Source: New Zealand Police
A serious two-vehicle crash was reported to Police about 7:40pm, near the intersection of State Highway 1 and Horahora Road at Piarere, north-west of Tirau.
There are understood to be serious injuries.
The road is closed and diversions are in place.
The Serious Crash Unit have been advised.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Government
Regional decision-making has been restored for New Zealand’s polytechnics, and industry put back into the driver’s seat for work-based learning, with the Government today making good on its promise to scrap Te Pūkenga, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says.
“This is an important milestone in rebuilding a vocational education and training system that’s locally and industry-led, regionally responsive, and future focused,” Ms Simmonds says.
“Vocational education trains the people who make our roads, build our houses, run our farms, fix our machinery and care for our people.
“The previous centralised model under Te Pūkenga took decision-making away from regions and industry, failed students and employers, and weakened local communities.
“This Government is turning that failed system around – giving regions control, restoring financial accountability, and strengthening industry leadership in work-based training.”
The Education and Training (Vocational Education and Training System) Amendment Bill disestablishes the centralised model created under Te Pūkenga and enables the re-establishment of, initially, ten regionally governed polytechnics, with more to follow. It also establishes eight Industry Skills Boards to lead standard-setting, qualification development and temporarily manage work-based training across defined industry groups. These will be operational from 1 January 2026.
Most programmes, functions, assets, and staff of Te Pūkenga will move into the new polytechnics. A two-year transitional period will see the Industry Skills Boards manage existing work-based training while new arrangements are developed across polytechnics, private training establishments, and wānanga.
As announced by the Minister in July, Cabinet has confirmed which polytechnics will operate as stand-alone institutions, including those which will be supported by a new federation, and those which will temporarily remain within Te Pūkenga while continuing to work toward financial sustainability. Cabinet also confirmed in July which Industry Skills Boards will be set up.
“This reform delivers a stable, practical, and future-focused vocational education system,” Ms Simmonds says.
“It allows local providers to respond to regional needs, employers to shape training, and learners to gain skills that lead to real jobs. Communities regain local control, and polytechnics become financially sustainable.”
The legislation ensures vocational education is fit for the future, giving regions and industries the tools to meet local skills needs, support economic growth, and provide learners with pathways to meaningful employment.
“We’re rebuilding a system that works for apprentices, students, employers, and communities – delivering real skills, real jobs, and real value to support this Government in going for growth,” Ms Simmonds says.
Source: New Zealand Police
Both sides of State Highway 1, north of Kekerengu are blocked due to a burning vehicle.
Motorists can expect delays and are advised to delay travel if possible.
Emergency services were notified at around 4:15pm.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Government
Defence, GCSB and NZSIS Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to Washington DC to attend a range of defence and security meetings.
“In a complex and deteriorating global environment, defence diplomacy that strengthens relationships and responds to new and emerging threats has never been more important,” Ms Collins says.
While in Washington Ms Collins will meet with a number of counterparts, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary for Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
“I look forward to meeting with my US counterparts to share perspectives on the uncertain geostrategic environment we face, and to discussing how we might further bolster our long-standing defence and security partnership, including in pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
“As New Zealand focuses on building a more combat capable defence force, with enhanced lethality and interoperability, it is important we discuss potential opportunities for closer collaboration with one of our closest partners.”
Source: New Zealand Police
Police found a patient transfer service ambulance among vehicles restricted by flooding and slips in Awakino on Monday night.
Heavy rain made the road through the Gorge area impassable in places.
On-call Police officer Constable Donna Potroz from Mōkau received a call around 1.40am about a major slip blocking Awakino Gorge.
Constable Potroz got to the scene quickly to find multiple vehicles, including a patient transfer service ambulance with a newborn on board, stuck by slips.
She was able to provide support and advice to motorists at the scene.
Hato Hone St John was carrying out a routine transfer of a patient by road ambulance from New Plymouth to Waikato Hospital, as poor weather conditions prevented an air ambulance from being dispatched.
