Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

By Kristen Clements

“When they made their way, not without difficulty, through the intertangled forest, and passed beyond the line of the great trees, they found themselves confronted by still more serious difficulties. The soil became a complete swamp, and was covered with a multitude of low shrubs, lianas, and herbs of all descriptions, whose intertangled growth formed an impassable barrier.”

I read this passage aloud to my Camp Cove companions – an excerpt from Francois Raynal’s ‘Wrecked on the Reef’, an account from 1864 about the sailors from the wreck of the Grafton who spent nearly 20 months stranded on subantarctic Auckland Island. My teammates laugh, mostly out of a deep understanding of the scene being described, having just finished three days of field work installing a grid of cat-monitoring trail cameras across this landscape.

One of our teams’ main objectives for being on Auckland Island is to understand more about feral cat behaviour around a novel predator bait, as well as their abundance in different habitats. We’re using 4 different flavoured, non-toxic meat sausages to do this. You can read more about this new bait in a recent media release on the DOC website. This research will feed into the Maukahuka Restoration programme, which entails eradicating feral pigs, mice, and feral cats from the main Auckland Island (46,000ha!) over 8 years. Once successful, the removal of pests from this wild environment would enable the return of thousands of nesting seabirds and the reinstatement of ground dwelling birds like Auckland Island teal and rail which cannot survive here currently with the ever-present pressure of predation by feral cats.

Not long before the wreck of the Grafton, Auckland Island was a safe breeding ground for 38 bird species, including nine found only here. It was also abundant with more than 280 invertebrate species. This diverse range of avian wildlife and small critters created a complementary 5-star smorgasbord for feral cats to establish and thrive. And thrive they did! Since feral cats were introduced by sealers on Auckland Island roughly 200 years ago, nesting seabirds have been all but wiped-out from the main island. And during the last two weeks here, I’ve seen the wreckage of this assault first-hand.

^{Examples of feral cat scavenged seabirds (left Carnley Harbour, right Western Cliffs) on Auckland Island. 📷: Kristen Clements | DOC}

During my time installing these trail cameras, I frequently came across ‘cat scavenge’ – the remnants of a feral cat’s all-you-can-eat buffet. Typically, these predators leave behind the least digestible or nutrient-rich pieces of birds, resulting in us rangers finding cast aside legs or wings of said victims. However, as confronting as it is to see the remains of a spritely storm petrel or squabbily sooty shearwater scattered along the coast, these messy eating habits happen to provide perfect clues for understanding feral cat behaviour.

Finding a feral cat among dense subalpine scrub and treacherous cliffs is like a morbidly satisfying treasure hunt. However, knowing what to look for in this vast ‘impassable barrier’ as Raynal called it, leads us one step closer to removing these predators from this ecosystem. Whether it’s an obvious sign such as a scavenged bird wing, muddy paw print, or not so subtly placed scat, or perhaps a craftier indicator of these predators’ existence like a game trail leading to a cliffy overhang, each clue brings us closer to our sharp-toothed prize.

The phrase ‘be the cat’ is often heard throughout our camp. And it’s true. To capture quality data investigating feral cat behaviour, you have to think like one. Thankfully, my teammates and I have become adept at crawling on our hands and knees through scrub to set up our trail cameras. And so, as we pull in our first round of camera data, we find numerous feral cats have been recorded interacting with these non-toxic sausage baits.

It’s a momentary pat on the back for the team, as we acknowledge the days of gruelling scrub bashing which went into capturing this footage. However, this respite quickly turns to determination, as I begin to imagine what it would be like to find the last few feral cats inhabiting this place – the reality of the latter stages of a feral cat eradication. I smile to myself, as I look forward to this muddy, scrubby, arduous hunt on the edge of the world.

I ponder further, as a deeper appreciation for the reverberations of this project sink in. I imagine a time beyond writhing through a sea of scrub to catch feral cats. When the elusive Auckland Island snipe can return to nest here, and when tītī chicks can safely emerge from their warm burrows without even knowing of the existence of feral cats. When hoihō parents can lumber back to their nests knowing their fluffy grey chicks await their return without being a feral cat’s main course, and the air is full of the sound of white-capped mollymawks’ courtship rituals. A time when the mana of Auckland Island has been restored.

And so, from our crude base camp which we so fondly know as home, my team and I put out a call for action. Will you support the restoration of Auckland Island? To learn more or donate towards this world-first effort by DOC and Ngai Tāhu to remove feral pigs, mice, and feral cats from Auckland Island follow the link below. To hear more from my companions and I in the field, follow DOC’s Conservation Blog over the next four weeks.

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Getting to know Maukahuka is the first step toward its recovery—you can be part of this ambitious endeavour by supporting the project through the NZ Nature Fund, you can help turn every trail camera checked and every mouse trap set into a future Auckland Island free of introduced pests and full of thriving native wildlife. 

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Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating a string of burglaries and fuel thefts in Southland have arrested a 17-year-old youth and say the swift response should be a warning to anyone considering stealing fuel.

Acting Inspector Mel Robertson, Invercargill’s Area Prevention Manager, says several rural thefts occurred overnight on Tuesday 7 April, with significant quantities of fuel among the items taken.

“Six vehicles were stolen, along with hundreds of litres diesel and petrol, but Police have been able to recover five of the vehicles thanks to GPS tracking.

“Our enquiries are still ongoing, and we can’t rule out further arrests, but I want to acknowledge the swift response from frontline staff and detectives that led to yesterday’s arrest.

“We won’t tolerate this offending here. It’s senseless stuff and causes significant distress and upheaval to the lives of hard-working people.

“Anyone who is thinking of stealing fuel or vehicles should take this as a warning – we will act immediately and use our resources to find and prosecute anyone involved.”

The youth was arrested after a search warrant was executed at an Invercargill property.

He has been charged with burglary relating to the theft of fuel from a tractor and further charges are being considered. He is due to appear in the Invercargill Youth Court later this month.

An 18-year-old at the property was also arrested and charged with receiving stolen goods. He is due to appear in the Invercargill District Court on 14 April.

Nine 20 litre cans containing different fuels have been recovered and enquiries are ongoing.

“Unfortunately, this is a timely reminder for everyone, especially those in rural communities, to look at their security, especially around fuel,” Acting Inspector Robertson says.

People are encouraged to follow Police prevention advice at: https://www.police.govt.nz/advice-services/personal-community-safety/fue…

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are investigating the theft of about 3000 litres of diesel from a Marton business this week.

The theft happened on Tuesday, between 4.20am and 4.50am and was reported at 8am.

Sergeant Wayne Sandbrook says two men arrived in a light truck and were seen filling a fuel trailer, a fuel pod and drums with diesel from an on-site tank.

“The offenders have made off with a large amount of diesel, which is a major hit for a local business and its hard-working staff.

“Both people involved have attempted to hide their identity, but we’re continuing to make enquiries to hold these offenders to account. We will not accept this offending in our community.

“A Scene of Crime Officer has processed the scene, but we would like to hear from anyone who saw a white-coloured light truck towing a small fuel trailer in the Marton area around the time of the offending, or any other suspicious activity.”

Anyone with information is asked to make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260407/4600.

Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Offending like this hurts hard-working people in our community, and our message to people is if you see anything suspicious, please report it to us immediately.”

People are encouraged to follow Police prevention advice at: https://www.police.govt.nz/advice-services/personal-community-safety/fue…

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown have signed a landmark Auckland City Deal, marking New Zealand’s first city deal and a new era of long-term partnership between Auckland and central Government. 

The Deal sets out how Government and Auckland Council will work together to unlock our biggest city’s potential, boosting economic growth and improving living standards across New Zealand. 

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says Auckland has huge potential for growth that the whole country can benefit from.

“Auckland is New Zealand’s economic engine room. This Deal is about getting that engine room firing on all cylinders so that we can lift incomes, create more jobs and make Auckland, and therefore New Zealand, more prosperous.”

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says it’s another major win for Auckland.

“This is a new way of working that establishes shared accountability, recognising the size and significance of Auckland – we are more like an Australian state than any other local authority in New Zealand,” says Mayor Brown.

“The Deal better reflects Auckland’s contribution to the national economy. It’s clear; when Auckland does well, New Zealand does well.”

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says exciting things are already happening in Auckland and the Auckland City Deal will keep the momentum going.

“The new world-class convention centre is now up and running, we are liberalising Eden Park’s planning rules so it can host more concerts and events, and we are launching an investigation into planning rules holding Auckland’s CBD back. 

“When it comes to infrastructure, the Central Interceptor Project will be finished this year, the third main line separating freight from passenger rail is now open, funding has been confirmed to complete the Eastern Busway, the line to Pukekohe has been electrified, and the City Rail Link will open later this year.

“On top of this, eight projects in Auckland have been granted consent under our Fast-Track legislation representing thousands of jobs and billions in investment.”

The Government already has a range of tools and groups that interact with local government, such as NZTA co-funding for local roads, Urban Growth Partnerships and Crown funding for significant projects. 

“So, this Deal isn’t about reinventing the wheel and creating another layer of bureaucracy. It’s about coordinating across Government into one place so that it’s easier to work together and invest together to get stuff done. The new Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport will play a key role here.”

Key commitments of the Auckland City Deal include:

• Establishing a long-term partnership between Government and Auckland Council, including regular meetings between the Prime Minister, Ministers and the Mayor. There will also be a senior official from both Government and Council who will be accountable for delivering on the Deal.
• Reviewing Eden Park’s ownership and operating model, recognising Eden Park as the national stadium, and contributing $5 million each toward relocating Auckland Cricket to Colin Maiden Park.
• Investing in the redevelopment and roofing of the Auckland Tennis Centre to support international events.
• Developing a strategy for innovation precincts in areas such as the Fisher and Paykel precinct and around University of Auckland’s flagship innovation centre in Newmarket (including MedTech-iQ); and strengthening Auckland’s global trade and investment links.
• Jointly developing a destination and major events strategy to grow tourism, events, and hospitality in Auckland.
• Establishing a coordinated 30-year transport strategy for Auckland, with priority projects reflected in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2027 including the North-West Rapid Transit project, Botany to Airport public transport, Mill Road, and CRL level crossings.
• Working together on the additional Waitematā Harbour crossing project, time-of-use charging, and more efficient transport network management.
• Introducing a new Crown uplift funding tool for mutually-agreed, high-priority projects. The Crown will consider contributing funding for projects where the Council raises new funding significantly above current Long-Term Plan and BAU funding levels (e.g., from council asset recycling or targeted rates).
• Working together on Predator Free 2050, Pest-Free Auckland, the Auckland Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy, and restoring the biodiversity of the Hauraki Gulf.

Mr Bishop says Deal highlights four particular growth areas where the Government and Council will work together to drive jobs and growth.

“In Drury, Government and Council will work with private developers on coordinated infrastructure planning to support major housing growth, including new schools and a hospital alongside local infrastructure investment.

“In the Maungawhau–Kingsland–Morningside corridor, Government and Council will collaborate on zoning changes, infrastructure planning and urban development opportunities associated with the CRL.

“In the city centre, a revitalisation plan will open up opportunities for housing and business growth, including further residential upzoning and a potential new primary school.

“At the Airport, Government and Council will work with Auckland Airport on a plan to improve surface access to this major trade, freight and employment hub.”

Mayor Brown agrees integrated planning alongside transport is vital.

“We must build where we have already invested significantly in infrastructure, and not in flood plains. We must provide housing near where people work.

“We can’t just build anywhere a developer wants to build. The Council has been clear greenfields developments are costly and don’t pay for growth, so I’m pleased we will be able to work with the Government to determine where growth makes the most sense, through the Regional Spatial Plan.”

Local Government and Auckland Minister Simon Watts says the Deal sets a new standard for collaboration between central and local government in New Zealand. 

“This is about long-term certainty and better delivery. By aligning our long‑term planning and focusing on the fundamentals – transport, housing, innovation and skills – we are building the foundations for a stronger, more prosperous Auckland. 

“The Deal enhances Auckland Council’s funding and financing tools rather than creating open-ended new spending.”

The Auckland City Deal establishes the model for future agreements with other regions, with work underway on two further Deals in 2026, in line with the National-ACT Coalition Agreement to institute long-term city and regional infrastructure deals, allowing PPPs, tolling and value-capture rating to fund infrastructure.

Source: New Zealand Government

Today’s roll return data tells us what we already knew; families want schooling options that reflect the needs of their children, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. 

Data released today shows that as of March 1 2026 there were 1,471 students enrolled in 16 charter schools. 

“These numbers show that diversity and choice in New Zealand’s schooling system is important to parents,” Mr Seymour says. 

“In the original seven schools alone, rolls have tripled, from 215 students to over 658. 

“The six-year partnership school programme peaked at 1,441 students in 11 schools. In just under two years of the charter school model, we’ve opened more schools, and more students are enrolled. 

“The Charter School Agency has modelled what charter schools cost per student, using the same formula used by the Ministry for Education to calculate the cost of state school students. It puts education union claims about the costs of charter schools to bed. In 2024 the average state primary school was funded $8,762 per student. A charter primary school of the same size receives an estimated $8,278 per student. In 2024 the average state secondary school was funded $11,040 per student. A charter secondary school of the same size receives an estimated $10,741 per student.

“We knew there was demand for charter schools. In some cases, demand was even higher than we expected. Northwest College in Auckland has had to move into a bigger building to accommodate its growth, and its waitlist continues to grow. Newer schools are in huge demand too. Twin Oaks School only opened in Term 3 last year, and already has to move into a bigger space next term,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Charter schools show that education can be different if we let communities bring their ideas to the table.

“These schools have more flexibility in return for strictly measured results.

“The charter school equation is: the same funding as state schools, plus greater flexibility plus stricter accountability for results, equals student success.

“There are more ideas in the communities of New Zealand than there are in the Government. That’s why we open ideas to the wider community and apply strict performance standards to the best ones.

“With many schools having just finished their first term, and another 4 schools opening later this year, I expect to see this strong growth continue.” 

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sophie Gurnsey:

Police are appealing for information following a fatal mobility scooter crash in Blagdon, New Plymouth, last month.

On Thursday 5 March at around 4.15pm, Police were called with a report that two people had fallen off a mobility scooter while riding on the footpath of South Road.

A man was transported to hospital by ambulance for assessment as a precaution, however, despite best efforts of emergency services, he sadly died in hospital on Sunday 8 March. The second person was uninjured.

The deceased was Brian Dean Winther, 69, from Blagdon. Police extend our deepest condolences to Brian’s loved ones.

Police continue to make enquiries into the circumstances of the crash and are now appealing for any witnesses of the crash to please come forward.

We particularly want to hear from a male and female who were walking their dog and stopped to assist the pair prior to emergency services’ arrival.

If this is you, or you witnessed the incident, please get in touch through 105, either online or over the phone, and reference file number 260306/9790.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are in attendance at a sudden death on Malone Road.

At 8.15am, a report was received of a man being located on the ground outside an address.

Emergency services at the scene have confirmed the man has died.

The immediate area has been cordoned off as inquiries are undertaken.

Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill passed its first reading in Parliament last week and is now open for submissions at the Justice Select Committee, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee.

“The Bill will cut red tape to support economic growth across the hospitality and events sector, restore fairness to the licensing regime, and create more choice and flexibility for local clubs.

“This is being done while retaining the core protections for public safety and reducing alcohol-related harm.

“It seems nearly every week I am hearing about a red tape issue in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act that holds New Zealanders back without having a clear harm-reduction justification.

“I’ve addressed many of these issues in my Bill, but I’ve heard more since introducing it – and I know there will be others I haven’t yet been made aware of.

“A recent example was a tourism company that was prevented from providing a complimentary glass of bubbles to a bride and groom after flying them up to a scenic lookout to get married.

“That’s the kind of low-risk situation where the law seems to miss the mark and where we should be open to sensible improvements.

“So I’m putting out a ‘last call’ on red tape that can be safely removed from the Act.

“I encourage New Zealanders to get involved in the submission process, especially those who have had to deal with the many complex, outdated, and often unnecessary rules in the current law.”

Key changes in the Bill include:

• Limiting objections to licence applications or renewals to only those living or working in the same council area, or within 1 kilometre of the proposed licensed premises.
• Giving licence applicants a right of reply to licensing objections to ensure a fairer process.
• Preventing licence renewals from being declined solely because a local alcohol policy has changed.
• Allowing clubs to apply for on-licences if they wish to serve the wider public.
• Allowing certain restaurants with on-site retail areas to sell alcohol for customers to take home.
• Streamlining special licence requirements to make it easier to host events.
• Creating a permanent mechanism allowing licensed premises to open and serve alcohol outside licensed hours to televise major events such as the Rugby World Cup.
• Exempting hairdressers and barbers from needing an on-licence to supply their customers a limited amount of alcohol such as a beer, glass of wine, or gin and tonic.
• Extending cellar door tasting provisions beyond wineries so other producers such as breweries and distilleries can charge for tastings without needing an on-licence.
• Allowing licensed premises to meet their legal obligations by stocking either low-alcohol or zero-alcohol drinks.
• Clarifying responsibilities for rapid alcohol delivery services to ensure alcohol is not delivered to underage or intoxicated persons.

Submissions can be made to the Justice Committee on Parliament’s website and close on 14 May 2026.

Source: New Zealand Police

A Police dog unit was hot on the scent of four young males this morning in Miramar, which saw them taken into custody within an hour.

Police were called shortly after 2:10am to reports of multiple alarm activations minutes earlier at a store on Tauhinu Road.

Officers were on scene within five minutes, and upon arrival saw the front door smashed in and a vehicle dumped at the scene.

Another vehicle of interest was subsequently identified on traffic cameras.

A Police dog unit tracked from the initial scene to a property in Booth Street, Miramar where officers discovered the vehicle of interest, the four alleged offenders, and the large amount of alcohol they had stolen.

A 16-year-old, two 17-year-olds and a 19-year-old appeared in court in Wellington today on charges of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and of burglary, and have been bailed to reappear later this month.

Wellington Area Commander Inspector Dean Silvester says it’s pleasing to have identified those responsible for the burglary so quickly.

“Receiving a 111 call so promptly, and the expert work of our Police dog unit and attending frontline staff, has led to these quick arrests,” he says.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: Auckland Council

As the North Island prepares for the impact of Cyclone Vaianu, Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) has activated its Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) to Alert Mode ‘Orange’ to coordinate support and manage any preparations.

Adam Maggs, AEM General Manager, emphasises the messages coming from MetService, the government and its agencies, and is advising all Aucklanders to prepare now for the incoming weather.

“Our teams are activated and preparing to provide support ahead of Cyclone Vaianu arriving. This cyclone system poses a significant risk to Aotearoa New Zealand, including the Auckland region. It is essential that we all prepare now – preparation and making a plan saves lives. 

“Aucklanders need to start preparing their property now. Check drains and gutters to ensure they aren’t blocked and clear tree branches, leaves and debris. These can cause flooding issues during heavy rain. Put away or tie down any loose outdoor furniture and trampolines in case of high winds.

“Remember, keep up-to-date with the latest MetService forecast and all current watches or warnings by downloading the MetService app from the App Store or Google Play, or visit the MetService website,” says Adam.

The council’s Healthy Waters (stormwater) team is out and about checking flooding hot spots in the region. We currently have 50 cameras installed across the region that are constantly monitoring for blockages and send alerts to our team to respond. For any critical areas without cameras, our team is checking these in-person.

Get prepared

If you or your property are in danger at any time, phone 111 – don’t wait, natural warnings like rising floodwaters need to be acted on immediately.

To get prepared, pack a grab bag with essentials like medication, warm clothes, chargers, snacks and water (remember babies and pets). 

It’s also important for people to consider where they might go if they need to leave home in a hurry. Have the talk and make a plan with whānau and friends about what you would do and where you would go if unsafe to stay. 

Strong winds bring down trees and can cause power outages. Make sure you’ve got a torch and batteries, keep your phone and power banks charged and have a battery-operated radio (remember, your car radio can be an alternative).

Advice for Aucklanders

• Plan travel carefully. Make sure you drive to the conditions and never drive through floodwaters or over slips.
• Stay up to date with weather forecasts and check AT and NZTA’s journey planners for any public transport and roading disruption.
• The forecast is predicting large swells and high energy waves. These conditions are not ideal for boating or shore fishing.
• Postpone remote walks and recreational activities at our parks and beaches until after the weekend.
• For tree damage on public land, go to the council’s website and ‘report a problem’ online.
• Report stormwater issues and flooding to the council on 09 301 0101.

Visit our website (aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz) or getready.govt.nz for plenty of good advice on getting your household prepared for an emergency. Make a plan today.