Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are attending a serious crash in Glen Innes this afternoon.

Just after 4pm, Police were advised of the crash on Apirana Avenue involving a car and motorbike.

The motorbike rider has sustained serious injuries in the crash and will be transported to hospital.

Apirana Avenue has been closed between the intersections with Taniwha Street and Eastview Road.

Police expect this will cause some disruption in the area with diversions in place.

We ask motorists to take alternative routes if possible.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised and will be attending the scene.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has announced proposals that would fundamentally simplify how we plan our cities and regions and make it far easier to build the future New Zealanders deserve.

“These reforms would deliver the most significant changes to local government since 1989,” Mr Bishop says.

“Councils and their elected members shape the places we live, the local services we rely on, and makes decisions that affect our everyday lives.

“But local government is meant to serve communities, not confuse them. But right now, the system is tangled in duplication, disagreements, and decisions that defy common sense.

“The government does not think local government is serving New Zealanders well and the time has come for reform.

“In a couple of weeks, we will introduce our resource management reforms to Parliament.

“Our new planning system is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set New Zealand on the path to economic growth that lifts our living standards and protects the environment.

“Our reforms will strip out duplication in the system, standardise processes, and drive down complexity and compliance costs. 

“Under the new planning system there will be fewer plans, fewer consent categories, and fewer consents overall. Regional councils will have a significantly reduced role as part of this new planning system. 

“The government is therefore proposing two changes to our existing system of local government.”

Proposal 1 – Abolishing Regional Councillors

This would replace elected regional councillors with new Combined Territories Boards made up of mayors from the region’s city and district councils.

“When citizens vote for their Mayor, they are choosing who they want to lead local representation for the next three years. Most people know their Mayor. Few could name the chair of their Regional Council, or even a regional councillor,” Mr Watts says.

“Combined Territories Boards would empower Mayors from the same region to work together to govern their regions through genuine regional collaboration.

“It would streamline regional decision-making across planning, infrastructure, and regulation, reduce duplication, and strengthen accountability. It would also remove an unnecessary, confusing, and expensive structure.

“Most decisions would be made through a population-based voting system that ensures smaller communities’ voices are heard. For resource management decisions, a dual threshold would apply requiring both a majority of population-weighted votes and a majority of Board members.

“This ensures both urban and rural interests are represented in decisions on land, water, and catchment management.

“Ratepayers deserve a system that works for them, not one bogged down by unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. 

“By removing regional councils, we can cut duplication, reduce costs, and streamline decision-making. This means more efficient services, greater accountability, and better value for every dollar spend. It’s about delivering a leaner, more efficient local government that puts communities first.” 

“We’re also seeking feedback on what role and powers the Crown has on these boards.”

Proposal 2 – Locally-led Regional Reorganisation

“This would see the new Combined Territories Boards (CTB) lead regional reorganisation plans. 

“Each CTB would be asked to prepare a regional reorganisation plan within two years of establishment,” Mr Watts says.

“These plans would assess how councils across a region can best work together to deliver efficient and effective local infrastructure, public services, and regulatory functions.

“Options could include shared services, council-owned companies, reallocating functions, or merging territorial authorities to form new unitary councils.

“Regional reorganisation plans would be tested against clear criteria. They must support national priorities like housing and infrastructure, offer financially responsible arrangements that keep rates manageable, and deliver better services at lower cost. 

“Plans would need to set out clear leadership and accountability, ensure decisions are made at the right local level, and uphold all Treaty settlement commitments. They must also include a practical pathway for implementation so changes can be delivered smoothly and on time.

“Final plans would be approved by the Minister of Local Government, rather than through polls or referenda.”

Consultation on these proposals is open now until Friday 20 February 2026 through the Department of Internal Affairs website. A final proposal will be confirmed by March so legislation can be drafted. 

“This is a once-in-a-generation chance to build a simpler, clearer, and more efficient local government system for New Zealanders,” Mr Bishop says.

Notes to Editor:

More information on the proposals is available on the Department of Internal Affairs’ website.

Proposed criteria for regional reorganisation plans

Each regional reorganisation plan must demonstrate how the proposed changes meet the criteria set out in the table below. These criteria will guide assessment by the Local Government Commission and the Minister of Local Government. Further guidance for councils could be published to support understanding of these criteria. 

