Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Police

An Auckland man faces a slew of charges after allegedly repeatedly ramming a Police vehicle in the early hours of Tuesday.

Police have been investigating since the incident occurred during a traffic stop in Mt Wellington at around 2.20am on 8 July.

Relieving Counties Manukau East Area Commander, Inspector Rakana Cook, says the stolen vehicle was seen running a red light near Carbine Road.

“One of our frontline units signalled this vehicle to stop, and after driving erratically it came to a stop,” he says.

“It’s at this point the four-wheel drive was allegedly used to repeatedly ram our patrol vehicle before fleeing the scene.”

Fortunately, no Police staff were injured.

A determined Police investigation was soon underway with positive lines of enquiry on the driver.

“Our enquiries led a team of Police to an address on Puhinui Road in Papatoetoe yesterday evening, locating the person of interest,” he says.

“The man attempted to flee on foot from our staff but he was all out of options.”

The 44-year-old man was arrested.

Inspector Cook says the man faces serious charges in the Manukau District Court today.

Those charges include two counts of assault with a blunt instrument, resisting Police, failing to stop, unlawfully taking a vehicle and reckless driving.

“We have no tolerance for such reckless and violent behaviour directed at our staff,” Inspector Cook says.

“I’d like to acknowledge our staff involved who were going about their duties in keeping our community safe.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are currently responding to serious crash at the intersection of Dillons Point Road and Meehan Street.

Police were called at around 4:40pm to the crash involving a car and pedestrian.

Initial indications are that the pedestrian has serious injuries.

Dillons Point road is currently closed from Grove Road.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who died in a hunting incident near Lords River, Stewart Island, on Saturday 5 July.

He was Jock David Grant Davies, 21, of Dunedin.

Police extend their sympathies to his loved ones at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of his death are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Five prohibited firearms are out of circulation after Police seized them while executing a search warrant at the home of a firearms licence holder in Napier.

Detective Senior Sergeant James Keene says the arrest of the 42-year-old man and seizure of the firearms followed close co-operation between Eastern Districts Police and the Firearms Safety Authority, after concerns about the man’s fitness to hold a firearms licence.

“One of the most disturbing aspects of the arrest involved the discovery of five prohibited firearms, military-style semi-automatics, in children’s bedrooms,” said DSS Keene.

“The firearms were not locked away as required and ammunition was also accessible. Officers were concerned that vulnerable children could have access to the firearms. The man also did not have the necessary endorsement on his firearms license to possess prohibited firearms,” said DSS Keene.

The Firearms Safety Authority – Te Tari Pūreke had earlier suspended the man’s firearms licence after he was involved in a driving incident.

“This case is an excellent example of frontline Police and the Firearms Safety Authority working together to share real-time intelligence that enables risk assessments and interventions to keep the public safe,” said Authority Executive Director Angela Brazier.

“It is a privilege to possess and use firearms. All licence holders must act in the interests of personal and public safety. We know from daily engagement with licence holders that most are fit and proper to use a firearm, understand their obligations and have no trouble meeting them,” said Angela Brazier.

The man faces a total of 14 firearms and driving charges include drink driving, dangerous driving and failing to stop to ascertain injury; as well as unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, prohibited parts, prohibited ammunition and prohibited magazines, unlawful possession of a pistol, and using a document to obtain property. He is currently remanded in custody.

Anyone with concerns about a potential firearms offence can phone Police on 105, or 111 if life is in immediate danger. Anonymous calls can be made to Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Source: New Zealand Government

Regulation Minister David Seymour is welcoming BusinessNZ’s strong support for the Regulatory Standards Bill as a means to deal with red tape and regulation.
“After all the misinformed opposition we’ve heard, the people who get up in the morning to make an honest buck and deliver goods and services to New Zealanders want red tape and regulation dealt to and believe this Bill will help them do that. 
“Submitting on the Bill at select committee today, BusinessNZ said it was an important step towards improving the quality of regulation and reducing the compliance burden on businesses by putting more scrutiny on politicians when law is made.
“The academics who have been so loud about this Bill are so far removed from reality partly because many of Parliament’s damaging laws don’t frustrate their ability to make a living. If they were held back by red tape and regulation on a daily basis, like many businesses are, they would support this Bill.
“Too often, politicians find regulating politically rewarding, and we need to make it less rewarding by putting more sunlight on their activities.
“The Bill doesn’t stop politicians or their officials making bad laws, but it makes it transparent that they’re doing it. It makes it easier for voters to identify those responsible for making bad rules. Over time, it will improve the quality of rules we all have to live under by changing how politicians behave.
“In a high-cost economy, regulation isn’t neutral – it’s a tax on growth. This Government is committed to clearing the path of needless regulations by improving how laws are made.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Michael Tautari, 27, who has a Warrant to Arrest and is wanted by Police.

He is wanted for breaching release conditions and Police believe someone may have information on his whereabouts.

Tautari is known to frequent the wider Auckland and Waikato regions.

Anyone with information is urged not to approach him and instead to call 111 immediately and quote file number 250625/2113.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  08 July 2025

Embodying the lasting legacy of a now-abandoned post-World War 1 settlement in Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauaka valleys, today the bridge is a destination in itself.

The Bridge to Nowhere is a heritage icon cared for by the Department of Conservation.

DOC Senior Ranger Heritage and Visitors Jim Campbell has watched the bridge grow in popularity.

“When I first saw the Bridge to Nowhere in the 1970s there was grass growing in the middle of it! Now we have thousands of cyclists and trampers visiting every year, as well as side visitors from river trips.”

“It’s popular for its uniqueness, surrounded by bush in the middle of nowhere. It’s unexpected, and it delights people.”

The remote heritage structure has required careful upkeep over the years.

“We conduct regular safety inspections and minor maintenance work,” says Jim.

“Then, every seven years, specialist heritage concrete contractors complete larger maintenance in a way appropriate for a bridge of this age.

“Structures like this connect us to our past, we have a responsibility to protect this heritage for future generations.”

Presented by Concrete NZ in partnership with New Zealand Independent Cement, the Enduring Concrete Award recognises legacy concrete structures more than 40 years old and pays tribute to concrete’s role in shaping New Zealand’s built heritage.

The judging panel noted the bridge’s historical and environmental significance, its enduring service, and the ingenuity of its original construction.

Panel chair Ralf Kessel, Head of Architecture at Concrete NZ says despite its remote location, the Bridge to Nowhere continues to captivate around 30,000 visitors each year.

“It offers a powerful reminder of the resilience and permanence of concrete – the Bridge to Nowhere is a remarkable example of enduring infrastructure”

Previous recipients of the Enduring Concrete Award include Wellington’s Beehive, the Grafton Bridge in Auckland, and the Hawera Water Tower in Taranaki.

Jim says while the bridge is remote, it’s surprisingly easy to access.

“Choose your method, cycling, a side trip from paddling on the river, tramping, or a cruisy jet-boat tour,” says Jim.

“Whanganui National Park is green, it’s rugged, it gives you the sense of isolation that’s hard to get these days. Visiting the Bridge to Nowhere connects people to nature and the unique history of the area.”

Background information

The Bridge to Nowhere is one of the heritage icon sites cared for by DOC, helping to bring New Zealand’s history to life: DOC icon sites: Our heritage

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has launched New Zealand’s first AI Strategy to boost productivity and grow a competitive economy.
“AI could add $76 billion to our GDP by 2038, but we’re falling behind other small, advanced economies on AI-readiness and many businesses are still not planning for the technology,” says Dr Reti.
“We must develop stronger Kiwi AI capabilities to drive economic growth, and this Strategy sends a strong signal that New Zealand supports the uptake of AI.
“The Government’s role in AI is to reduce barriers to adoption, provide clear regulatory guidance, and promote responsible AI adoption.
“We’re taking a light-touch approach, and the Strategy sets out a commitment to create an enabling regulatory environment that gives businesses confidence to invest in the technology.
“Private sector AI adoption and innovation will boost productivity by unlocking new products and services, increasing efficiency, and supporting better decision-making.
“New Zealand’s strength lies in being smart adopters. From AI-powered precision farming techniques to diagnostic technology in healthcare, Kiwi businesses can tailor AI to solve our unique challenges and deliver world-leading solutions.”
The Strategy aligns with OECD AI Principles and the Government will continue to work with international partners on global rules to support the responsible use and development of AI.
“New Zealanders will need to develop trust and give social licence to AI use, so the Government has also released Responsible AI Guidance to help businesses safely use, develop and innovate with the technology,” says Dr Reti.
The Government will use existing legislation and regulations such as privacy, consumer protection and human rights, to manage risk and privacy concerns.
New Zealand’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and the Responsible AI Guidance for Businesses can be found on the MBIE website.

Source: New Zealand Police

A two-vehicle crash has closed State Highway 29 at the intersection of Totman Road/Taotaoroa Road, karapiro.

The crash occurred at about 1pm today.

Emergency services are on scene and ambulance staff are treating two people for serious injuries and another person for a minor injury.

The road will be closed for some time while the vehicles are cleared.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area if at all possible.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

Selwyn District is the first council in the country to launch its new water services entity, Selwyn Water, meaning safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater for ratepayers, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.

“The launch of Selwyn District’s water service entity today marks a significant milestone of water reform, and I look forward to seeing similar Local Water Done Well plans progress in the coming months,” Mr Watts says.

“Selwyn District Council is also the first council to have a Water Services Delivery Plan accepted and approved by the Secretary for Local Government, Paul James and the first to establish a water services council-controlled organisation (CCO) under the Coalition Government’s Local Water Done Well policy.

“Selwyn District has demonstrated it has a financially sustainable plan for the delivery of water services that meet health, quality, and environmental standards, along with community expectations.

“I will be watching with interest how Selwyn Water manages the projected price increases for consumers during the initial years of their plan. I expect the Commerce Commission, as the economic regulator, will closely monitor to ensure the delivery of forecast levels of capital investment, justify the price.

“It is also my expectation that Selwyn Water will keep a close eye on its charges for new infrastructure to ensure that growth pays for growth.

“I am encouraged by advice from officials that future partnership opportunities with neighbouring councils are a core consideration in Selwyn District Council’s Plan.

“These future partnership opportunities have significant potential to deliver greater efficiencies, standardisation, knowledge sharing, and ultimately, lower costs for consumers.

“Selwyn Water’s constitution provides flexibility if other councils and communities seek the benefits of a regional water services CCO. This option bodes well for the future of water services in the wider region.

“The Department of Internal Affairs will continue to encourage councils to progress discussions with neighbours regarding future consolidation of water services for the benefit of consumers.”

Mr Watts says Selwyn’s progress demonstrates the effectiveness of local leadership when backed by sound, practical Government policy and legislation, including Local Water Done Well.

“Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton, his councillors and staff have the Government’s congratulations for their vision and hard work in making such swift progress.”