Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has taken action to stop the wholesale stripping of marine creatures from rockpools on the east coast north of Auckland.

“I have approved a two-year ban on the taking of a range of invertebrate and seaweed species to put an end to over-collection of marine life from rockpools and surrounding coastline and help protect these important ecosystems,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

“While most people who visit the coast do the right thing and gather only what is appropriate and legal, there are others who are exploiting it and taking so much that they are collapsing the fragile ecosystems.

The temporary closure will take effect from 12 March 2026. The closure is enforceable by Fishery Officers.

Mr Jones says infringements for breaching temporary closure rules will also be considered as an additional measure.

Oceans and Fisheries Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft has been working closely with locals, visitors and Fisheries officials to understand the issues and find solutions to the problems.

“As a result, officials have been directed to explore how community volunteers can be supported to encourage visitors to do the right thing. Fisheries New Zealand will also develop multilingual educational material to support this closure and the ongoing management of intertidal fisheries.”

The Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust requested a two-year temporary fisheries closure over the Rodney, Hibiscus Coast, and East Coast Bays coastline and some Hauraki Gulf islands.

Mr Jones says Fisheries worked with the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, which will place a traditional rāhui over the same area and species.

The two-year temporary closure provides statutory support for the rāhui.

“My decision excludes some of the species and areas requested by Ngāti Manuhiri where existing closures and restrictions apply,” Mr Jones says.

The closure includes all seaweed species and invertebrate species (all shellfish and sea life such as sponges, starfish, sea anemone, and sea cucumbers).

This closure does not apply to spiny rock lobster and scallops as there are already existing closures already in place for these species. Kina (sea urchin) is also excluded from the closure and can still be taken within the current recreational fishing limits.

“I decided to allow kina to continue to be taken as managing kina barrens is a priority for me. Officials will continue to actively monitor and manage kina populations.”

The closure does not apply to any aquaculture activities such as marine farming or the collection of spat (small juvenile shellfish) for those activities.

“It’s important that these coastal management restrictions do not impact on marine farming and the aquaculture development so it can continue to support our economy and provide jobs in our communities,” Mr Jones says. 

“I’d like to acknowledge Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust’s valuable contribution to fisheries management and their commitment to this kaupapa.

“I will also be considering further restrictions for harvesting shellfish around parts of the country to ensure sustainability.

“My officials have a broader programme of work under way for managing intertidal shellfish and are developing proposals for Auckland and Coromandel, which are expected to be publicly consulted in the coming months,” Mr Jones says.

More information can be found at: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/proposed-temporary-fisheries-closure-in-the-hauraki-gulf 

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died after being ejected from a vehicle, following a single-vehicle crash on Knight Road last night.

Emergency services were notified of the crash about 10:50pm.

Three other people were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit undertook a scene examination but has since reopened.

The death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging New Zealanders to use Valentine’s Day as a reminder to look after their own heart health, as well as the people they care about.

“Valentine’s Day is about connection and care, and that starts with looking after yourself. Making time for your heart health is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give the people who love you.

“Heart disease and stroke remain two of the biggest health challenges facing New Zealanders. The good news is that many of the risks are preventable, and even small, positive changes can protect your health for years to come.

“A good place to start is understanding your personal risk. A simple conversation with your GP or nurse about a heart and diabetes check can help identify your risk of a heart attack or stroke, and support early action to keep you well and active for longer.”

New Zealanders can also use the Heart Foundation’s free online heart health assessment at myheartcheck.org.nz to get an indication of their heart health.

“Everyday habits, built into normal life, also make a lasting difference. Regular physical activity helps lower blood pressure, supports a healthy weight, and lifts overall wellbeing. Even a gentle walk is a great place to start, and it’s even better when you do it with family, friends, or someone you love.

“If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take for your heart and your future. Support is available, and you don’t have to go through it alone.”

Free support to stop smoking is available through Health New Zealand at https://info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/activity-diet/quitting-smoking.

Mr Brown says the Government is focused on prevention and making sure people can get help early.

“We’re backing efforts to reduce risk factors that contribute to heart disease, and we’re strengthening access to diagnostics so conditions can be picked up sooner and treated faster.

“Looking after your heart means more healthy time with the people who matter most – and that’s something worth celebrating this Valentine’s Day.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Less than a year after it was refreshed, the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa is bringing $3.39 billion into New Zealand, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced today.

“These results show that the significant changes the Government has made to the visa is achieving our goal of making an investor visa available that attracts high-value global investors and supports the Government’s Going for Growth approach,” Ms Stanford says. 

To date, 573 applications have been made, totalling $3.39 billion. In comparison, 116 applications were received with around $70 million of investment committed over two-and-a-half years under the settings introduced by the previous Government.

Ms Stanford made the announcement today during a visit to Hectre, an orchard‑technology firm that has received AIP investment to support its growth and create high‑skilled jobs.

“Hectre is another excellent example of New Zealand innovation and potential taking flight, supported by great investors who are keen to create value together with us and do business here.

“International investment is critical for lifting productivity, supporting jobs, and helping New Zealand businesses to expand. The results we are seeing indicate strong overseas confidence in our direction and economic ambition.”

Since the April 2025 refresh:

• 573 applications have been received
• $1.05 billion is already invested with $2.34 billion in the pipeline, expected in the next six months
• The Growth Category is the most popular, with most investment flowing through managed funds.

“Investments are already supporting growth across various sectors, including in tech, healthcare, aged care, horticulture, and digital media,” Ms Stanford says. 

“Benefits are numerous, with AIP investment helping our companies access critical capital for growth – that is helping local firms to expand, hire more skilled workers, and grow export revenue.” 

Ms Stanford says that investment has also been unlocking productive capital for businesses across New Zealand, from cybersecurity and cloud technology to regional infrastructure.

“These investors bring not just capital, but global experience, expertise, and networks. I have had the pleasure of meeting some of these investors over the last year and I have seen firsthand their love for, and commitment to, New Zealand.

“I am delighted that our new visa settings are helping to open up possibility and opportunity for investment. New Zealand is famous for its ingenuity. Overseas investment and partnership with extremely talented people is boosting our economy and helping us to build for the future.

“New Zealand is open for business. I look forward to seeing the jobs, development, and long-term growth our changes continue to generate in key sectors.”

To encourage deeper connection to New Zealand, investor visa holders can also now buy or build one home valued at $5 million or more.  

Note to editors: 

• The Growth category for the AIP visa focuses on higher-risk investments, including managed funds and direct investments in New Zealand businesses. It requires a minimum investment of NZD $5 million for a minimum period of 3 years.
• The Balanced category focuses on mixed investments, with the ability to choose ones that are lower risk. There is a minimum investment of NZD $10 million over 5 years.
• More information on the Active Investor Plus visa can be found online:

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  14 February 2026

Initial assessments indicate that some tracks and bridges have been damaged or washed away, creating potential safety risks for visitors. As a precaution, DOC staff have closed the following tracks while detailed assessments are undertaken: Bell Track, Hihikiwi Track, Mahaukura Track, Nikau Track, Ruapane Track, Tahanui Track and Mangakara Track.

DOC Waikato Operations Manager Niwha Jones says Waikato DOC staff are currently on-site installing closure signage and will be assessing track conditions and infrastructure over the coming week.

“Tracks will be reopened on a case-by-case basis once they are confirmed to be safe for public use.”

Bookings for Pahautea Hut and Pahautea Campsite for the coming week have been removed temporarily. Visitors with existing bookings for this weekend and next week are being contacted by DOC and refunded. At this stage, closures apply only to affected Pirongia tracks.

Niwha Jones advises visitors to respect track closures, avoid affected areas, and check the DOC website for the latest updates before planning any visit.

“Public safety is DOC’s priority, and we appreciate the public’s patience while assessments and any necessary repair work is completed.”

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is urging people to put safety first, as it gets behind North Island communities facing another period of severe weather, less than one month after the tragic storms of last month and three years since Cyclone Gabrielle struck in 2023.

Severe weather warnings are in place in many parts of the North Island, and flooding has tragically already claimed one life last night in South Waikato. 

Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell, says the Government is doing everything it can to support communities, many of whom are still recovering from last month’s storms.

“Emergency services and Government agencies are working together to support locally-led response efforts, and NZDF, Fire and Emergency, Police, St Johns, and Health NZ have assets pre-positioned in Tairawhiti” says Mr Mitchell. 

“We are getting in behind local Civil Defence as they face another gruelling response, and the Government is ready to surge in assistance to anywhere that needs it.

“What’s most important right now is that you keep yourself and your loved ones safe.  Take these warnings seriously and don’t take any chances.

“Never drive, walk, or swim through floodwaters. If waters rise around you, don’t wait for an alert – get to higher ground immediately.

“If you’re under a severe weather warning, avoid non-essential travel, as driving conditions will be hazardous.

“We are tragically all too aware of the risks that landslides pose. Stay alert for the warning signs and get out if you don’t feel safe.  

“A number of Emergency Mobile Alerts have been issued, but please stay informed through a range of channels – your local Civil Defence Group, MetService, NZTA and radio.”

For more information on what to do before, during and after a storm, visit Storms — Get Ready (NZ Civil Defence) — Emergency preparedness in New Zealand

For more information about landslide safety, visit Landslides — Get Ready (NZ Civil Defence) — Emergency preparedness in New Zealand

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has died after his vehicle became submerged in floodwaters while travelling on State Highway 39 overnight.

A member of public alerted emergency services to the submerged car, near the intersection with Kiwi Road at Puketotara, about 9.15pm.

Sadly, one person was located deceased inside the vehicle.

State Highway 39 remains closed.

Anyone travelling in the Waikato District is urged to take care and should not attempt to cross flooded roads. 

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Motorists in the Waikato are being warned to drive with extreme caution and not attempt to drive through flooded roads.

A number of local roads and highways are shut across the district, including:

• State Highway 39, between Otorohanga and Pirongia.
• State Highway 3 between Mangaorongo Road and Ngahape Road.
• Kiokio Station Road at Otorohanga.
• Phillips Road at Otorohanga.

If you must travel, please slow down and be prepared for surface flooding or obstructions on road. Anyone travelling should check NZTA’s Journey Planner website for the latest highway conditions, and local council Facebook pages.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Old Coach Road, between Kaiwera Downs Road and Isla Road, is closed following a two-vehicle crash.

The crash, involving a car and a truck and trailer unit, was reported to emergency services about 6am.

Police are in attendance and diversions are in place.

Three people are reported to be injured.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are advising motorists in the south-western Waikato area, including Otorohanga District, Waipa District and Te Awamutu, to stay off the roads this evening due to heavy rainfall and flooding. 

SH39 south of Pirongia is closed, and it’s expected that other roads, including SH3 south of Kihikihi, may close over the coming hours. 

Police recommend delaying travel if at all possible.  

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre