Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Foot power triumphed over pedal power, as one offender in a shoplifting failed to give Police the slip.

Three people are facing a list of charges after the violent shoplifting unfolded in Rānui yesterday afternoon.

Inspector Jason Edwards, Relieving Waitematā West Area Commander, says two men and a woman entered the supermarket on Swanson Road at around 3.30pm.

“This group has walked around the supermarket allegedly stealing items and putting them into a bag,” he says.

“In the process they have allegedly threatened staff with an umbrella.

“On exiting, the woman has violently shoved a staff member as the group left the store.”

Police were contacted and a unit was soon on scene, locating the trio nearby.

Inspector Edwards says the woman and a man were quickly taken into custody.

“A third offender has jumped on a bike and attempted a two-wheel getaway, knocking over a member of the public” he says.

“Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, another unit had arrived on scene and engaged in a foot pursuit with the bike.

“The 33-year-old didn’t get far and was also arrested.”

He faces charges including shoplifting, assault and resisting Police.

Meanwhile, a 32-year-old woman faces charges of shoplifting and aggravated assault; and a 39-year-old man faces charges of shoplifting and behaving threateningly.

All three will appear in the Waitākere District Court today.

“There is no tolerance for the violent behaviour that this group exhibited towards supermarket staff, and they will all now be held accountable,” Inspector Edwards says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Education Minister Erica Stanford is highlighting the clear, critical need for major change within the Teaching Council following the significant and serious findings of two recent, external reviews. 

“The findings of recent reports on issues within the Teaching Council are some of the most serious that I have seen. The reports make it abundantly clear that there are various, highly concerning failures and problems that need to be addressed,” Ms Stanford says.

“The issues identified are not just minor or technical in nature that require slight adjustments. We have recently seen significant revelations that highlight key issues which should not be understated. 

“While the reports identified numerous shortcomings, they identified above all that there has been an inadequate focus on ensuring child protection, a paramount function of the Council that should be their top priority. 

“Various issues have been identified with leadership, culture, purpose, and the priorities of the Council. The organisation has not appeared to see themselves as a regulator, and ultimately have not been supporting teachers sufficiently.

“Teachers have long questioned the use of the fees within the organisation and these reports show teachers were right to do so. Teachers should be well supported to succeed in their roles, and this is something I have confidence will be addressed.

“These and the other pressing issues raise serious questions concerning the capability of previous boards. A regulatory standards setting body should hold itself to the very highest level, enabling trust and confidence. These reports show previous boards have failed to do this. 

“Boards play a key role in organisational culture. As Minister, I have appointed new members to the board to restore sound governance and effectiveness of the Teaching Council. I have confidence in the new board’s ability to govern the Council, but note the organisation has a very long way to go to restore confidence.

“Ultimately, the Teaching Council needs to undertake their duties competently, ensuring within that child safety, that teachers are well supported to deliver a world-leading education system, and that parents, the public and the sector have confidence in their activities.”  

Source: New Zealand Government

Gas and energy industry specialist Andy Knight has been named as chair of the expert panel appointed to advise the Government on projects applying to the $200 million Gas Security Fund, Resources and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

“Mr Knight’s depth and breadth of experience in gas industry regulation and energy production and supply makes him uniquely qualified to lead the panel that will provide expert advice on the technically and economically complex projects targeted by the fund,” Mr Jones says.

The $200m Gas Security Fund opened for applications on 12 January 2026. It was created to unlock opportunities to improve gas supply and storage by focusing on activities that have short- to long-term benefits, including from existing sites, in response to declining gas production.

“New Zealand’s history of affordable and secure domestic gas has underpinned major parts of our economy – and this Government wants that to continue by shoring up our domestic supply, supported by the import of LNG which can provide flex to supplement our gas requirements in the meantime,” Mr Jones says.

Two other members appointed to the panel are geophysicist Tim Allan, who has extensive international experience in the industry, and John Pagani who brings experience of working with boards and management of energy firms and industry associations in New Zealand and Australia. Officials continue to assess options for two more members to be appointed in due course.

Mr Jones as Resources Minister and Associate Finance Minister Chris Bishop are the decision-making ministers for applications to the fund. 

“The panel members’ direct commercial and technical oil and gas expertise, and experience of New Zealand’s complex gas exploration and market conditions, means they will be able to provide valuable independent advice,”

“These are high-calibre individuals with impressive technical and industry expertise. We look forward to working with them,” Mr Jones says.

The Gas Security Fund is administered Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. For more information, including how to apply, go to www.growregions.govt.nz/gas-security-fund. 

Biographies:

Andy Knight

Mr Knight is the former chief executive of The Gas Industry Co, one of the gas sector’s co-regulators. He is chair of Taranaki Iwi Holdings Management and a director of the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA) as well as of related iwi entities and private investments. He was previously a director of Powerco, CEO of New Zealand Oil & Gas and has held executive roles with Vector Limited, the NGC Holdings Limited Group of Companies, The Australian Gas Light Company and Fletcher Challenge Energy.

Tim Allan

Mr Allan is a resources industry professional, with more than 30 years’ international experience. Most recently he was the exploration stakeholder lead and senior exploration geophysicist (Australasia) for OMV. His experience covers the full spectrum of oil and gas exploration, appraisal, development and production operations, in a wide range of land and marine environments.

John Pagani 

Mr Pagani is the external relations manager for the Gas Industry Company. He has been involved in the energy sector since 2012 and was previously general manager corporate services at New Zealand Oil & Gas. Mr Pagani has worked with boards and management of energy firms and industry associations in New Zealand and Australia. 

 

Source: New Zealand Government

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop today welcomed the release of the National Infrastructure Plan and tabled it in Parliament.

“New Zealand’s future prosperity depends on high quality infrastructure. It is central to our quality of life and to the Government’s “Going for Growth” agenda,” Mr Bishop says.

“Delivering and maintaining better infrastructure is a key part of the Government’s plan to fix the basics and build the future New Zealanders both need and deserve.

“Creating a 30-year plan for New Zealand’s infrastructure was a key campaign commitment for the National Party in 2023, and I asked the independent New Zealand Infrastructure Commission to begin work on it shortly after we formed government. 

“The resulting National Infrastructure Plan, released today, sets out a 30-year view of how New Zealand can improve the way it plans, funds, maintains and delivers infrastructure. The final Plan follows consultation on a draft released last year and identifies four themes for change and 10 priority actions for the decade ahead.”

“The Plan does not sugar coat things: New Zealand has real challenges ahead. 

“We spend a lot on infrastructure – around 5.8% of GDP annually over the last 20 years, one of the highest in the OECD – yet we rank towards the bottom for efficiency, and fourth to last in the OECD for asset management. Many central government agencies do not properly understand what they own or have long-term investment plans. The assurance system for new projects and long-term investments is fragmented and inconsistent.

“The Government has spent a lot of time in the last two years making a start on fixing the basics of our system, but there is a lot more to do. The Investment Management System has been strengthened, long-term investment plans are beginning to be developed, and Ministers are demanding higher quality information from agencies. We have launched a comprehensive programme of work to improve asset management in the public sector. 

“On top of this, we have established National Infrastructure Funding and Financing to connect private capital with public projects, clarified roles and responsibilities across the system, published Funding and Financing Principles, updated guidance material for PPPs, and improved the quality and transparency of the National Infrastructure Pipeline.

“It is encouraging that many of the Commission’s top 10 priorities for the decade ahead (page 14) reflect work already underway by the Government:

• Lifting hospital investment for an ageing population – Health New Zealand now has a long-term capital infrastructure plan, and this Government is providing record investment in both capital and maintenance spending for health.
• Completing catch-up on water renewals and restoring affordability – The Local Water Done Well reforms are well underway, including stronger economic oversight.
• Implementing time-of-use charging and fleetwide road user charges – Legislation enabling time of use pricing was passed last year, and the government is working with Auckland Council on scheme options. We have begun the transition to Electronic Road User Charges (E-RUC) across the transport fleet.
• Prioritising and sequencing major land transport projects – the government will soon publish a Major Transport Projects Pipeline.
• Managing assets on the downside and prioritising maintenance first – Phase 1 of the government’s Asset Management Work Programme has provided practical tools and guidance to agencies so that they can up their game in asset management. Phase 2 is about driving more fundamental changes to system settings.
• Identifying cost-effective flood resilience infrastructure – The Government has developed a National Adaptation Framework to help reduce and manage the growing risks we face. The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) has invested nearly $200 million into 74 flood resilience projects across the country.
• Committing to a durable resource management framework – The government has introduced legislation to replace the Resource Management Act with a more enabling and stable system, with spatial planning and national standards at its heart.
• Upzoning around key transport corridors – the government’s housing and planning reforms are focused on enabling transport-oriented-development, particularly around the new City Rail Link stations.
• Taking a predictable approach to electrification – we are focused on creating stable policy settings to unlock investment in electricity generation and transmission.

“The Plan contains a series of recommendations for long-term system shifts, including legislative change to require long-term investment and asset management plans, a consolidated assurance function for Ministers, and better linkages between the Commission’s assessment of long-term needs and fiscal strategy.

“We will be studying these recommendations carefully and the Government will publish a response to the plan in June 2026.

“As part of our response to the National Infrastructure Plan I intend to engage with other political parties in Parliament. Infrastructure Commission officials will make briefings available to parties who wish to take a deeper dive into the detail behind the recommendations, and I will be writing to Parliament’s Business Committee seeking time for a special debate on the Plan. 

“Infrastructure lasts for generations. Where we can build durable consensus, we should.

“Fixing the basics and building the future of New Zealand infrastructure is central to lifting living standards and driving our prosperity. The National Infrastructure Plan is a great contribution to this shared agenda for everyone in New Zealand. Now it is up to all of us to do the hard work required to turn ambition into delivery.”

Source: New Zealand Police

A simple traffic stop uncovered a cache of drugs and cash on Monday night in Millwater.

Senior Sergeant Carl Fowlie, Waitematā North Area Response Manager says a Police unit was patrolling the North Auckland suburb around midnight, when they spotted a suspicious looking vehicle.

“Once stopped, officers approached the vehicle and spotted a bong on the floor,” he says.

“After discovering this item, a search was conducted on the rest of the vehicle.”

The search uncovered 14.5g of methamphetamine, 14g of cocaine, 55g of cannabis, 44 LSD tabs, a tick book and around $5400 in cash.

“This was a great find by our staff, who were simply out conducting proactive patrols during their shift,” says Senior Sergeant Fowlie.

“We are pleased to have been able to remove these items from circulation and the potential harm they could have caused in the community.”

A 19-year-old man will appear in the North Shore District Court today, charged with possession for supply cannabis, possession for supply methamphetamine, possession for supply LSD and possession of drug utensils.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating an arson that destroyed over $50,000 worth of property at a Rānui sports club last year have made an arrest.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting says the fire was allegedly purposely lit in a rubbish bin, which was leaning up against the Birdwood Road BMX club’s canteen.

“This fire was intentionally started in a bin full of paper and rubbish,” he says.

“Once it took hold the flames engulfed the canteen and caused extensive damage to the inside and outside.”

Nearby CCTV captured the incident and assisted the Waitematā West CIB investigation in locating who was responsible for the fire.

“We are pleased to have been able to hold a person to account for their actions,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.

“The BMX Club worked really hard to set up the canteen and it was part of what kept them running.

“The alleged offenders’ thoughtless actions have done real harm to this community.”

A 15-year-old male has been referred to Youth Aid.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

40 seconds ago

EIT Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science student Ngaun Siau is preparing for a vintage placement at Craggy Range and an associate judging role at this year’s Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards.

The 27-year-old was awarded the Craggy Range Young Vintner Scholarship and Best Student Wine for her Penrose Cabernet Franc 2025 at last year’s Bayleys Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards.

“I didn’t expect that I would get it,” Ngaun says. “As a student, I study and make wine, but I never thought I would be able to achieve that kind of title.”

It is not the first time she has been recognised for her winemaking. Ngaun also received Best Student Wine honours the previous year for her Dalan Cabernet Franc 2024, marking back-to-back awards for the variety.

Ngaun says this year’s wine was produced from a vineyard in Maraekakaho, with contrasting vineyard conditions influencing a different winemaking approach.

“The vineyard conditions were completely different, so I chose a different winemaking path,” she says.

The wine’s name, Penrose, is inspired by the Penrose Staircase, a mathematical concept representing endless steps. Ngaun says the idea resonated with her because she produced a Cabernet Franc the previous year and wanted to continue making wine.

Originally from an agricultural region in Taiwan, Ngaun grew up watching her family harvest crops, sparking an early curiosity about where food and produce ultimately end up.

That interest, combined with a growing passion for sustainable agriculture, led her to Hawke’s Bay and enrolment in EIT’s Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science programme in 2023.

Throughout her studies, Ngaun gained experience across vineyards and wineries, working multiple vintages and developing a strong interest in regenerative viticulture. She says exposure to different vineyard systems and production styles has strengthened her understanding of terroir and grape quality.

Her focus on sustainability was reinforced through a regenerative viticulture tour in 2024 and later informed a research project exploring undervine cover cropping and its role in improving soil health.

Ngaun completed her studies at the end of last year and is set to graduate in April.

“These three years went very fast. But they were full of learning, challenges and moments I am very grateful for.”

She says the support of tutors and strong connections with the local wine industry have played a key role in her development.

Ngaun says the openness of the Hawke’s Bay wine community has been central to her growth as a student.

“The industry here is incredibly welcoming. Even very busy winemakers and viticulturists always make time to talk with students and share their knowledge.”

Looking ahead, Ngaun is preparing for her upcoming vintage placement at Craggy Range, where she will work alongside the winemaking team during the harvest in March.

She will also return to the EIT Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale later this year as an associate judge as part of the Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards judging process.

While her immediate focus remains in Hawke’s Bay, Ngaun says she hopes to continue developing her skills through future vintages, with longer-term plans to pursue further study overseas.

“My roots will always be in wine. There is always more to learn, and that’s what keeps me motivated.”

Assistant Head of School, Lisa Turnbull, says Ngaun’s recognition highlights her dedication and potential.

“Ngaun’s achievements reflect her commitment to learning and her passion for winemaking. We’re very proud of what she has accomplished and look forward to seeing her continue to grow in the industry.”

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

4 days ago

Jo-Anna Tahuri grew up speaking te reo Māori, but her studies at EIT’s Te Whatukura helped deepen her understanding of the language she now teaches to the next generation.

Originally from Whakatāne, Jo-Anna (Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa, Ngāti Awa and Tūhoe) moved to Te Tairāwhiti in 2018 to study and be closer to whānau, enrolling at EIT at a time when she was still working out her long-term direction.

“Studying Māori was something I was familiar with. I thought I would just do six months while I figured out what I wanted to do and then I just stayed for so long.”

She initially began with the NZ Certificate in Te Reo Māori (Level 3) before going straight into the NZ Diploma in Te Reo Māori (Immersion) (Level 5) and then the Bachelor of Arts (Māori) and later her Honours, which she finished in 2022.

Growing up, te reo Māori had always been part of Jo-Anna’s life, both at home and at kōhanga reo during her early years.

“I thought I knew Māori. Then I started studying properly and realised there was so much more depth to the language.”

A highlight of her time at EIT was the whānau-based environment at Te Whatukura, which she says became central to her experience.

“That made the whole experience. It became my second home. Because I was so unfamiliar with Gisborne, I got to know all the people there and they became like another family to me.”

The supportive atmosphere extended beyond fellow students to the teaching staff. “The tutors also have a lot to do with the environment,” Jo-Anna says.

After completing her honours degree, Jo-Anna studied teaching before taking up her current role as a Year 1 and 2 teacher at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Uri a Māui.

“I love it. Everything I learned at EIT feeds into what I do now,” the 26-year-old says.

Teaching has been a lifelong dream, inspired by a strong family connection to education, and her experience with teachers as a child.

“I come from a family full of teachers. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was little.”

“When I was at school, I remember all the teachers who believed in me and knew what I could do, and I wanted to be that teacher for other kids, especially our Māori kids,” she says.

She remains a strong advocate for Te Whatukura and encourages others to consider studying there.

“I tell everybody to go there. The tutors and the environment make such a difference.”

Looking back, she says her time at EIT shaped both her career and her confidence.

“It helped me grow. It prepared me for where I am now, and I’m really proud of that.”

Pareputiputi Nuku, Pouarataki, Te Ūranga Waka, says: “We are very proud of what she has accomplished at such a young age”.

“I got to know Jo-Anna when she was employed as part of the EIT’s MoE project, Te Ahu o te Reo Māori based at Te Whatukura. Jo-Anna was kaiāwhina and also responsible for all social media for the project. A warm, vibrant and very sharp young wahine. Wepua, Jo-Anna! Karawhiua!”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Glen Eden last night.

The two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hepburn and Great North roads was reported at around 11.12pm.

One person suffered critical injuries and was transported to hospital, where they have died.

Two people suffered moderate injuries and were transported to hospital in a stable condition.

The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene, with enquires ongoing into the cause of the crash.

The road was closed for a period of time following the crash but has since re-opened.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

The southbound lane on State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill Summit is blocked due to a two-vehicle crash.

The crash was reported to emergency services around 7am.

Motorists are urged to delay travel as emergency services work at the scene. The lane may be blocked for some time.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre