Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Auckland Council

A new Auckland Council commissioned report shows that many Aucklanders are making assumptions about flood risk that could put them in danger.

The Renting and Climate Change in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland report found that renters often expect landlords to tell them about hazards, but this doesn’t always happen. It also shows that many renters, landlords and property managers rely on their memory of past storms instead of using up‑to‑date flood information.

The report points to simple tools that can help, including Flood Viewer and the updated Auckland Climate Action website.

Nancy Baines, Auckland Council Principal Flood Risk, says the findings highlight the need for clear, easy information.

“Aucklanders want to make good decisions about their homes, whether they’re renting, buying, or managing a property. Tools like Flood Viewer help people get a clearer picture of potential flooding risks, and the Auckland Climate Action website makes it easier to plan with confidence.”

Flood Viewer gives clear, local information about possible flooding and includes videos and guides on what steps people can take to prepare.

The Auckland Climate Action website offers practical advice to help renters find and maintain healthier, more climate-ready homes. It includes tips on what to look for in a rental and how to manage dampness, heat and energy use.

“These resources give everyone – tenants, landlords, and property managers – the same starting point,” Nancy says. “It’s about helping Aucklanders make informed decisions and feel safer in their homes.”

The report also found that while many people prepare for storms in simple ways — like keeping emergency supplies or checking drainage — fewer know about longer-term steps they can take. Cost, confusion, and limited guidance were common barriers.

The refreshed Auckland Climate Action website aims to close this gap by offering practical tips on building resilience over time.

You can read the full report on Knowledge Auckland.

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

2 March 2026

Welcome to the ninth WorkSafe High Hazards newsletter.

Source: New Zealand Police

District:

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Justice

Headline: Wāhine Māori overrepresented in the criminal justice system

MEDIA RELEASE

24 February 2026

Māori women are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, and this increases the further they progress through the system, a new factsheet from the Ministry of Justice shows.

Analysis in the factsheet, Reducing the disproportionality of Māori in the criminal justice system: wāhine Māori [PDF, 337 KB], published today, focuses on how the justice system is experienced by Māori women.

“While wāhine Māori make up 15 percent of women in Aotearoa New Zealand, they continue to be disproportionately represented at every stage of the criminal justice system,” says Rebecca Parish, the Ministry of Justice’s General Manager, Sector Insights.

“Our research shows that wāhine Māori are disproportionately represented at every point of the  justice system, with a higher proportion (compared to the overall population of women) coming through courts, being remanded in custody and sentenced to imprisonment.”

The analysis shows that the disproportionality increases as wāhine Māori move through the system. Wāhine Māori made up 44 percent of all women who were proceeded against by police, 49 percent of women entering court, 66 percent of women remanded in custody, and 71 percent of women sentenced to imprisonment.

The factsheet provides early visibility on the work to understand where disproportionality – the over-representation of one group in relation to others – occurs and where change is likely to have the most impact.

While some of the disproportionality can be explained by factors such as seriousness and history of offending, a proportion remains unexplained, particularly at later stages in the system.

This indicates that the system’s response to wāhine Māori contributes to some of this disproportionality. Discretionary decisions made within the justice system, and therefore within the system’s control, contribute to this unexplained proportion.

Reducing disproportionality of Māori in the criminal justice system overall is a priority strategic goal for the Ministry. Wāhine Māori are the focus of the first stage of this work, with the justice sector exploring options to improve information provided to decision makers across the system, for system’s responses to be well informed and aligned to the needs and circumstances of wāhine Māori.

“This is partly because ensuring equitable outcomes for wāhine Māori have broader positive impacts on whānau and communities, including improved youth outcomes and reduced pressure on other government support systems,” Ms Parish says.

“Ongoing analysis will help us monitor the impact of this work, and how best to continue addressing the disproportionality of wāhine Māori in the criminal justice system.”

Key Findings:

In the year to June 2025, wāhine Māori made up 15 percent of women in Aotearoa New Zealand, yet they represent:

• 44 percent of women who were proceeded against by Police
• 49 percent of women who entered court
• 66 percent of women who were remanded in custody
• 71 percent of women who were sentenced to imprisonment.

END

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This page was last updated: 02nd March 2026

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  02 March 2026

Public consultation runs from 2–30 March 2026 following a review by DOC and Ngā Hapū o Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Protection Advisory Committee Rōpū on the effectiveness of the current Sanctuary rules at protecting marine mammals, and how they could work better.

“We always intended to observe, learn and adapt when we created the Sanctuary in 2021,” says DOC Regional Director, Sue Reed-Thomas. “Now we have new science and monitoring data to guide us. This proposal is about refining our approach so our effort is focused where it will make the greatest difference for dolphins.”

The Sanctuary rules regulate how humans out naturing on the water interact with marine mammals, particularly bottlenose dolphins, to protect them from harmful disturbances.

The current rules are:

• People must keep out of the water within 300 m of all marine mammals (dolphins, whales, seals)
• Vessels must maintain a 300 m distance from all marine mammals and stop if the person in charge becomes aware of any marine mammal closer than 300 m. Vessels must remain stopped until any marine mammal is more than 300 m away; and
• Vessels must observe a 5-knot speed limit in two marine mammal safe zones.

Recent surveys and scientific studies found dolphins in the Sanctuary were rarely present in the two safe zones. High-use areas are largely outside the safe zones but still within the Sanctuary. This suggests DOC focusing its efforts on other management measures will be a more effective way to support the recovery of dolphin populations. 

The work also concluded that, except for commercial operators holding a marine mammal permit, compliance with the Sanctuary management measures is mixed, recording high levels of non-compliance with speed restrictions by powered vessels in the two safe zones.

“Removing the safe zones would allow us to focus protection where dolphins actually are – targeting education, compliance and enforcement around the measures that matter most,” says Sue.

“This is about smarter protection, informed by science and experience.”

DOC and Ngā Hapū o Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Protection Advisory Committee Rōpū recommended the Minister of Conservation begin a statutory process to propose removing the safe zones, while maintaining the other management measures. The Minister has agreed to initiate the process. 

“Together, we can take meaningful steps to ensure these taonga species are protected for generations to come,” says Kipa Munro, Chair of Ngā Hapū o Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Protection Advisory Committee Rōpū.

“Our Rōpū members have played an important role in safeguarding our taonga utilising methods and kōrero that have also been passed down from our tūpuna.” 

Public consultation begins on Monday, 2 March 2026 and will run for 28 days, concluding midnight Monday, 30 March. 

Submissions will be collated and presented to the Minister of Conservation to inform his decisions on the proposals.  

Have your say on the proposed amendment to Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary rules.

Background information

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

From today, more people in Wānaka will be able to access routine diagnostic imaging closer to home, with publicly funded X-ray and ultrasound services now available locally, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey say.

“Until now, patients in Wānaka who were referred by their GP or primary care provider for a funded X-ray or ultrasound have not been able to receive those services locally,” Mr Brown says.

“That has meant travelling outside of Wānaka for routine diagnostic tests, adding time, cost, and stress for patients and their families.

“From today, GPs and other primary care providers can refer patients for funded imaging right here in Wānaka. This will help people access the tests they need more quickly and begin treatment sooner.”

The new service is expected to provide around 1400 X-rays and 1500 ultrasounds over the next 18 months, significantly expanding access to essential diagnostic testing across the region.

“This expansion has been delivered through outsourcing arrangements that increase local capacity and make better use of available services, ensuring patients can receive timely diagnosis and treatment closer to home.”

Mr Doocey says the new service directly responds to feedback gathered during last year’s 13 Rural Health Roadshows.

“At the Wānaka roadshow, the community made it clear that access to diagnostic tests was a major barrier to care,” Mr Doocey says.

“We’ve listened to that feedback and taken practical action. This is about delivering real improvements that rural communities can see and feel.

“People living in Central Otago deserve timely, quality healthcare close to home. Changes like this reduce unnecessary travel and ensure patients can access reliable services in their own community.

“Where you live shouldn’t determine how quickly you can access the care you need. We are focused on practical solutions that strengthen rural health services and improve access for New Zealanders across the country.”

Note to editors:

• Patients must be referred through the existing Community Referred Radiology Programme.
• Urgent imaging will continue to be provided at Dunstan Hospital in Clyde.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  02 March 2026

Pirongia was struck by intense rainfall on 13 and 14 February and several DOC tracks and assets on the maunga were flooded or damaged. Waipā District, where the popular forest park is located, remained under a State of Emergency until 28 February.

DOC’s Waikato Operations Manager Niwha Jones says his staff have completed the majority of the post-storm assessments across the forest park, with only sections of the Tirohanga and Hihikiwi tracks still to be checked due to road restrictions around the maunga.

“Early findings show several tracks appear to be less affected by that weather event, with mainly surface flooding, debris, and treefall to address,” Niwha says.

“Once our safety checks are completed, minor remediation work is expected to enable us to reopen some routes to the Kaniwhaniwha Campsite and Pahautea Hut, including the Ruapane Track and sections of the Tirohanga Track.

“We’re hopeful we can reopen those to the public in the next few weeks.”

Niwha says other parts of the Pirongia track network have suffered substantial damage. The Bell Track, Mahaukura Track, Mangakara Nature Walk, and Tahuanui Track have all been severely impacted, with multiple slips, destroyed structures, and areas where the track has been washed away.

These sites will require a more detailed geotechnical assessment and careful logistical planning and are likely to remain closed for some time. Some of the repair work will be undertaken by DOC staff. Where tracks are assessed as viable to repair and needing more complex repairs, experts will be contracted and specialist machinery is likely to be brought in.

Updates will be provided as further assessments are completed and reopening timeframes become clearer.

In the meantime, Niwha asked for public patience and understanding while Waikato DOC staff continue their response and assess each site to gain the full Pirongia recovery picture and put robust plans in place.

“Public safety is the number one priority for DOC, and we want to make the right decisions and to include the whakaaro of our hapuu,” Niwha says.

“Where tracks are closed, we are urging the public to respect those closures and explore other locations around the district to enjoy naturing.”

People can visit the DOC website pages for individual tracks for the latest updates. Website pages carry alerts on closures, detours or other information people need to be aware of.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Counties Manukau Police investigating the wilful damage of a number of Hato Hone St John Ambulances are appealing for any information to assist in our enquiries.

Senior Sergeant Roelof Burger says Police believe the offenders have unlawfully entered the gated yard of St John’s Manukau Station on the corner of Plunket Avenue and Wiri Station Road on Saturday night.

“While in the yard the offenders have punctured five tyres on three vehicles using a sharp object, rendering them inoperable.”

Police are incredibly disappointed with the irresponsible behaviour shown by these individuals.

“These are destructive actions, and consequences of actions such as this can put people’s lives at risk.

“As the vehicles are inoperable for a period of time, this impacts St John’s ability to respond to those who are in need of medical attention within our community.”

Andy Everiss, Hato Hone St John, District Operations Manager – Auckland, says it’s disappointing individuals have vandalised the ambulances in an unwarranted attack.

“These ambulance vehicles are a vital part of how we continue to support and serve the local community.

“These actions show great disrespect to our people, who rely on these vehicles to do lifesaving work every day.

“Thankfully, this incident did not severely impact our emergency ambulance response, and we remain available to respond in an emergency.”

Police are conducting enquiries into the incident to identify and locate those responsible, and would like to hear from anyone who may have information in relation to the incident.

“We would also like to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage in the wider Plunket Avenue and Wiri Station Road areas,” Senior Sergeant Burger says.

Information can be provided to Police online through 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number P065611930.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

WorkSafe has issued a report card showing the horticulture industry could do better when it comes to managing hazardous substances and machinery safety, particularly around power take-off (PTO) shafts on tractors.

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

3 days ago

After completing the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise at EIT, Joe Tangira is now working at the YMCA Gisborne, helping deliver free exercise classes for the community.

The 21-year-old enrolled in the level 4 programme early last year, drawn to the opportunity to become a personal trainer and begin building a future in the fitness industry. His interest was influenced by his parents, who previously worked as personal trainers.

“I wanted to do something along those lines. It gave me a reason and a direction for what I wanted to do.”

Originally from Gisborne, Joe (Ngāti Porou) completed his schooling at Gisborne Boys’ High School. His initial plan had been to study at

EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale, but those plans changed during the year Cyclone Gabrielle struck.

“During the cyclone, my parents called and told me to come home, so I flew back and stayed in Gisborne.”

After taking a short break, Joe decided the time felt right to return to study locally and enrolled at EIT Tairāwhiti.

Since completing the programme, he has secured work at the YMCA Gisborne, where he works at reception and supports a range of community fitness classes.

“It’s a foot in the door. It’s one step closer to my big dream.”

That long-term goal is to one day own his own gym.

Alongside his work, Joe continues to train regularly, spending time in the gym and practising jujitsu, a sport he has been involved in for nearly five years.

Joe says the programme helped him build knowledge not only for supporting others, but also for better understanding his own health and wellbeing.

“I learned what fuels my body for training and what types of food help me get through the day.

He would encourage other students to consider studying at EIT, particularly because of the support services available.

“They help in heaps of different ways. Whether you’re struggling with study or things outside of study, there’s support there.”

Todd Rogers, Head of School Trades and Technology, said: “One of our goals is producing work ready graduates for industry, and Joe is an excellent example of this”.

“The Gisborne YMCA is an outstanding place of work for our graduates to develop their trade as personal trainers.”