Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: New Zealand Police

A Hibiscus Coast teenager will appear in court this week after allegedly demanding, and stealing, clothing from other teenagers.

Two other young people were also apprehended as part of the investigation into the incident near Westfield Albany on Friday morning.

Waitematā East Area Commander Inspector Mike Rickards says Police have been investigating two recent incidents.

“On Friday morning, three offenders have approached our two teenage victims near the shopping centre,” he says.

“From there they have made demands and stolen clothing as well as other personal items from the unsuspecting teenagers.”

Police enquiries quickly progressed, leading officers further north to the Red Beach area.

Inspector Rickards says an 18-year-old man was arrested and will appear in the North Shore District Court on Thursday.

“We have charged the 18-year-old with demanding with menace, meanwhile we also located two youths, aged 13 and 15, who will be referred to Youth Aid.”

As a result of the investigation, Police have also recovered other items of interest.

“On Friday we have recovered property allegedly stolen from two 12-year-olds in Albany on 24 September,” Inspector Rickards says.

Police are continuing to consider appropriate charges regarding that incident.

“It’s an awful experience for these young victims during school holidays to go through what they have,” Inspector Rickards says.

“Police hope that this provides some reassurance to the community that we are holding offenders to account while also recovering stolen property.”

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Medical device procurement will be more efficient, more certain, and more transparent, Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown say.

Cabinet has agreed a new two-agency approach for the procurement of medical devices in New Zealand. The new approach recognises that both Health New Zealand (HNZ) and Pharmac are best suited to managing and procuring certain devices. Each agency will have separate responsibility for the procurement of certain devices, but they will work together too. 

This comes off the back of years of debate and reporting on which agency is best suited for procuring medical devices.                                                                         

“Device procurement has been paralysed for at least 13 years. In 2012 it was recommended Pharmac takeover device procurement. It never happened. Then the DHB’s were merged into HNZ, and there was a recommendation for them to take over. It was rejected. The industry has been exasperated by the uncertainty. Finally, everybody involved has clarity,” Mr Seymour says. 

“I’m focussed on fixing what matters. Procurement will be more efficient, certain, and transparent. It will encourage and reward innovation. For Kiwis this means better health outcomes, greater productivity, and a stronger future. Patients may not have felt the problem, because inefficiency was the status quo. They will feel the difference.

“We have clearly split the categories to provide certainty for medical device manufacturers. This allows them to confidently invest in innovation because they know what agency is responsible for their devices. 

“Pharmac are experts at assessing more technical devices with a direct therapeutic impact on patients. Those devices often need a high level of clinical input. So Pharmac will be responsible for them. Examples of these devices are surgical implants and anaesthetic machines.  

“Agencies will be transparent with clinicians and manufacturers about what they are looking for. This gives manufacturers the confidence to invest in innovation which aligns with demand and meets contracting criteria.”

Mr Brown says Health New Zealand spends nearly $1.5 billion each year on medical devices.

“From cotton swabs and bandages to hospital beds and advanced imaging equipment, we need to make sure that every dollar is delivering good value for patients,” Mr Brown says.

“Health New Zealand is best placed to lead procurement for devices that are less therapeutic but have higher integration requirements with facilities and models of care – such as hospital beds, diagnostic machines, and imaging equipment.

“While agencies have different responsibilities, they will work together. For example, if Health New Zealand is looking at new MRI machines, it can draw on Pharmac’s independent evaluation expertise. Pharmac would provide a high-quality Health Technology Assessment to inform Health New Zealand’s procurement process.

“Health New Zealand can also use its ability to bulk-purchase and re-tender contracts. A recent example is procurement to address glove supply and pricing risks, where Health New Zealand initiated short-term tenders to secure a reliable supply and saved more than $3 million.

“This is smart, patient-focused care in action. We are building a health system that delivers for all New Zealanders and ensures people get the medical devices they need, when and where they need them.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Two drivers are heading to court after catching the attention of Police in West Auckland on Saturday night.

Around 10.30pm Police were called to Hobsonville Point after a large gathering of vehicles turned to anti-social road user activity.

Waitemata Road Policing Coordinator, Senior Sergeant Damian Albert, says one driver recklessly performed a burnout on the crowded streets.

“As a result, multiple units attended this gathering in an attempt to disperse the group,” he says.

“Once the crowd had been cleared and sent on their way Police caught up with the offending vehicle and it’s driver.”

A 47-year-old man will appear in the Waitakere District Court next month charged with operating a vehicle causing sustained loss of traction. He also had his vehicle impounded.

“Later that night Police again responded to another large group of anti-social road users, this time in Albany,” Senior Sergeant Albert says.

“In the process of following a convoy from Albany Highway, Police observed two vehicles racing each other over the Greenhithe Bridge.

“Despite being warned by other vehicles in the convoy that Police were behind them, the vehicles decided to engage in the reckless behaviour.

“One of the vehicles was stopped and subsequently impounded,” says Senior Sergeant Albert.

An 18-year-old man will appear in the Waitakere District Court in October charged with operating a vehicle in a race and driving with a suspended licence.

“These road users continue to put themselves and others at risk and in harm’s way.

“Police will enforce these types of dangerous driving behaviours by impounding vehicles at every opportunity and ensure those irresponsible drivers are held to account.”

Anyone that sees anti-social road user behaviour or suspicious activity around vehicles should call Police on 111 if it’s happening now, or you can file a report online at 105.police.govt.nz.

You can also contact us via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police
 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

With winter behind us and warmer days on the horizon, preparations are underway for the summer maintenance work programme on Southland’s state highways.

“Drainage and digouts have already started on five sites, as this needs to be completed before beginning road reconstruction. The full road reconstructions will begin from tomorrow (1 October),” says Justin Reid, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) in Southland.

“Resurfacing of highways requires warmer air and road temperatures, so the Highways South team (on behalf of NZTA) will be reconstructing and resurfacing highways from now until the end of March as daylight hours increase.”

“The public will see the team working on multiple sites at the same time to get as much completed in this weather window as possible. We know that road works can be disruptive for all road users and often residents too, but these are critical reconstruction projects which will improve everyone’s journeys long-term.”

Full road reconstruction will begin from early October on SH1 Bluff Highway, SH93 Old Coach Road, SH94 Te Anau-Mossburn highway at The Key, and SH96 near Wreys Bush.

Southland highway road reconstructions this season

Before the end of the season in March, Highways South is aiming to complete 12 road reconstruction projects:

• SH1 Bluff highway between Clifton and Motu Rimu Road
• SH1 Waipahi highway east of Pukerau
• SH93 Old Coach Road from Slopedown School Road to Hurst Road
• SH94 Te Anau-Mossburn highway from The Key south
• SH94 north of Te Anau
• SH96 Winton-Hedgehope highway at Browns
• SH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Dunearn
• SH96 Wreys Bush-Nightcaps Highway near Wreys Bush
• SH96 Nightcaps-Ohai highway near Ohai    
• SH97 Mossburn-Five Rivers Road near Five Rivers
• SH97 Mossburn-Five Rivers Road near Acton          
• SH99 Wallacetown-Lorneville highway at Wallacetown

“NZTA and our Highways South crews appreciate the patience of our community,” Mr Reid says.

“Remember to stick to the temporary speed limit through these sites – this is there to protect road users, our crews, but also the new surface. Our teams will do their absolute best to get you through these sites with as little delay as possible.’’

You can stay up to date with the latest work on the highways and what it means for your travel at our Journey Planner site, or by visiting our Otago & Southland Facebook page (see link below).

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are seeking the public’s help to identify the woman pictured in these images.

We believe she may be able to assist us with our enquiries into a theft outside a business on Great North Road, Point Chevalier on Thursday 31 July at about 8pm.

If this is you, or you know who this woman is, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250801/6338.

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

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Steph Hudson, Northland Road Policing Team Leader:

Police have laid charges against one of the drivers involved in a crash on State Highway 1, Oakleigh on 27 September.

Around 5.40pm emergency services attended the crash between two vehicles, one of which was towing a trailer.

There were no serious injuries as a result of the crash.

A 35-year-old man has appeared in the Whangārei District Court charged with failing to stop to ascertain injury, driving while suspended and careless driving. He has been remanded in custody to reappear on 20 October.

Police are continuing to ask anyone that may have witnessed the crash or have dashcam footage to please get in touch.

If you can help us in our enquiries, please contact Police on 105 and reference file number 250928/6133.

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

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have made developments in the ongoing homicide investigation into the death of Kyle Whorrall over five months ago.

