Source: Press Release Service
Headline: Auckland’s First Fully Eco‑Friendly Home and Office Cleaning and Lawn Care Packages
Sparkle Property Services, a leading Auckland-based cleaning and maintenance provider, has launched New Zealand’s first eco-friendly property care packages, combining home and office cleaning with garden and lawn maintenance.
The post Auckland’s First Fully Eco‑Friendly Home and Office Cleaning and Lawn Care Packages first appeared on PR.co.nz.
Source: Worksafe New Zealand
The Government has recently made amendments to the following regulations:
You do not have to comply with amendments to the regulations until 12 November 2026.
You may choose to use the amended regulations from 13 November 2025.
Until the amendments take effect, all industry participants should continue to operate as usual:
Access the new amendments:
Gas (Safety and Measurement) Amendment Regulations 2025(external link)
Electricity (Safety) Amendment Regulations 2025(external link)
Source: New Zealand Government
Former investment banker Andrew Wilson has been appointed to the Board of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop announced today.
The Guardians manage the $85 billion New Zealand Superannuation Fund.
Andrew Wilson worked at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Bank of England and Rothschild Asset Management, before spending more than 25 years with Goldman Sachs Asset Management in the United Kingdom, where he was both Head of Fixed Income, Currency & Money Markets and CEO, Goldman Sachs Asset Management International.
“Andrew’s experience in global markets and his investment management expertise will enable him to make a significant contribution to the Guardians’ important work,” Chris Bishop said.
Andrew Wilson’s appointment takes effect on 20 October.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Progress is underway to fix an underslip that has reduced the Mangamuka Gorge down to one lane since late last month.
Enabling works have already begun to prepare the site for a new 48m retaining wall.
As NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) explains, the location is complex due to the proximity to the Mangamuka River.
“During this first stage of works, the team is focusing on stabilising the underslip, which will allow heavy machinery to work safely at the top of the slip when we’re ready to build the wall,” says System Manager for Northland, Steve Matene.
The route will remain under 24/7 stop/go for the next 2 months during the enabling works for the safety for both motorists and workers at the site.
“Construction will stop ahead of Christmas, and the road will be fully open over the busy Christmas/New Years period,” Mr Matene says.
The team will return early January 2026 to start construction of the permanent retaining wall, which should be complete by late May 2026.
“The good news is – we can build the retaining wall without fully closing the road. But we will need to reduce traffic to one lane again from late January to complete the job safely.
“This is difficult terrain, and vulnerable to slips, but the recovery work we’ve been doing since the August 2022 weather event is paying off, with repairs on other slips standing up well,” Mr Matene says.
“A big thank you to everyone in the community for your ongoing support.”
If you’re travelling through, please be considerate to our traffic management teams and drive to the conditions, as it’s a winding road with many curves.
For real-time travel information, visit Journey Planner or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
Source: New Zealand Government
Projects backed by the Regional Infrastructure Fund are creating resilient communities and local employment opportunities, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say.
“Regional New Zealand powers the country and it’s essential the regions are supported to grow and prosper. The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) does just that. Through application criteria that focus on infrastructure, important work such as flood resilience, water storage, and energy are being funded to protect and improve the lives of Kiwis all over the country,” Mr Jones says.
Since the $1.2 billion RIF opened for applications mid last year, announced projects are projected to provide employment for more than 1750 fulltime workers during construction alone. Most of these will be drawn from the regions in which the projects are based.
“RIF applicants are expected to prioritise New Zealanders in their workforce planning, reflecting a ‘locals first’ approach to employment. This ensures local communities benefit directly from the opportunities these projects create,” Ms Upston says.
“Because RIF investments focus on infrastructure, they’re creating jobs in construction and related trades during the build phase of these projects. Post-construction these projects will offer employment opportunities in areas such as agriculture, horticulture and processing.”
For example, eight Southland projects supported by $38.31 million in RIF funding are generating jobs across construction, engineering, and project management during the build phase. The Rakiura renewable energy project, SpaceOps Satellite Station, Ocean Beach aquaculture and five flood resilience projects are projected to provide employment for 180 FTE during construction.
Once complete, further employment opportunities will be created in areas such as renewable energy, satellite operations, and aquaculture through these projects – Rakiura renewable energy, SpaceOps Satellite Station and Ocean Beach Aquaculture Centre of Excellence.
As of 30 September 2025, government funding of more than $862m has been committed for RIF projects, of which $355.6m has been approved and announced. More project approvals are in the pipeline.
“The RIF is gathering momentum in regional New Zealand and delivering well-planned, resilient and enabling infrastructure that will support economic growth, create jobs and make a real difference to our regions,” Mr Jones says.
Editors’ note:
More information about the RIF can be found on the Grow Regions website
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
Aoraki Salmon topped a distinguished field of finalists to win the Primary Sector Award at the 2025 New Zealand Food Awards in Palmerston North last night (Thursday 16 October) for their cold smoked salmon – blackcurrant with Kāmahi honey.
Aoraki’s cold smoked salmon product is a result of a unique curing process using all New Zealand-made ingredients that achieves flavour infusion and food safety – without heat treatment – expanding the boundaries of the cold smoking science.
“Blackcurrant with Kāmahi honey cold smoked salmon hits the sweet spot of quality, sustainability, and innovative problem-solving to produce a smoked product without heat treatment,” says Vincent Arbuckle, deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety.
Mr Arbuckle said the range and calibre of entries in the Primary Sector category this year reflects New Zealand’s thriving food and fibre sector and its constant innovation.
The other finalists were Airborne Honey (Mānuka honey MGO 300+), Gut Comfort (Prebiotic kiwifruit powder), Kiwi Sorbet (Red & Green), Mitchells Nutrition (Beef tallow), and Mīti (Smokey kānuka and honey beef bites).
“The finalists all showcase the strong commitment to quality without compromising on safety that underpins New Zealand’s food production sector,” Mr Arbuckle said. “These values continue to drive innovation and excellence across the industry.”
The New Zealand Food Awards are held annually by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University to celebrate food and beverage excellence and innovation in Aotearoa.
New Zealand Food Safety has been involved with the awards for more than 20 years, and has been a sponsor since 2008.
Fonterra Co-operative’s Easy Bakery Cream took out the 2025 Supreme Award.
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 17 October 2025
And the data shows kiwi, our national bird, is falling victim to uncontrolled dogs at a concerning rate.
Hayden Loper, DOC Principal Investigation Officer, says a report compiled by DOC’s National Compliance Team shows there were 75 recorded incidents of dogs attacking, killing, or harassing seals or sea lions between 9 September 2020 and 12 August 2025.
“Deaths of seals and sea lions have occurred in every year, with a noticeable spike in 2024,” Hayden says. “August is the most common month for attacks on seal and sea lions, as it aligns with breeding season.”
DOC’s data release on dog attack incidents coincides with a case which culminated this week. On Thursday, a man appeared for sentencing in Nelson District Court on two charges relating to an incident in September 2024, when his two dogs attacked a fur seal on Kina Beach near Motueka. He was fined $2,000 and his dogs were ordered to be destroyed.
Hayden says the reported incidents of dogs attacking wildlife don’t end with seals and sea lions. Penguins and kiwi also feature prominently in the five-year statistics – in the same five-year period, there were 96 incidents of other protected species falling victim to dogs.
“It’s the owner’s responsibility to keep their dog under control,” Hayden says. “It is not just untrained or aggressive dogs that kill protected wildlife – even small, usually docile pets or well-trained hunting dogs can and do cause serious injury or death when not controlled.”
Under the Dog Control Act, it is a serious offence to own a dog which attacks protected wildlife. The maximum penalty for owning a dog that attacks and kills protected wildlife is three years in prison, or a $20,000 fine. The dog will almost always be destroyed.
“DOC will investigate all reported incidents of dogs attacking or harassing wildlife,” Hayden says. “The best way the public can help us with this is by reporting any incident involving a dog attacking wildlife, and calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).”
DOC’s data categorises the interactions between dogs and seals/sea lions according to severity. Although harassment is the most common type of incident, attacks and injuries have increased in recent years.
Every person, business, and community has a role in protecting and restoring nature – particularly our vulnerable protected species. Once our unique species are gone from here, they’re gone from everywhere.
Dog owners can have their animals trained to avoid protected native birds, such as kiwi or penguins, and Hayden encourages people to be proactive and get their dogs trained.
”We need dog owners who are out naturing to demonstrate responsibility for their animals, and ensure they keep them away from protected native species. It’s best to get them trained and not need it, than skip the training and have an incident.”
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Police
Eastern Bay of Plenty Police have arrested and charged a man today, in relation to the disappearance of Jason Butler four years ago.
On Wednesday 27 October 2021 Jason was reported missing to Police, after not being seen since Saturday 23 October 2021.
Extensive searches took place in and around the Ōmāio area, including along the Haparapara River and bush areas, but sadly Jason has not been found.
Today, a series of search warrants have been executed in Ōpōtiki and Ōmāio, as a result a 57-year-old man has been arrested.
Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson says this has been a long and extensive investigation.
“I want to acknowledge the whānau of Jason. This week is the four-year anniversary of his disappearance, and I know they are still feeling his loss deeply. While I know we haven’t been able to bring Jason home, I hope this gives them some kind of closure,” he says.
“I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of all those involved in the investigation over the last four years.
“Including those involved in the initial Search and Rescue operations. Efforts have not gone unnoticed,” Detective Senior Sergeant Wilson says.
The 57-year-old has been charged with manslaughter. He is due to appear in Whakatane District Court today where the Crown will be opposing bail.
As this matter is now before the courts, Police will not be able to comment further.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Northland Police can now confirm two people have died following this morning’s crash on SH1, Brynderwyn, Northland.
Just after 3am Police received a report of the crash between a truck and vehicle.
Sadly, the two occupants in the car were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The truck driver sustained minor injuries.
The road will be closed intermittently as the Serious Crash Unit continues to work at the scene.
Motorists are advised to expect delays and take an alternative route if possible.
An investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the crash.
ENDS.
Nicole Bremner/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
Kiwi kids will be able to learn cycling safety skills, alongside more bike tracks being built in schools, thanks to new funding for the Bikes In Schools programme, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
The Government has confirmed that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will provide up to $3.5 million in new funding so the Bikes in Schools programme continues, ensuring many primary and intermediate students will have access to bikes and tracks in their schools.
“Bikes in Schools, first funded under the previous National government, is a great programme that provides an opportunity for our primary and intermediate school kids to learn the basics of how to ride a bike safely.
“Bike riding is a really useful skill for life, and we want to make sure Kiwi kids get the chance to learn how to ride safely from a young age. Jumping on a bike is a great way to get around, keep fit, or just have fun with your mates and family.”
The Bikes in Schools programme, supported through the Bike On New Zealand Charitable Trust (BONZCT), helps schools build their own tracks, provide bikes and helmets for students, and enables kids to learn and practice their safe biking skills during the school day and outside of school hours.
“The programme gives kids the chance to build confidence, stay active, and pick up key skills in a safe school setting before they head out onto the road. Learning about helmets and doing regular bike checks also means they’re set up with the knowledge they need to ride safely,” Mr Bishop says.
“Since 2010, more than 400 schools have got on board with Bikes in Schools, helping thousands of kids to learn and practice safe biking skills. I want to thank Paul McArdle and the team at the BONZCT for pushing this work forward, and the many teachers and parents who make it possible.
“NZTA has confirmed up to $3.5 million from the National Road Safety Promotion Programme to keep Bikes in Schools running through to June 2027, with future funding to be considered in the next National Land Transport Programme.
“It was great to be at Wilford School in Petone today to open their new bike track. Seeing the impact this programme has on students and the wider community shows exactly why it matters, and I’m looking forward to seeing it continue.”