Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZCTU

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is today congratulating the Living Wage Movement and trade unions for their victory in keeping the living wage in government procurement contracts.

“The living wage is set at a level that allows New Zealanders to live a decent life. Decent work and decent wages should be the hallmark of employment in New Zealand,” said Wagstaff.

“The previous government recognised this by adding it to the guidelines in 2021. We are delighted that the Government has changed its mind on this, despite its previously stated plans to strip away wage protections.

“It’s time that they increased the minimum wage to the living wage so that all workers can have decent incomes.

“Removing the living wage protection in government contracts would have impacted around 5,000 workers. It would have likely cost the government additional money in higher welfare payments and other costs. The only beneficiaries of the proposal were the companies that would have been able to slash wages by $11,336 a year.

“It’s great that cabinet changed their mind and decided that cutting the wages of some of the lowest paid workers in the country was not a way to build a more prosperous economy.

“The decision is a demonstration of the organising power of trade unions and the Living Wage Movement. We celebrate their victory and the lasting good it will deliver,” said Wagstaff.

Source: New Zealand Police

District:

Source: New Zealand Government

Cabinet has taken decisions to amend the Policing Act, to reaffirm Polices ability to gather intelligence in public places, and expand Police’s powers to temporarily close areas in response to antisocial behaviour or public safety risks. 

“Recent court decisions have created uncertainty around Police’s ability to record images in public places for lawful purposes,” says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. 

“The proposed amendments will reaffirm the prior common law position, making it clear that Police can collect and use images in public spaces, and in places where Police are lawfully present, for all lawful policing purposes. This includes intelligence gathering and crime prevention and other Policing functions and associated activities.”

These changes restore Police’s ability to detect and prevent crime, support prosecutions, and ensure that vital information can be lawfully collected and retained for lawful purposes. The amendments will also help Police respond to evolving threats, such as organised crime and gang activity, and support a wide range of interventions, from public safety to youth offending and family harm.

The amendments will also expand Police’s powers to temporarily close areas in response to antisocial behaviour or public safety risks. Police will be able to:

• Close a broader range of areas, not just roads, to manage disorder or emergencies.
• Direct vehicles and individuals to leave closed areas and, where necessary, arrest those who fail to stop their vehicle for Police, for the purpose of issuing a direction.
• Issue infringement notices and, where necessary, arrest those who refuse to comply or provide identifying information.
• Detain and move individuals who refuse to leave closed areas, ensuring Police can respond effectively where danger or disorder exists, or serious crimes have been committed.

These new powers will provide clarity and consistency for frontline Police, ensuring they have the necessary tools to manage non-compliance and keep communities safe.

As with all Police powers, these changes will be subject to strict oversight and accountability. Police will exercise discretion and act proportionately in all circumstances, with continued monitoring by independent authorities.

Legislation will now be drafted, and the changes will go through a legislative process in due course.   

Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police are continuing to investigate the sudden death of a man at a residential address on Eastern Terrace in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police have now concluded a full forensic scene examination at the property, and the scene has been formally handed back to the family. Officers have completed a number of inquiries and are making very good progress in establishing the facts surrounding the man’s death.

A forensic post-mortem has been completed and the results will assist investigators in determining both the cause and the time of death. The deceased’s family have assisted Police with inquiries.

Police have completed an area canvas of the Eastern Terrace neighbourhood, which has helped piece together some of the deceased’s recent movements. In addition, a significant amount of CCTV footage has been gathered and is currently being reviewed by the investigation team.

“We’ve made substantial progress since Saturday,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Daniel Overend. “The information gathered over the past few days has significantly refined the direction of our investigation, and the team is now working with a much clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding this death.”

Officers are particularly focused on tracing the man’s activities over the past two weeks and are appealing to anyone who may have seen or spoken with him during that time to come forward.

Police would like to reassure the public that previously circulated information regarding firearms at the address was inaccurate. The deceased was a lawful and enthusiastic collector of air guns, which were stored appropriately and pose no concern to public safety.

There is still a significant amount of work to do, and the investigation team remains keen to hear from anyone who may have information that could assist. Even small details may prove crucial.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police on 105, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote file number 251004/7850.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

A pair of Gisborne fishers are likely to face prosecution after they were found with 157 undersize p??ua.

Fishery officers stopped the pair this week while doing catch inspections at Waihau beach, also known as Loisels beach, about 40 kilometres north of Gisborne.

“All p??ua recovered was undersize with the smallest at 60mm ??? less than half the legal size of 125mm,” says Fisheries New Zealand district manager Gisborne, Whakat??ne, and Central, Jordan Cooper.

“Our fishery officers patrol a large coastal area and with summer on the way and more people expected to be fishing you can expect to regularly see us along the coasts and beaches.

“The daily limit per person is 5 p??ua. This is in place to ensure sustainability. People who take more than their share are stealing from us all.

“The rules are there for a reason ??? to keep our shared fisheries sustainable into the future and when we find evidence of these rules being deliberately broken, we will take action,” Ms Cooper says.

MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 476 224)

Download the free NZ Fishing Rules Mobile App for the latest rules in the area you intend to fish, including areas that are closed and gear restrictions for fishing.

NZ Fishing Rules mobile app

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. 

Source: New Zealand Police

A mountain biker’s extreme training session took a dangerous turn when he became stranded in Northland bush, losing daylight and becoming hypothermic.

Northland Police SAR lead, Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, says the biker had set off from Kerikeri on Saturday.

“He was aiming to push his limits on the Department of Conservation tracks in the Waimamaku Range,” he says.

“Unbeknown to him, he missed a crucial turnoff and underestimated the terrain and weather conditions.”

The alarm was raised by the stranded mountain biker at about 8.30pm that night.

“Fortunately, the man had enough cell phone coverage and was able to speak with Police,” says Detective Sergeant Overton.

“We were able to get his exact location via GPS on the phone.”

The biker had intended to bunker down overnight and ride out the following day, however Police made the decision to rescue him as he only had light clothing, no shelter and the weather conditions were rapidly deteriorating.

A coordinated response was launched, involving Police and Far North LandSAR volunteers.

“The tracks proved extremely challenging, with the team taking 2.5 hours to walk just 5km to reach the lost person about midnight,” he says.

“By the time we reached him the biker was in a bad way.

He was soaking wet with hypothermia already setting in and struggling to walk.”

With helicopter extraction not possible due to poor weather, the team worked quickly to warm and feed the man before beginning a slow and steady walk out, which took another four hours.

“A farmer, whose property borders the ranges, helped bring the man the last few kilometres across paddocks to his home where he gave him and the rescue team hot drinks,” Detective Sergeant Overton says.

“The biker did the right thing by calling Police and staying put.”

Despite the successful outcome, the incident has prompted a warning Police of the importance of thorough preparation when undertaking activities in isolated or challenging environments, either on land or at sea.

“With summer approaching and longer days people want to get out and about and enjoy Northland’s great outdoors.

“People need to make sure they have adequate clothing, navigation tools, and know what the weather forecast is.

“They should also have some kind of communication device like a phone and in case of an emergency situations having an EPIRB could save a life.”

Detective Sergeant Overton expressed thanks to the farmer and the Far North LandSAR volunteers for their help.

“Police train together with the LandSAR volunteers for these scenarios,” he says.

“The teams know how to work together efficiently, making real-life rescues faster, safer, and more effective.”

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  09 October 2025

DOC bookings for the track from 28 October – 11 November will be cancelled and refunded. Hikers beyond those dates will be advised as soon as possible if further delays are likely.

DOC Operations Director Aaron Fleming says significant snow and rain throughout September have caused large avalanches on the Milford Track changing watercourses, damaging bridge footings and track infrastructure, and covering sections with ice and rock debris.

“Because of ongoing avalanche hazards, our team haven’t been able to get onto the track to fully assess the damage and begin repairs,” says Aaron.

“Safety of our staff and the public is our number one priority, and with wintry conditions persisting here in the South we’ve made the call to delay the opening now, to give those booked as much notice as possible.

“Staff will begin the repair work once conditions improve and the debris melts enough to allow safe access.”

Avalanche conditions and other weather disruptions can occur at any time of the year and travel insurance is recommended for all hikers.

“The Milford Track traverses through the heart of Fiordland National Park. It’s a spectacular place for naturing, but it can be an unforgiving place when it comes to the weather. On average, it receives between 7-8 m of rainfall a year, making it one of the wettest places in the world.

“We know this delay will be disappointing for those booked but safety is at the heart of our decision.”

DOC plans to reopen the track on 11 November 2025, weather conditions and repairs permitting. At this stage, the Routeburn and Kepler are not affected, and have later opening dates.

There are plenty of fantastic alternative tracks across the region to explore. Hikers are encouraged to reach out to a DOC Visitor Centre for the latest in weather and track conditions and check the DOC website for trip inspiration.

People should always check forecasts, pack extra warm and weather appropriate gear and be prepared for all conditions, at any time of year.

Hikers impacted by the closure will be contacted by the DOC booking team.

Background information

The Milford Track is the three-night four-day hike through Fiordland National Park. During the summer Great Walk season, bookings are essential.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

A specialist scene examination is continuing at a property in West Auckland today, following a suspicious fire this morning.

Police arrived at the address in Colwill Road, Massey at about 5.30am to execute two search warrants and upon Police approach one of the properties erupted in fire.

Detective Inspector Albie Alexander, of National Organised Crime Group, says Police believe the house may have been deliberately set on fire.

“It was one of two properties of interest suspected of involvement in manufacturing  drugs. 

“Members of the National Organised Crime Group Clan lab investigations team, supported by the Armed Offenders Squad, Clan lab response team and FENZ, were in attendance to execute the warrant.

“However, upon Police arrival it’s believed one of the occupants deliberately set fire to the property.”

Detective Inspector Alexander says FENZ and PHF Science are assisting with detailed examinations of the properties, and so far have located early signs of drug manufacturing at the properties.

“Careful planning is undertaken before an operation of this nature and taps into expertise that helps minimise risk to staff involved.

Safety is at the forefront of our planning.

“Today, all the planning paid off. 

“There is still a lot of work to do but we are satisfied with today’s result.”

Four people, aged 39-54, were removed from the properties.

One person was transported to hospital in a moderate condition after sustaining a dog bite and burns to their hands and feet.

A 54-year-old man has been charged with arson, producing/manufacturing methamphetamine, injuring a Police dog and resisting Police.

A bedside hearing will be held at a later date.

The Police dog has not sustained any long term effects from this morning’s incident.

As the matter is before the court, Police are limited in providing further comment. 

ENDS.

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Detective Inspector Martin James:

As the investigation into the fatal stabbing of Kaea Karauria continues, Hawke’s Bay Police have today arrested another person.

A 17-year-old male was arrested in Napier this morning and has been charged with theft and demands with menace.

He is scheduled to appear in Napier Youth Court on 15 October.

This has been a complex investigation. Despite a number of arrests already, we are continuing to follow up on all information received, to ensure that all those involved – either directly or indirectly – are held to account.

We are very grateful to those people in our community who have done the right thing and provided information to help us bring justice for Kaea’s whānau. 

Anyone with information who has not yet spoken to us is urged to call 105, or make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”.

Please quote the file number 250511/1317 in all reports.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Today’s government financial statements for 2024/25 are the first to fully reflect decisions made by the current Government and show the progress being made in getting the country’s books back in order, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“These are actual numbers, not forecasts. They show that:

• as a share of GDP, core Crown expenses fell from 33.1 per cent in 2023/24 to 32.5 per cent in 2024/25
• net core Crown debt remained steady at 41.8 per cent of GDP, after rising every year for the previous five years
• the headline operating balance measure, OBEGALx, remained steady at a deficit of 2.1% of GDP, coming in $900 million better than was forecast at the time of the Budget.

“This progress reflects the Government’s ongoing work to restore fiscal discipline with cumulative savings of around $44 billion being delivered over the Government’s first two Budgets.

“These savings enabled the Government to increase investment in health, education, police and defence at the same time as delivering tax relief and establishing Investment Boost.

“Fiscal discipline will continue with Budget forecasts showing government spending dropping to 30.9 per cent of GDP by 2028/29,” Nicola Willis says.

“The Government has resisted calls for sharper reductions in expenditure because international evidence is that reducing deficits is best done over the course of several years.  

“In dollar terms Crown spending increased $2.7 billion in the just completed financial year. This compares with an increase of $11.4 billion the previous year. 

“The increased expenditure in 2024/25 was driven by a $2.9 billion increase in superannuation and welfare costs that was partially offset by declines in other areas.”

The Government’s priorities for next year’s Budget will be set out in the Budget Policy Statement on 16 December. It will be released at the same time as the Treasury’s Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update.