Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The first step towards building a new hospital in South Auckland has been taken, with the procurement process underway from today to secure land in Drury for a major new health precinct, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Health New Zealand will today begin the procurement process to secure land in Drury for a new hospital, calling for expressions of interest from landowners for a health precinct. This marks a major milestone in expanding health infrastructure to meet the needs of Auckland’s growing population,” Mr Brown says.

“Across the Auckland region, hospitals are experiencing increasing demand and acute pressure on bed capacity. That pressure will only intensify as the city continues to grow, particularly in South Auckland.

“A new site in South Auckland has been identified as essential to meeting future demand in Auckland. South Auckland is one of our fastest-growing communities, with significant health challenges, including higher rates of infectious diseases and long-term conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory disease.

“Both Middlemore and Auckland City hospitals are under significant strain as they work to meet these needs. A new hospital in the south will add much-needed beds, modern operating theatres, and expanded emergency services, easing that pressure and improving access to care.

“This will create an opportunity to develop a world-class health precinct to serve South Auckland.

“We are focused on building the infrastructure our growing communities need. Access to major transport links – including our Roads of Regional Significance, such as Waihoehoe Road and SH1 Papakura to Drury, and public transport – will be a key factor in choosing the new hospital site. This will make it easy for patients, staff, and visitors to get to the new hospital.”                  

Mr Brown says investing in modern health facilities is a key part of the Government’s plan to improve services and outcomes.

“Kiwis deserve timely, quality healthcare. This investment is about putting patients first and ensuring our health system can meet future demand.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are continuing the search for missing Rotorua man Jayleb-Che, but have serious concerns for his welfare.

The 36-year-old has been missing since Tuesday 30 September, and Police have been combing the area where he was last known to be.

“We’ve had good tips from the public, but sadly nothing that has led us to Jayleb-Che,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen, Investigations Manager, Rotorua Police.

“It’s very unusual for him to be out of contact for so long, and we have serious concerns and want to find him.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Van Kempen says Police have been searching around the “hot and cold” pools on Waiotapu Loop Road, which runs off SH5 between Rotorua and Taupō, about 30km from Rotorua.

“We are aware that there were other members of the public at the pools on the Tuesday night when Jayleb-Che was there, who may have seen him and or spoken to him.  We are asking for those people to make contact with Police, as any information they have may assist in the search.

“We are also keen to talk to any persons who may have been at the Waiotapu Mud Pools a short distance away from the Hot n Cold pools on the morning of Wednesday 1 October between 10.00am and 3.00pm.

“Even if you saw nothing, you are helping us to create a timeline.”

Police and Search and Rescue personnel have been involved in the search for Jayleb-Che, including dog teams, drones, and ground crews.

Extensive ground and air searches have continued today in the search area, which is a combination of dense bush, waterways and farmland.

Police will be reviewing the areas searched and other pieces of information received over the coming days.

“We are committed to finding Jayleb-Che and are making sure we investigate every avenue and location where he may have gone.

“I want to thank those members of the public who have contacted us so far, and encourage anyone who has credible information that could assist us to please get in touch.”

Much of the search area terrain is unsafe for public to search, so Police advise public and family members who wish to assist to confine their search to the roads in the area.

Anyone with any information is asked to please contact Police via 105, referencing file number 251003/5935.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 
 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested a man for the robbery of a Hamilton restaurant on Father’s Day.

Staff at Smith & McKenzie Steak House restaurant in Chartwell were preparing for a busy day ahead when three people arrived in a stolen vehicle at around 11.20am on 7 September.

Two heavily disguised offenders went inside the restaurant, presented a firearm at staff and stole a small amount of money. They all fled the scene.

A short time later, Police located the vehicle nearby.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Lee says a search warrant was conducted in Enderley early this morning with the assistance of the Armed Offenders Squad.

“A 41-year-old man, a gang associate, was arrested.

“We also located ammunition, drugs, multiple stolen vehicles and stolen property.

“Also, two women were arrested after walking out with children – we found cash and a large quantity of methamphetamine in a handbag concealed under a young child’s blanket.”

One woman, age 24, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and utensils and has been bailed to reappear at the Hamilton District Court on 16 October.

The other woman, age 41, had bail opposed and was charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine and possession of LSD and Ecstacy. She will appear in Hamilton District Court tomorrow morning.

The man, aged 41, appeared in Hamilton District Court today charged with aggravated robbery, taking a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of ammunition. He was remanded in custody to reappear on 31 October.

The investigation is ongoing and Police have not ruled out further arrests. 

Staff at the restaurant are pleased with the outcome.

Says Detective Sergeant Lee, “I would like to reassure the community that police are working exceptionally hard to ensure public and business owners are safe and feel safe in our communities.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The New Zealand-Singapore trade relationship has been bolstered with the launch of a Strategic Food Partnership and the conclusion of Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies, Minister of Agriculture, and Trade and Investment, Todd McClay announced today.

“New Zealand is a trusted and reliable partner for Singapore,” Mr McClay says.

“The Strategic Food Partnership will help facilitate greater agrifood trade, speed up the movement of New Zealand’s high-quality, safe food across borders and encourage more investment, research, and innovation in the primary and food production sectors.”

It creates a structured, work programme to collaborate on food production and trade issues, further streamline bilateral trade and strengthen resilience.

Annual meetings of New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries with Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Singapore Food Agency – alongside industry and researchers – will set priorities and tackle barriers to trade.

The Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) ensures goods like food and fuel continue to flow during times of crisis.

The AOTES includes a crisis-response arrangement where both countries will refrain from export curbs during times of supply chain disruptions.

“The partnership and agreement will strengthen supply chain resilience, support exporters, and keep essential goods moving,” Mr McClay says.

“Both reflect the depth of the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the strength of 60 years of New Zealand–Singapore ties.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are in attendance at a serious crash in Clover Park this afternoon.

Just before 3pm, Police were called to a report of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian on Dawson Road.

One person has been transported to hospital in a critical condition.

Motorists are being advised of road closures in the area.

A section of Dawson Road, between Chapel Road and Te Irirangi Drive, has been closed and motorists are being advised to expect delays.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has awarded $129,000 to Northland Regional Council to help cover the cost of removing seaweed that washed up on the region’s beaches during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam in April, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says.

“The $129,000 grant is drawn from the recently established emergency waste funding,” Ms Simmonds says. 

“In the cyclone’s immediate aftermath, local hapū led the clean-up response, supported by Northland Regional Council and local volunteers, working swiftly, to remove more than 100 tonnes of the exotic and highly invasive caulerpa seaweed from the coastline. 

“The cyclone’s powerful swells uprooted large quantities of caulerpa seaweed from the seabed, blanketing beaches in thick green mats.

“When washed ashore, the fast-spreading marine pest can harm coastlines and marine ecosystems, so it was essential to remove the seaweed as quickly as possible to prevent further harm,” Ms Simmonds says.

“I am very pleased to award this funding to Northland Regional Council to help cover the costs from removing this waste, and I commend the local hapū, volunteers and council staff for their swift and dedicated efforts to protect Northland’s beaches.”

Ms Simmonds says the emergency waste funding was set up to help councils with the cost of managing waste following an emergency, helping to support the community with the response.

“The Government recognises the pressure councils are under in managing the aftermath of severe weather events, and we are committed to supporting them and their communities,” Ms Simmonds says. 

“As well as helping Northland, we have also been central to supporting the Tasman District Council in their recovery efforts following the extensive flooding in the region earlier this year.”

While the emergency waste funding was awarded to cover the costs of removing seaweed washed ashore by ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam, Northland Regional Council is also leading the Exotic Caulerpa Elimination Project. 

Supported by $6.2 million in funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries, the project aims to develop an innovative tool to remove the invasive seaweed from the ocean floor.

For further information visit: Emergency waste funding | Ministry for the Environment 

Source: New Zealand Police

A stolen vehicle has landed a teenager in court following a combined effort from Police and the public.

At about 4.45pm on Wednesday, a Whangārei woman reported her vehicle stolen after visiting friends in Dargaville.

Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom, says officers quickly located the stolen car, but the driver fled.

