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
Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 1 is currently experiencing significant flooding in the Orauanui, Taupō area.
Police began receiving reports of flooding around 6.30pm.
Thankfully, no one has been reported to be injured.
Police are advising the public to stay sheltered and delay travel.
ENDS
Source: Maritime New Zealand
Maritime NZ takes the welfare of seafarers extremely seriously. We have spoken with the vessel’s Master, agent and Flag State, who confirm they are comfortable with the crew’s arrangements for this foreign flagged vessel. We understand the crew are adequately provisioned and doing well.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will take any action necessary to ensure compliance with all applicable international and domestic maritime regulations.
As with any foreign ship in New Zealand waters, anyone with concerns about crew welfare is encouraged to notify Maritime NZ. Seafarers or others can make notifications via the homepage of our website: www.maritimenz.govt.nz.
Editor’s note:
Master – the ship’s captain, responsible for the vessel and crew
Agent – the person or company in port who arranges things for the ship, such as supplies and paperwork
Flag State – the country the ship is registered to, responsible for ensuring it meets safety and welfare rules
Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 31 and State Highway 39, Otorohanga District, are both currently blocked due to significant flooding and slips.
Police were notified of these slips around 5.30pm.
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
The public is advised to delay travel, where possible, and to avoid the area.
ENDS
Source: New Zealand Police
Police is seeking information on the whereabouts of Regan Alan Brown.
The 29-year-old man has a warrant for his arrest for assault with intent to injure.
We believe Brown is actively avoiding Police and is known to frequent many areas across the Auckland region.
If you see Brown, please contact Police.
Anyone with further information on his whereabouts should contact 105 using the reference number 260203/1600.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is delivering for the rapidly growing communities of North-West Auckland, with land now prioritised and earmarked for a much-needed new secondary school in Kumeū, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
“This Government is delivering for growth communities and acting now to support families with the schools they need. Protecting land through the Resource Management Act 1991 for a new Kumeū high school is a major milestone for North West Auckland,” Ms Stanford says.
“This decision is part of a broader programme of delivery that is getting results. Through careful stewardship of public funds and a relentless focus on value for money, we are delivering more school property than ever before.”
Ms Stanford says the Government has fundamentally changed how school property is delivered.
“We have halved the cost of building a standard classroom while maintaining quality. That has allowed us to build 187 more classrooms, announce and fund 14 new schools and expansions, and purchase land for five future schools.
“In just two years, we have also invested nearly twice as much in school property maintenance as was spent in the six years prior. This is building for the future, spending wisely and delivering more for communities.
Ms Stanford says initiating the designation of land for a Kumeū high school reflects forward planning in one of New Zealand’s fastest growing areas.
“Before Christmas I initiated the process, and a Notice of Requirement (NoR) has been lodged with Auckland Council. The Council is now reviewing the NoR, which is subject to statutory timelines.
“The land is adjacent to Huapai District School, and I look forward to providing an update later this year.”
Local MP for Kaipara ki Mahurangi, Chris Penk, welcomed the announcement, saying it delivers on longstanding advocacy for the area.
“I have long advocated for a new high school in North-West Auckland, both while in opposition and now in government, because I know how important this is for local families,” Mr Penk says.
“This is a growing community that needs certainty, and I am delighted that we are now delivering for my constituents. Designating the site for a Kumeū secondary school is a significant step forward.”
Ms Stanford says more school property announcements are expected this year.
“We are building for the future and making smart investments today so communities have the schools they need tomorrow.”
Notes to editor:
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
The 2026 Chinese New Year is on Tuesday February 17, entering the Year of the Horse. As part of the celebrations, many people will be sharing gifts, including American ginseng and other traditional Chinese medicines.
Some of these products contain ingredients from species protected under CITES. To bring them into New Zealand, you need a CITES permit. Without a permit these items could be seized.
CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna, is an agreement between countries that regulates the illegal wildlife trade – the fourth biggest illegal activity worldwide behind arms, drugs and human trafficking.
