Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has unveiled safeguarding measures to ensure building owners are protected under a more productive and ambitious building consent system.

“Earlier this year, I announced a major change to the building consent system to tackle risk-averse behaviour that slows productivity and delays the delivery of new homes, public buildings and commercial developments,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.

“This will be achieved by scrapping the current joint and several liability model for dealing with building defects and replacing it with proportionate liability.

“Right now, councils can be hesitant to sign off on the building projects New Zealand needs because they risk being held fully liable for defects they did not cause, to the tune of millions of dollars.

“This occurs because under the current law, when two or more parties are involved in a mistake, the customer can pursue any one of them for the full damages, regardless of each party’s level of contribution.

“Councils have the deepest pockets and cannot walk away by filing for insolvency, meaning that ratepayers often end up paying for mistakes made by others, even when the local council’s involvement was limited to signing off the work.

“Under proportionate liability, each party will only be accountable for the work they undertook. This will speed up consenting and ease the burden on ratepayers unfairly footing the bill for damages.

“Today, I am announcing measures that support this shift in the consent system and ensure those involved in the building process, including homeowners, remain protected.”

These include:

Requiring professionals contributing to building design, such as architects and engineers, to hold professional indemnity insurance.
Mandatory home warranties for all new residential buildings three storeys and under and for renovations $100,000 and above, covering a one-year defect period and a 10-year structural warranty.
Strengthening disciplinary penalties for Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) by increasing the maximum fine from $10,000 to $20,000 and the maximum suspension period from 12 months to 24 months.

“The benefits of a home warranty scheme for those planning to build a house or carry out major renovations are significant. For around half a percent of the total build cost, homeowners are protected against defects after the build is finished.

“Home warranty schemes are already widely available across New Zealand, and the sector has assured me it can scale to meet new demand, allowing consumers to shop around to find coverage best suited to their build.

“Requiring professional indemnity insurance for building designers ensures these professionals are financially able to stand by their work, giving building owners confidence. This requirement does not extend to other building trades.

“I’ve heard from tradies that the poor work of a few cowboys can unfairly damage the industry’s reputation. Disciplinary penalties were long overdue for an update and strengthening them supports skilled professionals by holding to account those who cut corners.

“Together, these measures provide strong protections that underpin building system reforms, safeguard building owners, boost consent productivity, enforce accountability, and make building faster, easier and more affordable.”  

Notes to editor:

Home warranty and professional indemnity insurance changes will be progressed alongside other reforms through the Building Amendment Bill, expected to be introduced in early 2026.
Once legislation is passed, there will be a one-year implementation period before proportionate liability and the new requirements take effect.
Increased disciplinary penalties for LBPs will be progressed through a separate Bill, with changes expected to take effect in 2026.
Mandatory home warranties will apply only to residential construction involving Restricted Building Work that requires a building consent.
All home warranty providers must register with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), meet minimum regulatory requirements, and can be either guarantee-based or insurance-based.
New offences will be introduced under the Building Act for non-compliance with home warranty and professional indemnity insurance obligations for professionals. 
Attached: Consumer protections for building consent system reforms factsheet.

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Detective Sergeant Brian McKinney, Gore CIB:

Police are continuing to investigate a serious assault that occurred near the corner of Melvin Street and Turner Street in Edendale last week.

The assault occurred at around 10.55pm on Saturday 15 November, after a woman went to the victim’s house asking for assistance with a flat tyre. The victim was then accosted and assaulted by a man, suffering serious injuries.

We would like to thank those people who have contacted us following our earlier appeal for information and CCTV footage.

Police have reviewed a range of CCTV footage as a result, which has enabled us to obtain descriptions of the woman and man involved in the incident.

The woman is described as being in her late teens or early twenties, of slim build, and approximately 175cm tall. She was wearing knee high black boots, shorts, and a light-coloured hooded top.  She is also described as wearing a long black wig.

The man is described as having a slim build and is approximately 175 – 185cm tall. He was wearing light coloured (possibly grey) track pants with zip up pockets, ankle high boots with a dark coloured sole, a light-coloured hooded top, and black gloves.

This was a particularly vicious and unprovoked assault, where the victim was beaten unconscious and suffered serious injuries, including a fractured eye socket and a broken nose.

Concerningly, after the victim lost consciousness, the offenders attempted to restrain him by taping his hands together behind his back. 

We believe the outcome for the victim could have been much worse given the severity of this attack.

If you can help us identify the man and woman involved or have any other information which might assist our enquiries, please contact us via 105 and quote file number 251116/4977.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 
 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

To help keep young New Zealanders safe, variable speed limits are coming into force outside schools on state highways in Northland and north Auckland, targeting the times when children are most active around our schools.

As part of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) School Speed Limit Programme, electronic variable speed limit signs will display a variable speed limit during peak school traffic times to slow traffic past the school, with the next group of signs in the region going live this week.

“Setting safe speed limits around schools improves safety for all tamariki and whānau as they come in and out of school,” says Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Jacqui Hori-Hoult.

It’s part of the Government’s new approach to setting speed limits on New Zealand roads, which came into force on 30 October 2024. 

Under the new rule, by the 1 July 2026, schools that have gates alongside a state highway must have variable speed limits of 60km/h or lower depending on the road environment the school is located on.

Variable speed limits are displayed on electronic signs that can be switched on and off at specific times.

“The lower speeds will be set during school drop-off and pick-up times and are enforceable.

“The school and NZTA may also turn the signs on for activities such as late starts, or early finish times, or school functions, when there is similar risk to tamariki.” Ms Hori-Hoult says.

When operating, the variable speed limit will appear on a flashing electronic sign. If the sign is not turned on, the normal permanent speed limit applies.

The next batch of school variable speed limits for Northland and North Auckland will be going live week beginning Monday 24 November, with the remaining ones during the first half of 2026, as shown in this table:

School name	State Highway	Variable speed limit (at peak school travel times) (km/h)	Speed limit at all other times (km/h)	Expected “go-live” date of variable speed limit
Aranga School	SH12	60	100	Start of Term 1 2026
Kaeo School and Whangaroa College	SH10	30	70	Start of Term 1 2026 – subject to certification
Kaingaroa School	SH10	30	60	Start of Term 1 2026 – subject to certification
Maungatūroto School	SH12	30	50	Start of Term 1 2026
Ōtamatea Christian School	SH12	30	50	Start of Term 1 2026
Ngātaki School	SH1	30	100	Week beginning 24 Nov 2025
Ōpononi School	SH12	30	50	Start of Term 1 2026
Oruaiti School	SH10	30	100	Week beginning 24 Nov 2025
Pākaraka School	SH10/SH1	60/60*	100	Week beginning 24 Nov 2025
Pāmapūria School	SH1	60	100	Week beginning 24 Nov 2025
Rodney School	SH1	30	50	Start of Term 1 2026
Ruawai College and Ruawai School	SH12	30	80	Start of Term 1 2026
Taipā Area School	SH10	30	60	Start of Term 1 2026 – subject to certification
Te Kura o Te Kao	SH1	30	70	Week beginning 24 Nov 2025
Te Kura o Hato Hōhepa Te Kāmura	SH10	60	100	Start of Term 1 2026
Umawera School	SH1	60	100	Week beginning 24 Nov 2025
Woodhill School	SH16	30	100	Week beginning 24 Nov 2025

* No change to existing VSL of 60km/h on SH1 past Pākaraka School. 

The variable speed limits came into effect outside 7 schools in the Coromandel Peninsula in late August. Schools in other parts of New Zealand will follow from December 2025 (around 200 in total).

Schools and kura speed limits 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  24 November 2025

DOC confirms that weather-related delays on the Milford, Kepler, and Routeburn tracks have been resolved, with Milford Track reopening today, 24 November, and access now restored across all tracks.

DOC says early indications show strong interest in the season ahead, with some tracks already close to capacity on peak dates. Last season saw consistently high occupancy across the network, including around 95% on the Milford and Abel Tasman tracks, reflecting the continued popularity of multi-day hiking experiences.

Several walks also saw major increases in bed nights after reopening from storm damage, with Lake Waikaremoana and the Heaphy among the strongest performers.

DOC Heritage and Visitors Director Cat Wilson says New Zealanders continue to show a real appetite for naturing, getting outdoors, slowing down, and reconnecting with the whenua.

“With all Great Walks now open, this is the perfect time to plan an adventure, whether that’s a multi-day tramp or simply a short walk with the whānau.”

While many Great Walks book out early during holidays and long weekends, DOC reminds people that availability can still be found, particularly outside peak times, on less busy tracks, or through checking for cancellations, which occur regularly throughout the season.

DOC is also encouraging people to explore short walks and day hikes, which can offer the same spectacular scenery and sense of escape as the longer journeys, without the need for significant planning or overnight bookings.

Alongside trip planning, DOC is urging visitors to keep safety front-of-mind and look after the natural environment that makes these experiences so special. Weather conditions can change quickly, especially in alpine areas, and walkers should be well-prepared, carry the right gear, and check the latest track updates. Protecting wildlife, respecting hut etiquette, and following Leave No Trace principles also help ensure the Great Walks remain pristine for future generations.

“Whether you’re taking on a four-day journey or an afternoon wander, naturing is for everyone,” says Cat. “We want people to enjoy these places safely and help us care for them.”

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

Applications are now open for the Business Investor Visa, a new immigration pathway designed to attract experienced businesspeople who want to invest in and grow established businesses in New Zealand.

“This visa is about bringing practical skills and capital into the economy. We want investors who will roll up their sleeves and help New Zealand businesses thrive. This visa keeps businesses strong, creates jobs for Kiwis, and brings valuable skills and experience into our communities,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. 

The Business Investor Visa offers two investment options:

• Invest $1 million in an existing business for a three-year work-to-residence pathway
• Invest $2 million in an existing business for a 12-month fast-track to residence

“We want to help keep businesses going where New Zealand business owners are looking to retire. Opening the door for overseas buyers means we can protect local jobs, while also attracting investors who can inject fresh energy and investment into small businesses that are vital to local economies,” Ms Stanford says.

“This is part of a wider refresh of the Government’s business visa settings to support growth. Since introducing the Active Investor Plus visa in April, we’ve already attracted more than 440 applications and a potential $2.63 billion investment into the New Zealand economy.

“Attracting investment is crucial to boosting economic growth and creating more opportunities for New Zealanders.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

Children with parents in prison are among those who will benefit from early intervention through seven new projects funded by the Social Investment Fund.

In this first round of funding, a total of $50 million will go towards programmes reaching more than 1600 children, ranging from newborns through to eighteen-year-olds.

Ministers decided the priority cohorts for the first round of the Social Investment Fund were:

Children with parents who are, or have recently been, in jail
Children of parents who experienced the care system, and
Children who have been stood down or suspended from school before age 13

Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says the successful organisations demonstrated an ability to make the best overall impact for those groups, and to measure success.

“Each of the initiatives will be monitored to see how successful they are in improving measurable outcomes for the people they support.

“That includes progress on better health, greater safety, more stable and secure housing, improved knowledge and skills, growing income and wealth, and support for their families into work.”

The Government allocated $190 million in Budget 2025 for the Social Investment Fund. 

Another funding round for new initiatives will open early next year.

Notes to editors:

The funded projects are: 

Te Hou Ora Whānau Services Limited: support for 120 children for individual and group sessions to reduce school drop-out rates and justice and care system involvement – Dunedin.
Tākiri Mai te Ata Trust: support for counselling and trauma therapy for 200 young people in care, have parents in prison, or have been stood down from school – Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt.
Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Charitable Trust: support for 200 children for health, safety and life skills – Christchurch and wider Canterbury.
Ngāti Awa Social and Health Services Trust: support for 450 children, providing support for families dealing with historic trauma, and building specialist forensic nursing for child sexual abuse – Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Barnardos New Zealand Incorporated: support for 100 for family mentoring, and parenting support to help children reach developmental milestones, such as early childhood education attendance – Māngere.
Horowhenua New Zealand Trust: For more than 400 children for a behaviour change programme – Levin
Kaikaranga Holding Ltd: support for 150 disabled and neurodiverse children who have been suspended or stood down from school. Services include tutoring, sensory tools and short-term behavioural guidance – Auckland.

Successful organisations were selected by a panel made up of government and sector leaders. You can find more information about the panellists here.

Social Investment outcome areas, including fund priority outcomes, can be found here. 

Information about the Social Investment Fund
Read Social Investment Fund FAQs

Source: New Zealand Police

The search for a missing fisherman off the coast of Tapotupotu Bay, near Cape Reinga, will resume this morning.

At about 3.20pm yesterday, emergency services were called following a report of a man who had been swept off the rocks while fishing in the remote location with friends.

Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, Northland Police Search and Rescue Team Leader, says Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched immediately.

He says Police crews, alongside Search and Rescue, Coastguard Air Patrol, Customs, Surf Lifesaving and Northern Rescue Helicopter searched the area until dark.

“This is a particularly remote area and crews searched into the night, however the man was not located.

“Our crews will head back out on the water this morning to continue the search.

“I would like to thank all the agencies that have been involved in the search so far, as well as the locals in the area who have made themselves available to assist – it’s very appreciated.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The new Photon Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT) scanner at Kenepuru Hospital, which opened last month, is already delivering significant benefits for patients in Porirua and the surrounding communities, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This modern technology is providing faster, more accurate, and far more detailed diagnostic imaging – helping patients get timely, quality care closer to home.

“In just four weeks, 245 patients have already been scanned, and CT outpatient activity across Wellington and Kenepuru has increased by 37 percent,” Mr Brown says.

Since the scanner became operational on 14 October, the benefits have been clear:

Advanced PCCT imaging is detecting abnormalities that were previously undetectable.
Patients are avoiding invasive procedures that would previously have been required.
Inpatients are leaving hospital up to a week earlier thanks to improved vascular imaging.
On-site imaging is reducing the need for ambulance transfers and transit nursing between Wellington and Kenepuru hospitals, improving hospital workflows and freeing up capacity.

“Since opening, the new PCCT scanner has already clarified the diagnosis for 20 patients, meaning they no longer need further tests. In addition, 18 cardiac patients who would previously have required an invasive angiography were able to receive a faster, non-invasive, fully diagnostic CT coronary angiogram instead – a 90 percent increase in non-invasive cardiac scans.

“The improvement in imaging is like moving from black-and-white television to Ultra-HD. With extremely detailed, fully diagnostic imaging, patients are being diagnosed and treated earlier, reducing hospital stays and allowing clinicians to focus on those with more complex needs.

“The next focus is to extend these benefits even further by expanding diagnostic services beyond the hospital. Plans are underway for a community-based service at Kenepuru, including a trial in partnership with local general practices.”

Mr Brown says these early results show just how transformative this technology can be for patients and the wider health system.

“By bringing world-class diagnostic imaging closer to home, we are improving patient outcomes, reducing pressure on hospitals, and making healthcare more accessible for the people of Porirua and the surrounding communities.”

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died after being struck by a vehicle on a driveway in Matamata this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to a property on Manuka Street at around 1.50pm.

The road is closed while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene.

Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area if possible.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham

Police are now in a position to officially release the names of those who died in Sanson on Saturday 15 November.

They were Goldie May Iris Field, 1, Hugo John Field, 5, August James Field, 7, and Dean Michael Field, 36.

Our deepest condolences are with their family and friends during this difficult time. They are being provided with wrap around support.

The scene examination at the property has been completed, and this was handed back to family on Thursday morning.

Police’s investigation into the fatal incident is ongoing, and it will take time for us to get answers for the family.

We would like to acknowledge the community for their outpouring of support for the family as they come to terms with this tragedy.

I would also like to thank the many Police staff who have worked tirelessly over the last week, and continue to work on this difficult investigation.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre