Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

State Highway 25A, one of Coromandel’s key routes, will require daytime closures for 2 weeks in November to allow for essential rebuild work.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations, Roger Brady, says the work will take place from Monday 10 November until approximately Friday 21 November, with the state highway closed each day from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

“The 2 sites, each approximately 1km long between Kōpū and Hikuai, are narrow with steep drop-offs and the work cannot be done safely with the road open.”

The road will open to traffic under single lane and stop/go each evening from 5pm and on Sunday 16 November. Delays can be expected with only a single lane open.

Critical services such as first responders and school buses will be escorted through the site during the day. All other vehicles will be required to take the SH25 detour which adds an hour to the travel time.

“SH25A is a vital link across the peninsula, and we would not be closing the road if there was any other way to get this work done safety and quickly,” says Mr Brady, “The top priorities are the safety of our people and road users and getting the state highway open as quickly as possible.

“We investigated doing this work with stop/go or controlled openings or allowing convoys of traffic through. However, these options are difficult to accommodate at such confined sites and would mean the job would take much longer with increased risk to contractor staff and road users.”

SH25A was closed for most of 2023 after a slip required a new bridge to be put in place.

“The emphasis in 2023 was all about resilience and our contractors got a lot of other work completed on the road during the closure. This work was not programmed, funded or resourced at that time.

“We have a busy summer maintenance season across Coromandel and always aim to get works done before the busy holiday period, while trying to minimise inconvenience to road users,’’ Mr Brady says.

This work follows on from the SH25 closure on the west coast of the peninsula for the deck replacement on the Boundary Creek Stream Bridge. That work is scheduled for the week following Labour Weekend from Wednesday 29 October for 7 days.

Please note that dates are weather-dependent.

Source: Privacy Commissioner

23 Sept 2025, 08:00

Retail crime is a serious issue. The Privacy Commissioner has been engaging with retailers, who paint a grim picture of the challenges they currently face with threats to staff and customers, and persistent shoplifting. 

The Privacy Act means that businesses can report retail crime to the Police. But a word of caution; businesses sharing photos online or on a public wall of shame might think it’s a quicker way to catch possible shoplifters, or a useful deterrent, but it’s a blunt tool that can cause real harm and potentially break the law, the Privacy Commissioner warns.

“We’ve almost become immune to shared grainy CCTV images and their associated accusations, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good or legal thing to do, says Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster.

It’s a human reaction to see if you recognise someone shown to try and “solve the case.” In a country the size of New Zealand, it might be easy to know or think you know the person and to judge them as a result, even if they’re totally innocent.

“My Office has seen past examples where real hurt was caused through people having their image wrongly linked to a crime or an allegation of a crime. This can cause emotional harm and potentially put them at risk of a strong reaction including public shaming and violence,” said Mr Webster. 

“The Privacy Act protects people’s personal information, which includes their image. It seems that the practice of creating a ‘wall of shame’ is something New Zealand businesses need to be reminded has legal consequences. 

“I understand the need to address retail crime and that business is hurting but this method, which also includes appealing on social media sites, isn’t the answer”.

The Privacy Act provides clear principles for how personal information, such as an image of a person, can be collected, used, or disclosed. That includes taking reasonable steps to ensure personal information is correct before sharing it, and with limits on the public sharing of images of suspected shoplifters. 

“Good questions businesses can ask before displaying someone’s image are, do you know who it is, have you got their permission, are they identifiable, is it fair to post it, will it embarrass or hurt them?”

“It’s not okay for people to be publicly shamed; it’s hurtful and a breach of their privacy. The impact on people can be huge, with children and young people especially at risk. There can also be tikanga Māori considerations, which can be significant and sensitive for Māori because of the tapu (restrictions) concerning the human body and images, including tā moko, mataora or moko kauae.

“It’s important that businesses stop and think before posting someone’s image and making a claim about them.

This can also have serious reputational consequences for the business posting the allegation,” says the Commissioner. 

OPC has developed some guidance for retailers on displaying people’s photos in store and sharing these images on social media.

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Chris Power:

Police can now release images of the backpack, and its contents, located with the man found deceased on Horotane Valley Road, Heathcote Valley on Friday 19 September.

We appreciate all those who have come forward with information so far and continue to follow lines of enquiry where they become available; unfortunately, the man remains unidentified.

Police are hoping that these images, paired with a description of the deceased, may be recognised by someone in the community.

The man is thought to be in his 30’s or 40’s, with a distinctive birthmark on his left forearm. When located he was wearing a black long sleeve woollen jersey, black trousers and grey tramping boots.

If you have any information that could assist us in identifying this man, please contact Police on 105 and quote file number 250919/7193.

You can also report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Maritime New Zealand

For the first time since they were introduced in 2014, Maritime Transport Operator Certificates (MTOC) have started to expire – they have a 10-year life.

Source: New Zealand Police

Motorists are advised to avoid Great South Road near Starr Road in Ngāruawāhia due to a electrical pole transformer undergoing repairs.

The closure is to ensure safety to all road users and is expected to open to traffic around 2pm.

Motorists should travel on Old Taupiri Road as a detour.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The largest Defence housing project in decades is officially underway, delivering modern homes for military families and driving job growth in regional communities, Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk has announced.

“Our sailors, soldiers and aviators dedicate themselves to protecting New Zealand, and they deserve warm, modern homes to return to when off duty,” Mr Penk says.

“Too many homes across New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) camps and bases no longer meet the standards we expect for our servicemen and women. 

“Some were built as far back as the 1930s and remain run-down, poorly laid out and poorly insulated because of decades of underinvestment, making them unsuitable for modern family living.

“Today marks a significant step forward, with shovels now in the ground for the Homes for Families programme – the most ambitious Defence housing initiative since the 1980s. 

“Altogether, the Government intends to invest up to $600-million into the Homes for Families programme through the Defence Capability Plan.

“Construction has begun on eight new homes at Linton Military Camp, alongside five homes in Bulls for personnel at Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Ohakea.

“These new builds will include modern two- and three-bedroom homes, replacing outdated 1940s and 50s-era housing that no longer meet the needs of today’s military families or supports their wellbeing.

“Work is also underway on 10 brand-new, three-bedroom homes at Burnham Military Camp in Canterbury. 

“In Auckland’s Bayswater, 61 new homes are being built by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s property development arm, which will be leased by Defence for personnel from the Devonport Naval Base. 

“The Government also remains committed to delivering 50 new homes at Waiouru Military Camp and will announce further details about the project later this year.

“This is just the beginning. The Defence Force is preparing to go to market around the end of 2025 for additional new housing at Linton, Ohakea, Burnham and Trentham Military Camp.

“Defence families often relocate throughout New Zealand to ensure personnel are where they’re needed most, and it’s important we support them on this journey with homes that offer a secure family life. 

“Beyond providing housing, this programme will also support regional communities by creating skilled construction jobs around our military camps and bases.

“That means new opportunities for workers and businesses, more money flowing into local communities and a boost to national economic growth.

“This Government is committed to creating good jobs for Kiwis and tackling New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit.

“That includes by ensuring the men and women who stand ready to serve and protect this nation have a safe roof over their heads.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

More Kiwi businesses will soon be able to attract and retain the workforce they need, with the Government’s introduction of two new skilled migrant residence pathways.

Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says skilled and experienced migrants play an important role plugging workforce gaps, and in turn helping businesses to grow.

“Businesses told us it was too hard for some migrants to gain residence, even when they had crucial skills and significant experience that was not available in the existing workforce. 

“We’re fixing it.”

From mid-2026, there will be two new residence pathways:

Skilled Work Experience pathway

For migrants in skilled roles who have at least five years of directly relevant work experience, including at least two years of experience in New Zealand where they’ve been paid at least 1.1 times the median wage, and:

Trades and Technician pathway

For migrants in specified skilled roles who hold a relevant qualification at Level 4 or above, and have at least four years of relevant post-qualification skilled work experience, including at least 18 months in New Zealand where they’ve been paid at or above the median wage.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the Government is carefully balancing attracting higher-skilled workers, while managing migration levels responsibly, and ensuring New Zealanders remain prioritised for jobs. 

“This helps Kiwi businesses access the skills and experience needed to grow the economy, while hiring New Zealanders where they can.

“These changes are part of a suite of smart, flexible and nuanced immigration solutions we’ve introduced. 

“The Skilled Work Experience pathway is designed to help employers retain experienced workers who are already contributing to New Zealand’s economy and have demonstrated value in their roles.

“The Trades and Technician pathway recognises the practical skills needed in industries where sub-degree qualifications are widely used and valued.

“To ensure the new pathways are focused on where skilled and experienced migrants are most needed, additional eligibility restrictions will be placed on some occupations.”

Further information about these occupations and requirements, as well as occupations eligible for the Trades and Technician pathway, will be provided before the pathways open in mid-2026. 

“We are also reducing the amount of time that migrants with New Zealand university qualifications need to work in New Zealand before they can get residence. This is about further incentivising people to study here – and keep contributing after they graduate.”

Alongside the changes to the Skilled Migrant Category, Nicola Willis today released an update on the Government’s Going for Growth work programme, focused on the ‘Developing Talent’ pillar.

The update is focused on two key elements – the first, ensuring New Zealand’s skills and education system is world-class. The second is ensuring an immigration system that complements the domestic skills pipeline, by attracting the skilled and talented people needed to drive long-term business performance.

Source: New Zealand Government

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay departs today for Kuala Lumpur to attend a series of high-level ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meetings.

“This year marks the 50th anniversary of New Zealand’s Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN, a milestone that underlines just how far we’ve come, and why we are committed to elevating our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Mr McClay says.

“Collectively, ASEAN is New Zealand’s fourth-largest trading partner, with two-way trade now worth more than $29 billion a year. Strengthening these relationships is vital to achieving the Government’s ambition of doubling the value of New Zealand’s exports in 10 years.”

“Over the past 15 years, trade with ASEAN has more than doubled under AANZFTA. Worth USD$4.13 trillion there is even more potential ahead, and Kiwi exporters are well-placed to seize those opportunities.”

Mr McClay says his focus in Malaysia will be on advancing New Zealand’s priorities with ASEAN counterparts and giving Kiwi businesses the certainty they need in a volatile global environment.

“At a time of global uncertainty, strong trade ties with ASEAN, and through AANZFTA, are essential. They mean more opportunities for exporters, more jobs for New Zealanders, and more growth across our regions.”

During his visit, Mr McClay will take part in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Closer Economic Relations Meeting, and the East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting.

Mr McClay departs New Zealand on 23 September and returns on 26 September.

Source: New Zealand Police

Tasman Police have arrested two people after finding a kilo-and-a-half of methamphetamine in their vehicle

Members of the Tasman Organised Crime Unit stopped a rental vehicle coming from a ferry terminal about 11.50am on Monday. Officers executed a search warrant and during the search located a bag of crystalline substance, later determined to be methamphetamine.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye said Police believed the drugs were bound for Motueka, and would have caused a large amount of harm in the community.

The two men, aged 66 and 69, have been jointly charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply, and will appear at the Blenheim District Court on Tuesday 23 September 2025.

“Meth causes massive damage to users, families and communities. We don’t want it in Tasman and will do everything we can to remove the drugs and dealers off the street,” said Dye.

“We will keep targeting people who are bringing these drugs into our community.”

If you have concerns about illegal drug use in your community, please call 111 if there is an immediate risk to safety or make a report via 105.

You can also anonymously report information to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police work alongside partner agencies to help people affected by addiction get the help they need.

Anyone can get support by calling free and confidential services, such as:
• Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797
• Narcotics Anonymous: NZ 0800 628 632
• 1737 – free text/phone to speak with a trained councillor
• Youthline: 0800 376 633

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Privacy Commissioner – Blog

It’s human nature to chat about other people but when those people are children I’d say we need to do better as a nation. The recent events in Marakopa, the actions of Tom Phillips, and the lives of his three children have generated a strong emotional response within our motu, and across the world. It’s understandable that people want to know the circumstances, how such events were able to happen, and whether the people involved are okay. 

Social media is an easy place to share those opinions, which people – mainly adults – are doing without pause. It can feel like harmless entertainment to comment under news stories, speculate on X, or argue with strangers on Facebook about things like what good parenting is. But I want New Zealanders to pause and consider the wider picture.  There are children at the heart of these events, and it is ultimately the children who will be affected. 

The Children’s Commissioner, Claire Achmad, recently called on media companies to protect and respect the privacy of the three children in the Marakopa case. Acknowledging the public interest, Dr Achmad said, “The children need privacy and have a right to this”. It’s great that some media outlets have heeded the Commissioner’s call. Now I’m asking New Zealanders to do that too. 

These children didn’t ask to be front and centre in news stories. They didn’t ask to have their names and personal information known by the nation. And they deserve better, which means respecting their privacy because regardless of your age in New Zealand you have privacy rights.

As a country we have a collective responsibility to help protect and respect the privacy of children. Words spoken, thoughts and stories shared, and pictures posted can live forever in New Zealand. In the online environment, those words, thoughts, stories and pictures travel widely and quickly, in many cases unchecked. The internet doesn’t care if the words are true or whether the opinions you’ve shared are well-researched and legit, or whether the pictures you’re posting have no context. Online everything has equal footing. However, we’re talking about children’s lives, and this sharing of information and ideas could continue to haunt them for years to come. 

Unlike other countries, we don’t have a “right to be forgotten” in New Zealand privacy law, which is the right to have personal information removed or deleted, for example from internet search engine results.

Add to this that a child or young person’s information, including information about their family and whānau, is an intrinsic part of who they are – it represents their past, their present and their future. When we fail to protect and respect a child’s information and their right to privacy, the impacts can be significant and the harm it creates can be long lasting. 

To every New Zealander, and every organisation that holds information about these children, I ask you to pause and think. Think about your words, your thoughts, your stories or the pictures you may want to share, post or repost online. Think about how they may impact those involved – both now and in the future – and do better by them. 

We need to ensure we do everything to protect our children’s privacy and their futures. While your need for understanding may be strong, especially when events have occurred like those in Marakopa, the protection of children and their privacy must come first. 

This originally ran in The Post as an opinion piece by Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster on 20 September 2025.

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