Source: New Zealand Police
Two vehicles have collided on SH 60 near Mapua Drive, Tasman District.
One occupant has serious injuries and another occupant has minor injuries.
The road will be closed for some time while emergency services are at the scene.
Diversions are in place at the intersection of SH60 and Moutere Highway (Pea Vine Corner).
Traffic will need to use the inland route (not The Coastal Highway) and rejoin SH60 at Gardner Valley Road.
END
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Detective Inspector Dave De Lange:
Police have charged a second person after alleged interference in the murder investigation of 15-year-old Kaea Karauria.
A 21-year-old Napier woman was taken into custody earlier today, after Police learned while conducting follow-up enquiries, that she had provided instructions to another person to destroy evidence.
The alleged incident occurred on 11 May, the day of the fight in which Kaea was killed.
The woman has been charged with wilfully attempting to pervert the course of justice, and will appear in the Napier District Court on 26 June.
Police will continue to act without hesitation when a witness is threatened, or attempts are made to sabotage an investigation. Any witness tampering will be treated very seriously.
We would still like to hear from anyone who has information about the incident. Our team continues to work hard on this investigation, as Kaea and his family deserve justice.
Information can be reported via our 105 service, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 250511/1317.
We have also set up a phoneline for those wanting to share information about the incident and people can leave a message on 0800 852 525.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has concluded the successful Shanghai leg of his official visit to China, accompanied by Ministers Louise Upston and Mark Mitchell and a delegation of senior New Zealand business leaders from across the food and beverage, health and wellbeing, education, and tourism sectors.
“Our bilateral trade relationship with China is one of our most important, with two-way trade exceeding NZ$39 billion in the year ending March 2025.
“This relationship accounts for more than 20 per cent of New Zealand’s total goods and services exports,” Mr Luxon says.
“It’s been great to see $400 million of commercial agreements signed today between New Zealand businesses and their Chinese partners. This is a clear sign of the strength and momentum in our trade relationship.
“We also announced we would be making it easier for Chinese nationals to transit via New Zealand by removing the need to get a transit visa, instead being able to get a New Zealanders Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), significantly cutting costs and time for visitors.
“This resulted in one of the major announcements in Shanghai, that China Eastern Airlines was launching twice weekly flights to South America via Auckland.”
Mr Luxon participated in a tourism livestream event watched by over 10 million people, to promote New Zealand travel offerings.
“New Zealand welcomed 248,000 visitors from China in the past year, with holiday arrivals up 31 per cent. We’ve made recent changes to visa settings to make it easier for Chinese visitors to enjoy New Zealand’s natural beauty and warm hospitality,” Mr Luxon says.
Mr Luxon also visited Fudan University, one of China’s most prestigious academic institutions, to promote New Zealand as a destination for world-class research, study, and partnership.
“We’re focused on deepening our education links through student connections, institutional partnerships, and joint research that benefits both countries,” Mr Luxon says.
Mr Luxon also met with Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining to discuss Shanghai as a gateway for a high proportion of New Zealand goods, services and people-to-people flows, and other bilateral issues.
The Prime Minister will now travel to Beijing, where he will meet with China’s leaders.
Source: New Zealand Police
Waikato Police uncovered methamphetamine, cannabis, a firearm, ammunition and a homemade taser during search warrants in Waihi yesterday.
Police, including the Armed Offenders Squad and drug detector dogs, executed the two search warrants in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Drugs, drug paraphernalia, firearms and ammunition, stolen property and a homemade taser were found. A firearm was also found in a concealed cavity in a wall.
“We see the harm that drug dealing causes to our communities daily,” says Inspector Mike Henwood.
“These warrants represent local police’s ongoing commitment to tackling drug offending in our rural towns and the associated crime that follows.
“Drug dealing takes a huge toll on our local communities and leads to other offending like thefts and burglaries from innocent residents and hard-working businesses.”
“I am really proud of the work the teams did investigating this offending – being able to hold these offenders to account shows our commitment to stamping out drugs in our community.
“Recovering the drugs and dangerous weapons that were present, alongside evidence of dealing, is a great result.”
A 33-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman are due to appear Hamilton District Court on drug dealing and weapons charges today.
If you have concerns about illegal drug use in your community, please call 111 if there is an immediate public safety risk or contact us via 105 online or by phone to make a report.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government’s ensuring hundreds more students in Otago benefit from new, safe, warm and dry classrooms.
A $27 million investment into new infrastructure will help make sure schools meet the needs of their communities and gets ahead of new growth.
It will support the construction of:
Six new teaching spaces at Dunstan High School
A twelve-teaching space expansion at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau
The investment is in addition to the purchase of a site at Ladies Mile in Queenstown last year, which will accommodate a new primary school in the area.
“Queenstown in particular, has had strong and steady growth over the last decade, and we are committed to ensuring they are equipped to teach the basics brilliantly. Planning for the two growth projects is underway and is expected to begin in the next 12 months. This means that students, families and the Otago community can benefit sooner,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
“Funding for the construction of the new primary school at Ladies Mile will be considered in future years. Securing the land at this time means that we will be able to hit ‘go’ on construction when capacity is needed.”
This announcement builds on the Government’s commitment to ongoing investment in school property, and follows recent announcements to support growth in Canterbury, the Central North Island and provision of specialist education.
“Quality education is crucial to growing the regions. These new classrooms are an investment in the future of young learners in Otago Central Lakes and builds on the 120 new classrooms announced for Canterbury in the last month,” South Island Minister James Meager says.
“There is huge potential for Otago Central Lakes to become a hub for digital and tech investors, alongside our traditional backbone industries of tourism and agriculture. To enable that investment, we need to foster brilliance in our young people by investing in their future and building for growth. We also need a high-quality education infrastructure to attract the best quality workforce to our regions.”
“Our efficiencies in school property delivery allows more schools, communities and children benefit sooner. The use of standardised building designs and offsite manufacturing have lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28%, allowing 30% more classrooms to be delivered last year compared to 2023. We will continue to drive costs down so more Kiwi kids can thrive,” Ms Stanford says.
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Detective Sergeant Lucy Aldridge
Christchurch Police are releasing the above CCTV images in a further appeal for information on the whereabouts of 79-year-old Elisabeth Nicholls.
These CCTV images of Lis were taken during her last confirmed sighting at the Chateau on the Park in Riccarton, at around 7.54pm on Wednesday 4 June.
Since Elisabeth was reported missing, searchers and Police have gone door to door, reviewed CCTV footage, searched the Avon River, and made further extensive enquiries, but we have not been able to find Lis.
Today, Police deployed a drone in the Riccarton and Hagley Park areas between 8am and midday. We are now in the process of examining these images and reviewing what was captured.
Police are urging residents in the nearby area who have not yet done so to please check their backyards, sheds and sleepouts, and anywhere where a person could seek shelter on your property.
We, alongside Lis’ family, are seriously concerned for her wellbeing and are appealing to anyone with information to please contact us.
For anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or video footage in the Riccarton and Hagley Park areas between 6.40pm on Wednesday 4 June to 8am on Thursday 5 June, please review the footage you have and contact Police if you believe you see Lis.
When Lis went missing in the Riccarton area, she was physically strong, and may have walked some distance.
If you see Lis, please ring Police on 111 immediately. If you have information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.
Please use the reference number 250604/5465.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are reminding road users that there will be zero tolerance for unsafe driving this Matariki Weekend.
“There was an unacceptable number of road deaths over King’s Birthday weekend, and we don’t want a repeat of that this weekend. If you are driving in a way that puts your own, or someone else’s, safety at risk, expect there to be consequences,” says Director Road Policing, Superintendent Steve Greally.
“We have zero tolerance for selfish drivers gambling with other people’s lives.”
Emergency services see first-hand the devastation that dangerous road behaviours cause, and the harm doesn’t end at the scene.
“One of the hardest parts of our job is knocking on a door in the middle of the night to tell a family that their loved one isn’t coming home,” Superintendent Greally says.
“Matariki is a time for families to come together and be with each other – please don’t do anything which would prevent that from happening.”
Police will be out on the country’s roads in increased numbers this weekend, with the clear intention to stop and prevent unsafe driving behaviour, day and night.
Our officers and road safety partners are undertaking a large amount of work to ensure the safety of everyone on our roads.
Many of us make long journeys over long weekends. We know that tired drivers make mistakes, so take regular breaks and split the driving with someone if you can.
Having your seatbelt on, driving to the conditions and not being distracted while driving can be the difference in walking away from a crash or being seriously injured or worse.
Information on holiday road toll periods can be found here: Safety — Road deaths | Ministry of Transport.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is making New Zealand more attractive to international shipping lines with the first major investment in navigation services in more than 30 years.
Land Information Minister Chris Penk says the $28.6 million Budget 2025 funding secures the future of shipping, tourism and the maritime economy – highlighting the Government’s commitment to back economic growth.
“The investment enables safer and faster access to New Zealand’s ports, keeping trade flowing smoothly and reliably and provides confidence in shipping. This is key as more than 99 percent of our imports and exports move by sea.
“Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) and Maritime New Zealand are working together to create high-tech digital navigation tools based on the global S-100 standard. These tools will make navigation more precise, helping ships save fuel and cut costs while operating in our waters.
