Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Replacement of the earthquake-damaged Pages Road bridge in Christchurch will proceed, with Government funding of $38.5 million approved by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board, Minister for the South Island and Associate Transport Minister James Meager has confirmed.

“I’m pleased that the NZTA Board have endorsed the business case for the $75.4 million Pages Road bridge renewal project and approved co-funding from the National Land Transport Fund,” Mr Meager says.

“Carrying more than 13,000 vehicles per day, the nearly 100-year-old bridge is approaching the end of its life. As the main point of access between the New Brighton and Southshore communities, and the rest of Christchurch, there has been increasing urgency to replace it.”

The bridge was last strengthened in 2015 to extend its lifespan. As a critical evacuation route, the importance of the Pages Road bridge renewal project was recognised by this Government with its inclusion in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme. It is currently the highest priority capital improvement project for Christchurch City Council, but until now had no taxpayer funding allocated to it.

“The existing roads either side of the Pages Road bridge are also prone to flooding and erosion. This funding will also allow these roads to be raised and upgraded at the same time as the bridge replacement work,” Mr Meager says.

“With the business case and co-funding now approved, Christchurch City Council expects the project to move into construction once consenting is completed.

“I know how important this project is to the people of New Brighton, Southshore, and greater Christchurch, and I want to thank them for their continued advocacy to get this major infrastructure project across the line.

“It’s promising to see progress being made, and I look forward to seeing shovels in the ground as soon as possible.”

Replacement of the earthquake-damaged Pages Road bridge in Christchurch will proceed, with Government funding of $38.5 million approved by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board, Minister for the South Island and Associate Transport Minister James Meager has confirmed.

“I’m pleased that the NZTA Board have endorsed the business case for the $75.4 million Pages Road bridge renewal project and approved co-funding from the National Land Transport Fund,” Mr Meager says.

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Canterbury District Commander, Superintendent Tony Hill:

A woman has died and a man has a critical injury after being shot by police in Christchurch overnight.

Police were called to a residential address in Clyde Road, Bryndwr about 11pm, after receiving a report of a man armed with a knife, threatening to hurt himself and his partner.

Officers arrived at the address a short time later and a woman ran from the house, followed by a man armed with a knife.

Believing the woman to be at risk of imminent serious harm, police shot the man, critically injuring him. 

The woman subsequently picked up the knife and threatened police.

Officers appealed for her to put the weapon down, but she instead moved forward. She was also shot, sustaining critical injuries.

Immediate medical assistance was provided to the woman but tragically she passed away a short time later.

The injured man was transported to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

Scene guards are in place at the Clyde Road property, and nearby residents can expect to see a continued police presence in the coming days. A portion of the road will be closed.

We have spoken to next of kin, and our thoughts are with the family of those involved at this incredibly difficult time.

This was a distressing incident for the attending officers, and the appropriate support is being provided to them.

A critical incident investigation into the incident is under way and the incident will also be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), as is standard for any incident involving a police shooting.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is extremely disappointed the secondary school teachers’ union (PPTA) has chosen to walk out of classrooms after only six days of bargaining.

Public Service Minister Judith Collins and Education Minister Erica Stanford say the union’s actions are disproportionate, particularly given that a fair and reasonable offer has been made.

“The PPTA had barely sat down at the bargaining table before taking this drastic action,” Ms Collins says.

“Bargaining requires genuine engagement and trade-offs from all parties. Instead of providing feedback or engaging constructively, the PPTA has chosen disruption.”

“This action is unduly disruptive to student learning, especially those preparing for important assessments and exams. It also places significant pressure on parents and caregivers, who must make alternative arrangements when their children are unable to attend school,” Ms Stanford says.

“We fully recognise the vital role teachers play in shaping the academic and personal development of our young people. They are a significant and valued workforce, and we are committed to supporting them.”

A secondary school teacher with 10 years of experience can currently earn up to $147,000, including allowances. The average salary for secondary teachers is now $100,000, up from $93,000 three years ago.

The offer made to secondary teachers reflects the current fiscal constraints and the substantial increases teachers have received over the past three years – an average increase of 14.5 per cent. The current offer includes a 3 per cent increase over three years, in addition to annual pay progression of between 4 per cent and 7.5 per cent.

“Rather than continuing constructive dialogue, the PPTA has chosen a path that disrupts students, families, and schools,” the Ministers say.

“We urge the PPTA to return to the bargaining table with a commitment to constructive dialogue and a realistic settlement – one that supports teachers, students, and the integrity of our public education system.”

Source: New Zealand Police

A teenager will appear in court next week, charged over a fatal crash in Kumeū in late June.

Police have been investigating the single vehicle crash that occurred on Coatesville-Riverhead Highway at 8.20pm on 27 June.

The vehicle had failed to stop for Police a short time earlier.

Sixteen-year-old Elliot New, a passenger in the vehicle, was critically injured and died in hospital on 1 July.

Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan says Police interviewed the alleged driver of the vehicle today.

“Investigators subsequently charged an 18-year-old man with a range of offences, and he will appear in the North Shore District Court on 20 August.”

Those charges include:

– One count of driver in charge of a vehicle whilst under the influence of drugs where death has resulted

– Two counts of driver in charge of a vehicle whilst under the influence of drugs where injury has resulted

– One count of dangerous driving causing death

– Two counts of dangerous driving causing injury

– One count of failing to stop for flashing red and blue lights

Superintendent Hassan says Police enquiries into the incident remain ongoing, and further charges may result from these enquiries.

“A critical incident investigation also remains ongoing, as well as enquiries by the IPCA.

“We are continuing to support our people through the process, as well as to the families that have been impacted by the tragic events that Friday night.”

Police are limited in further comment as the matter is now before the courts.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

A carload of out-of-town teenagers have had their return plans halted after Police stopped their stolen vehicle in south Auckland.

Just before 6am, Police received information a stolen Toyota Hilux was travelling south on the Southern Motorway.

Senior Sergeant Simon Cornish, of Counties Manukau East Police, says the vehicle had been reported stolen from the Hamilton area.

“It is alleged the vehicle was stolen overnight, and the Police Eagle helicopter deployed to the area,” he says.

“The vehicle was picked up in Manurewa, with its location being relayed to staff on the ground.”

Spikes were successfully deployed, but the vehicle carried on.

“It has continued slowly through the wider area, before being slowed further on Stratford Road,” Senior Sergeant Cornish says.

“Units blocked the vehicle in before it could get back to the motorway network.”

Five male occupants, four from the Waikato and one from Bay of Plenty, were taken into custody without further incident. 

Those arrested are all aged 16 and 17, including the 16-year-old male driver.

“Police have recovered several items of interest, including tools, from the vehicle so it’s clear that this morning’s arrest has prevented further offending from taking place,” Senior Sergeant Cornish says.

Police are speaking with several of the vehicle’s occupants in relation to other offending within the Waikato region.

Charges are pending for this morning’s offending.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Children Karen Chhour is calling on anyone able to provide a loving and stable environment for a child to seriously consider becoming a caregiver.

She has also reassured potential and former caregivers that the supports and training for caregivers have improved and will continue to be upgraded under this government.

Minister Chhour said, “Becoming a caregiver is one of the most selfless and rewarding things you can do, and we’re making it easier by increasing the quality of the support we provide and removing barriers that dissuaded potential caregivers – such as a focus on their ethnicity.”

Budget 2025 committed $16 million to make care environments safer and to better support and train caregivers and the wider care workforce.

“We have been guided by caregivers themselves and have undertaken a number of improvements. 

These include:

• Establishing the Caregiver Panel – ensuring caregivers have a strong voice in the services and supports provided to them
• Better on-boarding of new caregivers by providing greater information and guidance during the start of their caregiver journey
• Increasing the number of learning modules available to Oranga Tamariki caregivers provided by Caring Families Aotearoa, with 277 people already undertaking these courses since May of this year
• Improving the approval process for caregivers and ensuring caregivers are fully approved before children are placed in their care – an issue under the previous government
• Changes to the relevant caregiver policies and guidelines to ensure that safe and loving homes are prioritised over other considerations.

“There are children right here in our communities who need that care, that support, and that sense of belonging more than anything. 

“If you can provide a safe, stable, and loving home, please consider becoming a caregiver. 

“If you have been a caregiver in the past, we would encourage you to think about becoming one again,” said Mrs Chhour.  

You can learn more on the Oranga Tamariki website, or in the link – https://www.orangatamariki.govt.nz/caregiving/becoming-a-caregiver/     

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from Bay of Plenty coast from Whakatane to Mount Maunganui due to the presence of toxins.

“Routine tests on tuatua from the location have shown levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin over the safe limit,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle. “The warning extends from Whakatane to Mount Maunganui.

See the map of the warning for Bay of Plenty

“Please do not gather and eat shellfish from this area because anyone doing so could get sick.

“Affected shellfish include bivalve shellfish such as mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles and scallops, as well as pūpū (cat’s eyes), Cook’s turban. 

“Cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin, so shellfish from this area should not be eaten.

“We are monitoring an algal bloom in the region, which is spreading. This type of algae produces a dangerous toxin and when shellfish filter-feed, these toxins can accumulate in their gut and flesh. Generally, the more algae there are in the water, the more toxic the shellfish get.”             

Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning usually appear within 10 minutes to 3 hours of eating and may include:

• numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, hands, and feet
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• dizziness and headache
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhoea
• paralysis and respiratory failure and, in severe cases, death.

Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.

Finfish are not affected by this public health warning, but we advise gutting the fish and discarding the liver before cooking. 

New Zealand Food Safety has had no notifications of associated illness.

If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued, phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately. You are also advised to contact your nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.

“New Zealand Food Safety is monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation,” says Mr Arbuckle. 

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.

Find out more

Shellfish biotoxin alerts

Subscribe to shellfish biotoxins to receive email alerts

See signage in the affected area.

Podcast about shellfish contamination

Collecting shellfish and keeping them safe [PDF, 1.4 MB]

Causes and symptoms of toxic shellfish poisoning

About toxic algal blooms

Food safety for seafood gatherers booklet [PDF, 1.2 MB]

Source: New Zealand Government

Victims of sexual violence will soon have the power to determine name suppression orders, with legislation passing third reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“These changes will help ensure victims of sexual violence and their needs are returned to the heart of the justice system. We’ve been clear from day one that victims are our priority as we work to restore law and order.

“This Bill will ensure the courts cannot issue a permanent name suppression order for an adult convicted of a sexual offence, unless the victim agrees to it.

“Currently victims’ views only have to be taken into account by the courts. Long battles over name suppression retraumatises victims, as does the inability to discuss what happened to them and to warn others. 

“I recognise that some victims will not want to make this decision, some will not be able to, and others may not be available. In these cases, the court will decide about name suppression for the convicted offender.

“We’re also ensuring victims of all sexual crimes, including intimate visual recording offences, are automatically given name suppression. There is a legislative gap, which means some victims of sexual offences receive automatic name suppression and others do not.

“Finally, this Bill amends the law so that children under the age of 12 will not be able to be questioned about whether they consented to sex. This makes it crystal clear that children cannot consent to abuse.

“These changes will help restore real consequences for crime, and ensure there are 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime by 2029.”

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 60, Mahana is closed following an earlier crash. 

Police were alerted to the two-vehicle crash at around 2.30pm near Apple Valley Road.

Initial indications suggest there are injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

The road is closed while emergency services are in attendance.

Motorists are advised to follow diversions and expect delays.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown today officially opened Tauranga Hospital’s new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU), marking a major milestone in improving critical care services for the region. 

“This newly expanded and refurbished ICU and HDU complete a significant $21 million upgrade of critical care services for the Bay of Plenty. It will make a real difference for patients, their families, and the staff who care for them,” Mr Brown says. 

Previously, Tauranga Hospital had 6 intensive care beds, 4 high dependency beds, and 10 coronary care unit (CCU) beds – a total of 20 beds – all located on the same floor.  

“This limited capacity was putting critical care services under pressure, with demand often exceeding capacity. At times, this meant some planned surgeries requiring intensive care afterward had to be postponed.” 

The upgrade increases intensive care and high dependency capacity from 10 to 16 beds on a dedicated floor, while the CCU is now located on its own floor with space designed to expand to 20 beds in the future, which could be used for coronary care or other acute care services as demand requires. 

“The refurbished CCU provides a larger, separate space for heart patients and improves coordination of cardiology services, including quick access to the hospital’s two state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation labs – the second of which opened last month. 

“The ICU and HDU now occupy a fully refurbished, dedicated floor, giving more patients access to the highest level of care in the right environment. 

“Expanding critical care capacity will improve patient flow from the emergency department for unplanned admissions and reduce the need to delay planned surgeries.  

“This will ease pressure on the emergency department while ensuring people receive the elective care they need, both of which are essential to meeting the Government’s health targets for shorter emergency stays and reduced elective treatment wait times.” 

The upgraded ICU also features three negative pressure rooms, providing additional protection for patients and staff by helping contain infectious diseases when needed. 

“Improving health infrastructure is a top priority for the Government to ensure patients receive timely, quality care. The upgraded critical care services at Tauranga Hospital will strengthen healthcare for the local community and the wider Bay of Plenty region, ensuring patients have access to the critical care they need, exactly when they need it,” Mr Brown says.