Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown:

Police have arrested and charged a man today in relation to the death of Dax Holland, after his body was found at Wharepai Domain on Saturday 14 February.

The 24-year-old has been charged with murder and is due to appear in Tauranga District Court tomorrow [21 February].

Police still want to hear from anyone who may have seen any unusual or suspicious behaviour around the Wharepai Domain before to 2pm on Saturday 14 February.

If you have information that may assist with our investigation, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260214/8937.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers, on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s ability to support communities following natural disasters and other major emergencies will be improved by an investment into a key coastal bulk ship upgrade, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.

The Rangitata, which was vital in delivering disaster relief after Cyclone Gabrielle, will receive $3 million from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund to improve its ability to carry different types of cargo across a wider range of ports.

“The ship was a major asset for Gisborne and Napier, carrying containers between the two when major road links were washed out. This summer’s tragic storms have again underscored how important this infrastructure is,” Mr Meager says.

“When land routes fail, coastal shipping becomes critical for making sure fuel, building materials and other vital supplies can still get to those in need.”

The investment will fund a material handler for the ship, a piece of deck-mounted machinery that can load and unload bulk cargo, to be operational by the end of 2026.

“This will mean the Rangitata can transport a wider range of bulk items and operate without relying on port-side cranes and infrastructure, facilities which may not be usable after a significant event,” Mr Meager says.

“The ship can access smaller ports which are particularly vulnerable during natural disasters, including those where road and rail connections can be cut-off for long periods. It can deliver bulk supplies directly to communities which may have been isolated for days.

“Another key advantage is the material handler is powered directly from the ship, rather than from land, so it remains available wherever the vessel is deployed.

“We are a Government dedicated to fixing the basics, delivering results, and building the future. That’s exactly what this investment does. It will strengthen our country’s resilience and improve our ability to bounce back from devastating natural events.”
 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing in the future resilience of Central Otago’s primary industries with a $2 million Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan to support pre‑construction work on the proposed replacement of Falls Dam near St Bathans.

Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says the funding will enable work on assessing options for replacing the 90-year-old dam.

“Falls Dam is a critical piece of regional water infrastructure, supporting around 8,000 hectares of productive land across horticulture, viticulture, and sheep and beef farming,” Mr Patterson says.

“The dam is nearing the end of its life and is already failing to deliver enough irrigation during dry years. This pre‑construction programme will ensure the region has the information it needs to plan for a secure and sustainable water future.”

The loan recipient, Manuherikia River Limited (MRL), will use the funding to confirm regulatory requirements, consenting, engineering and detailed design, procurement, construction costs, and financing options. MRL will contribute $2 million in co-funding towards the pre‑construction programme.

“A reliable water supply is fundamental to Central Otago’s economic resilience. A new Falls Dam would provide dependable water for farms and rural communities, improve our climate resilience by storing winter and spring flows, and support farm conversions to higher‑value land uses like horticulture and viticulture,” Mr Patterson says.

“I look forward to seeing the outcome of this pre-construction programme, which all going to plan will set the region on a strong path for the future,” Mr Patterson says.

The pre‑construction phase is expected to take around two years to complete.

Source: Auckland Council

With no further fruit flies found in the Mt Roskill area, Biosecurity New Zealand has lifted restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the area. Biosecurity New Zealand, the biosecurity arm of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), announced the update today.

Dr Imogen Bassett, Head of Natural Environment Specialist Services, commends the community for stepping up to help protect our natural environment and economy from this unwanted pest.

“It’s great to hear that Biosecurity New Zealand is confident that it can lift all restrictions in Mt Roskill. A huge thank you to the Mt Roskill community – households, schools, businesses and market-stall holders – for sharing information and following the restrictions carefully,” says Dr Bassett.

“The actions that the community take are essential to the success of these responses and keeping unwanted pests like the Queensland fruit fly out of New Zealand.”

Take full advantage of your food scraps

This means that normal kerbside collections will resume at the end of February, the affected area’s first normal collection being 27 February, and the return of food scraps collections for Zone A.

Make sure to give your food scraps collection a try, if you haven’t already, and join thousands of Aucklanders who have already helped turn over 60 million kgs of food scraps into clean energy. Here’s some summer tips to beat the heat.

Remember, you can also request an additional food scraps bin for free, or request to have a broken or stolen bin replaced, by contacting us. 

A successful operation

Biosecurity New Zealand responded quickly to the detection of a single male Queensland fruit fly in a surveillance trap in Mt Roskill, Auckland on 7 January 2026. A response team immediately ramped up trapping and inspection, getting on the ground to share information with those in the area.

Additional fruit fly lure traps were set within a 1,500-metre area of the original find to determine if other flies were present, and a Controlled Area Notice was put in place, restricting the movement of fruit and vegetables in the area.

Biosecurity New Zealand has successfully eradicated 14 (now 15) previous fruit fly incursions in New Zealand and was confident the same could be done in Mt Roskill.

When announcing the closure, Biosecurity New Zealand expressed gratitude for the actions people took to comply with the restrictions, which were vital in preventing the fruit fly from establishing in New Zealand.

The response timeframe was based on scientific advice about the life cycle of the Queensland fruit fly and helped Biosecurity New Zealand to be confident that there was no breeding population.

While restrictions are lifted, stay vigilant. If you think you’ve spotted a Queensland fruit fly, eggs, or larvae/maggots in your fruit, call Biosecurity New Zealand (MPI) right away at 0800 80 99 66.

More information about what to look out for is available on MPI’s website.

MPI will continue as normal to check the 7,800 fruit fly traps around the country, including more than 4,600 in the Auckland area.

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand is once again free of Queensland fruit fly, following a swift biosecurity response in the Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. 

Biosecurity New Zealand has lifted controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the area. No further evidence of the pest has been found since the discovery of a single male Queensland fruit fly in a surveillance trap in the suburb in early January.

“This is great news for all New Zealanders, and particularly for our horticulture industry, which would have been significantly impacted by the establishment of a Queensland fruit fly population here,” says Mr Hoggard.

“Allowing fruit fly to become established would have hammered New Zealand’s horticulture industry just as it is hitting record export returns. The industry is projected to export $9.2 billion worth of produce a year by 2026, while Kiwifruit alone returned $4.1 billion in the year to July 2025. I’m pleased that our growers can continue to thrive without having to worry about fighting this pest.”

Biosecurity New Zealand, with the help of communities and sector partners, has successfully stamped out 15 fruit fly incursions since 1996. 

“This success shows our multi-layered biosecurity system working. This includes treatment of fruit before it arrives in New Zealand, checks at the border at airports and import facilities, and surveillance trapping to catch any flies that slip through with passengers or on imported goods,” says Mr Hoggard. 

“The Biosecurity New Zealand team put in a great effort, and I commend them for their hard work over the past six weeks.”

The successful eradication of this pest wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation and support of the local community, local businesses, and sector groups.  

“The way residents and local businesses have engaged with this response has been a terrific display of community spirit. Their efforts to follow the restrictions has protected our horticultural sector and our home gardens,” says Mr Hoggard. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Six tertiary students have been awarded scholarships as part of efforts to support farmers and growers on-the-ground, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard have announced.

“This Government is backing the sector by supporting the next generation of on-farm advisers,” Mr McClay says.

“Our On Farm Support Science Scholarships are an important part of our efforts to ensure the sector can provide specialised on-the-ground expertise and advice for farmers and growers.

“The successful programme has already started producing the next generation of advisers with four of the inaugural 2024 recipients having secured roles.”

The 2026 scholarships went to students enrolled in agricultural science, commerce, or environmental sustainability degrees.

The recipients were Lincoln University students Cameron Brans, Jack Green, Eibhlin Lynch, and Fraser Wilson, Massey University student Ella Hogan, and University of Canterbury student Cecily Holland. Each will receive $5,000 for the year. They have an interest in dairy, sheep, beef, horticulture, and arable production.

“Recipients in the scholarship programme are also mentored by members of the Ministry for Primary Industries On Farm Support team, providing hugely beneficial experience and networking opportunities,” Mr Hoggard says.

“Farm advisers have a vital role to play in providing on-the-ground support to farmers and growers. These students are the future of the advisory sector and will help keep our food and fibre sector thriving.”

Note to editors:  
Biographies of the successful scholarship recipients can be found below.

Name: Cameron Brans
University: Lincoln University 
Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture)
Home region: Waipawa, Central Hawke’s Bay
Background: Cameron has an interest in sustainable meat and arable production and diversification on-farm. He’s seeking a career in an advisory role that combines scientific and business aspects of agriculture.

Name: Jack Green
University: Lincoln University
Degree: Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons)
Home region: Auckland
Background: Jack has been on an exchange at Cornell University (US) for a semester. His study in 2026 will focus on the growing complexity of data and software on New Zealand dairy farms. He’s seeking a career in agri-tech and farm consultancy.

Name: Fraser Wilson
University: Lincoln University 
Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture)
Home region: Gore, Southland
Background: Fraser was raised on a sheep and beef farm and is most interested in the sheep industry. He’s seeking a career in rural banking, agribusiness, and has a long-term goal of farm or agri-business ownership.

Name: Eibhlin Lynch
University: Lincoln University
Degree: Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons)
Home region: Whanganui
Background: Eibhlin was raised on a dairy, sheep and beef farm. She’s been on an exchange at University College Dublin in Ireland to learn how the country is tackling similar environmental challenges and consumer pressures within the agricultural sector. She’s seeking a career in farm advisory combining science and rural services.

Name: Ella Hogan
University: Massey University
Degree: Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Home region: Dannevirke
Background: Ella is passionate about supporting the sheep and beef sector through science-based advisory work. She is interested in connecting research and policy with practical farm management to help farmers build resilient, sustainable businesses.    

Name: Cecily Holland
University: University of Canterbury
Degree: Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
Home region: Wellington
Background: Cecily is interested in horticulture, regenerative agriculture, and helping growers adapt to climate change and improve soil health. She’s seeking a career to work as a sustainability consultant or adviser.

Source: New Zealand Government

Construction is now underway on a rapid‑build inpatient ward at Nelson Hospital, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“The 28‑bed ward will allow services to be relocated while major redevelopment work progresses at Nelson Hospital, including seismic strengthening of existing buildings,” Mr Brown says.

The project involves around four months of off‑site construction alongside approximately six months of on‑site works.

“Running these stages in parallel accelerates delivery, maintains high quality standards, and limits disruption to daily hospital operations.

“Once operational, the ward will boost inpatient capacity, easing current bed pressures and improving patient flow while Nelson’s permanent inpatient building is completed.”

The Nelson ward is the next step in the rollout of five rapid‑build wards being delivered nationwide through the Government’s accelerated hospital wards programme. With Hawke’s Bay already underway, the programme is focused on quickly increasing inpatient capacity and improving patient flow, supported by a $90 million Budget 2025 allocation that will add 140 new beds across key hospitals next year.

“These rapid‑build wards can be delivered more quickly and at lower cost than traditional builds, enabling us to expand hospital capacity where demand is greatest. Off‑site construction allows faster delivery, better cost control, reduced disruption for hospitals, and earlier benefits for patients and staff.

“Investing in modern, purpose‑built infrastructure is about supporting better care and ensuring patients remain at the centre of every decision. This new ward will strengthen services across Nelson Marlborough and help ensure people can access the care they need, close to home,” Mr Brown says. 

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

20 February 2026

WorkSafe New Zealand has now officially begun an investigation into work health and safety at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park in the lead up to the landslide on January 22.

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand has joined international leaders at the 2026 International Energy Agency Ministerial meeting in committing to strengthen global co-operation on critical minerals to strengthen long‑term energy security. 

Energy Minister Simon Watts, who has been at the ministerial meeting in Paris this week, joined 32 member countries in endorsing a Declaration supporting the work of the International Energy Agency (IEA) on critical minerals security. The Declaration recognises that critical minerals are essential to the clean energy transition and that access to them is increasingly important for global supply chains. 

“New Zealand is already an active member of the IEA’s Critical Minerals Security Programme, which focuses on security of supply, market transparency, sustainable and responsible sourcing, reliable data, and innovation,” Mr Watts says.

“Today’s Declaration recognises the strategic importance of these minerals for energy security and calls for timely, focused action—from short‑term preparedness to accelerating strategic projects that diversify refining and processing.” 

New Zealand is well‑positioned to become a credible and reliable contributor to international supply chains as global demand rises and the need for a secure supply of critical minerals grows. Occurrences of minerals such as antimony, lithium, rare earth elements and vanadium—all increasingly vital to global clean‑technology systems—highlight clear opportunities for responsible development and investment.

Resources Minister Shane Jones says these resources need to be recognised as strategic assets for New Zealand’s economic resilience and international partnerships.

“In addition to our mineral endowment, we have innovative technology companies developing ways to extract critical minerals from by‑products of existing operations, low‑impact recovery, and supporting the circular economy,” Mr Jones says. 

“Investing in the responsible development of these minerals means more high‑skilled jobs, greater self‑reliance, stronger national resilience, and opportunities to build new capability, technology, and infrastructure here at home.

“Internationally, there is clear demand for stable, transparent, and responsible suppliers—a role New Zealand is well placed to play given our strong environmental, social and governance standards and trusted relationships with global partners. We stand with our IEA partners in supporting secure, resilient critical‑mineral supply chains—and in using our endowment to be part of the solution.” 

The Declaration directs the IEA Secretariat to expand and strengthen its work in several key areas, including:

Enhancing secure data collection and market monitoring across a broad suite of strategic minerals.
Providing rapid assessments of major market developments and potential supply disruptions.
Supporting members to coordinate responses to export restrictions and other shocks, including through secure information‑sharing.
Assisting countries that choose to establish or expand critical mineral stockpiles.
Organising regular emergency preparedness exercises.
Expanding the Critical Minerals Information Dashboard to help members identify diversification opportunities.
Accelerating innovation in recycling, recovery and substitution technologies.
Deepening collaboration with governments, industry, financial institutions and international partners to improve transparency and mobilise investment.

 

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Kāpiti Mana Area Commander, Inspector Renée Perkins:

Police investigating an assault in Cannons Creek this morning are seeking information from the public to assist our investigation.

Just before 7:40am, Police were called to Dido Place after reports of a firearm being discharged.

One person sustained moderate injuries, they are now stable in hospital.

Residents can expect to see an ongoing Police presence as our investigations progress.

There is not believed to be any risk to the wider public following this incident.

Police would like to hear from anybody who witnessed the incident, as well as those who were in and around Dido Place and the surrounding areas at the time of the incident.

Information can be provided to Police via 105 either over the phone or online, quoting the reference number 260220/7899.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre