Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 2, Matawai Road, between Gisborne and Opotiki has re-opened after an earlier closure.
Temporary speed limits are in place and motorists are advised to take extra care when travelling through the area.
We thank motorists for their patience throughout the day.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
A body has been located in the Boyle River this afternoon.
Police were notified at around 3:15pm that a helicopter assisting with a search in the area had located a body.
While the formal identification process is yet to be completed, it is believed to be the man who was swept into the river earlier this afternoon.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this tragic time.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Green Party
The Green Party condemns the unprecedented decision to suspend Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi for 21 days, and MP for Hauraki-Waikato Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke for 7 days.
“This decision is a disgrace and so is this Tiriti trampling Government,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.
“Te Tiriti o Waitangi promises protection for people and planet. We’ve seen hundreds of thousands of people show up in support of te Tiriti, and today Te Pāti Māori members have been severely punished for doing so.
“The severity of the punishment sought by the Privileges Committee was unprecedented and has raised serious concerns on whether this is a new standard that will only apply when haka, waiata, and other tikanga Māori are expressed in the House.
“There was a better way of dealing with this. We must find ways to incorporate the tikanga this country was founded on into our House of Parliament. Instead, Māori have been punished for using tikanga Māori to challenge the Treaty Principles Bill – one of the most divisive pieces of legislation we have seen.
“When those with assumed power think their privilege is under threat, there is a tendency to scream victim. One needn’t feel intimidated by the power of upholding te mana i te Tiriti o Waitangi in the face of futile attempts to denigrate it.
“These consensus ignoring, Tiriti trampling, democracy mocking, narrowly supported recommendations from the Privileges Committee bring this House into more disrepute than any haka ever has,” says Marama Davidson.
Source: Auckland Council
Sixty-four conservation projects carried out by mana whenua and community groups around Tāmaki Makaurau have received Auckland Council funding in the current financial year to help protect, restore and enhance the natural environment.
Another 44 projects will also receive funding over the next two years.
Community Committee chair, Councillor Angela Dalton says a new streamlined process has delivered support for environmental-related projects this year where it is needed most to help achieve regional Tāmaki Makaurau conservation and water quality goals.
“We have clearer visibility on where funding will make the biggest difference and the application process is now easier for the groups who work on environmental projects to be considered for funding opportunities,” Cr Dalton says.
On 27 May, the council’s Community Committee members approved $731,000 in funding to help support the goals of 23 community groups working to protect and restore the environment, through the 2024/2025 Regional Environment and Natural Heritage (RENH) grant.
General Manager Environmental Services Samantha Hill says grants ranging from $5,800 to $85,000 have been allocated to projects that will help to protect and restore native ecosystems, grow community involvement and contribute to Māori outcomes.
“One of the projects delivers pest control to help long-tailed bats living in Franklin; another supports mana whenua-led conservation work on Aotea / Great Barrier Island, and several other groups are carrying out ongoing predator control and native habitat restoration to support a range of threatened native species,” says Ms Hill.
“With the invaluable work these community groups are doing, we will see significant steps in progress to protect, improve and minimise risks to our natural environment. It is important for us to continue to recognise and support the tireless commitment given by these dedicated community-led conservation groups and their many volunteers.”
A separate group of 23 projects have also been approved with Community Coordination and Facilitation grants from the Natural Environment Targeted Rate (NETR) for region-wide and large-scale conservation activities.
Last year, $1 million delivered in grants supported by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate delivered a $6.10 return for each $1 invested on projects benefiting the natural environment.
Finally, an additional 18 projects will receive a share of $1,222,268 in funding from the council’s Healthy Waters department to support environmental projects in 2024/25. These projects will enhance water quality and improve flood resilience.
All applications were rigorously assessed against key criteria. Fair distribution across the region was also considered in recommendations made for grant allocations. Projects have been approved for funding in all local board areas.
|
Year |
Grant Name |
Allocation |
|
2024/25 |
Regional Environment and Natural Heritage (23 applicants) |
$ 731,000 |
|
2024/25 2025/26 2026/27 |
Community Coordination and Facilitation (23 applicants) (23 applicants) (21 applicants) |
$ 973,800 $ 773,000 $ 702,000 |
|
2024/25 |
Water Quality and Flood Resilience (18 applicants) |
$1,222,268 |
More detail on the environmental projects Auckland Council is supporting in this financial year, and in 2025/26 and 2026/27 is available in this PDF document.
Source: Auckland Council
Proposed development at Auckland’s Colin Maiden Park in St Johns will see a new home for domestic cricket and improved facilities for community sport.
Ōrākei Local Board has agreed on the terms of a proposal from Auckland Cricket that will see significant upgrades at the park to support the relocation of its domestic cricket operations.
The work includes a full upgrade of the main oval, the construction of a Cravo – a high-performance, all-weather grass training facility, the refurbishment and fit-out of the vacant office building, construction of supporting infrastructure for the hosting of domestic cricket, and upgrades to existing club and changing rooms.
Longer-term plans also include new multi-sport change rooms and shared club rooms for the Auckland University Cricket Club.
“It’s taken some time to agree on an arrangement that balances the needs of high-performance and community sport,” says Ōrākei Local Board chair Scott Milne.
“But, it’s been worth the wait and we believe this deal is a win-win situation. Auckland Cricket’s investment will deliver high performance and also allow Ōrākei Local Board to upgrade other sports fields in the area earlier than would have otherwise been possible.
“The proposed upgrades will allow Auckland to benefit from a purpose-built venue for cricket, the likes of which Christchurch has enjoyed for many generations at Hagley Park.”
Works are expected to begin on the main oval later this year for Auckland Cricket to be operational at Colin Maiden for the 2026/2027 season.
This arrangement aligns with the Ōrākei Local Board Plan 2023 and its aspirations to establish multi-use sport facilities in this area.
Auckland Cricket will be required to meet all conditions set out by the local board before works commence, including provision for the loss of hours of community sports field use
“This is an important step towards securing a bright future for cricket in Auckland,” says Auckland Cricket Association chief executive Ian Francis.
“There is a lot more work to do – however it is fantastic to have the support of the Local Board for what is an extremely detailed, well-considered plan to transform the existing sporting precinct at Colin Maiden Park into a modern, future-proofed community asset capable of supporting high-performance cricket.”
In addition to providing a fit-for-purpose venue for domestic cricket and enhanced community facilities, the relocation supports a more strategic use of regional assets. It will allow Eden Park to focus on hosting international cricket and major events – a move consistent with Auckland Council’s Stadium Investment Objectives, which aim to optimise infrastructure use, support a network of complementary, multi-use venues, and improve long-term financial sustainability.
Colin Maiden Park is a key regional sports facility, providing essential infrastructure for both grassroots and high-performance sport. The wider precinct is currently home to Auckland Hockey, Auckland Netball, Oceania Football Confederation and Auckland Tennis. The proposed development would further reinforce Colin Maiden Park’s role as a regionally significant sporting precinct.
Auckland Cricket’s proposal is for the use of the park for domestic cricket only, all international cricket formats will remain at Eden Park.
Source: New Zealand Government
Seven university students have been awarded New Zealand Space Scholarships to intern at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these incredibly capable students. They will gain invaluable experience working on projects alongside scientists and engineers who are part of world-leading NASA missions,” Ms Collins says.
“These three-month internships will equip them with real-world skills to kick-startexciting careers in New Zealand’s fast-growing space industry.”
The students, Asif Rasha (Auckland University of Technology), Shivam Desai (University of Auckland), Felix Goddard, Jack Patterson (University of Canterbury), Mark Bishop, Sofie Claridge and Taran John (Victoria University of Wellington), received their scholarships at a ceremony today.
The students will work on projects across the space spectrum, from deep space communication, the Big Bang and the early universe, to mission analysis.
“These scholarships, along with the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes, help us encourage the next generation of talent to ensure we have an aerospace-capable workforce. This is a key part of our plan to double the size of our space and advanced aviation sectors by 2030,” Ms Collins says.
“Last month I released an economic report that shows New Zealand’s space and advanced aviation sectors are thriving – growing by 53 percent in the five years to 2024. The space sector contributed $2.47b to the economy in the 2023-24 financial year, while the advanced aviation sector, which overlaps with the space sector, contributed $480 million.”
More information about the 2025 NZ Space Scholarship recipients and the projects they’ll work on is available on the MBIE website.
Applications are open now for the 2025 Prime Minister’s Space Prizes, which recognise and encourage innovative expertise through the Professional Excellence category and the Student Endeavour category.
Source: New Zealand Police
Northland Police are appealing for information in relation to an aggravated robbery in Tikipunga, Whangārei, yesterday.
“Police responded to reports that a vehicle had been stolen by two offenders,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris, of Northland CIB.
“Members of the public were left shaken after two-armed males allegedly forced a woman from her vehicle.”
The vehicle fled at speed, damaging four other vehicles in the process.
Help from the public yesterday assisted Police to locate and arrest the pair at a nearby property.
A number of weapons were also seized.
“Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed anything at the Paramount Plaza yesterday between 1230pm and 2pm to please contact Police. We are also interested in any CCTV footage or cell phone footage of the incident”
Det Snr Sgt Harris says.
“We’d be grateful for anyone with information contacting Police as soon as possible.”
The two men appeared in the Whangārei District Court today on charges of aggravated robbery and demands to steal.
Police enquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information that can assist with our enquiries is asked to update us online now or call 105.
Please use file number 250604/4542
ENDS
Nicole Bremner/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Christchurch Police are urging residents in areas around Riccarton to search their backyards for a woman who has been missing for nearly 24 hours.
Elisabeth, 79, was last seen on Bartlett Street in Riccarton about 6pm on Wednesday 4 June. She was wearing blue pants, a dark coloured long-sleeve top, black shoes and has distinctive long blond/white hair.
Senior Sergeant Todd Webley said Police held serious concerns for her wellbeing.
“We have a large number of staff on the ground, including from Land Search and Rescue, but we really need people in the Riccarton and surrounding areas to check home security cameras, and also around their properties, in sheds and garages, in case Elisabeth is there.
Area searches have been carried out through Riccarton, nearby high schools, sport fields and retirement homes, and on both sides of the Avon River from the Botanical Gardens traffic bridge, and Hagley Park.
“This is a significant search, but we need the public’s help to locate Elisabeth as soon as possible. We know people are finishing work for the day, and the best way they can assist us is to check their properties and call 111 if they find her.”
Senior Sergeant Webley said search teams would remain on the ground into the evening “if it comes to it”, and that Elisabeth’s family were being provided updates on the search.
“It is getting cold, and everyone on the ground is focused on bringing Elisabeth home as soon as possible.”
Anyone who sees Elisabeth should ring 111 immediately and use the reference number 250604/5465. Non-urgent information can be provided online at 105.police.govt.nz, using “Update Report”, and quoting the same reference number.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Still making the most of the water this winter? Stay safe and respect the reserved area at Sumner Bay — it’s there to protect everyone.
Recent sightings of electric power-driven craft operating close to shore, have raised concerns about the unsafe use of vessels in the reserved area of Sumner Bay.
Sumner Bay contains a designated reserved area that extends 400 metres seaward from the beach.
Within this zone, the use of power-driven vessels – including jet skis, tow boogies, power-assisted surfboards and electric foils – is strictly prohibited, unless you are transiting directly to or from the nearest point outside the reserved area.
Deputy Harbourmaster Gordon McKay says this rule is in place for one simple reason – to keep everyone safe.
“Sumner Bay is hugely popular with swimmers, paddleboarders, surfers, and families. High-speed or powered craft can pose a serious risk in such a busy and diverse area,” says Gordon.
“Even though some of these new devices seem quiet or small, they are still powerful, heavy, often sharp, and can move quickly and unpredictably.”
The reserved area exists:
“We want everyone to have a good time on the water. But that only happens when we all follow the rules and look out for each other. Keep your powered craft well clear of the beach and save the speed for open water.”
Users of power-driven vessels are requested to head to areas where restrictions do not apply such as Brighton Beach or Lyttelton Harbour.
Before heading out: Make sure you’ve prepped your vessel, checked your gear, and know the rules for
Environment Canterbury © 2025
Retrieved: 3:30pm, Thu 05 Jun 2025
ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/safety-first-at-sumner-bay/
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have arrested a man after he allegedly used Facebook Marketplace to fleece people of more than $150,000 worth of goods.
This morning officers from Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit assisted by the Armed Offenders Squad, conducted a search warrant at a Massey address.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting says Police had been looking for the male who was wanted in relation to 17 dodgy deals between November 2024 and April this year.
“This man was allegedly involved in Facebook Marketplace deals for 17 different vehicles or high value items including phones and jewellery.
“We allege this person has attended public places to meet the sellers and do ‘bank transfers’ described as looking very real, including using fake IDs and fake drivers licenses.
“Unfortunately the sellers have let the vehicles/goods go with the offender before later realising no transfer has occurred.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says the alleged offender has obtained goods to the tune of $150,000.
“Several vehicles have been recovered and further enquiries are ongoing.”
He says Police are not ruling out further charges.
“While it is a very effective buy and sell platform, it’s also a successful hunting ground for criminals to buy items using a fake bank transfer or sell items that don’t exist and don’t deliver.
“These types of scams can be difficult for Police to investigate so we are urging those who use the buy and sell platform to exercise caution and do their due-diligence first.”
Police encourage anyone choosing to use the buy and sell platform to follow the following advice:
• Insist on meeting to conduct transactions and examine the item before completing the transaction
• Meet in a public place and take a friend. DO NOT go into someone’s house or allow them into yours
• DO NOT deposit money into another person’s account before you have received the item
• Ensure that cleared funds have arrived in your account, don’t rely on sellers ID, screenshots or viewing funds being transferred on an app
• Learning more about the person you are buying from or selling to. Note: You can tap on a person’s profile on the product listing page to see if you have any friends in common, their marketplace activity, and any ratings they
may have received
• Ensure friends and family, especially anyone vulnerable, understand what to do to protect themselves. Be the person to provide that ongoing support and advice
• Trust your instincts – if it’s too good to be true or sounds like a scam, it probably is
If you believe you are or have been a victim of fraud, contact Police at www.police.govt.nz/use-105, or call Police on 105 and report the matter.
If you have handed over your bank details, contact your bank and immediately suspend your account.
A 36-year-old man will appear in Waitākere District Court today facing 17 charges of obtaining by deception.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police