forever.”

EIT Senior Nursing Lecturer Adrianna Grogan said: “From her commencement on the Bachelor of Nursing programme Jaedi Davies (JD) demonstrated true passion and an absolute commitment to becoming a registered nurse”.

“JD lived up the East Coast and would travel daily in all sorts of weather to attend class. She was committed to her studies and a great supporter of the other students in her class. Throughout her clinical placements, JD received high praise from preceptors especially for her commitment to Māori patients.

“I am immensely proud of JD and what she has achieved and to know she is back working with her iwi is so special.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Regan Boucher,

A man has been remanded in custody following a search warrant at a property in Glenorchy.

This morning, the Otago Lakes Central Organised Crime Team executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing Operation, targeting the supply of Methamphetamine within the community.

A 46-year-old Glenorchy resident was taken into custody without incident.

This arrest is the culmination of significant and complex work by the Otago Lakes Central Organised Crime Team.

During the search Police located quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis, drug dealing paraphernalia, and approximately $11,000 cash.

This is an excellent result not only for the rural community of Glenorchy, but also the wider Queenstown area.

Every time we can take drug dealers, who trade on people’s suffering, off the streets through disrupting and dismantling their ongoing criminal activities, it makes our communities safer.

Drug dealing and the downstream effects, such as drug-related crime, causes harm that we all feel and we will continue to stamp out drug dealing wherever we become aware of it.

We would like to thank the members of the public who have provided us with information and continue to appeal to anyone who has concerns about illicit drugs within the community to please contact Police as the information we receive from the public tells us where we need to be and assists us in preventing ongoing harm within our communities.

Anyone with information after the fact or in non-emergencies can contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Make a Report” or by calling 105.

Information can also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Glen Lindup, West Coast Area Investigations Manager,

Three men are before the courts after two serious assaults in Westport on Wednesday 29 October.

The first assault occurred on Wednesday evening, when the male victim was allegedly lured to an address by a man known to him and was subsequently assaulted by two other men at the address.

The victim has then managed to leave the address and sought medical treatment for his injuries.

Later the same evening, the three alleged offenders travelled to another Westport address, where they assaulted a second male victim.

The second victim suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital in Greymouth.

Today West Coast CIB, along with the Public Safety Team and Offender Prevention Team, executed search warrants at three Westport properties.

As a result, all three alleged offenders were located and taken into custody.

A 55-year-old man has been charged with threatening to kill, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and injuring with intent.

A 26-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and injuring with intent.

They are both due to appear in Greymouth District Court on Saturday 1 November.

A 33-year-old man has been charged with threatening to kill, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and injuring with intent.

He has been remanded on bail and is due to reappear in Westport District Court on Thursday 6 November.

Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has sadly died following a crash on State Highway 3, Rukuhia this afternoon.

Police and other emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash, near the Narrows Road intersection, at around 1:20pm.

Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene.

Two other people were transported to hospital in critical and serious condition.

The road remains closed, with diversions in place, while the Serious Crash Unit complete a scene examination.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A solo day walk turned into a rescue mission when Southland was in a state of local emergency.

Southland Police are urging anyone heading into the bush to make sure they’re doing it safely after a day walker became lost attempting the Makarewa Falls Track on a stormy Labour Day.

Sergeant Alun Griffiths from Police Search and Rescue, Southland, says Police were alerted through the iPhone emergency satellite system shortly after 5pm on Monday. 

“There was significant tree fall in the area, and she’d lost her way.

“With limited gear and no navigational aid, we told her to stay put.”

Snow was low on the bush line, and the ambient temperature was a mere two degrees, so Police responded swiftly with Land Search and Rescue teams from Gore and Invercargill.

“Thankfully we found her, but she was very cold,” he says.

She was given dry clothes and hot drinks then, once sufficiently warm, was assisted out to the carpark around 10pm.

“We’re lucky to have great access to stunning scenery in this part of the country,” Sergeant Griffiths says.

“But we recommend when people head into the bush, they do it safely.

“Assess the weather and conditions and take sufficient gear for your activity.

“Carry two forms of communication.

“Even experienced hikers can end up in situations where they need help.”

If you are going outdoors, no matter if it is hiking, hunting or climbing, please follow the five simple steps of the Land Safety Code:

Choose the right trip for you

Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it. It is important to choose a trip that suits everyone in your group. When you are looking at options, make sure to think about everyone’s fitness levels and experience in the outdoors.

Understand the weather

New Zealand weather can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed. Weather can make or break a trip. It is one of the most important things to consider when going into the outdoors.

Pack warm clothes and extra food

Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out. Any trip, even if it is short and easy, needs preparation. Packing the right things can make trips safer and more enjoyable.

Share your plans

Telling a trusted person about your trip details and taking a personal locator beacon can save your life. We all want our trips to go as planned – but sometimes they don’t. If you get hurt or lost on your trip, how would you get help? Leaving trip intentions

Take care of yourself and each other

Eat, drink, and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together. The best way to enjoy your experience in the outdoors and make it home safely is to look out for one another.

Distress beacons can be hired for as little as $10 from many Department of Conservation Visitor Centres, and outdoor tramping and hunting stores.

If you have purchased a beacon, make sure to register it at www.beacons.org.nz

More information on trip planning can be found at: Trip Planning — NZMSC

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