Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Government

The Coalition Government will support at risk regional air routes with up to $30 million in loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for small passenger airlines, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Transport Minister James Meager say.

“Reliable air services are critical for the economic and social wellbeing of regional New Zealand. They enable access to healthcare, education, business, and whānau, particularly in areas where other transport options are limited,” Mr Jones says. 

“Small regional carriers are under pressure from rising costs, limited access to capital, and ongoing post-COVID disruptions. Without this support, some communities risk losing vital air links and potential regional development,” Mr Jones says.

Mr Meager says the support is not a bailout, with funding coming in the form of concessionary loans.

“The aim is to stabilise the sector and support regional routes in the short to medium term. This is not intended to meet all the airlines’ capital needs but to provide targeted relief for such things as aircraft leasing, maintenance and debt refinancing.”

Cabinet has also approved funding for what could be a game-changing development for small regional carriers – digital upgrades that integrate regional transport bookings with the platforms of major carriers.

Known as ‘interlining’, the upgrades will enable passengers to book a single itinerary and flights on different airlines, including the major carriers.

“Streamlining bookings and baggage-handling between the smaller carriers and the bigger players in the aviation sector will makes it much easier for the travelling public to plan and book their preferred routes in one go,” Mr Meager says.

“Without intervention, our regional airlines face further service cuts or a complete withdrawal from routes, as we’ve seen in some regions around the country. Once fleet capacity is lost, recovery is difficult and costly. We’re acting now because a combination of factors, including the ongoing after-effects of the pandemic on air services, are placing exceptional pressures on the sector at present,” Mr Jones says.

“This Government is committed to ensuring that all regions, not just the main urban centres, remain connected and included in the national economy. This is a one-off, modest but meaningful intervention that will help prevent further service loss and protect regional connectivity.

The loans will be administered through Kānoa Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. Applications will open shortly on the Grow Regions website at www.growregions.govt.nz.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Ngararatunua, Northland on 22 August.

He was Don Craig Tataurangi, 36, of Whangārei.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are continuing.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  01 September 2025

In an open letter to the world and on digital billboards, which went live overnight in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, DOC revealed it has “counted” all of nature and the total is 695 billion.

Department of Conservation Director General Penny Nelson says the new population is a “playful, back-of-the-envelope estimate,” and is a representative number to reframe the way people see nature.

It’s part of a major new campaign launched today that invites New Zealand to “Always Be Naturing.“

“This is a hugely different approach for DOC. We want to spark curiosity and conversations around all the amazing plants, birds, and marine life we have in this country and what we stand to lose if we don’t look after it.

Nature is so important for the air we breathe, the water we drink and soil we grow our food in. Our economy relies on it. We count on nature for so many things.

“The 695 billion number came from playing with some data sets and having a go at estimating the population of all visible living things, like birds, fish, plants, and trees. We obviously couldn’t count all the slugs and bugs,” she laughs.

Penny Nelson says new DOC commissioned research shows 90% of New Zealanders cared about nature but 89% believed it was in ‘good shape’ which was disconnected from the reality of the situation.

“There are just 238 kākāpō left, fewer than 40 tara iti (New Zealand fairy tern) and 4000 native species that are threatened or at risk of extinction. 63% of our ecosystems are on the brink of collapse. These are the numbers we want everyone to be aware of,” she says.

Penny Nelson says the research also revealed many people wanted to take action to help but didn’t know what to do and wanted more information.

“We know when we take action, it makes a tangible difference – nature is resilient and can bounce back. This is why we are launching the Always Be Naturing campaign, to encourage people to view nature differently, get out and get amongst it, and take action.

By combining everyone’s efforts – Government, businesses, iwi, organisations, communities, and individuals – we can create change that is bigger and longer lasting.

Our goal is to create momentum over time, building a nation who value what nature gives us and who recognise we all have a responsibility to care for it.

DOC is focused on delivering the highest value conservation work for the investment we have. We have always needed others to help care for nature, that’s true now more than ever. This programme is about engaging New Zealand to take action, unlocking new funding streams through private sector investment and collaborations, and creating a strong culture of conservation.” she says.

Penny Nelson says DOC has built new digital tools on its website to make it easier for people to get involved and find a range of different options depending on people’s location and interests.

“You could build a bird feeder in your backyard, plant native grasses or shrubs, put a bell on your cat, donate money or join a local conservation group. Every action will help.

“Businesses are a powerful voice and can spread the word to their staff and customers, as well as invest directly into projects that make a difference, or look at the impact their business has on nature.

The campaign also encourages people to get out into nature. “There is nothing like being there to encourage a connection and motivate action.”

There are lots of different ways you can be ‘naturing,’ she says. By combining our efforts and expertise we can go further together and make the change nature needs. Conservation is not just for the experts, it’s for everyone.”

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DOC open letter (PDF, 1,203K)

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

Fish & Game New Zealand’s family fishing licences are receiving a long-overdue update to ensure both adults have equal fishing rights, Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has announced.

From the 2025/26 angling season, both adults will be able to fish independently and have voting rights in Fish & Game elections.

A historic anomaly in the licensing system means the second adult on the licence, often a woman, currently cannot fish without being accompanied by the primary holder or their children, nor stand or vote in elections.

“This is a common-sense change to modernise an outdated aspect of the system and bring family licences into 2025. It’s my hope this will remove accessibility barriers and make it easier for more women and young families to enjoy angling,” Mr Meager says.

“As Minister, it is my responsibility to make it as easy as possible for Kiwis to hunt and fish. These changes will ensure more people can experience angling, while encouraging the next generation to get involved.”

The decision follows University of Otago research commissioned by Fish & Game, which identified barriers to women’s participation in freshwater fishing, alongside feedback from groups like Women on the Fly NZ. 

“I am delighted the Minister has acted upon changes to the Family Fishing Licence, which will encourage more women to get out on our rivers and give angling a go,” Fish & Game Patron Dame Lynda Topp says.

“While 13% of individual licence holders are women, this rises to around 30% when considering women listed as the secondary adult on a family licence. If women angled at the same rate as men, we could see up to 60,000 more enjoying our rivers and lakes,” Fish & Game Acting Chief Executive Richie Cosgrove says.

“This is just one piece of a broader strategy to make freshwater fishing more inclusive and accessible.”

The changes are alongside confirmation of no price increases to Fish & Game angling licences, for the first time in five seasons.

“Kiwis are doing it tough and the last thing they need is another financial burden hitting their wallets when they’re trying to put food on the table for families,” Mr Meager says.

“Instead, a 2026 fees review will consider Fish & Game’s actions to ensure improved operational efficiencies, better licence-holder value for money, adjustments to better align the family licence to DOC’s Taupo fishing licence and maintain the financial viability of the organisation’s statutory obligations.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 50, north of Tikokino around midday today.

Sadly, one person passed away at the scene. 

The highway was closed for a few hours for debris removal and opened at 3pm.

The Serious Crash Unit are making enquiries into the circumstances of the crash.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Bay of Plenty Police have intercepted and disrupted multiple planned anti-social road user gatherings overnight with arrests, impounds, and infringements issued.

A significant number of anti-social road users travelled from Hamilton, Rotorua, and other areas to congregate in Tauranga for planned meet-ups.

Over the course of the operation, more than 100 Police staff were out on the roads, conducting checkpoints throughout the wider Tauranga area.

The Police Eagle Helicopter was deployed to assist, providing crucial information to staff on the ground.

Western Bay of Plenty Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Zane Smith, says the strong Police presence at known meet spots around Tauranga prevented the groups from blocking roads and performing dangerous activities.

“There were multiple instances where the gatherings moved to other areas, such as Papamoa, Marine Parade, Tauriko, and Oropi.

“However, our visible and preventative approach meant groups were intercepted before they were able to participate in any anti-social road user activity.”

In total, three people were arrested for driving while disqualified, resisting Police, and obstructing Police.

A 19-year-old man is due to appear in Tauranga District Court on 5 September, charged with driving while suspended and resisting Police.

The other two people are due to appear in court at a later date.

1000 initial breath screening tests were conducted at multiple checkpoints throughout the night, with four excess breath alcohol results relating to the pre-planned gatherings.

Nine members of the public also recorded excess breath alcohol results.

Twenty vehicles were pink or green stickered, ordering them off the road as they were deemed unsafe to be driven.

Police also impounded four vehicles, alongside issuing 31 infringement notices.

Inspector Smith says there are a range of factors that make these events dangerous.

“Illegally modified and unroadworthy vehicles travelling on roads at speed and performing sustained losses of traction is a quick way for someone to end up seriously injured, or worse.

“This driving behaviour is dangerous for everyone involved; drivers, passengers, spectators, the public, and our staff.”

Inspector Smith says Police hear the frustration of the community around this behaviour, and feel the same way.

“Our message is clear – we have zero-tolerance for this behaviour and the havoc it creates.

“If you are participating in anti-social road user activities, expect to see us on the roads taking action.

“I think that was made very clear by our response this weekend,” says Inspector Smith.

“Disruption and prevention were the focus for us, and these results show the good work done by all the officers involved.”

Police continue to encourage anyone who witnesses anti-social road user behaviour to report it immediately.

Please call 111 if it is happening now, or you can make a report after the fact through our 105 service.

If you have information you’d like to share anonymously, please call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A strong Police presence in Manawatū overnight saw officers spoil the intentions of anti-social road users, and issue dozens of infringements.

Operation Purple – supported by staff from Whanganui, Taranaki, Wellington, and Hawke’s Bay – saw at least 250 breath tests conducted, and successfully prevented the activity from causing potential further harm and distress.

Manawatū Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Ash Gurney, says staff pulling together from multiple districts, along with quality planning, is what really set the operation up for success.

“We executed our plan well – we got in early; we were highly visible from the start with patrols, check points, and vehicle stops, which made sure that the groups were not able to form in numbers,” he says.

Activities were largely in central Palmerston North and its rural surrounds, including Feilding, and resulted in:

• 250 initial breath screening tests, with four people presenting with excess breath alcohol

• 58 infringements issued

• Nine vehicles issued with either pink, blue or green stickers

• Four vehicles impounded

• Two licence suspensions

Three people were also arrested during the operation:

• A 28-year-old man was arrested for allegedly throwing a bottle at a Police vehicle, he is due to appear in Palmerston North District Court on 4 September

• A 33-year-old man was arrested for failing to remain at a Police checkpoint, presenting with excess breath alcohol, and previous outstanding matters. He is due to appear in Palmerston North District Court on 1 September

• A 21-year-old was processed for presenting with excess breath alcohol and is awaiting blood results.

Inspector Gurney says the results are pleasing.

“I’m really pleased with the outcome of this operation, especially when we see the devastating impacts that can occur from anti-social road user behaviour.

“Much like the community – we also have no tolerance for this behaviour, and I think the way we managed last night’s activities really highlights that,” says Inspector Gurney.

“Police are sending a message to anyone participating in anti-social road user behaviour – we are ready and waiting, and you can expect us to take action anywhere, anytime.”

We continue to encourage anyone who witnesses this type of activity to report it to Police.

Please call 111 if it is happening now, or you can make a report after the fact through our 105 service.

If you have information you’d like to share anonymously, please call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Greymouth Police are seeking the public’s help to identify the man pictured in these images.

We believe he may be able to assist us with our enquiries following an assault at a restaurant, on the corner of Tainui Street and Whall Street, on Friday 8 August at around 10.45pm.

If this is you, or you know who this man is, please update us online now or call 105 – he is possibly from Nelson or Christchurch.

Please use the reference number 250811/6119.

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

ENDS.

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Greymouth Police are seeking the public’s help to identify the man pictured in these images, who could be from Christchurch.

We believe he may be able to assist us with our enquiries following an assault at a restaurant, on the corner of Tainui Street and Whall Street, on Friday 8 August at around 10.45pm.

If this is you, or you know who this man is, please update us online now or call 105 – he is possibly from Nelson or Christchurch.

Please use the reference number 250811/6119.

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

ENDS.

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 50 north of Tikokino, Central Hawke’s Bay, will be closed for some time following a serious crash.

It involved one vehicle and happened shortly before 12:10pm.

Indications are there are serious injuries.

The road is expected to be closed for some time while emergency services are at the scene.

Diversions are in place off the highway at Butler Road and Whakapirau Road.

Motorists are advised to expect delays.

ENDS