“The vehicle’s driver was quickly identified by officers, and members of the public directed Police to a rural property they believed the youth was at.

“Police attended but the youth had already fled into nearby bush.”

Inspector Nordstrom says a Police dog team was sent to the property and tracked the teen for approximately three hours.

“However, the youth had managed to hitch a ride back into town.

“Officers located the youth in town and after a short foot chase, he was successfully arrested at about 9.20pm.”

The 15-year-old is now facing multiple charges including burglary, unlawfully taking a vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop.

Inspector Nordstrom thanked those members of the public who provided pivotal information in helping locate the youth.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the people who stepped up and helped us – their local knowledge and willingness to assist made a real difference.

“We’re committed to holding people to account for their behaviour, and thanks to that partnership, we’ve done just that.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

A man is facing charges after police seized over 500kgs of cannabis, during a series of search warrants executed throughout Auckland City West on Thursday 9 October.

Additionally, police located a significant amount of cash, MDMA and Ketamine.

The search warrants were part of Police’s continued effort to crack down on criminals profiting from the sale of drugs and further enquiries into others involved, continues.

Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill said “During the searches of the properties, significant commercial cannabis grow set-ups were located.

Cultivation of cannabis at this level is organised crime and the action taken by police will impact those facilitating this activity and lessen the residual harm being caused.

We’re particularly pleased to remove the MDMA and Ketamine from circulation, given the significant risk that it creates in the community”.

The 26-year-old-man is due to appear in the Auckland District Court on 15 October to face cultivation of cannabis charges and further charges are likely.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: PHARMAC

Information on what the Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (PTAC) will be considering at its upcoming meeting on 13 and 14 November 2025.

Source: New Zealand Government

Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced several High Court and Environment Court appointments.

The appointees will sit in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. Those appointed are: 

Owen Paulsen 

Justice Paulsen, currently an Associate High Court Judge, becomes a High Court Judge. He graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws in and began his career at Harman & Co, where he was a partner from 1991-1998. 

From 2000-2001 Justice Paulsen was an adjudication and mediation member of the Employment Tribunal while also in sole practice as a litigation lawyer, and from 2001-2014 was a partner in Cavell Leitch Law. In 2011 he graduated from the University of Auckland with a Master of Laws (Commercial Law) (First Class Honours). 

From 2015-2019 Justice Paulsen was Lord Chief Justice of the Kingdom of Tonga, the professional head of the Tongan judiciary, the President of both the Court of Appeal and the Land Court, and an advisor to His Majesty King Tupou VI on the Privy Council in land cases. While in Tonga he was awarded an official Honour by the King of Tonga making him a member of The Most Devoted Royal Household Order of Tonga. 

Justice Paulsen was appointed an Associate Judge of the High Court in 2019. His appointment as a High Court Judge is effective from 15 November 2025 and he will sit in Christchurch. 

Helen Wild

Helen Wild has been appointed an Associate High Court Judge and will sit in Auckland from 16 February 2026.

Associate Judge Wild graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Laws in 1987. She worked at Simpson Grierson from 1988-1996, becoming a Senior Associate in 1992.  

In 1997 she joined the Auckland District Health Board as Legal Counsel. She became a Principal with Chapman Tripp in 2002, before returning to Simpson Grierson as a Special Counsel in 2005.

From 2007-2015 Associate Judge Wild was Senior Counsel with Television New Zealand. She joined Anderson Creagh Lai Limited as a Director in 2015.

Associate Judge Wild joined the Auckland Council as litigation and dispute resolution manager in 2016 and since 2020 has been the Council’s principal legal advisor and head of the legal team.

David Caldwell 

Judge Caldwell graduated from the University of Canterbury and was admitted to the bar in 1989. He was a partner at Lane Neave and then at Tavendale and Partners in Christchurch, before joining Bridgeside Chambers in 2016. 

He has extensive experience as a litigator and mediator in both employment and resource management law.   He has been appointed as an independent commissioner by territorial and regional councils for numerous consent and plan change applications.  

Judge Caldwell will be sworn in on 15 December 2025 and will sit in the Environment Court in Wellington.