Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has made significant improvements to the freshwater farm plan system through the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act which has now passed into law, says Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard.

“These changes are about making farm plans workable and affordable so farmers can get on and farm without unnecessary red tape,” Mr Hoggard says.

The Act allows the Minister for the Environment to approve industry organisations to certify and audit freshwater farm plans, replacing the previous requirement where regional councils provided approval.

“This reduces duplication and cost for farmers who are already part of robust industry assurance programmes such as Horticulture New Zealand’s NZGAP or Fonterra’s Tiaki plans,” Mr Hoggard says. 

“If farmers and industry groups are already doing good work to identify and manage risks, we want to recognise that rather than force more paperwork on them. 

“Farm plans will be built around actual risk on farm, and the practical actions the farmer will take over time to reduce them. This is another step toward ensuring farmers can continue to feed the world without getting tied up in complex resource consents, and balances this with protecting the environment.” 

Many smaller farms will no longer need a freshwater farm plan – the minimum farm size needing a plan for sheep and beef, arable, orcharding, and viticulture land use is now 50 hectares, up from 20ha.

This means that for around 8,000 smaller, lower risk farms the requirement for a freshwater farm plan has been scrapped completely.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the primary sector drives New Zealand’s exports, underpinning our economy and standard of living. When farmers do well, every New Zealander does well.

“We’re continuing to progress a full overhaul of the RMA and replace it with a common-sense system that works. In the meantime, these practical amendments ensure farmers can get on with the job until we get there.”

These reforms support both environmental stewardship and growth. 

“Farmers are already doing a huge amount of work investing in freshwater management. Our job is to make sure the rules are practical, efficient and fit for purpose so the sector can continue to lead the world,” Mr McClay says.

Source: Family First

MEDIA RELEASE – 20 August 2025

Disturbing Details Of Euthanasia Drugs – Expert

It’s not just the use of sedatives – it’s the neuromuscular blockers designed to ensure those watching the death only see peace and calm when the reality could be quite different.

Family First is today releasing a podcast that highlights the reality of what happens when drugs are given for assisted suicide and euthanasia.

In the podcast interview with Sharon Quick MD – a retired American paediatric anaesthetist and critical care physician – she talks through the drugs used overseas, and likely here in New Zealand, and what they actually do to the human body.

From the use of lethal drugs to paralyse patients so they cannot speak or respond, to sedatives which wear off quickly, to declaring a person dead when it’s not clinically possible – her insights are disturbing and clearly why pro-euthanasia groups do not wish to discuss the reality of the lethal drugs used, and why New Zealand authorities do not disclose what lethal drugs are administered. Her insights from clinical experience are disturbing yet importantly contribute to a deeper understanding of what euthanasia / assisted suicide actually involves.

As New Zealand continues to see an increase of euthanasia deaths and a push for expansion, it is more important than ever that people understand the reality of what is happening when lethal drugs are administered.

With news that a New Zealander was euthanised without proper sedation, the timing of this podcast is important.

Dr Quick notes how the use of sedatives such as propofol are frequently used and even though highly dosed, patients can often wake within 30 minutes of the drugs being administered. Alongside this, sedatives can cause hypoxia which in turn can lead to seizures, unusual breathing patterns, and gasping. As she notes, this is difficult to watch and why in the executions of prisoners, the use of neuromuscular blockers became standard – and now in euthanasia / assisted suicides.

Disturbingly, Dr Quick notes that the frequent use of neuromuscular blockers during euthanasia are designed to keep the family happy, not the patient. Neuromuscular blockers paralyse the patient so that family and others can see no movement at all. As Dr Quick herself notes, neuromuscular blockers “causes the person not to be able to move any voluntary muscles so they can’t move their arms or legs. They can’t breathe, they can’t speak, they can’t even blink.”

Dr Quick says, “I am concerned that someone’s propofol, their anaesthetic has worn off and they are paralysed and they’re unable to speak. They’re unable to move. They’re unable to say, I can feel everything I can.”

“I want to breathe, but I can’t breathe…. so they may be dying in agony. But the protocols are to prevent them from moving so that there aren’t any uncomfortable, like seizures or uncomfortable looking motions for the families to witness. And yet we have no idea what’s going on in the heads of those patients who are taking that long to die.”

She also calls out pro-euthanasia advocates who say that people can be dead within a minute or two. From her clinical experience, she notes that it is impossible to confidently say a person is dead in such a short space of time.

The full podcast and transcript can be found here:

https://familyfirst.org.nz/2025/08/20/family-matters-sharon-quick-md-on-what-assisted-dying-is-really-like/

Source: New Zealand Police

A prolific shoplifter faces court today after allegedly offending across the Auckland region for more than a year.