Chris Haines, Hato Hone St John National Operations Manager – Patient Transfer Services said they are grateful for the support of Constable Potroz.
“Constable Potroz chose to travel alongside our Patient Transfer Services officer and medical team from Health New Zealand, to provide access to important communications.
“We are also grateful to have had a team of neonatal intensive care specialists from Health New Zealand onboard our ambulance, to provide essential care to the patient, who was a critically unwell baby,” says Mr Haines.
Roading contractors were already working hard on clearing the road but there were many slips, and it would take time.
“Along the way, we encountered some road obstructions which meant we had to evaluate our options and adjust our plans, with the support of police. It became clear that waiting for a bigger slip to be cleared would take a long time so we decided to turn around and return to New Plymouth,” said Mr Haines.
Working hard through the night, roading contractors were able to clear the smaller slip to provide safe passage for the ambulance and police.
It was a long night and a team effort to get everyone safely out of the gorge.
“We are pleased that when conditions improved, we were able to dispatch an air ambulance to airlift the patient to Waikato Hospital.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part in the care of our young patient,” says Mr Haines.
Acting Area Commander Inspector Darin Haenga said that Constable Potroz went above and beyond on Monday night, putting the safety of others ahead of her own.
“When situations like these present themselves people rely on our support.
“Constable Potroz was brilliant, helping all these people trapped by the slips to feel safe and be safe.
“I’d also like to acknowledge how well served our communities were by roading crews at the scene, and the ambulance and Health New Zealand staff, who worked hard through the night.
“It’s a privilege to see dedicated officers working alongside health and emergency services, road crews and members of the public, getting stuck in and helping them, all before breakfast!” says Inspector Darin Haenga.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua, Counties Manukau CIB:
Police investigating the fatal fire at Bucklands Beach on 2 October can now confirm the details of those who died.
They were Jung Sup Lee, 36, and Ha-il Lee, 11, both of Bucklands Beach.
Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the family at this difficult time.
At 2.30am on Thursday 2 October Emergency Services responded to the house fire on Murvale Drive.
Police have confirmed it is being treated as a double homicide and are calling for the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible for the fire.
Anyone who resides in Bucklands Beach, Howick, Sunnyhills, Mellons Bay, Botany Downs, Highland Park who has any CCTV footage between the hours of 10pm on Wednesday 1 October and 5am on Thursday 2 October is urged to get in touch.
Police are also wanting any dash cam or Go Pro footage from the same areas and times.
We want to reiterate that no detail is too small, or irrelevant.
Police have set up an online portal for Operation Town: https://town.nc3.govt.nz/.
Anyone can visit the link and upload footage for Police to review.
Alternatively, anyone with information can contact Police online or call 105 using the reference number 251002/9501.
Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
More than 70 new social homes will be delivered in Northland by Community Housing Providers (CHPs), Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.
“Our Government backs social housing, and we’re determined to deliver it better. That means building the right homes, in the right places, with the right support, for the people most in need,” Mr Bishop says.
“Across New Zealand, CHPs and Kāinga Ora have delivered over 6,800 net new social homes since November 2023, with 424 of those places being in Northland.
“On top of that, the Government has committed funding for more than 2,000 additional homes to be delivered by CHPs over the next two years.
“Northland, which has a very high level of severe housing deprivation, is one of the regions that will benefit from this pipeline.”
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated social homes based on regional need, which has been assessed using a range of factors including the housing register and emergency housing use.
“In Northland, the CHP projects are expected to deliver:
“Half of those waiting for a home nationally need a one-bedroom property, yet only 12 percent of Kāinga Ora’s stock meets that need. In Northland, 81 per cent of the housing register demand is for one and two bedroom places, so these new homes will make a real difference,” Mr Bishop says.
“Every set of keys handed over is another person or family in a warm, dry social home. We’re focused not just on delivering more homes, but on delivering the right homes that match the needs of people and communities.
“The Government’s wider reset of the social housing system is already showing results. Recently the Community Housing Funding Agency achieved an A+ credit rating from S&P Global, and recently we announced the introduction of a new loan guarantee scheme, reducing borrowing costs for CHPs and enabling them to deliver more homes.
“We’re simplifying the funding system so providers can get on with building homes, instead of navigating a confusing web of overlapping funds. These Northland projects are a good example of the progress being made.”
Seven of the homes have already been delivered, with Habitat for Humanity delivering these places in Whangarei. Remaining homes will be delivered by CHPs working in conjunction with construction partners of their choice from July 2026.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are urging for sightings of a grey ute in relation to Aydan, 39, who went missing over eight weeks ago.
Last seen in Chartwell, Hamilton on Sunday 17 August, Aydan was believed to be driving his 2016 grey Mazda ute, registration QYA209.
Detective Sergeant Jonathan Carter said both Aydan’s family, and police, are hoping for someone to come forward with information about Aydan’s grey Mazda ute.
“Have you seen a grey ute anywhere? Perhaps you’ve noticed it hasn’t moved?
“If you’ve noticed a grey Mazda ute somewhere across the region, we would like to hear from you,” says Detective Sergeant Jonathan Carter.
Police and family have serious concerns for Aydan’s wellbeing.
If you have any information, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 250819/5160.
You can also get in touch anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Privacy Commissioner
In 2021, a government agency mailed a client’s health information to the wrong address. The agency had the correct street but had misidentified the house number.
The agency had the incorrect address in its systems as the verified address for the client, because a staff member had misheard the street number they said and verified the incorrect address in the agency’s systems. The agency said it had taken steps to verify the address, and so it did not consider it had made a mistake.
The client was not satisfied with this response and complained to the agency. Further enquiries showed that the agency had the client’s correct address details at the time the information was sent to the wrong address but had not updated their file.
The client asked for compensation, but the agency said it did not consider the breach had caused significant emotional harm, because the information that had been sent was “relatively generic.”
However, the client said that their previous experiences meant that the harm of the information being sent to the wrong address was greater for them than it might have been for someone else. The client lodged an application for review of the agency’s decision. The agency was directed by the reviewer to obtain an external opinion on the emotional harm suffered by the client. This independent opinion said the breach had caused significant emotional harm and had exacerbated the client’s pre-existing conditions. Following this, the agency made a compensation offer to the client, however it miscommunicated how long the client had to consider and accept the offer. The client had lost trust in the agency by this point and was not willing to negotiate with the agency directly.
The client asked our Office to assist, advising that they would like to meet with the agency to discuss how the privacy breach had impacted them and to further attempt to resolve the complaint.
This complaint raised issues under rules 5 and 8 of the Health Information Privacy Code 2020 (the Code).
Rule 5 requires agencies that hold health information to ensure that the information is protected by reasonable safeguards to protect against loss, misuse or unauthorised disclosure.
Rule 8 requires agencies to take reasonable steps to ensure that information is accurate, up to date, complete, relevant and not misleading before using or disclosing that information.
This was a case where the agency accepted it had breached its client’s privacy, but it didn’t fully understand the harm the breach had caused the client. Further, the relationship between the agency and its client had broken down, such that they weren’t able to resolve the matter between them directly.
We focus on resolving complaints where possible, and instead of investigating we decided to explore a settlement under section 77 of the Privacy Act.
Section 77 provides for the Commissioner to use best endeavours to settle the complaint without an investigation. An investigation may or may not follow if the Commissioner is unable to secure a settlement.
We facilitated a conciliation meeting between the agency, the client and the client’s psychologist, who attended as the client’s support person, and was able to help the client articulate the harm the privacy breach had caused them. It was clear that the breach had exacerbated pre-existing mental health conditions and caused a significant impact on the emotional state and the life of the client.
