Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Police

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers congratulated five patrol handlers and their dogs and one detector dog team at the Dog Training Centre (DTC) in Trentham today. 

The teams graduated and paraded out in number one uniforms and shiny shoes in front of whānau, friends and work colleagues alongside executives from the New Zealand Police.

Commissioner Chambers congratulated the newly trained dog teams, saying they would offer a valuable service on the front line.

“It is fantastic to see these six dog teams graduate today and head back out to districts. They will have an exciting career – our dog teams regularly deploy in tough situations and are remarkable at what they do.”

He also thanked the DTC staff. “You continue to produce the best handlers and teams that our organisation and country could hope for.”

Christchurch, Hawke’s Bay, Timaru, and Auckland welcome the new frontline patrol dogs and Wellington District acquires the new explosives detector dog.

Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator Police Dogs, says “Congratulations to all our graduating dog handlers.

“These frontline patrol dogs are incredible and work alongside our officers doing some of the most dangerous jobs in police.

Our amazing detector dogs are trained to detect drugs, firearms, cash, and explosives. Both our front line and detector dogs are worth their weight in gold.

It’s a proud day for all handlers, both experienced and new when they graduate. This ceremony marks the end of a demanding few weeks training to become an operational team. It takes patience and perseverance to complete and pass,” says Todd.

“I wish the teams all the very best as they begin their operational duties in their districts.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has quality checked and approved the 10 cent coin with the effigy of King Charles III, King of New Zealand (KCIII), for production and New Zealanders can expect to see it in their change around 2027.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can advise a woman missing in central Auckland has been located.

The 60-year-old had gone missing this morning, and has since been located in the Grafton area.

She is safe.

Police thank the public for sharing our appeal today.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: Green Party

Today’s sweeping changes to environmental protections paint a damning picture of a government hellbent on profit at all costs, openly allowing more environmentally harmful activities under the guise of progress.

“Today is a dark day for rivers, lakes, streams, beaches, forests and all who enjoy and rely on these taonga across Aotearoa,” says the Green Party’s Environment Spokesperson, Lan Pham. 

“Taking freshwater as one example, ‘Te Mana o Te Wai’ offered us a clear legal framework that prioritised the health of our waterways and the health of our communities above corporate greed. 

“Instead, the actions of this Government will go down in history as the most anti-environment we have ever seen. Councils and communities could be stripped of their ability to control the harmful impacts of industries like forestry, intensive farming, and mining.

“Further, the Government is making changes to enable more mining on wetlands, significant natural areas, and in places where our most precious indigenous biodiversity is. 

“The Government has really shown their cards today. It could not be clearer that they are hellbent on pushing our natural environment to the brink, exploiting everything they can for any profit that can be squeezed out of it.

“If this feels like this is straight out of a deliberate playbook, it’s because it is. The language of ‘re-balancing’, ‘efficiency’, ‘cutting red tape’, and ‘enabling industry’ is often used, but what’s really happening here is a systematic and comprehensive erosion of environmental protections.

“Truly prosperous economic activity is only possible if our planet is also thriving. We depend on healthy nature and a stable climate for the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and the materials for life,” says Lan Pham.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are urging road users to put safety first this King’s Birthday weekend. Those who don’t should expect to see red and blue lights.

The number of road deaths so far this year has seen too many families losing loved ones in crashes, says Acting Director of Road Policing, Inspector Peter McKennie.

“There’s no excuse for anyone to drive dangerously or carelessly, endangering their lives or others regardless of day of the year.

“So many of the crashes we’ve attended this year have been preventable, and that’s a tragedy. It’s horrific for families, friends, and first responders.

“Preventing those tragedies is what we’re focused on, especially at long weekends when there are more people on the roads. If you’re breaking the rules on the road, you’ll get our attention and a ticket as well.

“Extra Police will be patrolling the roads across New Zealand, from highways to back roads, ‘anywhere, anytime’.

“The four biggest factors in crashes, deaths and serious injuries involve restraints, impairment through the likes of alcohol and drugs, distractions such as cell phones, and speed.

“Those are four areas we’re targeting because we know it can save lives. A split-second decision can be the difference between life and death.

“We want everyone travelling on the roads over the weekend to be safe, and to help keep others on the road safe.

“We’re doing our best, but need people to take greater responsibility on the road.”

Inspector McKennie urged motorists to take their time, drive to the conditions, and be patient.

“Just because you’re a good driver, it doesn’t mean the next person is.  Drive in a manner and at a speed that allows you to respond safely to the unexpected.

If you’re on the road, do everything you can to keep yourself and others safe this long weekend.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Background information

The official King’s Birthday weekend period covers from 4pm on Friday 30 May to 6am on the Tuesday 3 June.

The official road toll can be found here.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

With a busy (and possibly wet) long holiday weekend ahead, motorists travelling on the West Coast are being encouraged to check weather forecasts, roading conditions and plan ahead for their journeys in case of delays.

“We’ve seen plenty of rain across the region over the last week and more rain is expected over the long weekend, which can bring challenges for the roading network,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on the West Coast.

“It’s a good idea to do some planning in advance if you are travelling to and around the region over the long weekend, including checking for any closures or delays on NZTA’s Journey Planner.”

NZTA’s Journey Planner(external link)

Delays are still being experienced through the Lower Buller Gorge after a series of slips forced a closure earlier this week. Motorists should expect to allow up an hour of additional travel time when travelling through this part of State Highway 6 between Inangahua Junction and Westport.

Further south, motorists travelling on State Highway 6 between Haast and Lake Moeraki should be aware that because of retaining wall construction works at the Epitaph Site, traffic will be temporarily held up in both directions between 7am and 5pm. Traffic will be cleared from the site every hour, on the hour, and motorists should expect delays of up to an hour during work times.

“We want people to enjoy their long weekend and safely reach their destinations, wherever they are travelling,” Miss Whinham says.

“Doing that advance planning, taking care on the roads and showing patience for others makes a real difference. It’s also very much appreciated by those of us who are responsible for managing and maintaining the roading networks and keeping the traffic flowing.”

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) has officially begun the process to establish a dedicated Waiheke Response Team, marking a major step forward in enhancing emergency preparedness and supporting resilience for the community on Waiheke Island.

The new team will be made up of trained local volunteers who will serve as emergency responders when natural disasters, severe weather, or other emergencies happen. The initiative is being led by AEM with support from the Waiheke Local Board.

Recruitment for the Waiheke Response Team will begin in June, with the goal of having the team fully-formed, trained, and nationally accredited by the end of 2025.

“This is an exciting and important development for our Waiheke community,” says Adam Maggs, General Manager Auckland Emergency Management.

“We’re building this team from the ground up with the community at its heart. The Waiheke location brings unique challenges, and we’re focused on creating a reliable, well-trained group of local responders who can act quickly and confidently when it matters most.”

Volunteers will undergo training in comprehensive first aid, emergency response, rescue, communications, providing support to emergency services, and team coordination. The team will also be equipped with gear and supported through national-level accreditation under the New Zealand Response Team framework.

“Our aim is to make this a sustainable, community-led team that reflects the strength, spirit, and self-reliance of Waiheke,” says Alexis Reed, Senior Advisor – Volunteers, at Auckland Emergency Management.

“This is more than just training volunteers – it’s about building a culture of readiness and resilience on the island.”

Waiheke Local Board Chair Cath Handley welcomes the announcement, saying:

“The board is delighted to see the creation of the Waiheke Response Team underway. We look forward to having a fully-accredited team in place within a year, ready to support our community in times of need. I strongly encourage people with the right skills and a passion for helping others to consider putting themselves forward when recruitment begins.”

“This initiative marks a significant step forward in building local resilience and ensuring the Waiheke community is well-supported in times of need.”

AEM will host a community information event on Saturday 14 June from 8am to 1pm at Ostend Market at the Ostend War Memorial Hall, 61-49 Ostend Road.

Residents interested in joining the Waiheke Response Team or learning more are encouraged to register their interest early by emailing aeminfo@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz  

About Auckland Emergency Management:

Auckland Emergency Management leads the region’s emergency planning, coordination, and response efforts. Through partnerships with local communities and emergency services, AEM works to ensure Auckland is prepared for, and resilient to, a wide range of hazards.

Source: Auckland Council

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Auckland councillors have approved the approach for the future use of around 1,200 properties bought out following the 2023 storms.  

The policy guiding future land use decisions was approved by the council’s Policy and Planning Committee. The 1,200 properties with high-risk homes are expected to be purchased by the end of 2025 – making this one of the largest land acquisition programmes undertaken in Auckland.  

Mayor Wayne Brown says the policy is an important step. 

“We have to think about the future and this policy allows the council to consider the different ways the land can be used, including, importantly, what we can do to recoup ratepayer money allocated to purchase the high-risk properties,” says Mayor Brown.  

“I’m committed to getting value for money for what is a significant investment for council, so it makes sense we carefully consider how we utilise land safely, sensibly, and economically to reduce the cost of the storm damage and return some of that investment, to Auckland ratepayers.” 

Committee chair, councillor Richard Hills says it’s important to remember that severely storm-affected land (Category 3) has inherent risks that must be considered for any future use.  

“To move people out of harm’s way – that’s why these properties were assessed and purchased in the buy-out scheme. While we want to use the land effectively to provide homes and maintain strong communities, safety will always be our top priority,” says Cr Hills. 

Under the policy, the council will retain a large number of properties for flood resilience projects, other council services or where hazards such as unstable land must be safely managed. The council will also consider opportunities to sell some properties that can be used safely for other purposes.   

Cr Hills stressed that with hundreds of pieces of land to assess, it will take several years before final decisions are made, a factor which he knows will be frustrating for affected communities. 

“We understand communities have a keen interest in the future of storm-affected land, but we have to carefully make the best decisions for the land and the community.” 

Director Policy, Planning and Governance Megan Tyler says the policy is all about finding safe and sensible options for the land, within the constraints of any hazard risks.  

“This policy will guide how we assess the potential for each property, so that safety, future resilience and value for Aucklanders are top of mind.” 

Aucklanders told the council through consultation in September 2023 they wanted to see the impact on rates from the buy-out programme minimised, which along with other recovery costs tallies to more than $1 billion. 

If you have suggestions for specific Category 3 sites, you can provide these in the expressions of interest register. 

The removal of storm-affected homes will continue until late 2027, and the council will maintain the vacant land until the future land use is determined. You can read the frequently asked questions on OurAuckland. 

Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

The New Zealand Government has unveiled the He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund, a new investment initiative designed to accelerate the growth of the Māori economy through science, innovation, and technology.

Formed through the merger of the Te Pūnaha Hihiko – Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund and the He Aka Ka Toro Navigation Fund, He Ara Whakahihiko represents a streamlined, future-focused approach to public investment. The fund aims to strengthen the capability of the science system and the Māori economy to collaborate as a powerful engine of economic growth.

The fund will back science projects that foster effective partnerships between Māori-facing organisations and established research organisations, with a strong emphasis on commercialisation and measurable economic outcomes.

He Ara Whakahihiko is structured around 2 focused funding streams:

• Ara Whaihua – Impact Pathways for Research: Supporting 12-month, implementation-ready research programmes with a clear path to commercialisation.
• Rangapū Rangahau – Research Partnerships: Investing in 2-year science initiatives that build enduring connections between Māori-facing organisations and the science and innovation ecosystem.

Aligned with the Government’s broader vision for science investment, He Ara Whakahihiko is a bold step toward a more innovative and economically vibrant New Zealand.

In parallel, an additional $1.982 million annually will be administered by the Health Research Council of New Zealand to grow Māori health research capability.

More information about the fund is on the MBIE website:

He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund

Read the Minister’s announcement:

New science fund to boost Māori economy(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz