Category: MIL-OSI

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Man arrested after Police units rammed

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have laid a raft of charges against a man after he allegedly rammed two Police vehicles, one of which he rammed multiple times.

The man’s van came to Police attention just before 1.45am in the Manukau area.

Inspector Warrick Adkin, of Counties Manukau Central Police, says the Hiace van was seen driving erratically, including running through red lights.

“The Eagle helicopter was soon overhead and monitored the van until ground staff arrived.

“Units attempted to stop it on Manukau Station Road, resulting in the successful deployment of road spikes.

“The driver of the van then rammed a stationary patrol vehicle multiple times before targeting a second patrol vehicle which was entering the area,” Inspector Adkin says.

Police units have brought the van to a stop at the intersection of Te Irirangi Drive and Great South Road a short time later.

The 23-year-old man was taken into custody.

Inspector Adkin says the man will appear in the Manukau District Court today.

He faces four counts of assaults with intent to injure, intentional damage, dangerous driving, resist Police and failing to stop.

“One vehicle has been extensively damaged as a result of the incident, but first and foremost none of our staff were injured as a result of the man’s dangerous driving this morning,” Inspector Adkin says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Arrests made in Manurewa shooting

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested a 34-year-old man after a shooting in Manurewa last Wednesday.

Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers says at around 8.45pm on 18 February, Police were called to Marumaru Lane after reports a person had been shot.

“The offender has gone to the door and asked for the victim, before allegedly shooting him when he came to the door,” he says.

“The victim was taken to hospital in a serious condition, and was very fortunate to have not suffered life-threatening injuries.”

Enquiries into the incident led to Police to carry out search warrants, supported by the Armed Offenders Squad, in south Auckland on Tuesday afternoon.

“Staff carried out these warrants at properties in Takanini and Manurewa around 3pm,” says Detective Inspector Vickers.

“The alleged offender was not located at either address, but as a result he handed himself into Papakura Police Station not long afterwards and was taken into custody.”

Detective Inspector Vickers is pleased two arrests have now been made over the offending.

“We will not tolerate this type of offending and two people are now before the courts,” he says.

“Further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation continues.”

The man will appear in the Manukau District Court today, jointly charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and commission of an offence with a firearm.

A 29-year-old woman, who is co-accused, will also appear in court today after initially being arrested last week.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

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Kairanga Bunnythorpe Road closed following crash

Source: New Zealand Police

Kairanga Bunnythorpe Road is closed at the intersection with Te Ngaio Road following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash was reported at 7:50am.

Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

Diversions are in place at Railway Road and Roberts Line.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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PSA members vote to accept settlement

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the successful ratification of a new collective agreement covering Allied, Public Health, Scientific and Technical (APHST) members represented by the Public Service Association (PSA).

“I am pleased for the approximately 12,300 workers employed by Health New Zealand nationwide who will benefit from this agreement. Allied, public health, scientific and technical professionals play a critical role in patient care, and this settlement acknowledges their important contribution to the healthcare system.”

Around 12,300 employees will receive a 2.5 per cent pay increase in year one and a further 2 per cent in year two, as well as a $500 lump sum payment.

The agreement also introduces a new pay scale for Sterile Sciences Technicians and establishes a $400,000 national professional development fund to support ongoing training and career progression.

“This ratification follows the recent approval of collective agreements for APEX Pharmacy and APEX Psychologists members, continuing progress on workforce settlements across the health sector. I want to acknowledge Health New Zealand and the unions for their work as these agreements are reached.”

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Lanes blocked, Christchurch Northern Motorway, Kaiapoi

Source: New Zealand Police

One northbound and one southbound lane are blocked following two separate vehicle incidents this morning near Kaiapoi.

Police were alerted to both at around 5am.

On the southern side of the motorway a two-vehicle crash occurred – there are no reported injuries.

On the northbound side of the motorway a person has stopped their vehicle in a lane and has now been taken to hospital.

Police are working to clear both lanes.

Motorists should expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

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Government support for regional air routes takes flight

Source: New Zealand Government

Golden Bay Air will be the first airline to receive a loan from funding ear-marked for at-risk regional air routes, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.

The airline will receive approximately $1.1 million from the $30 million package set aside by the Coalition Government from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF), designed to stabilise the sector and support regional routes in the short to medium term.

“Golden Bay Air’s loan will ensure the regional airline can refinance existing aircraft debt and fund essential ongoing major maintenance checks. This targeted relief will support it to maintain flights from Tākaka to Nelson, Karamea and Wellington,” Mr Meager says.

“The airline moves freight and supports essential access to health care and emergency services, when Tākaka Hill Road is cut off during severe weather events. It also provides an important tourism link for visitors accessing the Heaphy and Abel Tasman tracks.

“The loan will help safeguard flights in and out of Golden Bay and improve the company’s operational reliability. Crucially, the support will strengthen economic resilience for a remote region by helping to keep businesses and people connected.”

“Ensuring the viability and connectivity of Golden Bay is vital for such an isolated community. This loan funding gives certainty to the tourism sector, helping build their future,” West Coast-Tasman MP Maureen Pugh says.

Fund administrator, Kānoa, has received several loan applications from other airlines and is working to fully allocate funds as quickly as possible.

The RIF package also includes additional funding to support regional airlines to integrate bookings with the platforms of larger carriers. Known as ‘interlining’, this will allow passengers to book multi-leg journeys on a single ticket. 

“This initiative has the potential to be a true gamechanger for smaller carriers, by strengthening the commercial sustainability of regional airlines. It will support our regional connectivity and bolster Kiwis’ accessibility to travel around the country,” Mr Meager says.

Airlines will be invited to apply for the interlining funding in the coming weeks.

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Significant maintenance contracts up for renewal

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council is renewing a significant suite of full facilities and maintenance contracts, to support the upkeep of thousands of community, park and play assets across the region for the next five to 10 years.

These contracts cover all the services required to maintain 10,298 hectares of gardens and green spaces, 853 toilets, 775km of carparks, 897 playgrounds, 66 libraries, 43 pools, three holiday parks and 3,661 kilometres of walkways in Tāmaki Makaurau.

General Manager of Parks and Community Facilities Taryn Crewe says a key focus of the procurement process is cost efficiency and that will involve looking at how the new contracts can deliver the best value for ratepayers.

“The council commits around $195 million each year – around $100 per resident – to keep our extensive range of local parks and sports fields mowed, trees trimmed, facilities clean and buildings maintained to a high standard for widespread community use,” says Mrs Crewe.

“The full facilities and maintenance contracts are critical to managing these assets well for everyone to enjoy, now and for generations to come.

“To identify strengths and key areas for improvement, the council has gathered extensive feedback, analysed the performance data of our existing contracts, and reviewed facilities management best practices across Australasia.”

In 2017, the council combined the maintenance of parks and community facilities under a small number of large outcome-based contracts, that expire in 2027. This aimed to leverage the council’s scale, simplify maintenance operations and manage risks through outsourcing.

The current contract renewal looks to secure contracts that include large and small suppliers, with locally led decision-making.

“We are looking to retain the strengths and proven benefits of having large service providers with some key improvements from contracting smaller local suppliers, and keeping specialised skills in-house,” says Ms Crewe.

“We’ve identified a need to align new contracts with increased local board decision-making responsibilities and priorities, while also maintaining cost-efficiency and consistent service delivery across the region.”

In parks, reserves and open spaces, contractors undertake litter removal, mowing, cleaning of toilets, BBQs and playgrounds, facility maintenance and repairs, and managing pest plants and animals.

In and outside halls, libraries and community centres, leisure centres and pool facilities, ongoing work is required to maintain and clean public areas including toilets, changing rooms and storage buildings.    

Further work by contractors helps to look after urban gardens, keep streetscapes, bus shelters and town centres clean.

Expressions of interest are open to all providers, large and small, until 11 March 2026. A detailed evaluation process will follow, with a shortlist of preferred suppliers prepared for the Value for Money Committee to consider in December.

The council’s current contracts finish in June 2027, with new contracts set to start from 1 July 2027. 

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Update: second arrest in Hastings homicide

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Pritchard:

Police investigating the murder of Flaxmere man Keith Pati on 16 February 2025, have made another arrest in relation to the incident.

A search warrant was carried out today in Napier and a 35-year-old woman was arrested.

She will appear in the Hastings District Court this Friday 27 February 2026, charged with being an accessory after the fact.

Keith Pati died following an altercation in Camberley, Hastings.

A 29-year-old Napier man has been charged with his murder. He is remanded in custody and is due to appear in the Napier High Court 8 June 2026.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Fatal Crash: SH2, Mangatāwhiri

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a serious crash on State Highway 2 near Mangatāwhiri.

Emergency services were called to a crash involving a truck and car at around 11.10am.

Sadly, the driver of the car died at the scene.

The truck driver suffered moderate injuries and was transported to hospital.

The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

State Highway 2 remains closed in both directions between Rawiri Road and Kopuku Road.

The road is expected to remain closed until this evening.

ENDS

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police

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Bamboo: beloved backyard feature or Auckland’s quiet green invader?

Source: Auckland Council

Bamboo has a reputation problem. To some Aucklanders it’s a design darling – sleek, fast-growing and perfect for privacy. To others, it’s the plant that ate the fence, cracked the driveway and popped up next door without permission.

Originally from South America and Asia, bamboo is one of the most extraordinary plants on earth, with more than 1,400 species. None, however, are native to New Zealand.

Bamboo first arrived in the mid-1800s, reportedly with Governor Grey, who planted it for ornamental appeal. Those historic plantings still stand today at the Auckland Domain and Kawau Island’s Mansion House.

Over time, crown research institutes imported bamboo for agricultural trials, and by the 20th century it was being grown for food, construction and gardens. That’s when the love–hate relationship began.

Running bamboo – a pest plant in Auckland.

Auckland Council’s Senior Regional Advisor Pest Plants Holly Cox says bamboo quickly became a plant that inspires strong feelings.

“People admire its beauty and versatility, but those dealing with invasive plantings can find it incredibly frustrating.”

The key difference lies underground.

Clumping bamboo stays put and is widely used in Auckland’s courtyards and compact gardens that do not cause any problems. Running bamboo, however, is a pest plant that spreads through aggressive underground rhizomes and can take over large areas if left unchecked. Large running species push through fences, paths and even underground services.

Running bamboo pest plant that has spread from one property to another.

With Auckland’s diverse population, demand for bamboo has grown, particularly from communities wanting edible shoots or a reminder of home. But the nuisance and likely damage risks are real. Invasive running bamboo can outcompete regenerating native trees, forming dense stands that dominate the landscape, also making it a potential environmental risk.

For those wanting to plant bamboo, Auckland Council encourages gardeners to talk to suppliers and nurseries to establish which bamboo species with best for their space.

To limit the damage, Auckland Council has banned six high-risk species under the Regional Pest Management Plan. These bamboos can’t be sold, bred or planted, although existing plants can be moved within the same property boundary.

Bamboo doesn’t spread by birds or wind. Instead, it creeps quietly through rhizomes which is why neighbour disputes are common.

Senior Conservation Advisor Michelle Brinsden say she gets many requests for help with bamboo removal on private property.

“Council can’t enforce removal unless it breaches the pest plan. The responsible action is to remove your bamboo or at the very least control it, so it doesn’t spread beyond your boundary.

“If invasive running bamboo isn’t controlled early, it can quickly spread underground, cross property boundaries, and become extremely costly to remove.”

There is some unexpected, good news. Several invasive species, including black and golden bamboo, are currently flowering worldwide, a rare event that often leads to the plant’s death. In Auckland, many affected groves are already thinning and weakening, reducing their invasive impact.

Bamboo isn’t Auckland’s villain but planted carelessly, it can become one.

For more information on bamboo, visit the Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau website.