Regional reorganisation plan criteria
Criterion	Does the plan…	Example
Big-picture fit	…supports national priorities, strategies and goals (like housing, infrastructure, and competitive business settings)?	All councils in the region agree to establish a ‘one-stop-shop’ for consents that support infrastructure and housing.
Affordable now and in the future	…provide a financially responsible arrangement that will manage rates increases and support them to manage assets well (e.g., replace pipes before they burst)?	Two very small councils combine into one, which means they have a bigger balance sheet and larger economies of scale. This may allow them to borrow money at a lower cost to replace an unsafe bridge which would otherwise be unaffordable.
Better services	…reorganise local services so they work better and cost less?	All councils in the region establish a single regional roading agency that has more power to bargain with big national roading companies when agreeing contracts.
Clear leadership	…set out who does what and who is responsible across councils?	Combining two very small district councils into one so that one mayor has a stronger voice representing the area to central government.
Local say	…let decisions happen at the right local level?  Does the plan provide fair and effective representation of communities of interest?	Two very small councils join together but agree to establish neighbourhood assemblies that have their own budget for parks, libraries, and events.
Treaty arrangements	…show how all Treaty settlement commitments that involve councils and other agreements with iwi/Māori will be given effect to and/or improved?	Keeping arrangements for rivers as agreed in Treaty settlements.
Can it be done	…include a realistic plan for putting the plan into action (e.g., how council staff might be moved)?	A step-by-step timeline for establishing the new regional roading agency.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are seeking assistance to locate Paul Rimene, who has a warrant for his arrest.

Rimene is 176cm tall, has a large build, and is heavily tattooed.

He has numerous gang associates across Wellington District, including in the Wairarapa.

Rimene is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Any sightings should be reported to Police on 111. 

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are investigating after a woman was seriously assaulted in her Raumanga home last night.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB, says Police were called to the Murdoch Crescent address just after 12am following a report of a person injured.

“The woman sustained moderate injuries during the assault, which left her understandably shaken.

“She was transported to hospital and enquiries are under way to identify and locate the person responsible for the assault,” he says.

“Police are focused on identifying this person and understanding exactly what has taken place.”

A scene guard is in place at the house and nearby residents can expect to see an increased Police presence as our enquiries continue.

Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have information to come forward.

“Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, including any vehicles, in the Murdoch Crescent area between 4pm and 12am yesterday.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen any vehicle leaving the area at speed between 11.30pm and 12am last night.”

If anyone has information which could assist our enquiries, they’re asked to contact Police and quote file number 251125/6316.

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

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Groundbreaking maths gains in just 12 weeks show the Government’s reforms to raise student achievement are already delivering for students who need it most.

New data from a nationwide maths acceleration trial for Year 7 and 8 students who needed extra support, shows students made, on average, a year to two years of progress in just 12 weeks in developing fundamental maths skills. 

Even more encouraging, students not in the trial, simply learning under the new curriculum, an hour-a-day of maths, and using high quality resources, also made, on average, a full year’s progress in just 12 weeks.

Education Minister Erica Stanford says these results show that the Government’s focus on fixing the basics is working for children in every community.

“Every parent wants their child to feel confident in maths. These results show that students are catching up faster than anyone expected, thanks to strong foundations, clear teaching, and teachers who are embracing the reforms across the country.”

Earlier this year, the Make It Count maths action plan came into effect. It introduced structured mathematics, an internationally benchmarked curriculum, one million workbooks and textbooks delivered to classrooms, and professional learning for more than 22,000 teachers, alongside hour-a-day maths and phones away.

The 12-week acceleration trial involved approximately 1500 Year 7 and 8 students who were a year or more behind. Students received targeted, small-group tutoring up to four times a week across three models: in-person, hybrid and online.

Across the first 12-week period week, 1381 students achieved:

Around two years’ progress in the in-person model.
13–14 months’ progress in the hybrid model.
12 months’ progress in the online model.

“The biggest breakthrough was for the students who were working in their usual classes with their teacher. These students were not part of the first 12-week trial but were benefiting from hour-a-day maths, the new curriculum, and new workbooks. They made, on average, a full year’s progress in just 12 weeks. That shows the reforms are lifting achievement for all children, not just those receiving additional tutoring.”

