Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  03 March 2026

On 7 February 2026 the tourism operator transported more than 100 visitors over multiple bus trips to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track start despite a Hazardous Weather Warning based on NIWA weather forecasting – an action which potentially put lives at risk.

The incident breached the terms of the company’s concession agreement with the Department of Conservation for its operations within Tongariro National Park.

Anyone wanting to use public conservation land to run a business or activity must get permission from DOC in the form of a concession. Failing to comply with concession conditions may result in permission to operate being revoked by DOC.

DOC Tongariro Operations Manager Libby O’Brien says the decision to issue the company a two-week suspension was not taken lightly.

“All operators have agreed, as part of their concessions, not to operate when a Hazardous Weather Warning has been issued for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This is for the safety of our visitors and ceasing operations is not optional.

“Despite having been warned last year after a similar breach, this operator chose to knowingly violate the terms of its concession and put lives at risk.”

“This is the only company to have breached the condition, and its actions are unfair to all the other operators following the rules and working to keep our manuhiri safe.”

Hazardous Weather Advisories are issued by NIWA and can be trigged by high wind speeds, low temperatures, heavy rainfall and snow.

“The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a world-famous naturing experience attracting visitors with a range of experience levels. We know some of these people will assume conditions are safe if a shuttle operator is willing to drop them off,” says Libby.

“It is a challenging hike even in good conditions and can be deadly in poor weather. Conditions can change quickly, and the Hazardous Weather Advisory gives the best prediction of what might happen during the day.”

DOC and the transport operators have a duty of care to the visitors who come to Tongariro, with safety the highest priority.

“This is the first time we’ve taken this kind of action, but we’re sending a firm message to operators they need to abide the rules and put the safety of visitors first.”

The transport operator will have operations in Tongariro National Park suspended for two weeks from Monday 9 March 2026 to Sunday 22 March 2026 (inclusive). Other transport providers are operating as usual.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Paekākāriki overnight.

The single vehicle crash on State Highway 59, near Onepu Street was reported at 11:30pm.

State Highway 59 was closed overnight while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination, and re-opened a short time ago.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Source: New Zealand Police

A pitstop to curb a chocolate craving led to the arrest of two wanted shoplifters in Queenstown.

On Tuesday 24 February an officer stopping in at a supermarket in Frankton noticed two men matching the description of offenders from a previous shoplifting incident.

Upon enquiries, the officer located further evidence indicating the pair were also shoplifting at the time, and they were subsequently arrested.

Otago Lakes Central Area Commander, Inspector Paula Enoka, says this is a great catch and a further step towards Police’s crackdown on retail crime.

“I would like to commend the officer – their keen eye and attention to detail is what has led to this arrest.

“This type of offending puts a big strain on our local businesses and will not be tolerated by Police or the community.

“Police are committed to targeting retail crime and holding offenders to account, which these arrests are testament to,” says Inspector Enoka.

The two men, aged 19 and 20, are due to appear in Queenstown District Court on 23 March, charged with shoplifting.

If you witness any retail crime, or any other crime, please call 111 if it is happening now, or for historic offending, please make a report, with as much information as possible, either online or by calling 105.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

An evaluation has found MSD clients are more on top of their job search responsibilities under the Government’s traffic light system, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. 

“90 per cent of clients surveyed as part of the Ministry of Social Development’s latest evaluation said they found the traffic light system has been helpful for understanding their obligations, which include a range of activities towards finding employment,” Louise Upston says. 

“We’re also seeing nearly 99 per cent of clients are fulfilling their obligations, along with a 10.6 per cent drop in the number of sanctions issued between the September 2024 and September 2025 quarters.”

“The traffic light system was designed to reset the expectations for those on welfare and we now know this reset is having a big impact. 

“The traffic light system was introduced in August 2024 and uses traffic light colours to help beneficiaries stay on track with their obligations. The system was a cornerstone of our Government’s welfare system reset, which incentivises employment over welfare dependency.” Louise Upston says.

“The welfare system will continue to support unemployed New Zealanders into work as labour market conditions improve.

“Welfare dependency in New Zealand often begins when young and capable people don’t gain employment. 

“The traffic light system ensures the welfare system is more integrated and helps jobseekers understand and navigate their obligations, helping them to be prepared, proactive and seize opportunities when they come along. Welfare is conditional on recipients meeting their responsibilities.

“Our Government has invested heavily in a range of frontline services to help jobseekers stay on track with their obligations and support clients with complex needs” Louise Upston says. 

“We’ve already introduced a number of initiatives including phone-based employment case management service, more frontline staff for more contact with jobseekers, regular work seminars, increases to the number of community job coaches and the option of non-financial sanctions for some clients.” 

“In late 2025 we also announced a $1000 bonus for young people who move from community job coaching into work and stay off the benefit for more than a year. We’ve also improved the way MSD works with businesses. 

“Times have been tough, but the welfare system needs to be fair, firm and simple. We know jobs are out there and work will always be the best way for New Zealanders to support their families and get ahead in life. 

“We’re committed to fixing the basics and building the future and reaching our target of 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030.”

The evaluation report is available here: https://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/evaluation/traffic-light-system/tls-evaluation-findings.html

Source: New Zealand Police

Auckland City Police are seeking the victim of an aggravated robbery in Ellerslie this afternoon to come forward.

Six people have been arrested over the offending which occurred at the Ellerslie Train Station.

Sergeant Tim Roberts, of Mt Wellington Police, says the victim left the area before Police could speak with her.

“Auckland Transport contacted Police at around 2pm, after observing the offending take place,” he says.

“A group have allegedly stood over the victim in a threatening manner, taking her personal belongings before the victim has fled visibly upset.”

Sergeant Roberts says the offenders left the scene onboard a train, with camera operators tracking their movements.

“Thanks to the expert eye of a Police camera operator, they have been tracked on the rail network with Police units being directed to Newmarket Train Station, and all six people were taken into custody,” he says.

An 18-year-old woman has now been charged with aggravated robbery and will appear in the Auckland District Court tomorrow.

Five other offenders, all youth, are being referred to Police Youth Aid over the offending.

The Police focus is now on identifying the victim.

“This woman was wearing a grey hooded top with a NASA space agency logo on the front,” Sergeant Roberts says.

“We want to contact you to make sure you are okay and to ensure there is further support in place for you.

“If this is you, or you know who this woman is, please contact Police.”

You can contact Police on 105 using the reference number 260302/5584.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Inspector Andrew Mortimore, Waikato West Area Commander:

Arapuni Road, Parawera has reopened following an earlier family harm incident on Mellsop Road.

Police were called to a property on Mellsop Road about 12:50pm today.

One man has been taken into custody with charges pending, and Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident.

Police remain at Mellsop Road for the time being, but remaining cordons on that road will be lifted this evening.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing in extra support for Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today.

“Any event that promotes a smokefree and vapefree lifestyle for our young people is worthy of government backing, and these events have become an iconic part of our Smokefree work”, Ms Costello says. 

“The new contract with Health NZ ensures continuity for these nationwide youth music programmes, which have supported creativity, and, most importantly, wellbeing among our young people for 36 years,” Ms Costello says. 

The new 3-year contract is for $550,000 per year – an increase from the previous $355,000. This funding forms part of $5.3 million in investments in marketing and quit smoking campaigns.

“Thankfully, young people have turned their back on smoking – the daily smoking rate for 14–15-year-olds is around 1 percent, and increasingly they are stopping vaping too”, Ms Costello says.

“But while we focus on getting older smokers to quit, it’s also important to keep reminding youth to stay smokefree and vapefree, and these events are a great way of reaching young people.”

The 2025 editions set records with over 1,010 entries, over 14,000 live audience members, and hundreds of thousands engaging online. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is announcing new initiatives to strengthen the teacher workforce, and new data shows supply is at its strongest in two decades, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“Growing and developing the teacher workforce of the future is one of my key education priorities, and new projections show our initiatives are working. Our Budget investment and ongoing work is significantly strengthening teacher supply,” Ms Stanford says.

“As many as 5,200 qualified primary and secondary teachers are expected to join our teacher workforce over the next three years as a result of our work.

“Currently, we have more teachers in the workforce since records began in 2004, with the largest year-on-year increase for primary teachers in 2024 and for secondary teachers in 2025. We have more teachers in training, with first-time enrolments increasing by 30 percent in 2025. Retention rates remain stable, having stayed at 90 percent for many years.

“The latest teacher supply data projects a return to surplus for primary schools this year, with a national surplus of 530, set to grow to 1,350 by 2028. 

“Through Budget 25 we have invested in hundreds of maths and literacy intervention teachers and learning support coordinators across primary schools and achieving surplus puts us in a strong position to continue rolling this out for schools.

“Secondary teacher supply is improving – we have a surplus projected in the next three years with a narrowing shortfall, and work will continue on closing the gap. There is still work to do and we are continuing to focus our initiatives on our high schools.

“In particular, there are gaps across Māori-medium settings and in some geographic areas, along with secondary teachers specialising in STEM subjects.”

Ms Stanford says significant growth in the number of people enrolling to train to as a teacher is very encouraging for future supply.

Workforce investment continues through multiple initiatives underway, focusing on supporting future leaders, teacher training, and staffing in rural and in-demand areas. These include:

• Aspiring Principals programme and Beginning Principals programme – 200 aspiring principals and up to 450 early-career principals will benefit from a new professional development pathway from Term 2. These programmes are evidence based and supported by mentoring, and aim to prepare experienced teachers and newly appointed principals to lead in schools.
• Boost for in-class training places for new teachers – We’re increasing the number of in-classroom training spots from 242 places in 2025 to 533 places in 2026. The School On-site Training Programme supports the Government’s work to supply confident, well-prepared new teachers and support student achievement.
• Peer to peer principal support – From Term 1, the Ministry of Education’s Leadership Advisory Service is growing. Leadership advisors are all experienced principals who are on call and available to support principals directly across New Zealand. They provide coaching and advice, and information about policy changes. The team is expanding from 16 to 32 advisors.
• Supporting rural teaching with Go Rural – The new Go Rural fund will promote teaching in rural and isolated schools and support new teachers wanting to experience teaching in our regions through removing financial barriers. Student teachers can receive a $4,000 grant to teach in one of 454 eligible Go Rural schools. Applications are now open, providing up to 123 student teachers this year.
• Strengthening Māori-medium teacher supply – funding for the Iwi Māori Work Support Programme has increased from $1.1 million to $2.3 million annually. This will support more iwi organisations to address teacher supply shortages.

“Teachers and principals are central to providing a strong education for our young people. These initiatives expand our work to ensure that teachers and principals have training and support they can depend on, and that areas in need have access to the teachers they deserve.”

Today, Ms Stanford also announced the new Education Excellence Awards which will recognise outstanding work across the schooling sector. 

“Today’s data reflects where our initiatives are working and where to continue our efforts. We remain relentlessly focused on boosting teacher numbers and to ensuring teachers are well supported to provide a world-leading education for New Zealand students.”

Notes to editor:

• The Government has invested in a range of initiatives to attract, train and retain teachers with a focus on building a pipeline of New Zealand trained teachers, augmented by overseas teacher supply and returning teachers.
• Budget 25 invested $117.2 million in leadership development pathways, teacher supply initiatives and funded registration and certification to build the education workforce of the future.
• In Budget 24, $53 million was invested to train and recruit 1500 teachers over four years domestically and overseas. This included expanding the School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP) to 1200 places for aspiring teachers to train in the classroom. Applications for interested providers just opened and interest has exceeded the number of places available.
• An ongoing domestic and overseas recruitment campaign continues to run to attract and retain teachers.  

Other initiatives include:

• Scholarships for people wanting to change their careers to teaching
• Changes to Immigration settings, the Overseas Relocation Grant to support overseas teachers moving to New Zealand, and the Overseas Finder Fee for schools to help meet recruitment costs.
• The Voluntary Bonding Scheme that encourages newly graduated teachers to teach in certain areas of need. Teachers can receive up to $17,500 if they stay at an eligible school for up to 5 years.
• The BeTTER Jobs Programme – connecting beginning and returning teachers with schools facing recruitment or retention challenges.
• Initial Teacher Education Course Finder Tool – provides information on all the teaching courses available in New Zealand so people can find a course that fits their needs more easily or move to New Zealand to teach.
• Funding to encourage former teachers to return to the profession as relief teachers and for teacher aides to upskill as Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) teachers.

New Zealand Education Excellence Awards

The Education Excellence Awards will recognise outstanding achievements in schools and kura in four categories – primary schools with up to 150 students, primary schools with more than 150 students, Kaupapa Māori, and secondary schools. 

For each of the four categories, achievement in the following fields will be recognised: 

• Raising student achievement  
• Improving attendance and engagement
• Quality teaching and instruction
• School leadership

Nominations open on 16 March 2026 and will remain open until 10 April. 

Full details on eligibility, the nomination process, and criteria for judging are available on the Ministry of Education website: www.education.govt.nz/education-professionals/schools-year-0-13/scholarships-and-study-awards/new-zealand-education-excellence-awards

Source: New Zealand Government

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.