Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) is voicing its concern regarding the welfare of underpaid seafarers onboard the vessel Vega (formerly the Aratere), which is sitting at anchor in Tasman Bay for over 50 days.

MUNZ National Secretary Carl Findlay says the Union has received reports regarding the wellbeing of crew members onboard the vessel, which is understood to be awaiting transit to a ship breaking yard.

Contracts obtained by the Union confirm the vessel is currently registered to Jahaj Solutions (F.Z.E), based in U.A.E.

“This vessel was once the flagship of New Zealand’s ferry fleet. It is now sitting off our coast with a foreign crew who are cut off from shore, and on contracts that pay well below International Labour Organization (ILO) minimum standards,” Mr Findlay says.

Crew agreements viewed by the Union reveal that an Able Seaman on board is being paid a basic wage of just US$206 per month. This is significantly below the ILO minimum basic wage for an Able Seafarer, which rose to US$690 per month on 1 January 2026.

Even with overtime and allowances included, the total monthly pay for an Able Seaman is only US$550, still far below accepted international minimums.

“The crew have now been onboard with the ship at anchor for nearly two months with no sign of progress,” Mr Findlay says.

While the vessel’s agents and Master have claimed the crew are in good health and that provisions are being supplied, Mr Findlay says there needs to be independent verification.

MUNZ is calling on regulator Maritime NZ to conduct an immediate, independent welfare check on all crew members onboard the Vega to ensure they are safe, paid correctly, and have the option to be repatriated if they wish to leave the vessel.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is making steady progress expanding Housing First support for people sleeping rough, with 199 lease agreements signed since actions were announced in September last year, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.

The additional leases are enabling more social housing places for the Housing First programme, which supports people experiencing chronic homelessness into permanent housing with tailored, wraparound support.

So far, 168 new Housing First tenancies have commenced across Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.

“We know Housing First Works and that is why we are backing the programme with funding for the additional 300 homes announced in September last year,” Mr Potaka says.

“It’s encouraging to see delivery well underway, with well over half of that additional capacity already achieved.

“Housing First providers have also tenanted a further 105 homes on top of the 168 tenancies as a result of existing Housing First funding.” 

Mr Potaka says the Government has provided $10 million in additional funding for proven support services for people sleeping rough.

“This additional funding is focused on services that are already established and working well. Agencies are working with trusted providers to make sure it was directed where it would have the greatest impact,” Mr Potaka says.

That funding is now fully contracted, with outreach and support services operating in the major urban areas to help connect people sleeping rough with housing and wider support.

“We are focused on getting the right homes, in the right places, with the right supports for people sleeping rough, and keeping momentum going.”

Note to editors: 

• Since these short-term actions began, MSD has worked with 478 people through its operational tactical plan across Auckland, Waikato, Wellington and Christchurch. Of those, 296 people were identified as rough sleepers.
• Outcomes for those 296 people include:
  • 66 granted emergency housing
  • 87 referred to transitional housing
  • 144 placed on the public housing register
• Work is also underway to improve the efficiency of transitional housing, including ensuring places are located where demand is highest, reducing turnaround times between tenants, and speeding up placement into transitional housing.
• Two short-term actions led by MSD, strengthening staff guidance on the use of discretion when assessing emergency housing grants, and the redirection of benefits have now been implemented and rolled out nationwide.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council has unanimously endorsed its submissions on two government bills that would replace the Resource Management Act (RMA). While broadly supportive of creating a more efficient planning system, councillors say Aucklanders must continue to have a meaningful say in decisions that shape their communities.

Committee Chair Councillor Richard Hills says the council’s focus is on ensuring the changes work for Auckland.

“As the government overhauls the system, our submission aims to get the best outcomes for our communities, our planning system and our environment.”

The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill are proposed to come into force in mid‑2026. Public submissions close 13 February 2026.

More information on the Planning and Natural Environment Bills can be found on the main Auckland Council website. 

Key points Council wants stronger local decision‑making Te Tiriti protections should be strengthened Supports a simplified combined planning framework Calls for better tree and biodiversity protection Warns compensation costs could be financially unsustainable Public submissions close 13 February 2026.

