Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have located a body in the Manapouri area.

A search was commenced on Monday evening for a man who had not returned after going hunting off Supply Bay Road near Lake Manapouri.

Police were notified when the man failed to return at 2pm as intended.

A body, believed to be the hunter, was located by a Search and Rescue team at around 6:15pm on Monday.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. They are being offered support.

Police would like to thank the Fiordland Land Search and Rescue volunteers and the various members of the public who assisted with search efforts to locate the hunter.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Road users can expect to see plenty of activity on the state highways in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes districts over the next few months, as the summer road maintenance season moves into full swing.

More people working on the roads means an increased risk of accidents and injuries, so motorists are being asked to take extra care around worksites during the summer construction season.

“We understand people can get stressed travelling on busy highways, especially in warmer conditions,” says Peter Standring, Maintenance Contract Manager with New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, across the two Central Otago districts.

“But just like we want travellers to get where they are going safely, we want our roading team from Aspiring Highways to get home safely to their families. A bit of patience behind the wheel goes a long way. Where we see dangerous driving behaviour, police will be contacted.”

“We will be resealing about 67 lane kilometres* of carriageway this season. Road users should be prepared for temporary speed limit reductions and delays up to 10 minutes.”

Resealing programme

• SH8 Raes Junction to Dairy Creek (just north of Clyde) – November 2025.
• SH 8 Cromwell to Blue Gums/Tarras – December 2025.
• SH85 Omakau to Kyeburn – December 2025.
• SH8A Luggate-Tarras Road – January 2026.
• SH6 Albert Town to Queenstown – January 2026.
• SH6 Queenstown to Kingston – February 2026.

“In addition to the resealing programme, we will also be carrying out important work at a number of sites to reconstruct roads and build up resilience,” Mr Standring says.

Significant works

• SH6 Scrubby Gully resilience works, Cromwell side of the Kawarau Gorge – August-October 2025.
• SH8 Bendigo Terrace road reconstruction, north of Cromwell heading toward the Lindis Pass – August-December 2025.
• SH6 Nevis Bluff spring scaling – October-November 2025.
• SH8 Stableburn road reconstruction, near Millers Flat – November 2025-March 2026.
• SH8 Dip Creek culvert replacement, in the Lindis Pass – January-March 2026.
• SH8/8B Deadman’s Point thin asphalt construction, intersection at the Cromwell Bridge – February 2026.
• SH8A Luggate Bridge general maintenance – timing to be determined.

“The impacts of this work on traffic will vary from full temporary road closures to traffic management that results in delays, depending on the nature of the work,” Mr Standring says.

“We’ll be doing our best to minimise that impact on road users. We thank everybody for their patience over the spring and summer months as we carry out the work to provide better, safer roading and infrastructure for everyone across Central Otago”.

Weekly updates on the maintenance work underway on Otago state highways can be found here, with an option to subscribe:

Otago state highway maintenance programme

*Lane kilometres are used to show the full scale of work being completed, and is more accurate than lineal metres, as some sections of road being renewed will have passing lanes or dual carriageway eg 1 kilometre of road that has dual carriageway in both directions equates to 4 lane kilometres.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

This season, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is investing in a significant road rebuild programme across the Waikato, alongside many resealing and resurfacing sites throughout the region.

This work is in addition to our regular summer maintenance, which ensures the network remains safe, reliable, and fit for purpose.

This significant investment will mean you see a lot more activity out on the roads, especially during the peak summer. This investment aligns with the Government Policy Statement land transport (GPS 2024) by demonstrating improved network condition, preventing further deterioration, reducing costs, and minimising disruptions.

Waikato System Manager at NZTA Andrew Oakley says that from now through to the end of March 2026 people will see increased activity on the roads as crews carry out vital summer renewal work.

“This summer, we’re targeting the renewal of approximately 112 lane kilometres across the Waikato, excluding the State Highway 1 Tīrau to Waiouru project.

“This work is essential to maintain the quality and safety of our state highways and to ensure all road users have a smoother and safer journey on the network.”

At least 10 road rebuilds are in the planning phase, alongside widespread asphalt resurfacing across all corridors.

“Last year, we rebuilt around 49km of SH1 between Tīrau and Waiouru and by the end of the project in 2026, we’ll have rebuilt 66km of SH1 in total. This work is lifting the road to a much higher standard, meaning less disruptions and less maintenance needed in the future.

“We’re also tackling the Coromandel Peninsula, including the Coromandel Recovery Programme and repairs to the SH25 Boundary Creek Bridge. Given the upcoming peak summer season, we’re taking a careful and considered approach to this programme to minimise disruption.

“We know that any closures on the state highway network are inconvenient, however it’s important that we’re able to get essential rebuild work done when it needs to in the warmer weather, so that we can complete the work faster, ensuring a resilient network that continues to provide those all-important connections.”

On top of this work, crews are renewing roads through the State Highway Pothole Prevention Fund.

This funding has been set aside specifically for resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance works, helping us to tackle the issues that keep roads from being in good condition for the long term within 24 hours. 

