Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s international aviation links and resilience will be significantly strengthened by a move to make RNZAF Base Ohakea available as an alternative runway for wide body aircraft 24/7, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.

“The Government has approved funding for Airways New Zealand to provide round-the-clock air traffic control at the airport, resolving a long-standing constraint for airlines and one which has been a handbrake on New Zealand’s economic growth,” Mr Meager says.

“Under aviation safety rules, commercial flights must nominate an alternate runway in case their destination airport is closed due to weather or another event.

“Currently, Ohakea can’t be used as an alternate airport overnight when flights need to divert, due to the lack of air traffic control services.  Our investment in round-the-clock air traffic control will mean an alternate landing option for large international aircraft unable to land at Auckland or Christchurch.

“This simple solution increases the commercial viability of flying to New Zealand for major airlines. Aircraft can carry less fuel and fly these routes with full passenger and freight loads. This directly benefits our tourism operators, exporters and regional economies and is yet another example of how we are fixing the basics and building the future.”

This decision marks the completion of a key action of the Aviation Action Plan, launched in September last year, which contains 25 actions to grow and future-proof the sector.

Working together, government and industry have already     achieved 10 actions, including Ohakea, since its launch less than six months ago. These are:

•    Outlining a set of coordinated industry-led recommendations to address long-standing workforce challenges, to be taken forward by the Aviation Council. 

•    Developing and delivering new rules to allow for safe innovation and growth in advanced aviation in consultation with the sector.

•    Confirming New Zealand’s voluntary participation in the Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation at the 2025 International Civil Aviation Organization General Assembly. 

•    Commencing work alongside industry with Australian counterparts to develop regional collaboration on sustainable aviation fuel uptake and supply.

•    Assisting flight schools to update pilot training programmes to better align with the needs of airlines. 

•    Identifying the new skills needed for the advanced aviation industry for the next 10 years.

•    Providing input to the National Infrastructure Plan on the minimum operating network requirements for air transport. 

•    Identifying all the costs borne by the aviation sector, such as fees and charges, from government agencies 

•    Assessing future infrastructure requirements including support for fleet expansion, jet fuel demand and electricity and transmission needs for next generation aircraft. 

In addition, the Government is securing vulnerable regional routes by supporting small airlines through loans and providing investment for interlining arrangements.

“I’d like to acknowledge the Aviation Council’s leadership of these initiatives. This progress has only been possible because of the continued commitment from government and industry to work together to grow and future-proof our aviation sector,” Mr Meager says.

“With these practical solutions, we’re reducing the barriers and costs for airlines and the sector, signalling New Zealand is open for business to international trade and tourism while strengthening resilience, growing our workforce and supporting long term growth.”

Notes to Editor:

•    RNZAF Base Ohakea has been available to airlines as an alternate runway between 5am and 10.30pm daily. 

•    The extended air traffic control service is expected to be operational within 18 months, after new staff have been recruited and trained. 

•    Airways New Zealand has been funded $4.57 million over two years to provide overnight air traffic control services.

 

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Superintendent Jason Guthrie, Southern District Commander:

Police have arrested a 46-year-old man in Brockville, Dunedin this evening.

The man had been sought in relation to a series of offences committed in the Otago Coastal Area over recent days.

Officers involved in the operation to locate the man sighted him at a commercial premises on Kaikorai Valley Road at approximately 6.00pm and attempted to apprehend him.

The offender drove his vehicle towards the patrol car and officers in his efforts to avoid arrest. In response, Police deployed a range of tactical options including one shot from a Police pistol.

No other shots were fired in the incident, and nobody was injured.

The offender fled the area in the vehicle which was later located in Brockville.

Road spikes were successfully deployed, and the offender fled on foot into a bush area. He was apprehended soon after by a police dog team in the Fraser’s Gully area.

Earlier this evening, Police asked the public to keep clear of Three Mile Hill and Brockville as police searched in the cordoned area.

Cordons in the area will be lifted shortly.

Police want to reassure the community that there is no ongoing public safety risk following this incident.

This was a very dynamic incident involving an offender who was highly motivated to avoid arrest and Police staff are commended for their efforts in safely resolving this incident.

A critical incident investigation has commenced, and the incident will be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), as is standard procedure for any matter involving the discharge of a Police firearm.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Crown and Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana have signed a Deed of Settlement at Tuai today, Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  

“After six years of negotiations we have reached a long-awaited agreement that acknowledges the past and looks to a stronger future. 

“It is a privilege to sign the Deed and deliver the Crown apology to Ngāti Ruapani in their rohe. 

“A key feature of the settlement is the return of Crown-owned land into Te  Urewera, reflecting a central aspiration of Ngāti Ruapani to restore their connection with Te Urewera. 

“The settlement includes an agreed historical account and redress for historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi which caused significant harm to generations of Ngāti Ruapani.” 

The redress package includes: 

• $24 million financial redress;
• Undivided half share of Patunamu Forestry Ltd; 
• 4 commercial redress and 2 cultural redress properties; and
• Approximately 12,000 hectares of land added into Te Urewera. 

“While no settlement can fully remedy the injustices of the past, this agreement represents an important step forward. I hope it will support Ngāti Ruapani to achieve their cultural and economic aspirations for future generations to come.”

Ngāti Ruapani are based in and around south Waikaremoana. The signing of this deed concludes settlement negotiations in Te Urewera.  

A copy of the deed of settlement is available online at: Te Tari Whakatau – Ngāti Ruapani. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Hard-working dog teams from across Police, New Zealand Customs Service and Department of Corrections have been battling for the title of top dog and handler as they competed at the 51st Patrol and Detector Dog Championships this week.

This years’ event wrapped up with a prizegiving held at the Dog Training Centre in Trentham this afternoon.

The overall winner of this years’ competition was Senior Constable Aaron Senior and his dog Cole from Tasman District. 

Inspector Todd Southall says, Congratulations to Aaron and Cole for an almost clean sweep. It’s been an intense competition across three categories since Monday for all the operational dog teams.” 

“We’ve had experienced handlers in both patrol and detector categories competing this week. Consistency and confidence between handler and dog have determined who gets the points and a title.

Taking part in the Police Patrol Dog competition were six operational teams from Northland, Tāmaki Makaurau, Waikato, Tasman and Canterbury Districts.

Six narcotic detector dog teams also competed – two from Police (Northland and Tāmaki Makaurau), and two each from Customs and Corrections. 

The winning detector dog team is the formidable crew of Senior Constable Patrick Derbyshire and Ripper from Northland Police – a previous winner of the Narcotic Detector Dogs – Alan Symes Cup.

“Each of the teams start with a set of points and they’re put through a range of realistic but testing scenarios with points deducted for mistakes. The team that loses the least marks is the winner. The teams were marked on obedience, article retrieving, commands, tracking in grass, bush, operational scenarios, and criminal work, says Todd.

“All these dog teams do a fantastic job in helping keep our communities safe, says Todd.  They provide a critical frontline response, detection and prevention capability whether it’s on the street, at our borders or inside our prisons.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

NOTE: A more detailed story and list of all winners will be shared on Ten One next week.

Source: New Zealand Government

A scheme that brings student researchers and industry together to tackle challenges that matter to people’s daily lives is open for further applications, Science, Innovation and Technology and Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti says.

“The Applied Doctorates Scheme attracted strong backing from industry last year, and the new call for projects will provide more students the opportunity to solve real world challenges while earning their PhDs,” Dr Reti says.

“Students in the applied doctorates programme will develop advanced research skills while working with businesses to build commercial skills and deliver practical solutions for New Zealand. For industry, this is a chance to work with skilled researchers who bring fresh ideas and deep expertise.

“The first cohort is focused on energy research, with 25 industry-led projects selected from 76 submissions across energy systems, infrastructure, agriculture and high-tech engineering, recognising energy’s central role in supporting households and businesses, lifting productivity and keeping costs down.

“These students will contribute to projects that deliver results for Kiwis, including geothermal innovation with Contact Energy, reducing household electricity costs with Vector, improving energy efficiency at the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter, and strengthening rural resilience through power trading with Victoria University.

“The second cohort of doctoral-level research projects is now open for applications, and the theme for the 2026 call is Aerospace, Defence & Security, sectors that underpin New Zealand’s economic resilience and national security.

“The projects include a mix of fully Government funded and co-funded initiatives, reflecting confidence in the scheme’s direction and purpose. The first group of students are enrolling now and are expected to begin in the middle of 2026.

“The Applied Doctorates Scheme backs high-value science that will deliver results for New Zealanders, building a pipeline of researchers who can turn strong ideas into real economic and community outcomes.”
Notes to editors:

Photos: Credit Rio Tinto – Students at the Tiwai smelter as part of their graduate studies.

Attached: Applied Doctorates Programme: 2025 Energy Research Cohort Case Studies. Visit the Applied Doctorates Scheme website for further information and a full list of projects https://applieddoctorates.nz/.

Established in 2025, the Applied Doctorates Scheme strengthens the connection between universities and industry by equipping PhD students with both advanced research expertise and applied skills needed in modern workplaces. It is supported by a five-year, $20 million Government investment to grow a workforce that can translate cutting edge science into real world benefit. 

The 2025 round sought projects on the theme of New Zealand’s path to energy innovation. The 2026 round of projects will focus on Aerospace, Defence and Security. Applications close 11 May and the projects will be made public week of 2 July. The 2027 theme will focus on Biotechnology and Bioprocessing research.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested the owner of a van following a burglary in Christchurch that ended with a trailer detaching and the van crashing down a bank near Amberley.

Sergeant Nathan Wilson, of Canterbury Police, says the incident unfolded after a member of the public discovered a sign‑written trailer abandoned on the outskirts of Amberley.

“The caller phoned the number written on the trailer, and the owner then contacted Police,” Sergeant Wilson says.

The trailer had been stolen overnight from a Cole Porter Avenue address in Mairehau, Christchurch.

Police arrived at the scene finding the van’s owner back up with the trailer. A van was also found nearby, having crashed down a bank after the tow ball ripped free and remained lodged inside the trailer’s coupling.

“The driver was extremely lucky to walk away from this,” Sergeant Wilson says.

The van’s owner was arrested at the scene. He has been charged with burglary, two counts of theft relating to petrol drive-offs and possessing drug utensils. Further charges are likely pending testing of a substance found among his belongings.

Police are also investigating other offending committed in the Mairehau area overnight.

Police encourage anyone in Cole Porter Avenue, or the wider Mairehau area, who believes they may have information regarding offending, to contact us.

“This is also a great example of the public stepping up to help us,” Sergeant Wilson says. “A quick call from a member of the community helped us recover stolen property, identify the offender, and keep North Canterbury that little bit safer.”

If you have information please update us online now or call 105.

Please use reference number 260220/8839.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  25 February 2026 Source:  Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Department of Conservation

The Agreement covers how the two organisations work together. It includes the fire control services provided by DOC including services such as advice, research, and personnel for deployments. It covers the designated services provided by Fire and Emergency including training of DOC personnel, wildfire risk analysis, data sharing and advice, and fire investigation reports.

Fire and Emergency Chief Executive and National Commander Kerry Gregory says the Agreement reflects the shared commitment to protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s public conservation land, including fire prevention, research, and raising public awareness.

“It refreshes and strengthens our already strong partnership, with clearer roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities for both organisations,” he says.

DOC Director-General Penny Nelson says the renewed Agreement shows the strong ongoing relationship between DOC and Fire and Emergency, which is vital to protect special places and unique threatened species.

“Wildfire is a significant threat to biodiversity values, tracks and huts, and public safety, and the risk is only increasing due to climate change. Recent examples like the Tongariro National Park fire show how devastating wildfire can be and the importance of an effective, coordinated response,” Penny Nelson says.

“The refreshed Agreement gives us greater clarity and confidence in how we work together, and strengthens our ability to protect our people, our places, and our taonga.”

Kerry Gregory says the Agreement recognises that fire is a growing risk driven by climate change,and it acknowledges the shared focus on prevention, mitigation, and reducing risk.

“The Agreement also recognises the importance of working with Māori as tangata whenua and reinforces both agencies’ commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Kerry Gregory says.

“Ngā mihi nui to the people in the joint project group involved in the review.”

The associated Schedules (which detail the supporting operational, service specification, and financial processes) will be jointly developed and finalised within 12 months of signing of the Operational Services Agreement. The existing 2021 Schedules will be retained in the interim.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Kris Payne: 

Hawke’s Bay Police investigating the homicide of Sharlene Smith are releasing further information and appealing for public assistance.

On Tuesday, 3 February 2026, Police were called to a worksite on Taihape Road, Omahu, after Sharlene’s body was located on the property.

Through ongoing enquiries, Police have identified a likely route taken by a vehicle of interest. We know this vehicle was used on the day Sharlene’s body was left at the worksite, and officers have carried out extensive work to locate and review CCTV footage from the relevant timeframe.

Police are appealing for sightings of a white 2005 Mazda 3 sports hatchback between 8am and approximately midday on Sunday 1 February 2026, travelling from the Awatoto area, through Taihape Road/Omahu Road and the Fernhill area, and into Marewa, Napier. [see pictured map]

We are asking anyone who saw this vehicle, or who has home, business, or dashcam CCTV footage from those areas during that time, to please contact Police if not already spoken to.

Police are also seeking two items, belonging to Sharlene, that are believed to have been discarded along the same route:

• a handbag [pictured], and
• a Samsung Galaxy A06 mobile phone.

Anyone with information is urged to get in touch through 105, either online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, or by calling 105, and referencing file number 260203/9739.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons, Christchurch Metro Crime:

Police acknowledge the sentence handed down to Nathan Boulter for the murder of Chantal McDonald in the High Court at Christchurch. The 37-year-old will now serve a minimum of 17 years in prison without parole.

Today’s sentence will never bring Chantal back, or end the devastating sense of loss inflicted on her loving family.

There is no prison term that will ever make up for what happened to Chantal or the profound sense of loss her loved ones have had to endure.

However, today brings a small comfort in knowing the community will be protected from a violent, controlling and pathetic gutless coward who so needlessly took Chantal’s life.

It is extremely disappointing that he made the decision to not physically appear in Court today and face Chantal’s family.

Chantal was a much-loved and devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was regarded as a vibrant and special person to all who knew her, which makes her loss even harder to bear for those who were lucky enough to know her.

We are continuing to provide support for Chantal’s family as they navigate life without her.

Her family have been extremely dignified throughout this entire process and I commend them for that.

They are appreciative of the support they have received, but request privacy. They ask that media do not attempt to contact them.

I want to thank all of the Police investigators, staff, and the Crown prosecutor who dedicated themselves to getting justice for Chantal.

They have worked relentlessly to bring this case to court and hold Chantal’s killer accountable for his horrendous crime.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A Police response to calls for help brought a woman’s alleged offending spree across Auckland suburbs to a halt.

The woman will now face court over two burglaries and a stolen vehicle.

Senior Sergeant Shaun Richardson, of Auckland City Police, says units responded to Grey Lynn after 2.30am following calls from residents around Richmond Road.

“Residents reported hearing a woman calling for help in the vicinity of Westmoreland Street West.

“Police and ambulance attended the area and eventually located a woman stuck at a property under renovation; she had fallen between a retaining wall and earthworks.”

Units on scene established a burglary had occurred at the address.

Senior Sergeant Richardson says the woman was allegedly in possession of a handbag which had been stolen.

“Further checks established the handbag had allegedly been stolen just hours earlier in Epsom,” he says.

“Just before midnight, an offender had allegedly entered a house and stolen a handbag and keys, before driving off in a late model Audi hatchback.”

The 31-year-old woman was transported to hospital for her injuries.

She has since been charged with two counts of burglary for both the Epsom and Grey Lynn incidents, as well as unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

Police have opposed the woman’s bail.

It’s expected a bedside court hearing will take place later today.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police