Category: MIL-OSI

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

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

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

56 seconds ago

EIT carpentry apprentice Hohepa Goulton (Ngāti Kahungunu) will represent Hawke’s Bay at the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge National Final, after winning the regional title earlier this year.

The 19-year-old from Flaxmere is in his second year of the New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4) and studies at EIT while working full-time at Mark Roil Hawkes Bay Homes.

He is one of 19 regional champions from across the country set to compete in the national final, to be held this weekend (June 6–7) in Hamilton.

“I’m a bit nervous, but I’m happy about it. It’s a cool opportunity and I’m proud to be going,” Hohepa says.
Over two days, finalists will take part in a four-part competition that assesses their practical skills, communication, and career readiness.

The practical skills test will see each apprentice given just one hour to build a traditional saw stool using hand and small power tools. Judging will focus on accuracy, speed, and technique, and will be carried out by industry professionals, including last year’s apprentice winner.

Finalists will also complete a panel interview, deliver a project presentation, and submit a CV and portfolio showcasing their work and community involvement. The overall National Champion will be announced at the NZCB Gala Dinner on Saturday evening and will take home the prestigious Ken Read Memorial Trophy along with $10,000 worth of prizes.

Hohepa earned his place at the national final after winning the Hawke’s Bay regional event in April. He had just eight hours to construct a planter box, which he has since donated to Te Kōhanga Reo o Keita Puriri rāua ko Hana Cotter.

It wasn’t his first time competing. Last year, Hohepa came fourth in the same regional competition, just four months into his apprenticeship.

Returning this year with a full year of experience and a new level of confidence, the result was different.

“It means a lot. Last year I didn’t really know how to use the tools properly. This year I felt way more confident and just gave it a go. I didn’t expect to come first.”

He says his success reflects the support he’s received through both his apprenticeship and EIT training.

“The tutors and qualified builders have been a big help. I asked a lot of questions before the competition, and they showed me little tricks to help with setup and technique. That made a big difference.”

A former Hastings Boys’ High School student, Hohepa discovered his love of carpentry in Year 10 wood tech. He continued with practical classes throughout school and was named top student in his Year 13 pre-trade course. With no immediate job lined up after graduation, he reached out to his teacher, who helped connect him with his current employer just two weeks after finishing school.

Now, with the national final ahead, Hohepa is focused on the bigger picture.

“I want to become a qualified builder and one day build my own dream home. I just love building. It’s hands-on, creative, and no two days are the same.”

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

13 minutes ago

EIT has officially launched a refreshed phase of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Worker Training Programme, set to equip thousands of Pacific seasonal workers with practical skills.

The new programme, known as NOA Village of Learning, marks the beginning of Phase III of the MFAT-funded initiative, which has been running since 2007. The contract, which was awarded to EIT at the end of last year, will see the institute deliver more than 150 courses annually to up to 2,250 RSE workers across the country.

The training focuses on building transferable skills that workers can use both during their time in New Zealand and when they return home to support their families and communities. Courses are already underway in the Bay of Plenty, Nelson and Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay. Further rollouts are planned for Central Otago, Auckland and Northland.

The programme was launched last month with a pōwhiri and a Fijian-led kava ceremony at EIT’s Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale. Around 70 guests attended, including Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst, representatives from Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, iwi leaders, church ministers, RSE employers and workers, government officials and industry partners.

EIT Operations Lead Glen Harkness said the programme reflects EIT’s commitment to growth and community.

“NOA is designed to support RSE workers on their journey to growth and the future,” Glen said. “At EIT we believe education and training is not just a process. It is a pathway to growth, community and success.”

He said NOA represents more than workforce development.

“This initiative is about strengthening social and economic wellbeing across the Pacific,” he said. “It reflects what can be achieved when we listen, collaborate and work together with a shared purpose.”
RSE Pacific Advisory Group Chair Tofilau Talalelei Taufale said: “This is the dawning of a refreshed approach to work-skills development for RSE workers”.

“Not only that, the wider implications with pedagogy and learner-centred curriculum will add to the weaving of the ʻie toga’, the fine mat of Pacific education here at EIT.”

EIT RSE National Operations Manager Meriama Taufale, who leads the implementation of NOA, said it was a privilege to serve in this space.

“Education is power, but being educated is powerful. Being able to enable and empower our RSE workers and their whānau to participate in the RSE Worker Training Programme is, for some, life-changing.”

She said the programme is built around a Pacific philosophy of reciprocity and reintegration.

“It is only right that we give them something to take home, considering a lot of the social disruption that happens in the RSE sector and what they are giving up to be here,” she said.

The programme includes two learning streams. NIU Learning, formerly Essential Learning, introduces skills such as financial literacy, digital capability, healthy living and human rights. MANAVA, the elective stream, includes hands-on vocational training in trades, small business, leadership and hospitality, aligned to the needs of labour-sending countries.

Meriama describes the model as community-driven and culturally grounded.

“The key for us is that we have facilitators who are language speakers so they can contextualise the learning. This will ensure it is not the team leaders or workers who have to translate,” she said. “We are also in the process of translating the learning material for them as well.”

Meriama said the launch marked a major milestone for the team and that collaboration would be key to its success.

“This has been a huge milestone for the team. But it is only the beginning of what we hope to build together because it really does take a village.”

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has outlined its ongoing response to the Royal Commission into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions.

“We are committed to continuing to respond to the Royal Commission of Inquiry with respect and dignity. To maintain transparency with our response, the Government’s released its Response Plan which lays out what work has already been completed and what work is still underway,” Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford says.

The Royal Commission made 95 recommendations in its 2021 redress report, and 138 in its final report in 2024. Of these 233 recommendations overall, 207 are addressed to the Crown, of these, 85 have been either accepted, partially accepted or we have accepted the intent. 

Since the release of the Royal Commission’s Final report in July 2024:

• The Government acknowledged that torture occurred at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (Lake Alice) and introduced two pathways for redress which are now underway;
• An end-of-life payment of $20,000 was made available for Lake Alice survivors along with work to address inequities in the reimbursement of legal fees;
• Public Apologies were made by the Prime Minister and Government agency Chief Executives on 12 November 2024;
• A $32 million investment as part of the apology to increase capacity in current redress and claims systems from approximately 1350 to 1550 claims per year
• Progression of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill which supports the Crown response to a range of recommendations
• a $2 million dual purpose survivor-focused fund for local authorities, non-governmental organisations and community groups;
• Commitment to a national day of reflection on the one-year anniversary of the public apology, 12 November 2025;
• Budget 2025 investment of $533 million over four years, for redress improvements including increasing average payments and increasing the number of claims paid each year;
• Budget 2025 investment of $188 million over four years to improve the safety of children, young people and vulnerable people. 

“We know the Crown’s response will be ongoing given the number and complexity of recommendations. The Royal Commission estimated it could take up to 15 years. 

“While we can never fully make redress for or right the harm survivors experienced, the Government remains committed to engaging with the Royal Commission’s report and recommendations in good faith and with careful consideration,” Ms Stanford says.