Kyle, a 33-year-old US national, was senselessly murdered at a bus stop on St Johns Road on 19 April 2025.

The Police investigation into Kyle’s death has been ongoing and investigators have renewed their focus in the case.

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin says new information led detectives to Maybury Reserve in Glen Innes on Monday morning.

Police continue to search for several items of interest in the investigation, which remain outstanding.

“A search was conducted through a section of the reserve by the Police Specialist Search Group as well as a dog handler,” he says.

“As a result of that, Police have located a machete concealed in part of the reserve and this item has been seized for further forensic examination.”

The Operation Aberfeldy investigation team have continued to search for the weapon used to inflict the fatal injury on Kyle that Saturday night.

“No one deserves the ordeal that Kyle went through in the last moments of his life, after sustaining horrific injuries at the bus stop,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.

“We have been searching for a bladed weapon, so at this stage it’s unclear whether this machete is linked to our enquiry, and we will await results from PHF Science.”

Two people remain before the Court at this point in the investigation. A 16-year-old male has been charged with Kyle’s murder.

Meanwhile, a 33-year-old woman faces two charges of being an accessory after the fact for murder.

Police continue to appeal to those with information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Baldwin says there are people in the community that know who else was in the offending vehicle the night of Kyle’s death.

“I want to be very clear that there is an opportunity here for anyone with information to do the right thing, come forward and speak to us.

“This is not going away. We have a team of investigators who are not going away.

“Police have not come to search Maybury Reserve by mistake, and we will continue to seek answers for Kyle’s family.”

Police encourage anyone with information to contact Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250419/9858, or Operation Aberfeldy.

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

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

• Additional video footage:

Police have additional B-Roll footage of search activity at Maybury Reserve available for media.

Please email media@police.govt.nz for a copy.

ENDS.

Source: New Zealand Government

Whakaeteete mai ko Hikurangi!

A $6 million investment into the Raukūmara Pae Maunga restoration project will fortify local employment and iwi-led conservation against destructive pests, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

Located in the Raukūmara Range by the eastern Bay of Plenty, the project is a partnership between Ngāti Porou, Te-Whānau-ā-Apanui and the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai delivering large-scale pest control, forest regeneration, community engagement, and species protection.

“This beautiful native forest harbours critically endangered pepeketua/Hochstetter’s frog and Raukūmara/tusked wētā, brown kiwi, whio, and pekapeka/ long–tailed bats – all suffering the perils of deer, goats and possums.

“We’re boosting protection by backing the project, which employs 28 local iwi staff providing specialist conservation training including in biosecurity, kiwi handling, and aerial hunting to the highest safety standards.

“First established in 2020, Raukūmara Pae Maunga is also developing a new generation of indigenous conservation leaders – with over 1000 tamariki and rangatahi engaged in taiao learning and 14 kura involved in taiao programmes.

“Using innovative technology like DNA surveying of deer densities and advanced thermal-assisted detection technology in deer culling, Raukūmara Pae Maunga enhances New Zealand’s international reputation in nature-based solutions.

“Last year, the project delivered the largest aerial 1080 operation in the North Island, covering 116,000 hectares. This provided a vital lifeline for native species recovery with pre- and post-1080 monitoring showing rats were temporarily reduced to undetectable levels and an initial 73% knock down of possums.

“Today’s announcement of $2 million a year over three years to 2028

draws from $55 million additional conservation funding budgeted for 2026/27 from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.”

Images:

Raukūmara Ranges.jpg: Raukūmara Pae Maunga is helping to protect some of the biggest native forest from mountain to sea in the North Island. 

Outlook1.jpg and outlook2.jpg: Raukūmara Pae Maunga aerial deer and goat culler Caleb Wharepapa, left, talks about the project’s conservation efforts with Conservation Minister Tama Potaka and MP for East Coast Dana Kirkpatrick on a recent trip.

Te tautoko i te tiaki kanorau koiora e arahina ana e te iwi

Whakaeteete mai ko Hikurangi!

Ka whakapakaritia e te haumitanga o te $6 miriona ki te kaupapa whakahaumanu i te Pae Maunga o Raukūmara, te whiwhinga mahi i te rohe rā, me te whāomoomo e arahina ana e te iwi hei tāmi i ngā kīrearea kino, ko tā Te Minita Whāomoomo, ko tā Tama Potaka.

He patuitanga te kaupapa, i waenga i a Ngāti Porou rātou ko Te Whānau-a-Apanui ko Te Papa Atawhai, i te Pae Maunga o Raukūmara, i te rāwhiti o Te Moana-a-Toi. Tukua ai e te kaupapa te mahi whakahaere kīrearea whānui, te whakahaumanu ngahere, te tūhononga hapori, me te tiakanga o ngā momo.

“Kei tēnei ngahere taketake, e rerehua ana, te pepeketua me te wētā o Raukūmara, e tata korehāhā ana, te kiwi, te whio, te pekapeka – e whakataumahatia katoatia ana ēnei ki ngā mōrearea o te tia, o te nanekoti, o te paihamu hoki.

“E whakapakari ana mātou i te tiakanga mā te tautoko i te kaupapa, e 28 ā te kaupapa kaimahi nō te iwi o te rohe rā, e tuku nei rātou i te whakangungu whāomoomo, e eke ai te haumaru ki te tino paerewa, i roto nei te whakahaumaru koiora, te whāwhā i te kiwi me te aruaru mai ā-rangi.

“I whakatūria a Raukūmara Pae Maunga i te tau 2020, ā, e whakatipuria ana hoki tētahi reanga hou o ngā kaiārahi taketake ki te whāomoomo – neke atu i te 1000 ngā tamariki, rangatahi e tūhono mai ana ki te akoranga taiao, ā, 14 ngā kura e whai wāhi ana ki ngā hōtaka taiao.

“Mā te whakamahi i te hangarau auaha, pērā i te uiui pītau ā-ira i te apiapi o te tia, me te hangarau rapu ā-pōkākā ki te mahi whakamate tia, e whakarākeihia ai te rongo ā-ao o Aotearoa mō ngā rongoā pūtake-taiao.

“I tērā tau, nā te kaupapa i tuku te mahinga 1080 ā-rangi tino rahi i Te Ika-a-Māui, 116,000 heketea te rahi. Nā konei te ara puta waiwai mā te whakarauoratanga o ngā momo māori, i whakaaturia ai e te aroturuki i mua, i muri hoki i te horapa a te 1080, i whakaitihia taupuatia te kiore ki te iti tē kitea, ā, e 73% te patunga tuatahi i te paihamu.

“I te rā nei, ka whakapuakina te $2 miriona i ia tau, ā roto i ngā tau e toru tae atu ki te tau 2028. I tīkina mai taua pūtea.

“I te pūtea whāomoomo tāpiri e $55 miriona i whakamaheretia mō te tau 2026/27 i te International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.”

Source: NZCTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on political parties to adopt their new policy to lower energy bills and protect manufacturing by bringing the electricity gentailers back into public ownership.

The plan would involve government using the dividends from its shares in the gentailers to purchase the remaining shares until it reaches full public ownership.

“Aotearoa needs an electricity system that produces affordable renewable energy to support a thriving economy and lower household living costs,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

“The partial privatisation of our electricity system has prevented growth in our generation capacity. A state of manufactured scarcity has delivered rising energy bills for households and businesses and huge dividends to gentailer shareholders.

“Many workers are making difficult decisions about what to sacrifice so that they can keep the heating on. We are also seeing worksites across the country closing due to rising energy bills.

“Treating the electricity market as a source of profit has led to us this point. We must instead treat the market as a public utility that serves the interests of working people,” said Wagstaff.

“We need to fundamentally change our approach to delivering electricity. Electricity supply and demand should be managed as an economic development and industrial policy problem – not a revenue maximising concern for shareholders,” said NZCTU Economist and Policy Director Craig Renney.

“The NZCTU proposes that government should use its dividends to progressively bring the gentailers back into full public ownership. It should also use its power as a major shareholder to direct the gentailers to support the wider economy and network resiliency. Bringing on new generation and delivering the green energy transition need to be priorities.

“If we don’t tackle this problem, New Zealand will continue to deindustrialise at pace, meaning the loss of good jobs and incomes for many workers. New Zealanders will also face ever rising electricity bills, deepening the cost-of-living crisis.

“The choice now rests with political parties. They need to deliver bold change to lift our economic performance and make energy more affordable. The alternative is to continue with a system that is driving deindustrialisation and energy poverty,” said Renney.