CITES is one of the oldest conservation agreements in the world, and aims to ensure the international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of species. ‘Trade’ in this instance refers to any movement of specimens or items across international borders.
Each country puts the agreement into law through their own legislation. In New Zealand this is the Trade in Endangered Species (TIES) Act 1989.
CITES covers over 40,000 species. This includes many plant and animal species used in traditional Chinese medicine, including Tiān Má, Renshen Guipi Wan, Shí Hú and American ginseng.
Traditional or alternative medicines which contain CITES species come in various forms. Some are raw materials or ingredients like whole and sliced roots and stems. Others are in commercial medicine packages like tablets, pills and plasters.
Regulation of the international wildlife trade requires international co-operation, and CITES provides this framework. CITES regulates and monitors the trade in plants, animals and their parts as they cross international borders. Once a species is CITES listed, it requires imports and exports to be authorised through a permitting system.
Because CITES is species-based, items that were sustainably harvested, hunted or farmed still require permits if their species is protected.
In New Zealand, MPI and NZ Customs detain suspected CITES items at the border for DOC’s CITES Officers to check and follow up. This includes items carried by international air passengers, cruise ship passengers or private boat users, or sent via international mail or freight.
People who bring in traditional medicines containing CITES protected species without the correct permits will have the product confiscated and may be fined or prosecuted.
Having items seized by border authorities can be embarrassing and disappointing for travellers and family members coming to celebrate. The best way to avoid these situations is to simply not bring these products into New Zealand.
Traditional Chinese medicines and American ginseng are both widely available here online, and in retail stores, so you do not need to import them. Buying within New Zealand also supports local businesses, makes it much easier for buyers, and generates economic activity in our communities.
In Auckland, the Chinese New Year Festival and Market Day will be on Saturday 14 February 2026 at the Auckland showgrounds. Staff from the CITES team will be onsite to provide more information about CITES and what you need to do if you want to bring CITES-protected traditional medicines into New Zealand.
If you are buying traditional medicines online or having them sent or brought in by family overseas, make sure to check the rules on our website first.
Have a look at the CITES information on the DOC website. There is a special section, here, which lists traditional Chinese medicines covered by CITES. There are also CITES website pages in Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese. CITES is complex, so if you need help working out what you need to do for a specific item, email us at cites@doc.govt.nz.
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 13 February 2026
MetService has already issued orange warnings for the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, and Gisborne/Tairawhiti. Heavy rain is expected across many parts of the North Island.
Kahori Nakagawa, Acting Operations Manager Hawke’s Bay, says it’s important for visitors to check DOC’s website for any current warnings and updates, and stay away from campsites, tracks, or huts near areas with a high slip risk.
“MetService is forecasting intense rainfall over the weekend, which could affect tracks, campsites, and access roads,” says Kahori.
“We’re asking people to think carefully before heading out, and to be prepared to change their plans if needed.
“The last thing we want is people getting hurt or stuck.”
Once the extreme weather has passed, DOC staff will carry out assessments on sites and determine when huts, campsites, and tracks can be reopened to the public.
“If you’re in an affected area and planning a trip this weekend, please take care and put safety first.
“Naturing is about connecting with the outdoors, but that connection also means respecting nature’s power and knowing when to pause or change plans.”
All potential visitors should check the DOC website for the latest alerts before setting out. Checking websites for NZTA and local councils can also help visitors glean information about important travel and recreation aspects like road closures access or water restrictions.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Police
Southern Police Search and Rescue are urging anyone heading to the outdoors to be prepared after multiple search and rescue operations since the new year.
Southern District’s Operations Manager Inspector Matthew Scoles oversees all Search and Rescue teams across the district, and emphasises that while conditions may be perfect when heading outdoors the weather can change in an instant.
“We are lucky to have access to stunning scenery in our part of the country, but if you’re not well prepared there can be devastating consequences,” says Inspector Scoles.
“New Zealand weather is unpredictable and anyone going tramping or climbing needs to pick the right trip for them and have the right equipment.”
Two trampers were forced to spend the night after becoming stuck at a permanent snowfield while tramping between Moraine Creek to the Gertrude Valley on Thursday 12 February.
Police spoke with the trampers and found they lacked appropriate equipment and was not possible for them to backtrack, and due to the weather conditions, rescue efforts were stood down overnight.
“Thankfully the pair had sufficient ability to maintain their safety on the mountain overnight despite it being very uncomfortable and cold,” says Inspector Scoles.
The trampers were rescued about 11.30am today after the Alpine Cliff Rescue team were deployed when the weather cleared.
“We have seen a number of incidents like this, where trampers and climbers have not researched or have been unequipped for their outdoor trip.
“We get even the most experienced people get caught up in situations where they need assistance, and any day trip has the potential to turn into an overnight situation.”
If you are going outdoors, no matter if it is hiking, hunting, or climbing, please follow the five simple steps of the Land Safety Code:
Choose the right trip for you
Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it. It is important to choose a trip that suits everyone in your group. When you are looking at options, make sure to think about everyone’s fitness levels and experience in the outdoors.
Understand the weather
New Zealand weather can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed. Weather can make or break a trip. It is one of the most important things to consider when going into the outdoors.
Pack warm clothes and extra food
Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out. Any trip, even if it is short and easy, needs preparation. Packing the right things can make trips safer and more enjoyable.
Share your plans
Telling a trusted person about your trip details and taking a personal locator beacon can save your life. We all want our trips to go as planned – but sometimes they don’t. If you get hurt or lost on your trip, how would you get help? Leaving trip intentions
Take care of yourself and each other
Eat, drink, and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together. Always carry two forms of communication. The best way to enjoy your experience in the outdoors and make it home safely is to look out for one another.
Distress beacons can be hired for as little as $10 from many Department of Conservation Visitor Centres, and outdoor tramping and hunting stores.
If you have purchased a beacon, make sure to register it at www.beacons.org.nz
More information on trip planning can be found at: Trip Planning — NZMSC
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government welcomes new data showing New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals continued to rise in December, with strong growth from China and Australia in particular.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says Stats NZ’s arrival statistics for December 2025 show New Zealand’s tourism recovery continues to build.
The December 2025 year was the first annual period to exceed 3.5 million overseas visitor arrivals since the March 2020 year.
“International tourism is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economic growth, supporting businesses and jobs in communities right across the country. It’s great to see our Government’s work to boost tourism is paying off,” Louise Upston says.
“We’re seeing strong growth in visitors from China, with arrivals up by 29 percent (6,400) in December 2025 compared with December 2024, as more Chinese visitors experience New Zealand’s unique scenery and hospitality.”
Annual figures show overseas visitor arrivals reached 3.51 million in the year to December 2025, an increase of 196,000 on the previous year. This continues to track towards the Government’s goal of returning tourism to pre-COVID levels, now sitting at 90 percent of December 2019 figures.
“It’s also great to see continued growth from our largest visitor market, Australia, with 1.52 million arrivals in the year to December, up 9.9 percent (137,000 since the previous year).
Monthly data shows 32,800 more international visitors arrived in December 2025 compared with December 2024.
The Government is supporting tourism growth through a range of initiatives, including strengthening partnerships with key markets, providing funding for the promotion of New Zealand as a year-round destination and streamlining travel processes.
Changes that allow eligible visitors from China and the Pacific to travel to New Zealand from Australia with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), rather than a visa, are also making a difference.
A new survey following these changes shows being able to travel with an NZeTA was a deciding factor in people’s decisions to visit New Zealand. An overwhelming 85% of respondents, —including 85% of Chinese travellers and 82% of visitors from Pacific Island Forum countries — said they travelled to New Zealand specifically because the NZeTA option became available. The simplicity and speed of the process meant they could plan trips more spontaneously and confidently.
“We’re committed to fixing the basics and building the future through backing our tourism and hospitality sector. This data shows our plan is working as we position New Zealand as a top choice for people planning their next holiday.”