Communities staff sighted his vehicle travelling through Ōtara on Tuesday.

“The vehicle was of interest to Police in relation to a series of thefts from retailers, and our staff carried out a traffic stop,” Senior Sergeant Simon Cornish, of Counties Manukau East Police, says.

“On speaking with the driver, staff established that he was a priority national target for the NRISU.”

The 39-year-old man was arrested on the roadside.

“Police have laid 18 shoplifting charges against the man,” Senior Sergeant Cornish says.

“We will allege in court that he has offended at supermarkets, and other Auckland retailers, beginning in March 2024.

“The latest offending occurred at retailers in Pakuranga and Wairau Valley, just earlier this month.”

He will appear in the Manukau District Court today on his charges.

“I’d like to acknowledge our Ōtara team for their work on bringing about this result, which means the man can be held accountable for his behaviour in court,” Senior Sergeant Cornish says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Tasman District Police investigating a couple alleged to have defrauded a person of more than $1 million have now identified 10 potential victims of the pair.

Following media coverage of the pair’s arrest last week, Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye says four more potential victims have come forward, while Police enquiries have identified another three potential victims.

“This is on top of the three people who had already made complaints to Police, and resulted in the arrests of the pair,” he says.

The 28-year-old man and 38-year-old woman arrested last week are due to reappear in Christchurch District Court on Monday 25 August, on multiple charges of obtaining by deception.

A search warrant conducted on a storage unit in Wanaka as part of the enquiry last week located a .22 rifle, restricted weapons, and over 2000 rounds of ammunition. Further enquiries in relation to the warrant are ongoing, and charges are likely to be filed in coming weeks.

“I would like to thank those who have contacted Police as a result of media coverage last week,” Detective Sergeant Dye says.

“Members of the Tasman Organised Crime Unit are in the process of contacting all identified victims in order to obtain statements in relation to any offending.”

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Luke Vaughan:

Christchurch Central Police investigating an incident where shots were fired at a house in Wigram are appealing to the public for information.

Police responded to the incident on Brian Keogh Lane around 12:45am on Thursday 14 August, after receiving multiple 111 calls reporting loud bangs being heard in the vicinity of the address.

Thankfully, no one at the address was injured.

We would like to speak with anyone that may have seen a person, or people, running west towards Carrs Road along the Southern Motorway near the Awatea Road overbridge, or any suspicious activity in the Carrs Road or Wigram Road areas.

Police are also appealing for anyone that may have dashcam footage, who were traveling on the Southern Motorway between 12:35am and 1am on Thursday 14 August, to please contact Police immediately.

If you have any information that could assist Police, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online. Please reference file number 250814/6432.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Cabinet has formally agreed this week to the closure of the greyhound racing industry in New Zealand. 

A bill will be drafted to bring this decision into law. The move follows last December’s announcement of the Government’s in-principle decision to end greyhound racing as of 31 July 2026.

The decision was made following ongoing concerns about animal welfare and three reviews of the industry (2013, 2017, 2021) which all outlined significant safety issues.

Cabinet also agreed in full to the recommendations contained in an interim report of the Ministerial Advisory Committee – set up to plan the transition away from greyhound racing 

Racing Minister Winston Peters says the Committee’s report provides a clear path to ensure the welfare of the dogs, and certainty around the wind-down process.  

“Having a comprehensive plan is crucial. First, a key part of this work is the re-homing of racing greyhounds and now we have a clear way forward. Second, it gives those involved in greyhound racing the certainty to plan their transition to other work,” Mr Peters says. 

The Committee has been consulting with representatives of the greyhound racing sector, rehoming agencies, animal welfare groups and government agencies to develop its recommendations. 

The Committee’s report outlines the changes to the law needed to close the industry. These recommendations include setting up a Transition Agency funded by the TAB.  The agency would manage the re-homing programme and support of industry participants through the closure process. 

Mr Peters says he intends to appoint Committee members Heather Simpson (Chair), Murray Johnson and Lindsay Burton to the board of the Transition Agency when it is established.

The Bill to formally end greyhound racing will be introduced to Parliament later this year. The public will be able to make submissions to the select committee as part of the process.

“It is important people get the opportunity to have their say. The decision to end greyhound racing was not one Cabinet took lightly. I acknowledge the impact that closing the industry will have on those involved. 

“But globally the industry is winding down, with Tasmania recently announcing an end to greyhound racing.  The bottom line is too many dogs continue to die and be seriously injured, and it is time to do the right thing,” says Mr Peters. 

The Ministerial Advisory Committee’s report can be found here.  Further information on the review of the greyhound racing industry can be found on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

Source: New Zealand Police

Submissions on Canterbury Police’s redesign proposal closed on Monday, and Police are now working their way through the feedback.

