Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is building Eden Park’s future as a major events venue, making significant changes to local planning rules that have been holding Eden Park back from its full potential, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Late last year the Government launched an investigation into whether outdated planning rules were unnecessarily limiting Eden Park’s ability to host major events and deliver jobs and economic growth for Auckland and the rest of the country,” Mr Bishop says.

“That investigation, which included public consultation in November, found the rules were overly restrictive, out of step with modern stadium use, and were directly constraining economic activity. We have now accepted all of the recommendations in full, with some technical amendments to reflect feedback from Auckland Council.

“The changes will allow Eden Park, New Zealand’s largest stadium with a capacity of around 50,000, to host more major events that bring significant benefits to the local and national economy.

“Under the new settings, Eden Park will be able to host up to 12 large concerts and 20 medium-sized concerts per year as permitted activities, without needing resource consent. That’s up from its current limit of 12 concerts, which were not permitted to be from more than six different artists or acts.

“The changes also enable a wider range of events, including exhibitions, displays, markets, fairs, trade fairs, and cultural and community events.”

Chris Bishop says the changes are expected to be in place in April 2026.

“Concerts will be able to take place on any day, must finish by 11pm, and can run for up to eight hours. This is a significant increase on the current maximum of five hours on a weekday and six hours on a Saturday.

“Night-time sports games will be permitted on any day, including Sundays, provided noise standards are met. Existing caps on the number of night games per year and per 35-day period, as well as the restriction on day-night cricket matches, will be removed.”

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston says it’s a huge step forward for major events.

“We know big events deliver. For example, over three years, 14 Auckland shows (including Coldplay and Pearl Jam) generated $33.7m for the local economy with 490,000 attendees,” Ms Upston says.

“These changes sit alongside the Government’s $70 million events and tourism investment package announced in September, which is about helping New Zealand compete internationally, attract world-class events, and give both visitors and locals more reasons to get out and enjoy them.”

Auckland Minister Simeon Brown says Eden Park is our national stadium and a critical piece of infrastructure for Auckland and New Zealand, and these changes secures its future as a premier events venue.

“This is a significant win for Auckland and for New Zealand. Strengthening Eden Park’s ability to host major events supports our broader work to grow the economy and ensure Auckland remains a world-class destination.

“It means more jobs, more activity for local businesses, and more opportunities for people – whether they live here or are visiting – to enjoy more events at our largest stadium,” Mr Brown says.

“These common-sense changes will enable Eden Park to operate like a modern, world-class stadium and deliver more jobs and economic benefits for Auckland and the rest of New Zealand,” Mr Bishop says. 

Note to editors: 

Please see attached fact sheet which compares the key changes to Eden Park’s existing restrictions with the status quo.

Regulation-making power background:

The investigation was conducted under the new regulation-making power in the Resource Management Act, recently passed into law through the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025. 

The regulation-making power enables the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform to remove or modify provisions in RMA plans where they negatively impact economic growth, development capacity or employment.

The Minister must investigate the impacts of the provisions and whether specified statutory criteria are met and produce an investigation report which must be made publicly available.

The Minister must then report to Cabinet with the findings, for a final decision on any changes to the RMA plan. 

The changes will be delivered via regulations, which will require Auckland Council to amend its plan without using the regular plan-making process.

Source: New Zealand Government

In an historic moment, New Zealand will host its first-ever State of Origin match next year at Eden Park, a major event expected to draw thousands of international visitors and deliver a significant economic boost for Auckland.

The New Zealand Government and Auckland Council have worked in tandem, alongside the Australian Rugby League Commission, to bring the sporting spectacular to Auckland. 

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says securing one of Australasia’s biggest sporting events represents a major win for fans, tourism and New Zealand sport.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Blues and Maroons across the ditch for the very first time,” Louise Upston says.

“This is a milestone moment for rugby league in New Zealand, but it is so much more than a game. 

“Hosting State of Origin is expected to attract over 10,000 of our Aussie neighbours, generate more than 50,000 international visitor nights, and inject an estimated $17.4 million into the economy. 

“With a significant Australian audience, our biggest tourism market, this match will showcase Auckland on an international stage, and put New Zealand on the map as a world-class destination for major events.”

The State of Origin series is one of the fiercest rivalries in global sport, pitting Queensland and New South Wales against each other in a high‑intensity three‑match contest. Next year, for the first time ever, one of the series matches will be played on New Zealand soil.

Hosting events has been made even easier because of changes to planning restrictions at Eden Park announced by the Government today, which will unlock the opportunity for more major events to be hosted at the stadium.

The 2027 fixture is proudly supported by the Government’s Major Events Fund and Auckland Council Events.

Dates and ticket details for the State of Origin fixture will be confirmed by the NRL later in the year.

Attached:

NRL State of Origin fact sheet

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are at the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Heaton Street, Merivale, between Allister Avenue and Circuit Street.

Police were called about 5.50pm.

Initial indications suggest one person has been seriously injured.

The road is closed, with diversions in place.

Please avoid the area if possible.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Tuai Senior Constable Tony Maultsaid:

Police are making enquiries after the body of a person washed up at Mahia, near Wairoa.

A member of the public made the discovery on Mahanga Beach about 1pm on Saturday 14 February and called Police.

Specialist officers from Tairāwhiti attended and the formal identification process is ongoing. Due to the circumstances, this work may take some time.

A post-mortem will be carried out in the coming days, which will assist the enquiries being carried out by Police.

Further information will be released proactively when it becomes available.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: New Zealand Police

Commissioner of Police Richard Chambers lead a team of 66 Police runners at the Southern Cross ‘Round the Bays event in Wellington this morning.

Staff from the Police executive, non-sworn employees, sergeants, constables and recruits took part, some running the 8.4km and others completing the 21km race.

New Zealand Police teamed with ‘Round the Bays to create a 2.4km recruitment activation as part of the ongoing recruitment drive which included an appearance by the Police Pipe Band and the Police Maritime Unit – Lady Elizabeth IV.

Commissioner Chambers entered the 8.4km run and made it home in under one hour, alongside fellow keen runner Assistant Commissioner Corrie Parnell.

Commissioner Chambers says, “In typical Wellington fashion, the wind was the winner on the day. It was excellent to see so many Police staff take part in the event, including our outstanding recruits. Fitness is an important part of the recruitment process and joining up with ‘Round the Bays allows us to reach future recruits who have got what it takes. Running is a big part of my daily routine – it helps keep me focused. I admit I had to eat Corrie Parnell’s dust in that race. However, I am pretty stoked I still hit the PAT time even if it was a little slower than the last time I did it about 30 years ago.”

Assistant Commissioner Parnell says, “I run daily as my primary form of exercise which also allows me time to decompress. On Saturday mornings I run the Parkrun 5K event which takes place at various locations across New Zealand and the world.  This is another great opportunity to network with like-minded people and gets you up and going at the weekend.”

Thanks to a timing mat at the 2.4km mark, runners could see if they have what it takes to train and complete the running portion of the police Physical Appraisal Test (PAT).

The run is part of the four components of the PAT and while the ‘Round the Bays time can’t be counted towards the PAT – it’s a great training tool to help with longer distance runs.

Two members of recruit wing 393, who graduate in March, raced home ahead of the Director of Training at the Royal New Zealand Police College, Superintendent Sam Keats. “I was running alongside Lachlan and Flynn for most of the race, and then towards the end, they burst off to finish ahead – they ran a great race.”

Wellington Harriers member, 14-year-old student Harry says, “I did the 8.4km run in 36 minutes today, which was pretty good”. Harry also easily completed other parts of the PAT – acing the standing jump and the grip strength test, two of the PAT components which were available to try at the finish line.

As part of the recruiting drive, Chambers wore a blue bib with emergency number 111 on it and Parnell wore the Police non-emergency number 105. 

For a bit of fun, other officers and Police employees wore bibs marked with Police radio codes such as 103, 106 and 107.

The Honda Half Marathon 21km race was won by Toby Gualter, the son of a retired former Police officer.

The next ‘Round the Bays run with a Police recruitment activation will occur in Auckland in two weeks on 8 March.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Hamilton Police are investigating a disturbing incident, where a woman was assaulted in her home in Fairfield last night.

The woman was assaulted after confronting two men attempting to enter her address on Clarkin Road about 9pm.

The offenders fled the address towards River Road, leaving the victim with injuries requiring hospitalisation.

“We are urging anyone with any information on this appalling crime to come forward,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Neilson.

“Nobody should be unsafe in their own home and the victim is understandably shaken. We’re providing wrap around support for her.”

“If you know something about this abhorrent crime, please come forward as soon as possible. Even the smallest detail could be crucial.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Neilson says Police will be carrying out reassurance patrols in the area.

“We’re still working to establish the full circumstances and ask anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the neighbourhood around Clarkin Road to review the video and contact us if it shows suspicious or unusual activity.”

Police were particularly interested in the period between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday.

How to contact Police

Information reported online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260215/9344.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand has signed the global Call-to-Action on Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), sending a strong signal of our commitment to ending HIV transmission and ensuring people living with HIV can lead healthy lives free from stigma and discrimination, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“U=U is a clear, evidence-based principle that when someone living with HIV is on effective treatment and maintains an undetectable viral load, they cannot transmit HIV sexually,” Mr Doocey says.

“By signing this Call-to-Action, we are reinforcing U=U as a core part of New Zealand’s HIV response. Increasing awareness helps reduce stigma, encourages testing, supports earlier access to treatment, and strengthens prevention and long-term health outcomes.”

The Call-to-Action encourages countries to embed U=U within HIV guidelines and strategies, improve equitable access to testing and treatment, support community-led initiatives, and strengthen public understanding.

“Endorsing U=U aligns with New Zealand’s National HIV Action Plan, which sets out our goal of eliminating local HIV transmission by 2030 and addressing HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

“While treatment uptake and viral suppression rates are strong, it is clear stigma remains a significant barrier for many people. This commitment sends a clear message that discrimination has no place in New Zealand.”

Mr Doocey acknowledged the many advocates, community organisations and people with lived experience of HIV who have long called for New Zealand to formally endorse U=U.

“This milestone reflects years of dedicated advocacy and leadership from communities most affected by HIV. We thank those with lived experience who have shared their stories and challenged stigma. These voices have been instrumental in driving change.”

New Zealand is the fifth country to join the Call-to-Action. In addition, more than 1,100 organisations across 106 countries have signed on to share the U=U message with their communities.

This builds on the significant progress that has been made in recent years, including reductions in locally acquired HIV infections, increased uptake of combination prevention measures, and expanded testing options.

 Notes to editor:

• New Zealand joins Canada, the United States, Vietnam and Australia in signing the Call‑to-Action.
• The move is supported by findings from the latest HIV Monitoring Report, which highlighted ongoing progress in New Zealand’s HIV response. This included 98.5% of people diagnosed with HIV on treatment, and 91.7% achieving viral suppression.