“The initiative will transform how mariners access and use data such as electronic charts, water levels, ocean surface currents and navigational warnings.”
Associate Transport Minister James Meager says the investment benefits both economic growth and maritime safety.
“Modern digital maritime data and services will enable freight-efficient, environmentally responsible shipping routes that boost trade and investment across the Pacific.
“The investment in high-tech infrastructure ensures our maritime and tourism sectors are ready to thrive, while enhancing safety and efficiency.
“Importantly, it positions New Zealand at the forefront of the shift to digital navigation technology, and signals to the world that we’re serious about supporting innovation, sustainabilitty and welfare at sea.
“Beyond New Zealand’s coastline, this initiative supports safer, more efficient shipping across our wider maritime region – including Antarctica and South-West Pacific nations such as the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Niue, and Tokelau.
“As we celebrate Matariki and reflect on New Zealand’s rich cultural history of navigating by the stars, now is the perfect time to look ahead toward building a resilient maritime economy for future generations.”
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 19 June 2025
Royal fern can colonise natural areas rapidly, growing up to 2 m high, and crowding out native species in already pressured wetlands and swamps. A deciduous fern, the bright green paper-thin fronds turn yellow and rusty orange in autumn, and each plant produces thousands of tiny spores easily spread by the wind, birds, and humans.
Surveillance and control work in partnership with iwi, landowners and regional councils is happening in Taranaki, Waikato, Rotorua, and Northland. Susan Emmitt, Technical Advisor at DOC, says despite the intensive work, the fern is still spreading.
“Royal fern is still being found in new places, as the spores disperse over long distances allowing new plants to establish in remote areas,” says Susan.
“The fern has been targeted for eradication in Northland, and is being controlled in the Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, and Auckland. To try and halt its spread, we’ve drawn a containment line roughly halfway down the North Island.
“We’re asking the public to report any sightings of the plant south of this line.”
Royal fern is challenging to remove, as it thrives in wetland sites which are difficult to access on foot.
“It can be dug out, roots and all, but this is slow and very labour intensive. We’re working alongside field teams to find the most efficient control methods.
“It’s very easy to spread the spores around when we’re clearing the area, so we wear gloves and disposable overalls, and carefully double or triple-bag the fertile fronds once they’ve been cut. We also have rigorous decontamination procedures, so we don’t accidentally spread them from one site to another.”
Drones are a valuable tool in the control of the invasive fern.
“The distinct bright green leaves are easily visible from the air in wetlands, so we can use drones to monitor existing or treated sites,” says Susan. “This saves a lot of time and effort, letting us work faster and more effectively.”
Autumn and early winter are the perfect time to spot this plant; royal fern fronds change colour in autumn, making the plants stand out. Members of the public are being asked to report sightings of royal fern from the Bay of Plenty and Taranaki southwards via iNaturalist or info@doc.govt.nz, including a photo and location.
“Nature is in trouble, but all of us can help protect our species and habitats. Reporting royal fern is a small action to make a big difference; thanks to a report at Farewell Spit in March 2024, the site was able to be treated immediately and prevent a potentially catastrophic invasion.”
Royal fern (Osmunda regalis) is an Unwanted Organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993. This wetland weed has been targeted for eradication in Northland, and is being controlled in the Bay of Plenty and Auckland under the Regional Pest Management plans.
It has spread southwards over the past few decades. Our surveillance operation aims to gain a better understanding of the southern distribution of royal fern with the aim of controlling and containing its spread and protecting high priority sites.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government’s ensuring some of New Zealand’s most isolated schools get the pipeline of teachers they need to teach the basics brilliantly.
“For most new teachers, school placements play a significant role in deciding where they choose to teach once they qualify as a teacher. We know rural and isolated schools struggle to fill these rolls. This Government is helping address that so more children benefit from excellent teachers in the classroom,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
$494,000 will fund “Go Rural: Isolated Placements Fund” – an initiative that contributes to the costs student teachers incur. Up to 123 student teachers in their final year of study will be eligible for a payment of $4,000 to take up a professional experience placement in a rural or isolated school.
“We know students’ factor in additional accommodation, childcare and travel costs for when they choose where they undertake their placement. This investment will make it easier for them to take up placements in some of our most unique communities.
Applications for the fund will be available in early 2026.
“This is just one of several initiatives we have put in place to ensure more Kiwi kids benefit from quality teaching and leadership in the classroom. Through Budget 2025 we are expanding the School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP) by 530 places, supporting up to 800 teachers to access an Aspiring Principal Programme and funding approximately 115,000 teacher registrations and practicing certificates.
“We are committed to supporting our incredible teachers. By growing the skills and knowledge in our workforce, our tamariki have the very best chance to thrive at school and beyond,” Ms Stanford says.