“The goal for this fund is simple: get our state highways and local roads up to the safe and reliable standard that Kiwis expect so road users can spend less time worrying about potholes and more time enjoying the ride.

“In the Waikato, we’ve repaired 9312 potholes and more than 97% of these were fixed within 24 hours. That’s a great result” says Mr Oakley.

NZTA is reminding motorists to: 

• Slow down and follow signposted temporary speed limits, especially on newly sealed roads where loose chips can damage vehicles. 

• Stay alert and follow traffic management instructions at work sites. 

• Be patient with crews setting up and packing down sites and avoid overtaking working vehicles.

“Our crews will be working long hours, day and night, while many are enjoying their summer road trips. Slowing down through work zones helps keep everyone safe” says Mr Oakley.

To stay informed about the upcoming maintenance season:

Source: New Zealand Police

Hamilton Police have confirmed the identity of a woman found in the Whanganui River on 5 October.

She was Tina Gray, 56, of Taumarunui.

Taumarunui Police had been investigating the disappearance of Tina who was last seen in Taumarunui beside the Whanganui River on 25 September.

Police extend their sympathies to her whānau and friends at this difficult time.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

Motorists are being advised to expect delays following a crash on the Southern Motorway, Ōtara this morning.

Emergency services are responding to the three vehicle crash, near the East Tamaki off-ramp, which was reported to Police at about 9.38am.

At this stage there are no reports of injury.

Two northbound lanes are blocked and motorists are advised to expect delays or seek an alternate route.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The first tranche of overseas building products has received the stamp of approval to be used in New Zealand following a law change to expand access, bringing more than 90,000 products onto the market.

“The reputable certification scheme WaterMark, which guarantees plumbing products are suitable for use in Australia, has now been recognised as an endorsed standard in New Zealand,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.

“That means it’s now easier for Kiwi tradies, businesses, renovators, and homeowners to choose from tens of thousands more tapware, water service products, sanitary drainage, and stormwater drainage products already widely used across the ditch.

“Increasing access to building materials will boost competition and put downward pressure on costs while also strengthening supply chain resilience, so builders are not left short of essential products during times of high demand or disruption.

“By amending the Building Act earlier this year, the Government has cut through regulatory barriers and made it easier to approve quality overseas building products.

“This allows the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to recognise building products, methods and standards that are already certified under overseas schemes.

“WaterMark products are already familiar to many in New Zealand, but until now, builders and designers have often had to prove these products meet Building Code requirements when applying for a consent.

“This change means Building Consent Authorities must accept these recognised products as compliant with the Building Code, which provides certainty across the system and ensures products that have already been certified under an approved overseas certification scheme can be used here without unnecessary delay.

“There is much more to come, and officials will continue to evaluate WaterMark certified products throughout the rest of the year, potentially bringing the list of new products up to 200,000.

“I have also approved the endorsement of 11 standards, in addition to the WaterMark products recognised by MBIE and announced today.

“These recognitions will benefit building owners, designers, and builders by giving them greater confidence when specifying or using products that may be unfamiliar in New Zealand.

“I am pleased to see one of the practical steps the Government has taken to cut red tape in the building system and reduce unnecessary costs come into effect.

“Recognising more overseas building products will give Kiwis greater choice, making it easier and more affordable to build the homes and buildings our communities need.”

Notes to editor:

The official term for approval of an overseas product or standard is a “recognition notice.”
Recognition notices are now publicly available at www.building.govt.nz, along with a diagram showing how these overseas standards fit within New Zealand’s building regulatory framework.
The Government released the first version of the Building Product Specifications document in July, which lists international standards for products like plasterboard, cladding, windows, and external doors.
Guidance and public information were published in early September to ensure stakeholders understand the benefits of the new pathways and how they can utilise them, including the recognition of overseas standards.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s relentless focus on growth and pragmatic solutions to help New Zealand get ahead are features of its work programme for the rest of the year, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. 

“A lot more yes and a lot less no. That is the ethos of this Government and it’s what we will be delivering this quarter.   

“We are making construction easier and faster, delivering smarter solutions to finance new projects like social housing developments, and pushing for more competition and growth in important sectors. 

“There is no shortage of New Zealanders with great ideas for exciting projects, but they face too many obstacles bringing them to life. The sum of the actions in our Q4 plan will help get things moving. Growth will boost job opportunities and help increase incomes around the country. 

“The planning system we will introduce to Parliament this quarter will enable farmers, building owners and businesses to do more with their own property, cutting through the reams of red tape that have been holding them back. 

“We’re also pressing go on urban growth and more houses by introducing a law that will modernise how housing developments and infrastructure are financed. 

“We’re pushing for more competition by creating an express lane to build new supermarkets under Fast-Track.

“And we’re getting on with introducing a new system for managing earthquake-prone buildings that is expected to save New Zealanders more than $8.2 billion and take away anxiety and stress.

“These aren’t just words on a page. These genuinely transformational actions will change the game for ambitious Kiwis who want to build things, grow their businesses, employ more people and contribute to a stronger economic future for New Zealand.” 

Notes on Q3 2025 Plan

• 26 of 28 actions from the Q3 plan were completed, while two were partially completed.
• Regarding the two partially completed actions: Decisions to approve regulations enabling open banking has progressed, but further time is needed to complete drafting. The second reading of the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill is underway. 

Source: New Zealand Police

A man will face court today following an incident in Flat Bush yesterday where an officer was shot.

Just after 9.30am, officers were at a property in Chapel Road conducting enquiries when a firearm was discharged at Police.

Counties Manukau District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray, says a range of Police resources were deployed to the scene.

“The man refused to exit the property despite numerous attempts to engage with him.”

He says Police surrounded the property and evacuated nearby residents, and the Police Air Support Unit Eagle temporarily closed the airspace over the address while cordons were put in place.

“After more than three hours, the decision was made for members of the Armed Offenders Squad to enter the property and arrest the man.

“A search of the property located an air rifle and the man has now been charged.”

Superintendent Gray says the officer shot was struck in the leg and transported to hospital, and she was later discharged to recover at home.

“She’s in good spirits and is being provided wraparound support.

“This could have had a very different outcome, and we’re incredibly thankful she only suffered a minor injury.

“Our staff often face dangerous situations and I’m thankful to all those who brought the matter to a swift resolution.”

A 47-year-old man has been charged with using a firearm against a law enforcement officer, injures with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and two counts of breaching Electronically Monitored bail.

He will appear in Manukau District Court today.

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

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour is changing how the Government contracts school attendance services to increase capacity to reach chronically absent students.  

Budget 2025 added $140 million to improve attendance over four years, that included $123 million more for frontline services. All previous contracts have been stopped and replaced with new contracts, with 83 contracts awarded to Attendance Service Providers (ASPs) around the country to carry out this service. In addition, 170 schools with high numbers of chronically absent students have now been awarded contracts to provide additional in-school support to some of these students. 

“School attendance has steadily improved over the last year, but there are still too many students absent. These new contracts fix what matters for kids and families,” says Mr Seymour.   

“In 2024 Ministry and ERO reviews found that the attendance services system wasn’t working. Funding was scattershot, distributed inefficiently, and failing to get results.  

“We’ve re-organised the provision of attendance services, awarding new contracts and increasing support for services providing excellent results.  

“We’re also developing new software. A new case management system will enable better data collection, analysis and monitoring at a student level. I was impressed by the systems some services had developed by themselves, so we want to spread that excellence across the entire country.    

Under the new model, attendance services will: 

• be able to reach twice as many chronically absent and non-enrolled students
• be resourced to spend time understanding why students are not attending school and working out what changes or supports are needed to increase their attendance 
• collaborate more with family, schools and other agencies to support the development and implementation of plans for each student to get back to school
• allocate up to 3 per cent of their contract funding to address students’ unmet basic needs related to attendance, like school uniforms, devices, stationary and transport
• be given stronger levers to escalate cases of chronic non-attendance where parents are unwilling to engage in solutions. 

“By the start of next year frontline attendance services will be better resourced, more accountable, better at effectively managing cases and more data driven,” says Mr Seymour. 

“Also, from Term 1 2026 it will be mandatory for all schools and kura to have an attendance management plan in place, aligned to the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR). 

“Our goal is clear: by 2030, 80 per cent of students will attend school more than 90 per cent of the time. School attendance is the first step to better learning, better health, higher incomes and stronger communities. Every student deserves that chance and we’re fixing what matters to make it happen.” 

Notes to editors: Students who are chronically absent or non-enrolled can be referred to an ASP, usually once the school concerned has exhausted its own efforts, and the ASP will provide specialist support to help the student get back to regular school attendance. In Term 2 2025 around 9.3% of students were chronically absent. 

Source: New Zealand Government

New Top Up Community Grants to boost local mental health initiatives have been launched by Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey and Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand Chief Executive Shaun Robinson as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025.

“The Government has partnered with the Mental Health Foundation to establish Top Up Community Grants. These small grants are designed to help grassroots community organisations deliver events, activities, and projects that bring the theme of Top Up to life in their local communities,” Mr Doocey says.

“Communities know what works best for them. By backing local initiatives, this fund supports meaningful, community-led action, from small towns to neighbourhoods in our biggest cities.

“It’s especially meaningful to launch these grants at the Mental Health Foundation, an organisation that has led the way in breaking down stigma and supporting better mental health across the country.”

Minister Doocey has been listening to the sector and acknowledges the advice of Shaun Robinson, who has highlighted the importance of enabling communities to deliver activities that strengthen mental health outcomes.

“The Mental Health Awareness Week theme this year is Top Up Together, which is exactly what these grants are about. Good mental health doesn’t happen by accident – it comes from the small, everyday actions we take to recharge, connect, and look after ourselves and those around us,” Mr Doocey says.
  
“The Top Up campaign and launch of the new grants are a part of our mental health plan for faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response.

“Whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member reaching out for support, this Government is committed to ensuring support is there.”

Note to editor:
•    There is $250,000 per annum available to distribute through the scheme over the next two years, with grant amounts between $10,000 and $40,000 per initiative.