Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has announced the outcome of speed limit reviews recently completed on 16 ‘urban connector’ sections of state highway.

The speed reviews were undertaken on 16 of 38 sections of state highway which were required to automatically reverse to previous higher speed limits under the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024, but where NZTA received strong community and stakeholder feedback on a preference to retain the lower speeds.

Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024

After considering all of the safety, technical, cost and consultation information,  including whether the road environment had changed and become more urban since original speed limits were changed in the past few years, NZTA has confirmed that 13 of the 16 sections will retain their lower speeds limits.  

The majority of these locations are short stretches of state highway heading into or out of small townships, where drivers are already naturally slowing down, and the environment is more suited to the lower speed limit consulted on.  

In some of these locations considerable population growth has occurred in recent years, and in other areas the road environment has changed, with large numbers of driveways, many public amenities and high pedestrian usage, including at schools and marae nearby.

In making its decisions, NZTA assessed the findings of a range of factors including a formal Cost Benefit Disclosure Statement (CBDS), safety and technical information, alongside consultation feedback from both stakeholders and the wider public.

After considering all of the criteria, NZTA has confirmed that speed limits will increase on three of the 16 sections:

• In Rotorua, speed limits on SH30 and SH30A will be increased to 60km/h, making speed limits more consistent with surrounding roads, reducing driver confusion and the need for frequent speed limit changes over short distances
• In Turangi, on SH1, the section proposed to have a lower speed limit of 60km/h will be shortened, while the remaining section will reverse to the previous higher speed of 100km/h as required by the Rule.

These changes will come into effect by 1 July 2025, as required by the Rule.

The full list of 16 sites and the speed review outcome can be found on the NZTA website:

Urban connectors new speed reviews outcome

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Board has given the green light for the Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) highway to proceed to construction, marking a significant milestone towards a safer, more resilient and efficient transport connection for the fast-growing Horowhenua and Greater Wellington region.

At its meeting earlier this afternoon, the NZTA Board confirmed additional funding to ensure that the project will progress, including some features from the originally consented concept design.

NZTA Chief Executive Brett Gliddon says the new Ō2NL highway is a key project for the region, and a priority in the Government Policy Statement on land transport, as part of the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme.

Mr Gliddon says throughout the planning and design process, NZTA has considered value for money options and listened to community feedback.

As a result of today’s Board decision, the following elements of the project will be reinstated.

• The new highway connection with Tararua Road in Levin, which will be a grade-separated interchange
• The southern connection, near Taylors Road, will include a southbound onramp, allowing vehicles travelling south on the current SH1 to join the Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressway north of Ōtaki, and
• The local road at Manakau Heights will be connected across the new highway via a bridge.

The Ō2NL project will deliver a more efficient, resilient and safer highway which is firmly focused on enabling future growth and development in one of New Zealand’s fastest growing districts.

“Now that funding has been confirmed along with the reinstated scope, we look forward to beginning construction later this year. We’re also looking forward to continuing our work with Horowhenua District Council as it progresses work on the Tara-Ika growth area,” says Mr Gliddon. 

“Working in partnership with Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa te au ki te Tonga and Horowhenua District Council, NZTA recognises Ō2NL is crucial for the development of the area and will become an integral part of the state highway network, adding to the more resilient, safer and more efficient drive north from Wellington. 

“We understand the importance of the Ō2NL project to the community, and we appreciate the feedback provided during the recent community engagement.” 

More information, including details on the level of additional funding approved, will be confirmed following the finalisation of contracts for construction of the project later this year.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have resolved a family harm incident in Mt Roskill safely.

One man is in custody after Police spent a lengthy time trying to engage with the man who was inside a property with a distressed female.

The Police helicopter, Eagle, identified an opportunity to separate the pair.

Specialist staff deployed distraction devices and the man was taken into custody.

No one was injured.

Police anticipate road cordons around White Swan Road will lift shortly and greatly appreciate co-operation from the public this afternoon.

Our priority was to ensure the safety of the pair inside the residence and of the wider community.

There is no ongoing risk to the public at this time.

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can advise State Highway 60 has reopened in both directions following an earlier crash near Mapua Drive.

The two vehicle crash occurred at about 3pm.

Police thank motorists for their coperation on the road while it was closed.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Team

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who was found deceased after a house fire in Waitara on Friday 6 June.

He was 45-year-old, Jamie Elliott.

His dog was found alongside him.

Police extends our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Ben Norman.

Waikato Police have arrested and charged a 22-year-old following a serious, violent incident in Tahuna.

At around 7.20pm, Police were alerted to a group of people fighting on Tahuna-Ohinewai Road after a person who confronted three men in a vehicle doing burnouts was assaulted and other members of the public attempted to intervene.

After noticing the incident unfolding, an occupant of a nearby property has attempted to intervene. However, they were also assaulted by the alleged offenders.

Six people received injuries in total in relation to the incident. Two people received serious injuries, and one other received minor injuries, they were transported to hospital. Three others received minor injuries.

The offenders have then taken two vehicles from the Tahuna-Ohinewai address and moved them onto the street.

Upon Police arrival, the offenders have fled the scene, two fled on foot, while another left in a vehicle taken from the address.

A short time later, one of the offenders was located nearby and was taken into custody by Police.

An investigation into the serious assault and aggravated robbery has commenced, with Police working to establish what exactly has occurred.

Police are following multiple lines of enquiry to identify and locate the remaining two offenders and encourage them to do the right thing and hand themselves in.

As our enquiries are ongoing, members of the community may see an increased Police presence in the area.

While Police would like to thank those who tried to intervene and assist other members of the public, Police urge the public not to take matters into their own hands or confront individuals themselves as situations can escalate quickly.

Instead, stay in a safe location, gather as much information as you safely can, and contact Police on 111.

A 22-year-old man is due to appear in Hamilton District Court today, charged with aggravated robbery and injures with intent to injure.

If you have any information that may assist in Police’s investigation, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number 250619/2309.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in the Waikato are benefitting from over $414,000 in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. 
 

“Cyclone Gabrielle had a significant impact on parts of the Waikato, causing destruction to property, blocked roads, and requiring coordinated relief efforts Now, one year after grant applications closed, 18 community organisations have received funding to rebuild thanks to the generosity of Kiwis who bought tickets to the special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief,” says Ms van Velden. 
 

Funds raised from the special Lotto draw were passed on to the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust, which accepted grant applications until May 2024 and distributed all funds by October 2024. Grants were given to community organisations in regions where a state of emergency was declared for Cyclone Gabrielle, which were Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Hawke’s Bay, and Tararua.  
 

“As well as repairing and replacing community facilities that were damaged by the cyclone, the proceeds of the lottery draw went towards upgrading local emergency services organisations so they can be better prepared for any future severe weather events”. 
 

Waikato projects that received funding include: 
 

$29,500 to the Sunset Beach Surf Lifesaving Trust in Port Waikato for a new power generator to provide power supply to the community civil defence hub 

$30,000 to the Oparau Hall Society Incorporated for repairs to the hall and equipment 

$29,875 to the Port Project to restore and improve community walkways damaged by the cyclone 

Sunset Beach Surf Lifesaving Trust had its first use of the generator in May 2025 when the Port had a major power outage.   Malcolm Beattie, president of the Sunset Beach Lifesaving Trust, says “it kicked in and the community had access to the Community Hub for full power immediately. Having this service immediately available for our community free of any charges was amazing.” 

 The special draw was a part of the overall cyclone recovery effort and complemented the work that government, charities, mayoral relief funds, corporate partners and local fundraisers did in raising money to help with the response and recovery in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. 

 

“Raising funds for important community projects is at the heart of what Lotto does. I’m pleased that the funds raised from this special Lotto draw went towards better preparing impacted communities for future events.” says Ms van Velden. 
 

The Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust was established by the Crown as an independent entity to distribute funds raised in the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal. The Trust allocated $14,511,916 in total across the regions affected to help recovery efforts, of which $11,770,000 came from the live Lotto NZ draw on 18 March 2023. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in Northland are benefitting from $3.59 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief, two years later. 
 

“Cyclone Gabrielle had a devasting impact on Northland, causing widespread destruction to property and requiring significant relief efforts. Now one year after grant applications closed, more than 161 community organisations have received funding to rebuild thanks to the generosity of Kiwis who bought tickets to the special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief,” says Ms van Velden. 
 

Funds raised from the special Lotto draw were passed on to the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust, which accepted grant applications until May 2024 and distributed all funds by October 2024. Grants were given to community organisations in regions where a state of emergency was declared for Cyclone Gabrielle, which were Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Hawke’s Bay, and Tararua.  
 

“As well as repairing and replacing community facilities that were damaged by the cyclone, the proceeds of the lottery draw went towards upgrading local emergency services organisations so they can be better prepared for any future severe weather events”. 
 

Northland projects that received funding include: 

$6,000 to Surf Life Saving Baylys Beach Incorporated to purchase a generator to supply power for future adverse weather events 

$20,000 to the Waimamaku Community Civil Defence Group for equipment and supplies to set up the community hall as an emergency assembly point  

$19,800 to Oakura Beach Reserve Board in Ōakura for a shipping container to store seven generators to be used in emergencies 

“Raising funds for important community projects is at the heart of what Lotto does. I’m pleased that the funds raised from this special Lotto draw went towards better preparing impacted communities for future events.” 
 

The special draw was a part of the overall cyclone recovery effort and complemented the work that government, charities, mayoral relief funds, corporate partners and local fundraisers did in raising money to help with the response and recovery in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. 
 

The Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust was established by the Crown as an independent entity to distribute funds raised in the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal. The Trust allocated $14,511,916 in total across the regions affected to help recovery efforts, of which $11,770,000 came from the live Lotto NZ draw on 18 March 2023. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities across Auckland are benefitting from $1.8 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief.  

 

“Cyclone Gabreille had a devasting impact on parts of Auckland, causing widespread damage to property and requiring significant relief efforts. Now, two years on, 71 community organisations have received funding to rebuild thanks to the generosity of Kiwis who bought tickets to the special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief,” says Ms van Velden.  

 

Funds raised from the special Lotto draw were passed on to the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust, which were then distributed to the community in regions where a state of emergency was declared for Cyclone Gabrielle, which were Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Hawke’s Bay, and Tararua. 

 

“As well as repairing and replacing community facilities that were damaged by the cyclone, the proceeds of the lottery draw went towards upgrading local emergency services organisations so they can be better prepared for any future severe weather events.” 

Auckland projects that received funding include:  

$20,000 to the Titirangi Volunteer Coastguard Incorporated to replace equipment damaged in the cyclone 

$21,921 to Karekare Surf Life Saving Club for essential search and rescue equipment to support lifeguard operations during extreme weather events 

$30,000 to South Kaipara Good Food for water tanks, generators, irrigation systems and other equipment to support food resilience   

$24,733 to Bethells Beach Emergency Resilience Group for equipment and resources for emergency support  

“Raising funds for important community projects is at the heart of what Lotto does. I’m pleased that the funds raised from this special Lotto draw went towards relief for Aucklanders doing it tough in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.” 

 

The special draw was a part of the overall cyclone recovery effort and complemented the work that government, charities, mayoral relief funds, corporate partners and local fundraisers did in raising money to help with the response and recovery in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. 

 

The Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust was established by the Crown as an independent entity to distribute funds raised in the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal.  

 

The Trust allocated $14,511,916 in total across the regions affected to help recovery efforts, of which $11,770,000 came from the live Lotto NZ draw on 18 March 2023.