Canterbury Police District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill thanks staff and the public for their engagement as local Police leaders look to ensure our people and resources are well organised to meet the community’s needs.

“We received around 200 staff submissions and 800 submissions from the public or external parties, including some petitions.

“This was a very important process for our staff, as the people directly impacted by these proposals. Staff sent in very well considered, high quality feedback.

“Members of the public have also sent in some outstandingly articulate and thoughtful feedback which demonstrated people have taken the time to look over the proposals in detail.

“All this feedback has been invaluable and has reinforced for me that we need to take more time with some aspects of the proposal and to keep tracking with others.

“While we are keen to provide decisions as soon as possible, we also need to allow enough time to consider all the feedback thoroughly.

“Our team is now working through the feedback for us to consider before any final decisions are made. I hope to be in a position to provide an update on next steps and indicative timeframes in the coming weeks.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  20 August 2025

Two blokes with a tale to tell are urging whitebaiters to stay safe on the river this whitebaiting season (1 September to 30 October).

Stephen Leggett has been whitebaiting for about 35 years. “I love it. One of my favourite parts is the camaraderie,” he says.

Early one morning in October last year, Stephen was at the Styx River, Canterbury, manoeuvring his whitebaiting gear, when he slipped, went down on his knees and couldn’t get up. The water was rapidly filling his waders.

Fortunately for Stephen, there were people on the shore who rushed to help him.

“Three pairs of hands lifted me. If they hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t be here today. I would have drowned.

Stephen says he didn’t go back on the river until he had a life jacket. “Respect the river, wear a life jacket and respect the underfoot conditions.”

Brent Hogg has a similar story.

“At Tukituki River (Hawke’s Bay), apart from eating whitebait, it’s about the camaraderie. We all help each other.”

Last year, Brent witnessed a near miss at the river.

“I was helping another fisherman put his whitebaiting stand in. When he got into the water, he slipped backwards. The water came up and into his waders.”

Luckily, Brent and two other whitebaiters were on the bank to help, otherwise, he says, it could have been tragic.

“Before you go whitebaiting, pack your commonsense in your bag first. Always take it with you,” Brent says.

Water Safety NZ’s Communications Lead Elizabeth Collins says safety around water is a shared responsibility.

“Every community, whānau, and individual enjoying the beauty of whitebaiting can be helped by strengthening safety culture.

“Unfortunately, New Zealand’s drowning data reveals some stubborn patterns in land-based fishing drownings. Neglect of safety gear is a big one – lifejackets are the single preventative measure that could drastically reduce fatalities.”

DOC Freshwater Species Manager Emily Funnell says whitebaiting is a great way to catch a good feed and enjoy being in nature.

“Make sure your memories of this whitebaiting season are happy ones. No matter where you’re whitebaiting this season – whether it’s on the shore, in the surf or on a stand – be water safe.”

Whitebaiting safety tips:

• Don’t fish from wet rocks – waves are likely to wash over them.
• Wear a life jacket and wader belt.
• Carry two waterproof communication devices at all times, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof bag, a VHF radio, or a distress beacon.
• Fish with a mate who knows the area, and share any plans and expected time of return with a trusted person. Ask them to look for you at your expected location and to call 111 if you don’t return.

Whitebaiting rules, safety information and check, clean, dry guidance are available at www.doc.govt.nz/whitebaiting.

Email whitebait@doc.govt.nz for a brochure on the rules.

You can also visit Water Safety NZ’s websites for practical information about keeping safe near, in or on the water: www.watersafetynz.org.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Driving in a stolen vehicle is the least of one Auckland man’s problems, as he faces serious drugs charges in court today.

On Tuesday afternoon, Police received information about a stolen vehicle travelling in the Ellerslie area.

Auckland City East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rachel Dolheguy says the vehicle was located on Robert Street by the Police Air Support Unit.

“Ground units were directed to where the vehicle was stopped, and the sole male occupant was spoken to,” she says.

“Police established the vehicle had allegedly been stolen during a burglary in Onehunga earlier this month.”

The predicament quickly changed for the 28-year-old man.

Inspector Dolheguy says a belt bag the man was allegedly carrying was found to contain a crystal-like substance.

“It was suspected to be methamphetamine, and a further search of the vehicle was invoked.

“There, Police found a large quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine and cash.”

The 28-year-old man will face the Auckland District Court today.

He has been charged with possession for supply of both methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as possession of cannabis and methamphetamine utensils.

“Possession for supply of class A controlled drugs is a serious offence, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment,” Inspector Dolheguy says.

Police enquiries remain ongoing into the earlier burglary in Onehunga.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: Maritime New Zealand

Earlier this month, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) visited New Zealand for the first time.