What the council is calling for

Keep local input strong

The proposed laws would shift more decision‑making to central government and reduce the ability to tailor planning rules to Auckland’s diverse areas. The council says local voices must remain part of the process.

Strengthen Māori protections

Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles are not required under the bills. The council says this weakens long‑standing protections for Māori values, rights and interests, including kaitiakitanga.

Support for a unified planning system

Councillors support combining multiple plans into one — an approach similar to the Auckland Unitary Plan — but say all national policy directions must be released on time.

Better safeguards for notable trees and biodiversity

Notable trees aren’t explicitly protected in the draft laws, and the council says environmental protection and biodiversity outcomes need stronger emphasis.

Concerns about compensation costs

New compensation requirements for affected landowners could limit the council’s ability to protect natural areas, heritage and sites of significance to Māori.

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton, Christchurch Metro Crime:

Police investigating the serious assault at a residential property on Fitzgerald Avenue on Monday have made an arrest in relation to the incident.

A 40-year-old man will appear in the Christchurch District Court today, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the assault.

The incident was reported to Police around 12.20pm where a man was found in a critical condition, with injuries consistent with being stabbed.

A scene guard was placed overnight at the property while officers carried out their investigation.

The victim from the incident remains in hospital, in a stable condition.

Police thank the public for their assistance and patience as investigators carried out their enquiries.

Police won’t be making any further comment as the matter is now before the courts.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Waitematā Police is seeking information about a fire at a Rānui house in the early hours of the morning.

Emergency services attended Vino Cina Heights after midnight, with the roof fully alight.

A scene examination was completed today at the address alongside a fire investigator.

“We believe this fire has been caused by a flare, which is commonly used by boaties and one that launches a projectile,” acting Detective Inspector Megan Goldie, Waitematā CIB says.

“Based on enquiries so far it appears this is an accidental fire as a result of reckless actions.”

It’s by good fortune only that Police are not dealing with fatalities.

“The house is completely uninhabitable and has been extensively damaged.”

Acting Detective Inspector Goldie says Police is seeking information about two people seen running away from the area.

“As a result of an area canvass this morning, residents have reported seeing two people running away after a loud bang was heard.”

A short time later the fire began.

Acting Detective Inspector Goldie says: “If you have any information, we need to hear from you.

“I would also call on those people who are involved to do the right thing and own up to what has happened.”

Anyone with further information to assist us should contact 105 using the reference number 260211/6037.

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

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Dunedin and Auckland Police have got together, making an arrest over an alleged romance scam that has spanned nearly two decades.

Over this period an unsuspecting Dunedin man has lost more than half a million dollars.

Today, Dunedin Police executed a search warrant at an Auckland property, assisted by the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit.

A 44-year-old Ellerslie woman was arrested and faces a representative charge of obtains by deception.

“Police will allege in court that this scam has run for a period of 18 years, beginning online in 2006,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ali Ramsay, from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit, says.

“The offender in this case has allegedly obtained $525,537 through this elaborate scam.”

The woman is expected to appear in the Auckland District Court on 17 February 2026.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ramsay says being able to put an alleged offender before the Court is a good outcome.

“Our colleagues in Dunedin have been investigating this case, and we’re glad to have assisted in this result,” she says.

“Romance scams are usually perpetrated by offshore offenders, making prosecutions difficult for law enforcement.

“At the very heart of this are victims whose good nature is taken advantage of, causing emotional and financial stress.”

Police are unable to comment further about specifics in the case as matters are now before the Court.

Police remind the public to be extremely cautious when meeting new people online or through dating applications.

• Netsafe has more information on romance scams and what to look out for on its website.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Northlanders will now be able to access key vascular surgery procedures at Whangārei Hospital, marking an important step in improving access to essential specialist care in the region.

“People in Northland who need renal fistula surgery or varicose vein treatment will now be able to receive that care closer to where they live, without having to travel to Auckland,” Mr Brown says. 

“Travelling for treatment can be stressful and disruptive for patients and their families, and providing these procedures locally is a practical step that will make a real difference.”

The new service builds on the vascular outpatient clinics and nurse specialist support that Auckland-based teams have provided for some time. While specialist teams have regularly travelled north to support patients, until now surgery itself could only be completed in Auckland.

“Delivering these procedures monthly at Whangārei Hospital is the next stage in strengthening the vascular service for Northlanders.

“It expands on the longstanding support provided by visiting vascular teams and reflects a commitment to ensuring more care is delivered as close to home as possible.”

Clinical nurse specialists have also been recruited to coordinate care, provide pre- operative and post operative support, and ensure patients have a seamless experience across both local and visiting services.

“Improving access to quality health services in regional and rural New Zealand is a priority for the Government. Strengthening services in places like Northland is an important part of fixing the basics and building a health system that works better for patients across the country,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has today hosted a celebratory barbecue for farmers, industry representatives and MPs to mark the upcoming National Lamb Day on 15 February.

“As we honour the legacy of the pioneers behind the first shipment of frozen sheep meat to the United Kingdom, we also celebrate lamb exports exceeding $4 billion for the first time last year,” Mr McClay says.

“Today we acknowledge the red meat sector and its significant economic contribution to New Zealand, as well as the hardworking men and women behind that success.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Meat and wool export revenue alone is forecast to increase seven per cent to $13.2 billion in the year to 30 June 2026.
 
“The efforts of New Zealand’s hard-working sheep and beef farmers support tens of thousands of jobs, and the sector is crucial to New Zealand’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years.

“This Government is focused on building the future. We’re cutting red tape through significant reforms, building trade, boosting farmgate returns, and investing in the health of rural New Zealand,” Mr McClay says.

“Since coming to Government, we have concluded, signed and entered into force the NZ–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, finished negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, and secured a high-quality, once-in-a-generation Free Trade Agreement with India.

“We’ll continue removing barriers to trade, opening doors to new partners and making the most of strong trading relationships.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Karli Whiu:

Hastings Police are seeking information as they investigate a serious stabbing that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning 7 February.

At around 3.25am, Police were called to a report of a stabbing at an address in the Karamu Road North area.

Officers located a man with severe injuries. Police immediately provided first aid before paramedics transported him to hospital, where he underwent surgery. He remains in a critical condition.

The alleged offender fled the scene prior to Police arrival.

At approximately 6am, Police received information about a man hiding at a property on Mayfair Avenue, not far from where the incident occurred. The man was located and arrested without further incident.

He has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and has been remanded in custody.

Police are now seeking CCTV footage from residents in the surrounding area that may have captured information between the time of the incident and his arrest. Residents are asked to carefully check the time settings on their cameras, including any daylight‑savings adjustments, to ensure footage covers the relevant period.

Police are also asking local residents to check their properties for any items that may have been discarded by the alleged offender.

Anyone with information is asked to make a report at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking ‘Update Report’, or by calling 105. Please use reference number 260207/3403.

Alternatively, information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A teenager’s reckless ride on an electric bike through the North Shore found him making a hard landing into court.

On Tuesday night, Police initially responded to an aggravated robbery on Coliseum Drive, Albany at 7.41pm.

Inspector Aron McKeown, Waitematā East Area Prevention Manager, says the teenage victim was outside a fast-food restaurant at the time.

“A teenage male offender has approached the victim, allegedly stealing his electric trail bike at knifepoint,” he says.

“The bike has been driven across the car park towards the mall and out of sight.”

The Police Eagle helicopter had been in the area for another matter, when the crew became aware of the job unfolding.

“Eagle responded and located the bike being driven at excessive speed on the Northern Busway southbound.

“The bike has continued to be tracked by Eagle, as it exited at Constellation Station, making its way onto the Northern Motorway.”

No units pursued the bike, but its movements were tracked from above.

Inspector McKeown says the bike was seen exiting at Tristram Avenue, heading for Beacroft Park.

“He has cut through a football game being played at the time, before heading towards Milford.

“This reckless run came to an end after he fell off the bike on Bevyn Street.

“The 15-year-old didn’t suffer any injuries, but he did find himself in handcuffs and under arrest,” he says.

Waitematā East CIB has charged the male with aggravated robbery, reckless driving and possession for supply of cannabis.

He will be appearing in the North Shore Youth Court today.

“We are ensuring the young victim is being provided by support after this unsettling event,” Inspector McKeown says.

“I’d like to acknowledge all the frontline staff, Eagle and our CIB investigators for their work in responding to this incident.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police