At the meeting, the agency did a good job of hearing the complainant’s concerns. Its representatives provided the client with a heartfelt apology. The client thanked the representatives and said it was the first time that they felt the agency had listened and understood how they felt. The conciliation meeting ended with both parties agreeing to settle the matter.
As part of this resolution, the agency agreed to pay financial compensation, which was more than twice the amount offered previously. The agency also agreed to pay for ongoing psychological treatment to help the client to recover from the interference with their privacy.
The matter was settled, and we closed our file.
When agencies are considering whether harm has been suffered by a complainant, it is essential that it seeks to understand the actual impact on the client, not what they think the impact should be without having lived that individual’s life experiences. What might not affect one person, can have a significant impact on another.
Additionally, it is critical that agencies take responsibility for errors from the outset and put things right early. In this instance, the complaint could have been resolved far earlier if the agency had accepted what had gone wrong earlier, and if it had considered the information it already had, in the form of the independent opinion about the harm the client had experienced.
Instead, the agency’s management of the breach and the subsequent complaint led to a further breakdown in the relationship between the parties, and this meant the matter wasn’t able to be resolved without our Office’s assistance. However, when the parties came to the conciliation with a genuine desire to hear the other and with an intention to resolve the matter and move forward, we were able to facilitate a conversation that allowed that to happen, and both sides to get closure.
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 15 October 2025
Initial results are in from the August aerial 1080 operation to protect the critically endangered pukunui. Monitoring shows feral cats and possums have been reduced to such low levels that they were undetectable for at least three weeks after the operation. The 40,000 ha operational area includes a large portion of the remaining pukunui breeding sites in the Tin Range and surrounding forest.
Department of Conservation Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming says pukunui now have their best chance in years at raising a new generation of chicks.
“This spring marks the first time in recent memory we’re entering a breeding season filled with cautious hope and optimism,” Aaron says.
“Feral cats are the number one predator of pukunui. Every year, despite trapping, hunting and other ground-based measures, pukunui numbers were sliding closer to extinction.
“With a population of just 105, pukunui are far from out of the woods, but clearing out feral cats across this important habitat will help improve the odds of survival and population growth for these ‘under-birds’.”
A network of more than 300 trail cameras was set up to monitor introduced predators before and after the 1080 operation. So far, DOC has gathered and analysed more than 400,0000 images to measure the abundance of feral cats and possums.
The results received so far are clear, says Aaron.
“Prior to the operation, feral cats and possums were widespread in the 40,000ha operational area. Following it, we’ve had no detections for at least three weeks.
“While this is encouraging, our cameras have picked up plenty of feral cats roaming outside of the control zone and over time, they will reinvade.
“Our camera network will monitor the reinvasion, and we will see if the operation covered enough ground to enable a successful breeding season as part of the Pukunui Recovery Project.
“Our rangers are continuing to run an extensive trapping network to provide an extra layer of protection.”
The available data also shows no negative impact on the kiwi population, as expected, says Aaron.
Hundreds of thousands more images are still to be processed from cameras setup to monitor rats, along with three more weeks’ worth of cat images. These results will be shared as soon as they are available.
The pukunui aerial 1080 operation was led by DOC with support from Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP).
ZIP also undertook an eradication trial targeting three species of rats across 6,500 hectares within the pukunui operational area to inform Predator Free Rakiura. Trail cameras are also being used to measure the results of the eradication trial, and there are about 1.5 million images to process, mostly by eye, to identify and differentiate between the three different rat species.
In the meantime, DOC rangers are surveying for pukunui nests at multiple breeding sites across Rakiura. So far, they have found at least seven nests says Aaron.
“Counting nests and eggs when there is a real chance they might survive through to adulthood is naturing at its very best. We’re thrilled to be starting this breeding season on such a positive note.”
Nest surveying will continue through the breeding season until December with more eggs – and ultimately chicks – expected. The Pukunui Recovery project aims to rebuild the population from 105 to at least 300 by 2035.
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