Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

A search and rescue operation is underway this morning after reports of a kayaker missing in the water near Waiwera.

Emergency services were called to the incident about 7.35am, after the kayaker had been seen coming out of their vessel and not resurfacing.

Police immediately deployed, including the Maritime Unit aboard Deodar and Police Eagle, as well as members from Surf Lifesaving New Zealand and volunteers from Hibiscus Coastguard.

Sadly, the man has not yet been located.

A Police Search and Rescue team will deploy to the area this afternoon to conduct a shoreline search at low tide.

The community should expect to see emergency services staff operating in the ara.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Green Party

“Trump and Netanyahu’s unilateral attack on Iran must be condemned as an illegal and unprovoked act against the people of the region and any genuine pathway to peace” Green Party Co-Leader Marama Davidson says.

“This latest escalation in aggression is part of a decades’ long pattern of behaviour of the US dragging the region into more wars, violence, and bloodshed. 

“The wider region has immediately been drawn into this violence, with hundreds reported dead in only a single day. The idea that it’s okay to bomb other countries because you don’t like their leader is reprehensible. 

“The Prime Minister Luxon’s failure to condemn Trump’s illegal actions again demonstrates his lack of leadership or moral courage, and willingness to act against New Zealander’s values.  

“New Zealander’s deserve better than this. Our voice is powerful on the international stage. The Green Party urges Luxon’s Government to condemn illegal warmongering, and unreservedly advocate for diplomacy, international law, and peace for the Iranian people.” 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating a serious assault in Matangi are asking the public for help in identifying the offenders.

Two people were trying to speak to the occupants in a dark-coloured Ford Falcon last night that were doing noisy burnouts in the semi-rural area. Three occupants got out and assaulted the victims.

The victims have sustained serious injuries, requiring hospital treatment.

This was a cowardly attack, and Police urge members of the public that recognise these people to get in touch now.

If you witnessed the incident, have CCTV footage or dashcam footage of Marychurch Road around 8pm last night, then please contact Police.

Anyone that has information on the people pictured or details of a dark-coloured Ford Falcon should contact 105 either over phone or online by clicking ‘Update Report’. Please use file number 260301/0526. 

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is removing the barriers that prevent many farm and other rural workers from using their KiwiSaver accounts to buy their first homes, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson announced today.

Since 2010, Kiwis have been able to withdraw from their KiwiSaver accounts to assist with the purchase of a first home so long as they live in the homes they buy.

“However, workers in service tenancies, such as farm workers, rural teachers, country cops, and defence personnel, have effectively been locked out of first home withdrawal because their jobs require them to live in employer-provided housing,” Nicola Willis says. 

“That’s not fair, so we’re making a technical change to the KiwiSaver Act to ensure workers in service tenancies aren’t denied the opportunity to put a foot on the property ladder.   

“The change will allow service tenancy workers to use their KiwiSaver for a first home purchase without having to live in it.”

Scott Simpson says the Act will also be changed to allow first-time farm buyers to put their KiwiSaver balances towards the purchase of a farm through a commercial entity they majority own, where it will be their principal place of residence.

KiwiSaver rules currently allow the purchase of a farm under a KiwiSaver member’s name (so long as they intend to live on it) – however, in practice, most farms are purchased through a company or trust.

“This reflects the commercial reality of modern farm ownership,” Mr Simpson says.

“Most farms are purchased through companies or trusts. Until now, that has prevented aspiring farmers from accessing KiwiSaver in the same way as someone buying a house in town.”

“The reforms deliver on the Government’s commitment to back rural New Zealand and remove unnecessary barriers.

“These are targeted, practical changes that maintain KiwiSaver’s core purpose while making the scheme fairer for rural communities,” Mr Simpson says.

Legislation giving effect to the changes will be introduced to Parliament in the middle of the year. The changes were sparked by a Member’s Bill in the name of Rangitīkei MP Suze Redmayne.

Source: New Zealand Police

A two-vehicle crash on the Northwestern Motorway / State Highway 16 has blocked most lanes for motorists heading to the city.

One person has sustained serious injuries and ambulance services are on scene.

Only one lane is open at this time, causing traffic to build.

Motorists are advised to avoid the motorway at this time, or delay travel.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Christchurch Police on safety patrol around the Electric Avenue concerts on Friday and Saturday are pleased with the behaviour of the event attendees.

An estimated 43,000 strong crowd headed to the concert each night, many coming from out-of-town.

Operational Commander Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons and her large team worked alongside 440 security personnel to ensure the safety of the public at the two-night concert.

“We did have some issues on Friday with individuals preloading on alcohol and arriving intoxicated to the venue.

“Drunk and disorderly behaviour in Riccarton and the suburbs around the university were problematic and took valuable staffing resources away from where they were most required.

“It was a much better result on Saturday and the crowd overall was well behaved. My team enjoyed the positive interactions with the partying public who were in great spirits.

“A small number of arrests were made, and minor disorder was reported.

“Team Events and Live Nation have run another successful festival this year that was much bigger than previous years. We are lucky to have this very cool event in Christchurch,” said Senior Sergeant Simmons.

Police encourage everyone to plan ahead when to heading out to enjoy events. Drink responsibly, look after one another, and have a sober ride home sorted.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand has consistently condemned Iran’s nuclear programme, its destabilising activities in the region and elsewhere, and its repression of its own people. 

Iran has, for decades, defied the will and expectations of the international community. The legitimacy of a government rests on the support of its people. The Iranian regime has long since lost that support.

In this context, we acknowledge that the actions taken overnight by the US and Israel were designed to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security.  

We condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s indiscriminate retaliatory attacks on Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.  We cannot risk further regional escalation, and civilian life must be protected.   

We join the international community in hoping this crisis ends as quickly as possible.

We call for a resumption of negotiations and adherence to international law – and we urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution that returns Iran to the community of nations. 

Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the conflict, and to the New Zealand families who are understandably worried about their loved ones in the region. 

We recognise too the courage of the Iranian people who have taken to the streets in recent weeks to demand change, only to be met by violence and murder.  The Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.

New Zealand Embassies in the region are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide support to New Zealanders.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises New Zealanders in the region to shelter in place.  New Zealanders should follow the advice of local authorities and register on SafeTravel. 

New Zealanders requiring urgent consular assistance should call the New Zealand 24/7 Consular Emergency Line on +64 99 20 20 20.

Source: New Zealand Police

One person involved in a three-vehicle crash in Bunnythorpe last week has now died.

Emergency services were called to Kairanga Bunnythorpe Road about 7.50am on 25 February.

Two people were transported to hospital in critical condition.

Sadly, on 27 February, one of those two people sadly died in hospital.

Police extend their condolences to their loved ones at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious single-vehicle crash on SH1, Taihape, to the north of Spooners Hill. 

Initial indications suggest there have been injuries. 

The road is closed, with diversions in place, and motorists should avoid the area if possible.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

A $13.9 million investment to upgrade and expand the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Christchurch Women’s Hospital will provide a significant boost to neonatal care services for families across Canterbury and the wider region, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Every New Zealander deserves access to timely, quality healthcare, and that starts with supporting our most vulnerable patients – our newborns,” Mr Brown says.

“Christchurch’s NICU services have been under increasing pressure in recent years, with demand for care often exceeding available capacity. 

“This investment will reconfigure the existing space to increase the number of neonatal cots from 44 to 54, meaning more babies will be able to receive the specialised care they need close to home.

“In addition to increasing capacity, the upgrade will enhance infection prevention measures, a vital part of protecting newborns and giving families peace of mind. The redesign will also ensure the facility meets the latest fire and safety standards, creating a safer, more modern environment for both patients and staff.”

Preparations for the upgrade are already underway, with careful planning to ensure all NICU services continue operating safely on the hospital campus during construction. Work is scheduled to begin next year and is expected to take around nine months, with the upgraded unit expected to be fully operational in early 2027.

“Improving New Zealand’s health infrastructure is a top priority for the Government, and this investment will make a real difference for families across Canterbury. More cots, better facilities, and stronger infection control measures mean that newborns get the care they need when they need it most.

“Our health system must keep pace with the growing needs of our communities, and projects like this show our commitment to supporting families and delivering timely, quality care for all New Zealanders” Mr Brown says.