These students along with approximately a further 1500 are benefiting from phase two of the trial.

The analysis shows similar gains regardless of background, equity index, school or ethnicity.

“These results are down to the incredible work of teachers who are implementing these significant reforms. The Education Review Office’s (ERO) recent report already showed early signs of improved achievement and engagement in English and maths. This new data confirms that the reforms are reversing years of decline and helping students reach their potential.”

The $40 million programme is now being rolled out nationwide, with around 13,000 students set to take part from Term 1 2026. All schools that requested to be part of the programme have been accepted.

“Our reforms are about ambition – raising achievement, closing the equity gap and making sure every child can succeed. Education is supposed to be the great equaliser. These results show that, with the right foundations and the right support, every student can get ahead and be confident mathematicians,” Ms Stanford says.

Media contact: Mitchell Alexander +64 21 846 701

Notes to editor:

The content of the 12-week programme was broken into four key learning areas deemed to develop fundamental maths skills; Number structure, addition and subtraction, multiplication & division fluency, fractions & decimals, percentages and proportional reasoning 
The trial results were based on e-asTTle scores. Students were tested at Time 1 (baseline, week 0), Time 2 (end of programme, week 12) and Time 3 (post-programme Week 24)
In person group had additional support in small groups with a teacher using a teaching programme to accelerate progress, alongside their regular classroom teaching.

The mean shifts in the point score of the groups pre and post-test on E -AsTTLe of the 4 key aspects was 54.16 points.
This shows progress in these key aspects of Maths of approximately 2 years growth across the 12-week intervention.

Hybrid group had additional support using an online tool to build and practise maths skills with supervision and support from a teacher or teacher aide, alongside their regular classroom teaching.

The mean shifts in the point score of the groups pre and post-test on E -AsTTLe of the 4 key aspects was 39.71 points.
This shows progress in these key aspects of Maths of approximately 13-14 months growth across the 12-week intervention.

Online Group used an online tool to build and practise their maths skills independently alongside their regular classroom teaching.

The mean shifts in the point score of the groups pre and post-test on E -AsTTLe of the 4 key aspects was 32.90 points.
This shows progress in these key aspects of Maths around one year’s growth across the 12-week intervention.

Control group had regular classroom teaching of an hour a day, with teachers having access to new Maths resources.
The mean shifts in the point score of the groups pre and post-test on E -AsTTLe of the 4 key aspects was 27.76 points. 

This shows progress in these key aspects of Maths around one year’s growth across the 12-week intervention.

Source: New Zealand Government

We must join together to prevent violence against women, an issue that is tragically still too prevalent and under discussed in our communities.

Today is White Ribbon Day, the national day when people wear a white ribbon to show that they do not condone violence against women.

White Ribbon Day also celebrates the many men willing to show leadership and commitment to promoting safe, healthy relationships within families and encourages men to challenge each other on attitudes and behaviour that are abusive. 

“We all have a part to play in calling out bad behaviour when we see it,” says Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Minister Karen Chhour. 

“We must join together to create a country where victims of family and sexual violence feel safe to speak up and get help – and where people who use violence access resources to change their behaviour or face the consequences if they continue to victimise others.” 

Today also marks the first of ‘16 Days of Activism’ – an international campaign to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes, and call for an end to violence against women. 

The campaign runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (World Human Rights Day).

The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention is collaborating with UN Women Aotearoa to post a series of videos with high-profile women on each day of the campaign, answering questions about what can be done, and what a world without gender-based violence would look like. 

These women include Minister Chhour, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, journalist Alison Mau, and others. 

“This campaign is not about saying men cannot suffer from violence – this is just a recognition of the statistics that show women and girls are more likely to be the victims of violence, as well as recognising that we all play a part in reducing violence in our communities,” says Minister Chhour.

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Detective Inspector Jamie Woods, Field Crime Manager:

Police have today arrested a further two men in relation to the death of Michael Kenneth Tofts in Waikanae on 19 November.

The two men – aged 23 and 35 – were arrested following search warrants in Naenae and Lower Hutt this morning, which were carried out with the assistance of the Armed Offenders Squad.

The men have been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Further charges are likely as the investigation progresses.

There will be a continued police presence at two addresses today – one in Naenae and one in Lower Hutt – as officers undertake further enquiries.

Nearby residents can be assured there is no risk to public safety.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson will today travel to the Solomon Islands to attend the 2025 Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Ministerial Meeting. 

“PACER Plus plays a significant role, it strengthens economic growth and resilience in the Pacific and reaffirms our shared commitment to transparent, predictable, rules-based trade,” Mr Simpson says.

“Since entry into force, New Zealand’s trade with Pacific PACER Plus countries has increased by 47 percent – something we can be incredibly proud of. 

“Our support of PACER Plus demonstrates New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to working with Pacific Island countries and Australia for a more prosperous, integrated, and reliable Pacific economy.”

While in Solomon Islands, Mr Simpson will also engage with the Solomon Islands–New Zealand Business Community and meet with regional counterparts.

Mr Simpson returns to New Zealand on 28 November. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Repeating your medical history at every appointment will soon be a thing of the past, with Kiwis set to get faster access to care as part of a 10-year plan to bring New Zealand’s health system into the digital age, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Our health system is being held back by outdated, disconnected technology. Right now, 65 per cent of hospitals still use paper-based notes, and critical information doesn’t flow between your GP and hospital in many parts of the country,” Mr Brown says.

“This means patients often have to repeat their story multiple times, and clinicians waste valuable time on paperwork instead of treating patients.

“Currently, Health New Zealand has over 6000 digital systems – one different computer system for every 15 staff members. That’s the result of years of underinvestment and quick fixes instead of proper planning.

“To address this, we’re releasing New Zealand’s first Health Digital Investment Plan – a 10-year roadmap to modernise healthcare, with investments in technologies that will make a real difference for patients right now.”

The plan’s five core objectives are to improve outcomes for patients and families, support clinicians, stabilise critical infrastructure, build foundations for innovation, and enable data-driven decision-making.

Investments will be made in a single Electronic Medical Record system across the health sector, enabling medical information to flow seamlessly and securely between GPs, specialists, and hospitals. The plan will also fund remote patient monitoring to support earlier discharge, a national radiology system to prioritise urgent cases, and stronger cybersecurity to protect patient information.

“Imagine getting your cancer diagnosis and having your entire treatment journey coordinated through connected systems – no repeated tests, no lost referrals, no wondering what happens next. That’s what modern digital healthcare looks like.

“Modernising a system this complex takes time. The 10-year plan will be delivered in three phases – stabilising critical systems, modernising platforms, and enabling innovative healthcare models that put patients first. Each phase builds the foundation for the next, and Health New Zealand is already taking action Kiwis will see in the next few years.”

The Government is establishing the Centre for Digital Modernisation of Health – a collaboration between Health New Zealand and delivery partners that brings together global innovation capabilities, artificial intelligence expertise, and world-class process engineering to coordinate critical investments.

“This is a completely new approach for Health New Zealand, tackling the kind of large, complex programmes that have failed in the past when governments have tried to do them alone.

“But we aren’t waiting to move. The Accelerate programme is digitising patient notes in hospitals that rely on paper and upgrading Wi-Fi and device availability to support clinicians across hospital settings. Health New Zealand has also established HealthX to accelerate innovation and the use of AI.”

Sponsored by the Chief Executive, HealthX will roll out one innovation initiative each month to bring digital tools to the frontline, including:

• AI scribes in emergency departments to reduce time spent writing notes and speed up flow.
• Remote patient monitoring for safe home recovery.
• Augmenting x-ray processes to speed diagnosis.

“Our Government is focused on fixing the basics while building the future so that all patients have access to timely, quality healthcare. Smarter digital investment means shorter wait times, safer care, and a health system that works for all New Zealanders.”

Source: New Zealand Police

The Police Media Centre will close early today, Tuesday 25 November, due to staff illness.

Media Advisors will be available to respond to urgent queries and significant events only until 6pm.

As always, information about any critical events outside our operating hours will be released proactively as soon as possible.

Some queries may be held until the centre reopens at 6am on Wednesday 26 November.

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre