Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Northland Police investigating a spate of suspicious fires in the area are appealing to the public for information.

Detective Sergeant Paul Overton says Police and Fire and Emergency services responded to reports of a fire on on Pataua North Road, Whareora on the morning of 20 May.

“At around 7am, about 15 T8 Traffic Control cones were taken from a stretch of road under maintenance, stacked in the middle of the road, covered in diesel and set alight.

“A second set of stacked cones were set alight further up the road.”

Detective Sergeant Overton says in the past seven months Police have also received a number of reports in relation to suspicious bush and scrub fires in the Matapouri, Tutukaka, Ngunguru and Pataua areas.

“We encourage anyone who was in these areas or has any information about any of these fires to get in touch.”

If you have any information that could help our enquiries, update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250520/3428.

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

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have charged a 20-year-old man in relation to a fatal crash on Niagara-Tokanui Highway on 15 February 2025.

At around 8.35pm, Police were alerted to a single-vehicle crash where a ute had rolled between McManus Road and Quarry Hills Fortification Road.

Sadly, despite best efforts by emergency services, 20-year-old Jack Victor Hugh Stephens from Tahakopa died at the scene.

Two other occupants received serious to critical injuries.

At the time, the Serious Crash Unit conduced a scene examination and Police’s investigation was established.

Today, Police charged a 20-year-old man in relation to the incident.

He is due to appear in Gore District Court on Wednesday 30 July 2025, charged with manslaughter.

As the matter is before the courts, Police are unable to provide further information in relation to the matter.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Overly rigid insulation rules are being removed to ease costs for designers, builders and homeowners, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced. 
 
“I’ve heard clearly from the industry that the current one-size-fits-all approach to insulation requirements is needlessly driving-up costs. 
 
“The most prescriptive compliance pathway currently available for insulation – known as the Schedule Method – doesn’t allow for design trade-offs that can affect a home’s energy efficiency, like adjusting window size. 
 
“This has led to designers and homeowners having to over-insulate in certain areas to achieve Building Code compliance, offering little extra energy efficiency benefit at a significant cost. 
 
“To address this, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) will remove the current Schedule Method in favour of more flexible alternatives.  

“Smarter online tools now let us take a balanced, whole-of-home approach to energy efficiency – enabling builders and designers to measure a home’s total heat loss instead of being locked into prescriptive requirements. 
 
“Using adaptable Calculation and Modelling Methods is shown to cut the cost of an average new build by up to $15,000. 
 
“The government will now work closely with the sector to ensure a smooth transition before the change takes effect. 
 
“The Schedule Method will be removed from the Building Code’s Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods for Energy Efficiency by the end of the year, followed by a 12-month transition period to give the sector time to adjust. 
 
“I’ve also directed officials to explore designating the Far North as a separate climate zone under the Building Code, responding to calls from local leaders to ease insulation rules in the region. 
 
“The Far North District Council made a strong case in its energy-efficiency review submission, highlighting that the region’s warmer climate and need for affordable housing allow for a more tailored approach. 
 
“I’ve heard from the district council that building costs in the Far North are approaching $5,000 per square metre. They’re pushing for change to deliver more homes for locals at a reasonable price – an ambition I fully support. 
 
“In my view, recognising Northland’s unique climate with a separate zone is a sensible step that could lower costs and unlock much-needed housing supply. 
 
“MBIE will consult on any proposed changes to the region’s climate zone designation before final decisions are made, and I look forward to hearing feedback from the public. 

“This Government is committed to making commonsense changes and cutting construction red tape to make building easier and more affordable – putting more roofs over Kiwi heads, while ensuring those homes stay safe and dry for our families.” 

Note to editors:    

• In the context of thermal performance in buildings, insulation refers to materials that reduce heat transfer by acting as a barrier between two areas. This includes products like fibreglass, wool, and glazing.
• Updated documents with the Schedule Method removed are expected to be published in November 2025. A 12-month transition period will run thereafter, so designers can continue using the old documents with the Schedule Method.
• MBIE will support the sector with guidance on how to use the more flexible Calculation Method to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code. 

Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Ripyl® Named Best Startup at EDUtech 2025

Ripyl®, the innovative platform redefining business and commerce education, has been named Best Startup at EDUtech 2025 after winning the prestigious Shark Tank Competition. Recognised for its proven impact across 11 countries, Ripyl stood out for delivering curriculum-aligned, teacher-driven resources that empower students with real-world skills. The award cements Ripyl’s commitment to keeping educators and learners at the heart of EdTech, ensuring practical, relevant learning experiences that build critical and entrepreneurial mindsets for tomorrow’s leaders.

The post Ripyl® Named Best Startup at EDUtech 2025 first appeared on PR.co.nz.

Source: Press Release Service

Headline: AI and Google Ads: A Game-Changer for Digital Marketing

The Web Guys shares expert insights into harnessing cutting-edge AI tools to deliver smarter, faster and more effective results for clients.

The post AI and Google Ads: A Game-Changer for Digital Marketing first appeared on PR.co.nz.

Source: BNZ Statements

“If you’ve been impacted by severe weather and are concerned about your finances, please call us.”

That’s the message for customers from BNZ Head of Branch for the Lower North Island and top of the South, Christine Jones.

BNZ is offering a targeted assistance package to affected customers in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough.

Available immediately, the assistance package includes:

• Ability to review home lending facilities on a case-by-case basis.
• Access to temporary personal overdrafts to support customers who require access to funds urgently while they await insurance pay-outs. Standard interest rates and credit criteria applies.
• Access to temporary overdrafts of up to $10,000 with no application fee for Small Business customers. Standard interest rates and credit criteria applies.
• Access to temporary overdrafts for Agri, Business, and Commercial customers up to $100,000, with no application fee. Standard interest rates and credit criteria applies.

“We understand that some of our customers may be facing unexpected challenges to their homes, businesses and communities as a result of the severe weather events,” says Christine.

“We are offering practical support to help relieve some of the pressure during this time, so people can focus on the clean-up and recovery.

“We also have a range of other options available, especially for customers who are facing hardship, so I encourage people to get in touch so we can see how we can help,” says Christine.

To discuss support options, business and agribusiness customers should reach out to their BNZ Partner. Small business owners can call 0800 BNZSME, while personal banking customers can access support through BNZ’s digital platforms or by calling 0800 ASKBNZ.

BNZ PremierCare Insurance customers who need assistance can call IAG NZ on 0800 248 888 or submit an online claim https://iagnz.custhelp.com/app/bnz.

ENDS

 

The post BNZ offers support to customers affected by severe weather in the Upper South Island appeared first on BNZ Debrief.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will soon begin construction of two sets of average speed safety cameras to improve safety in Bay of Plenty.

Average speed safety cameras are being used by NZTA to reduce serious crashes along high-risk corridors and roads. The technology is internationally proven to be highly effective at reducing deaths and serious injuries on longer sections of road. The cameras work by calculating a vehicle’s average speed over a length of road between two cameras.  

One pair will be installed on State Highway 2 (SH2) Pacific Coast Highway between Ōtamarākau and Matatā and the other on State Highway 5 (SH5) Explorer Highway, Tumunui south of Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty. Work will begin at both sites on Monday 14 July, and take three to four weeks to complete.

NZTA Head of Regulatory Strategic Programmes Tara Macmillan says speeding has a very real and devastating impact on communities. 

“The types of crashes that happen, and are likely to happen, the volume of traffic, and driver behaviour all tell us that there is a serious risk of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes on these roads. We also know that risk can be significantly reduced if more people drive to the speed limit. By installing safety cameras, we can reduce the chance of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes on these roads.”

SH2 Matatā 

In June 2024, NZTA undertook a speed survey on this stretch of road that showed around 45 percent of drivers were speeding.  

A new camera will be installed on SH2 near Herepuru Road (by Murphy’s Holiday Camp). The existing safety camera near Ōtamarākau on SH2 will be converted to an average speed camera.  

SH5 Tumunui 

In June 2024, NZTA undertook a speed survey on this stretch of road which showed around 47 percent of drivers were speeding. 

One camera will be installed at approximately 126 Thermal Explorer Highway (SH5 – Rotorua end) and the other near 2028 Thermal Explorer Highway near Waimangu. 

When installed, each pair of cameras will work together, measuring the average speed drivers travel between them. Drivers will only be ticketed if their average travel speed over the entire distance between a pair of cameras is over the limit – they aren’t ‘pinged’ by a single camera or at a single point where they are over the speed limit. 

Initial construction works include installing underground power supplies, completing foundation works and installing metal barriers that will protect maintenance workers and any vehicle that leaves the road in a crash.   

The poles and cameras will not be installed until later this year. Before the cameras begin operating ‘Average speed camera area’ signs will be installed, giving drivers a reminder to check their speed and slow down if needed. 

NZTA is expecting to begin operating its first average speed safety cameras on SH1 at Matakana Road, Warkworth, later this year, and will progressively bring other average speed safety cameras online, including in the Bay of Plenty, in the following months.  

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is strengthening trespass laws to make them more effective and practical for businesses, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say.

“We know our trespass laws are no longer fit for purpose. They’re difficult to enforce and often criminals take no notice. They return with impunity and just continue to rob businesses of their livelihoods,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“Our plan to restore law and order is working, but there’s still more work to be done. Trespass laws are an area we know will make a world of difference to the community. 

“Businesses need extra tools to better protect their properties, keep offenders away, and stop them from coming back.”

The proposed changes to the Trespass Act are:

• Increasing the maximum trespass period from two years to three years.
• Allow businesses, such as franchises, to trespass individuals from multiple locations.
• Increase the maximum fine for anyone refusing to leave when asked, or returning when trespassed from $1,000 to $2,000.
• Increase the maximum fine for anyone refusing to give their name and address when requested, or giving false information, from $500 to $1,000.

“For too long, offenders have treated trespass notices like a joke. These changes send a clear message: enough is enough. If you threaten retail workers or steal from businesses, don’t expect to walk back in like nothing happened,” Mrs McKee says.
“Every New Zealander deserves to feel safe at work, especially our frontline retailers. These reforms aren’t just about fines and paperwork; they are about making retail spaces safer and giving businesses the respect they deserve.”

“I want to thank Sunny Kaushal and the Retail MAG for engaging with retailers across the country and for their recommendations on how to modernise the Trespass Act, so it better upholds retailers’ business and property rights, while keeping customers and staff safe,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“Our goal before the Bill is introduced is to explore how best to support retailers when distributing notices to those who refuse to engage.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Work is back underway on Dunedin’s new inpatient building, marking a major step forward in the Government’s commitment to delivering this critical health project, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“It’s great to be back in Dunedin to see physical works now underway again on the former Cadbury site. This visible progress clearly demonstrates our commitment to delivering this vital project.” 

The early construction phase will see 134 pile caps installed, made from steel-reinforced concrete. Around 4,300 cubic metres of concrete will be poured across the site, with approximately 490 tonnes of reinforcing steel used in total. 

“This work will take about six months and includes detailed inspections of every pile to ensure the facility is built to the highest design and safety standards.” 

The next major construction phase is the substructure, which is expected to begin in early 2026, with contract awards due soon following strong market interest. 

“This phase will prepare the site for base isolators and IL4 foundations – ensuring the hospital can keep functioning after a major earthquake or natural disaster. That’s essential for the people of Dunedin and the wider region.” 

The inpatient building will be the largest single health facility in New Zealand, covering approximately 70,000 square metres. 

“We’re delivering a hospital that’s not only future-proofed for changing models of care and technology but also built to grow with the population. The design allows for flexibility, scalability, and high-quality care delivery for decades to come. 

“Significant progress has also been made on the outpatient building, which will begin delivering care to patients in a modern, purpose-built facility from next year. 

“Our Government is committed to delivering both buildings and ensuring the people of Dunedin and surrounding Otago and Southland region have a fully operational, modern hospital. 

“By 2031, Dunedin will have a resilient, fit-for-purpose health facility that will serve the city and wider region for generations to come. We are getting on with the job – and today’s progress is further proof that this Government is delivering,” Mr Brown says. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is focused on the delivery of Dunedin’s new inpatient building, with the establishment of a local engagement group to support the next phase of the New Dunedin Hospital project, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Work is back underway on the inpatient building at the former Cadbury site, marking a critical phase for this major health investment. I’m pleased to announce, alongside Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich, the formation of the Southern Engagement Group, which will help ensure the local community is kept well informed as this vital project progresses,” Mr Brown says.
The group will be established to strengthen communication with the local community as the New Dunedin Hospital project moves into the construction phase. It will bring together Health New Zealand leaders and a range of local stakeholders, including representatives from local government, infrastructure partners, and tertiary institutions, to provide regular updates and support ongoing engagement throughout the project.
Meeting quarterly, the group may consider a broad range of matters relevant to the successful delivery of the hospital. It will not provide advice on the building’s design scope, clinical models of care, or procurement decisions.
“This will ensure the project is well embedded into the fabric of the city and the region, playing a vital role in ensuring the public receives clear and consistent updates as the project progresses.
“The New Dunedin Hospital will be the largest health investment ever made in the South Island. We’re getting on with the job – and the Mayor and I want to make sure the people of Dunedin and the wider region are kept informed every step of the way.”
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich welcomes the group’s establishment.
“The people of the South are rightly passionate about our new hospital. I’m pleased the Government has listened to the community’s call for it to be built on the right site, with all 11 floors promised. There is understandable interest in the finer details of the construction and fit-out,” Mr Radich says.
“I’m delighted that the Minister has taken up my recommendation of reinstating a community oversight group to keep people engaged and informed. The Southern Engagement Group will ensure community leaders from across the catchment area for our hospital are aware of build progress and understand why key decisions are being made.
“I look forward to working collegially with the Minister, the project team, and the Southern Engagement Group to ensure the delivery of a fit-for-purpose, modern tertiary hospital that will serve our region’s needs for many decades to come.”