Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now release the name of the man who died on Mount Taranaki on 30 September.
He was Vladimir Levchenko, 69, of Gulf Harbour, Auckland.
Police extend their condolences to his loved ones.
His death has been referred to the Coroner.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
A $108 million upgrade to New Zealand’s diagnostic infrastructure will deliver 32 new and replacement CT, MRI, and SPECT scanners across the country, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Modern diagnostic equipment is essential to delivering timely, quality, and accurate care for patients,” Mr Brown says.
“This investment will increase national imaging capacity by around 6 per cent, significantly improving access to faster and more accurate medical imaging for patients across New Zealand.”
The upgrade is in addition to the three CT and three MRI scanners already committed through hospital redevelopment projects, bringing the total to 38 scanners.
“Communities in Northland, Counties Manukau, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Palmerston North, and Porirua will benefit from additional scanners, expanding local capacity and enabling procedures such as CT angiograms for heart disease to be carried out in new locations for the first time.
“Three of the new CT scanners will be photon-counting models, including one announced today at Kenepuru Hospital.
“These machines can deliver more detailed images and often remove the need for more invasive angiograms. That means quicker, lower-risk procedures for patients and more capacity in hospital labs for treatment.
“The new scanners are expected to enable around 32,000 additional CT scans and 6,800 additional MRI scans each year once fully operational. The new technology provides clearer images and greater diagnostic accuracy, while modern software makes them easier to operate.”
In total, the three-year procurement includes 31 replacement machines, renewing 29 per cent of the national scanner fleet, and seven new, additional machines across 14 hospitals. Once complete, 87 per cent of CT scanners and 93 per cent of MRI scanners will be within their 10-year useful life.
“This investment ensures hospitals have the modern equipment needed to deliver faster, more reliable diagnostic services, supporting the Government’s $65 million Diagnostic Improvement Programme to expand access to timely scans.
“Work is also underway to recruit the workforce needed to operate these machines, supported by the Diagnostic Improvement Programme and National Radiology Clinical Network.
“By upgrading equipment and expanding imaging capacity, we are taking practical steps to reduce wait times and bring care closer to home, so patients across New Zealand can get the tests and treatment they need when they need them.”
Source: New Zealand Government
Patients in Porirua and surrounding communities now have access to faster, more accurate diagnostic imaging, with a new state-of-the-art Photon Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT) scanner operational at Kenepuru Hospital, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“This is Kenepuru Hospital’s first scanner, representing a major step forward for medical imaging in the region,” Mr Brown says.
“It delivers sharper, faster, and more detailed scans, helping patients get the care they need sooner and closer to home.
“By bringing scanning capability to Kenepuru Hospital, patients who would otherwise travel to Wellington Hospital for CT scans can now be treated locally. This will reduce travel for patients and staff, improve convenience for families, and ease pressure on regional services.”
“It will boost the region’s outpatient scanning capacity by more than 5000 scans a year, reducing pressure on Wellington’s tertiary hospital scanners and improving patient flow for inpatients and emergency department cases across greater Wellington region.
“The addition of advanced technology PCCT scanning will also enhance acute chest pain services, allowing quicker and less invasive diagnostic treatment for cardiac patients who currently require angiography procedures.”
The Kenepuru Hospital scanner is the second PCCT scanner to be installed in New Zealand, following the first at Christchurch Hospital in September. A third scanner is expected to become operational at Wellington Regional Hospital by mid-2026.
The PCCT scanner produces significantly higher image quality than traditional CT machines, allowing specialists to detect very small structures and subtle cardiac abnormalities that were previously difficult or impossible to see.
“The improvement in imaging is like moving from black-and-white television to Ultra HD. It means patients can often avoid invasive procedures and overnight stays, while staff can focus on those with more complex needs.
“We are committed to delivering modern, quality health infrastructure that enables better care for New Zealanders. This new technology is another step towards ensuring patients receive world-class care closer to home in Porirua,” Mr Brown says.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
With the 2025-26 summer maintenance season well underway in Marlborough, State Highway 1 Weld Pass is next in line for road rebuilding work.
Night works are planned for Weld Pass from Sunday 23 November to Friday 5 December. Work will be carried out nightly between 7pm and 5am.
Contractors will lay just under 3,500 m2 of asphalt to strengthen the road surface of Weld Pass. This will include milling/removing the old surface, before adding new layers.
They will make the most of the closure by completing other maintenance work including culvert works, clearing drains, repairing and replacing signs, and clearing vegetation.
Wayne Oldfield, Marlborough System Manager, says Weld Pass must be closed to all traffic while the work is completed.
“It is a narrow road with limited space. Resurfacing work and laying asphalt uses large machinery and it simply is not possible to allow traffic through the work site while work is underway.”
“A full closure is safer for road crews and the public. It also allows the work to be finished much faster. Doing this work during the day under stop/go, when there is more traffic would create major delays for drivers. This something we absolutely want to avoid,” Mr Oldfield says.
While there will be a midnight opening each night to allow queued traffic through the work site the closure will create delays for people travelling between Blenheim and Christchurch.
Mr Oldfield says it is essential drivers are aware of the closure and factor it into their travel plans.
“There are no suitable local road detours, meaning the only alternative route between Christchurch and Blenheim is the inland route – Lewis Pass, Murchison, St Arnaud – this is a much longer route.
“Drivers, especially those with Picton ferry connections, must be prepared. Please, do not get caught out,” Mr Oldfield says.
Drivers also need to be aware that other essential state highway maintenance work will be underway in Marlborough in the lead up to Christmas. Road users should plan ahead and check the NZTA Journey Planner.
Mr Oldfield says further maintenance work is planned for Weld Pass in the New Year, but will be carried out under stop/go traffic management.
“Weld Pass is a vital part of State Highway 1 in Marlborough, and it is essential it is regularly maintained and serviced. We will provide further updates before work begins.”
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Resurfacing works will see State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyn Hills fully close for two 4-day ‘super weekends’ next month, ensuring the route is in peak condition ahead of the busy summer season.
It’s the final stage of the SH1 Brynderwyn Hills recovery project, and involves applying a full-width asphalt surface, reinstating lane markings and passing lanes, and returning the route to 80km/h, making journeys to and from Northland smoother.
The route will be fully closed from 13 – 16 November and again from 20 – 23 November. In between the closures, the road will reopen for 3 days (17 November – 19 November).
“NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) appreciates that SH1 Brynderwyn Hills is a crucial connection for Northland. While there’s no perfect time for a closure, the selected dates and approach has been carefully considered to balance the impact on the community while ensuring we can do an efficient and quality job,” says Steve Matene, NZTA’s System Manager in Northland.
Paving in Spring means the team can take advantage of dryer warmer conditions, while condensing the work into two 4-day super weekends avoids extending disruption over multiple months.
“The decision to fully close the road has been made with freight and the community in mind. If we’d chosen to use stop/go traffic management, the works would’ve taken 12–14 weeks. Compare that to a full closure, which allows work to be completed in 6–8 days.
“NZTA contractors will have crews working 24/4 during the closures and are putting 75% of their Auckland & Northland paving crews on this as a top priority to complete these works as efficiently and quickly as possible,” Mr Matene says.
Schedule for the resurfacing works
| Stage | Timing | SH1 status |
|
First ‘super weekend’ |
Thurs 13 (12.01 am) – Sun 16 November 2025 (11.59 pm) |
Closed in both directions – three detours in place |
|
In between the two super weekends |
Mon 17 November (12.01 am) – Wed 19 November (11.59 pm) |
Open in both directions for 3 days |
|
Second ‘super weekend’ |
Thurs 20 (12.01 am) – Sun 23 November 2025 (11.59 pm) |
Closed in both directions – three detours in place |
Paul Linton, from regional economic development agency Northland Inc, says these works are an important step in keeping Northland connected and moving.
“Strong, reliable roading links with Auckland and the rest of the country are essential for our region’s growth – helping visitors reach us with ease and supporting the smooth flow of goods and services that drive our economy. Every visitor, every truck, and every trip contributes to Northland’s economic pulse.
“With these improvements in place ahead of summer, we’re ready to welcome guests, support local industries, and show that Northland is well and truly open for business.”
While SH1 over the Brynderwyn Hills will be closed during the super weekends, Northland will remain accessible via three scenic alternative routes. See map attached and below.
The closure will extend from SH1/SH12 intersection on the south side of the Brynderwyn Hills through to the bottom of the hill on the north side (adjacent to Waipu Gorge Road). Clear signage will direct vehicles along the detour routes.
Night works will take place during the week prior to the first full closure, to prepare the road for the upcoming construction. These overnight works will involve stop/go traffic management, with minimal delays of around 5 minutes expected.
The enabling works are scheduled for 8pm Wednesday 5 November – 5am Thursday 6 November with a contingency of 8pm Sunday 9 November to 5am Monday 10 November if required.
Before travelling, check out the State Highway travel information on our Journey Planner website.
Source: New Zealand Government
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced Solicitor-General Una Jagose KC will step down in February after 10 years in the role, and thanked her for her long and valued service.
“Ms Jagose began as Solicitor-General on 15 February 2016 following a stellar career in the public service as a lawyer and a leader, spanning 35 years in the public service.
“I have enjoyed working with Ms Jagose. She can be proud of her time in the role, and I am grateful to her for her huge efforts during the past 10 years.”
The Solicitor-General is both Junior Law Officer of the Crown and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office. The Public Service Commission will now manage the appointment process for a new Solicitor-General.
Source: New Zealand Government
Cabinet papers released today show key Government decisions around pharmacy ownership and advertising of medicines, which will be part of the upcoming Medical Products Bill.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers will be congratulating seven new patrol dog teams in the latest dog graduation on Thursday 16 October.
Handlers and their dogs will be celebrating in front of their whānau and friends, and members of the New Zealand Police executive.
Graduating from the police patrol dog course are ‘Delta’ teams from Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Central, Tasman, and Canterbury Districts.
Media are invited to attend the prizegiving at the Police Dog Training Centre, Dante Road, Trentham.
Please RSVP for further details to: media@police.govt.nz.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Hamilton Police are appealing for information following a serious assault on a young man in Fairview Downs, Hamilton, last night.
Police received reports of a serious incident which occurred on Northolt Road, Fairview Downs, about 9:25pm on 13 October 2025.
A young man, who was attacked at a residential address by several people, has received critical, life-threatening injuries during the incident.
He is currently undergoing surgery and remains in a serious condition.
The local community will see an increased Police presence while enquiries and scene examinations are completed.
Police would like to hear from members of the public, or anyone who may be able to help us to get in touch.
Hamilton Police are currently following strong lines of enquiry to locate the persons responsible.
If you have footage, witnessed the incident, or have any information which may assist, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 251014/9668.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Good morning, and thank you, CyberCX, for the invitation to speak today.
It’s a privilege to be here today, particularly following Cyber Smart Week, our national effort to raise cyber security awareness run by the National Cyber Security Centre.
Cyber Smart Week is timed to align with International Cyber Security Awareness Month. This gives us a powerful platform to remind every New Zealander that as technology continues to advance, a secure digital life is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.
The recent numbers are stark.
Our research shows, fifty four percent of New Zealanders have faced an online security threat in the past six months, yet only forty two percent feel personally vulnerable to online threats. In 2024, cyber-related losses were estimated to total $1.6 billion, affecting 830,000 people, with an average loss of $1,260 per incident.
These figures tell us two things: the threat is real and growing, and there is a dangerous gap between New Zealanders’ perception of this risk and their preventative actions. Cyber Smart Week helps to close that gap.
This year’s campaign was built around two clear objectives. First, to draw attention to the importance of being secure online. Second, to encourage New Zealanders to take responsibility and proactive steps to protect themselves.
As part of Cyber Smart Week, we launched the How Exposed Am I? tool through the Own-Your-Online platform. The free online tool shows New Zealanders what information of theirs might be exposed to scammers or cyber criminals and empowers them to take simple, but effective, steps to protect themselves.
Users enter their email address which is indexed against over 73 billion data points from real-world leaks. The user is shown where their email has been exposed online and gives an overall exposure score; the higher your score, the more exposed you are.
The tool shows how using long, unique passwords and two factor authentication can decrease your exposure, illustrating how these simple steps can make a significant difference. The more people who see their exposure score and implement the actions, the faster we can shift the culture from complacency to vigilance.
I encourage you all to check your exposure at HowExposedAmI.co.nz.
Cyber Smart Week also includes over 1,500 organisations and community groups who sign up to support the week and share key cyber information and advice with their teams, and communities.
Cyber Smart Week does not exist in isolation: it is one part of the whole-of-government effort to improve cyber security, which supports the safe digitisation of government services – the work led by the Government Chief Digital Officer and the All of Government Digital Portfolio.
You may have seen the recent announcement by Cabinet to strengthen GCDO oversight of government digital investment and procurement. As well as driving down costs, this work includes a focus on building a more efficient and secure government, that utilises key technology such as Digital Identity, the standardisation of platforms, and actively fostering ‘security by design’ considerations within the Digital Portfolio products and services.
Since 2017, the Portfolio has delivered $800 million in savings across a total spend of $6.1 billion, over half of which was spent with New Zealand owned businesses. Today, 333 public sector agencies are consuming Portfolio services, and that number continues to rise.
One of the key benefits of the Portfolio is that it enables government to apply consistent, foundational security assurance checks across All of Government digital suppliers, centrally and efficiently.
By applying standards once, rather than requiring each individual agency to repeat this work with suppliers, we ensure cost, time and effort is decreased, and security is built in from the start, not tacked on as an afterthought.
All of Government suppliers understand that they will be held to account on security matters, which drives them to embed security into their practice and improves the overall security posture of the system.
As agency consumption of Portfolio products and services grows, the security posture of government will increase.
In February 2024, GCDO launched the Public Cloud Data Centre Certification initiative, that provides a standardised and consistent foundational security assessment of onshore Public Cloud Data Centres.
This ensures Public Cloud Data Centre providers meet Cabinet-mandated standards, the Protective Security Requirements, and the standards set out in the New Zealand Information Security Manual.
While this is a voluntary Certification, it signals to agencies and the public that their data is stored in facilities that meet security and resilience criteria.
Our next focus is to modernise Infrastructure as a Service and Telecommunications as a Service Contracts, which expire in October and November 2026.
These will be replaced with new commercial agreements available through Marketplace.
This change will ensure Infrastructure, Telecommunications, and Managed Security services deliver agency requirements into the future, with consistent modern terms fit for our rapidly evolving technology environment.
In short, the digital services we rely on will remain robust, adaptable, and accountable.
CyberCX is a valued partner in the New Zealand digital ecosystem. Holding an All of Government Contract, you deliver Data and Information, Digital Experience, and Information Security services through Marketplace. Your expertise strengthens our digital foundations and directly supports the protective measures we urged New Zealanders to adopt during Cyber Smart Week.
I want to thank all of you in attendance today. Please continue your hard work to protect your organisations, customers, and New Zealanders from evolving cyber security threats.
Thank you all for your time today and for your ongoing contribution to a safer digital future.