Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

A 36-year-old woman was caught driving badly impaired, over three times the legal alcohol limit, on Monday morning.

Sergeant Colin Wright says this recent example demonstrates the risk that drivers take if they get behind the wheel when they’re impaired.

About 10am on Monday 6 October Detectives Karin Wakefield and Piet De Vegt, from Whanganui Criminal Investigations Branch, were driving to an appointment in Taihape in an unmarked police vehicle.

They were held up in road work traffic near Whangaehu on SH3 when they were approached by an observant driver from the vehicle in front.

He said the car in front of him had been swerving all over the road.

As traffic started moving, he pulled over to let the detectives pass, and they observed the dangerous driving firsthand.

They pulled over the vehicle in Whangaehu village and, not having a breath test device to hand, called for a nearby Constable for support.

The breath test found the driver was 3.5 times the legal limit.

“She was oblivious to her offending and even said she had dropped her children off at school that morning,” Sergeant Wright says.

She was arrested and is due to appear in Whanganui District Court today, Tuesday 7 October.

“It was also quite clear this driver needed help, and a referral has been made for support with alcohol and drug issues.

“We catch people driving impaired at any time of the day.

“Their families are put at risk. And as fellow road users, our families are put at risk.

“Our staff see devastating consequences of drunk drivers far too frequently.

“These detectives had to change their plans for the day, but it’s highly likely they prevented a serious incident.

“It’s a good reminder to all drivers that they can expect to be observed, stopped, and breath tested anywhere, at any time,” Sergeant Wright says.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Source: New Zealand Government

The latest report from the OECD’s Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2024 shows initial teaching training (ITE) isn’t sufficiently supporting new teachers to be confident in the classroom, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

It found:

• 62 per cent of graduate teachers were not confident in teaching content of all subjects they teach.
• 54 per cent weren’t confident in pedagogical approaches (how to teach it) in all the subjects that they teach.

“Building the workforce of the future is one of our six priority areas and it’s concerning to see our new teachers trained through ITE are not sufficiently prepared for the classroom. These results are significantly lower than many comparable OECD countries at all levels of experience, and substantially lower than what was last recorded in 2018,” Ms Stanford says. 

“We are delivering comprehensive education reform, it’s critical our fantastic teachers are equipped with the confidence and skills they need to thrive in the classroom.

“The Government is working to lift the quality of initial teacher education through updated programme requirements, stronger oversight, and clearer policy direction. I remain committed to supporting teachers with training and professional development, particularly when it comes to the curriculum changes that we are progressing. I intend to announce further decisions in due course.”

Other findings include teachers are confident users of digital technology, are using AI more than other countries and want to keep developing in this area. Around half the teachers surveyed were satisfied with their salary, substantially up from 36 per cent in 2018. Over 85 per cent report enjoying their job, their place of work, and teaching itself, and over two thirds are they are valued by students and parents in their school.

Between 2018 and 2024, the proportion of Year 7 to 10 teachers in schools where the principal said at least 10 percent of students had learning support needs increased from 19 percent to 77 percent.

“Through Budget 25, we delivered the most significant investment in learning support in a generation. Our $750 million investment is resulting in a smart, system-wide reform that significantly increases specialist and support staff resources in our schools.

“We are firmly committed to backing teachers to succeed in the classroom and deliver the world-leading education Kiwi kids deserve,” Ms Stanford says.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

With warmer weather on the way, road users will notice more construction crews hard at work across the Bay of Plenty regions as the 2025/2026 construction season is underway.

From rebuilding sections of state highway to laying fresh asphalt and carrying out our regular programme of summer maintenance, the focus this summer is on keeping roads safe, efficient and reliable.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) System Manager for the Bay of Plenty Sandra King says this season’s programme is about more than just repairs.  

“It’s about strengthening the network, so it remains safe, reliable and ready to meet the needs of all road users. 

“The key corridors that we’ll be targeting this season are State Highway (SH) 29 from Tauriko to the Kaimai Summit, SH2 between Bethlehem and Bayfair and extending eastwards to Ōtamarākau, as well as SH5, SH30, SH30A and SH33 in the Rotorua area.”

People will notice more crews and work sites from now through to the end of March 2026.

“We’re doing as much work as possible between now and mid-December to reduce the impact on people’s journeys during the busy holiday season” says Ms King. “To achieve this we’re also heavily reliant on the weather and other factors co-operating.”

This year’s maintenance programme aims to renew around 45 single lane kilometres in the Bay of Plenty, to give drivers safer, smoother journeys, and to keep our state highways in good condition.

“We appreciate road users slowing down through our worksites, helping keep our crews safe as they work long hours, day and night, throughout summer, while others are out enjoying their road trips.

“Slowing down through work sites helps keep everyone safe. Road conditions may be unfamiliar or changing, so it’s important to stay alert and reduce your speed. Slow down. Be alert. Be safe.”

To find out more about the upcoming maintenance season:

How to be safe around roadworks

Our contractors carry out the maintenance work across the Bay of Plenty on behalf of NZTA, so you will likely see their crews when you’re out travelling through the region.

Kia Tupato Ki Nga Kaimahi – please watch out for any road workers. We care about our team and believe everyone has the right to return home to their whanau at the end of the day.

Always reduce your speed, adhere to the temporary speed limits and follow the traffic management directions at our work sites. 

It’s important to slow down through newly sealed sections of road because small chips can be flicked up from the road surface and damage vehicles – especially windscreens. That’s why we often keep temporary speed limits in place even after it looks like the work has been completed. As well as safety, the temporary speed limit also helps ensure the quality of the reseal. Travelling at the posted temporary speed limit allows for the chips to be embedded into the road surface and for them to remain in place as the seal cures.

Please be patient with our crews as they set up and pack down work sites including placing or removing cones and signage. Overtaking these working vehicles can be dangerous to our teams on the trucks but also to vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.

If you have any concerns or require information about works in your area call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 444 449). 

Source: New Zealand Police

To attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Philip Skoglund, Masterton Police:

Police are investigating the death of a 3-month-old baby girl in Masterton.

At around 2pm on Thursday 2 October, Police were notified of the incident.

Officers are now working to determine what exactly has occurred.

The family are assisting the investigation team with our enquiries, and we are not seeking anyone else at this time. 

Police are awaiting a formal report from the pathologist, following the postmortem examination being completed.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

Statement from Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill

After considering staff and community feedback, it has been decided that Canterbury Police will not proceed with our proposed district review.

Throughout this process it has been important to challenge ourselves to think outside the square, and to innovate how we service the needs of our communities.  The proposal was a genuine attempt to offer what I believed would be a better service to the district, including a 24-7 response in rural areas.

Much of the feedback from staff and the community has been supportive. The reality is that the proposal was not acceptable to many of the communities affected, and in my view their buy-in was a critical element in the proposal’s success. We could not proceed without that support.

In reaching this decision, I listened carefully to the concerns and considered feedback from the community and other interested parties, as well as those of Police staff.

There were those who did support the changes and I acknowledge some may be disappointed.

I have discussed this with the Commissioner of Police, and he has assured me I have his support for this decision today.

Some of what we aimed to do can be achieved without the wider restructure and we will now work carefully through the options to decide what is possible.

Every district has its own priorities and demands and those can often be met through deployment decisions.

Canterbury District’s Gang Disruption Unit, Beat Teams and a Retail Crime Team in Christchurch were not contingent on the restructure and will still go ahead. They are priorities for Police in all districts.

Road policing will also remain a priority. It is one of the areas of highest demand in the district.

This has been a long process and I want to thank all those who took time to consider the proposal and discuss it with me. I also wanted to thank those who have put a considerable amount of work into the process, which is very much appreciated.

Lastly, I want to say it has been heartening to see the strong backing our staff working in the rural communities have from the public they serve. Our staff are very dedicated and I can assure you we are committed to serving the people and businesses of Canterbury.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said he supported the District Commander’s decision.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work that was put into the review by District Commander Tony Hill and his leadership team.

“Our staff are exceptional and I am confident Canterbury police will continue to offer an outstanding service across the district.

“While the review proposals had merit, including the proposed 24-7 response model, I have long believed in the value of visible and engaged police who know their communities and the people in them. That is effective both for prevention and law enforcement, in both cities and rural areas.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has been charged with murder following a homicide in New Lynn yesterday.

Emergency services were called to a property in Kaponga Crescent at about 11.52am on Monday following a report a person had been injured.

Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, of Waitematā CIB, says despite the best efforts from first responders, the man sadly died at the scene.

“A 28-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has subsequently been charged with murder.

Acting Detective Inspector Harrison says Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.

“A scene examination is continuing and a post mortem examination and formal identification of the victim will be carried out today.

“Police will likely be able to release more details about the man after these processes have been completed.

“Police and Victim Support Services are providing support to the victims whānau during this difficult time.”

He says a Police presence will remain in the area as the investigation continues.

“We are pleased to have been able to charge someone in relation to this tragic incident.”

The man appeared in Waitākere District Court today and was remanded in custody to appear in the Auckland High Court on 22 October.

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

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Six Mongrel Mob members and associates are before the courts after a Palmerston North fight that led to the Gang Conflict Warrant in August, with one man due to first appear this week.

About midnight on Saturday 8 August, Police were called to Main Street after receiving multiple reports of a mass brawl at a hotel.

Earlier that evening, an R18 event was held at the premises and was attended by a large number of Mongrel Mob members and associates from areas nearby including Palmerston North and Hawke’s Bay.

Police believe a disagreement over alleged missing property between a member of the public and a gang member occurred.

This altercation shortly escalated to another gang member assaulting the member of the public, initiating a mass brawl.

A series of Mongrel Mob members were involved in assaulting members of the public, and in some instances, bottles, bar stools, and other weapons of opportunity are believed to have been used.

Multiple people received minor injuries and received medical attention at the scene, then later at Palmerston North Hospital.

Police’s enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage, quickly identified multiple people believed to be responsible for the incident.

Following the brawl, and other serious gang related incidents, a Gang Conflict Warrant was issued in the Manawatū area.

The warrant broadened Police’s power under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act, giving Police special powers to search vehicles and occupants of vehicles of suspected gang members, and seize firearms, weapons, and vehicles.

As a result of the investigation, a number of search warrants were conducted in relation to the brawl, resulting in the arrest of seven Mongrel Mob members.

Acting Detective Sergeant Richard How says this violence stemmed from people not being able to accept no as an answer.

“Clearly the use of violence by these gang members to get their own way is not going to be tolerated.

“These arrests are pleasing and show the community our determination to ensure each person is held accountable for their behaviour and actions in this incident.”

A 37-year-old man is due to appear in Palmerston North District Court on 9 October, facing charges of common assault, male assaults female, and assault with intent to injure.

A 37-year-old Napier man appeared in Napier District Court on 24 September and pled guilty to two counts of common assault.

A 43-year-old Palmerston North man appeared in Palmerston North District Court on 23 September on a charge of common assault.

A 38-year-old Palmerston North man appeared in Palmerston North District Court on 17 September, charged with common assault, assault with intent to injure, and two counts of male assaults female.

A 31-year-old and 26-year-old appeared in Palmerston North District Court on 23 September on a charged of common assault and assaulting a person with a blunt instrument.

A 27-year-old man was warned for possession of an offensive weapon.

While the investigation into the brawl continues, Police cannot rule out further arrests or charges.

The court processes remain ongoing, and Police are unable to comment further.

ENDS

Isued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has confirmed the appointment of the permanent Aviation Council, which will strengthen sector leadership and help shape the industry’s future. 

Associate Transport Minister James Meager confirmed the 14-person forum, while speaking at the NZ Airports Hui in Blenheim this morning. 

“This is another significant step towards strengthening and growing the aviation sector. The permanent Council will help us seize future opportunities to support economic growth and enhance aviation safety and efficiency,” Mr Meager says. 

“The Council’s strategic leadership is key to a strong and resilient aviation industry which supports our economy, connectivity and emergency response capability.”

The Aviation Council’s permanent establishment was confirmed in the recent Aviation Action Plan, which outlined 25 actions to grow and future-proof the sector. 

Members include government agencies, regulators, industry associations, and nationally significant aviation businesses like Air New Zealand and Auckland Airport.

“The Council’s work will be instrumental in delivering the actions outlined in the Action Plan, such as workforce pipeline issues, regulatory bottlenecks and infrastructure needs,” Mr Meager says. 

“They will report annually on the Action Plan’s progress, ensuring it stays relevant by updating it at least every three years. 

“The permanent membership includes formal representation for smaller airlines to ensure we remain focused on supporting regional connectivity. It also includes industry voices through the Aviation Federation and the Aviation Industry Association to help prioritise workforce development.

“The advanced aviation sector is also represented through Kea Aerospace who will provide the insight we need to grow our $2.5 billion advanced aviation and space industry.

“I thank the Interim Aviation Council for their contribution over the past two years, particularly Air Ruatoria’s Māhanga Maru, who advocated for regional airlines while long-term representation was formalised.

“I look forward to working with the permanent appointments as industry and government navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead”.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating the death of a man in North Dunedin believe motorists or pedestrians may have evidence that can assist in our investigation.

The 36-year-old victim was located deceased at a North Dunedin property on Great King Street at around 2pm on Friday 3 October.

Southern District Criminal Investigations Manager Detective Inspector Shona Low says a 25-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Dunedin District Court on 21 October.

“During this time of day Great King Street, known to many as ‘the one way north’, is busy with cars and pedestrians, and we believe there is critical information that was recorded on dashcams, CCTV, or general photos and videos.

“We are appealing to anyone who was on Great King Street, between Union Street West and St. David Street between 5am and 2.30pm on Friday, with a specific focus around 11am.

“We believe there is crucial information on any dascham, CCTV, or general photos and videos that were taken in this area, and we would like to hear from the public as soon as possible.”

Police have created a dedicated web portal where people can upload photos or footage that was taken between 5am and 2.30pm on Friday 3 October in the Great King Street area. 

Footage can be uploaded here: https://tex.nc3.govt.nz/.

Information can also be provided online through 105 online or via phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please use the reference number 251003/5165.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Press Release Service

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