Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing $4 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for infrastructure to support the Bisset Road social housing project in Kaikohe, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) will support essential infrastructure such as roads, stormwater and wastewater, and infrastructure for carrying utilities like power and telecommunications. 

“The RIF is designed to support projects that deliver regional benefits, and Bisset Road is a prime example. Kaikohe needs more warm, secure, affordable homes, especially for workers for its growing businesses, and this funding will help,” Mr Jones says.

“More widely, the project means Ngāpuhi rangatahi and local tradespeople can gain apprenticeships and hands-on experience as this project rolls out. It means jobs for locals and a stronger regional workforce. 

“The build will help strengthen regional supply chains by using local timber and contractors and will provide good quality, affordable homes for whānau,” Mr Jones says.

The RIF grant follows on from the more than $50m government investment into housing in the Far North last year.

The Bisset Road development, which has been approved for Fast-Track, will provide up to 100 new affordable rentals, meaning rents will be capped at 80 percent of market rates for at least 25 years.

“The project demonstrates how community-led activities can deliver long-term outcomes for whānau, hapū, and communities across Te Tai Tokerau,” Mr Potaka says

The development is being undertaken by community housing provider Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi Limited – the health and social services delivery arm of the iwi authority Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngāpuhi. 

Additional funding comes from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, which is providing a grant of $29.7m, along with a $13.6m loan from Auckland-based social enterprise Community Finance. 

“We’re creating long-term stability for whānau in an area with high housing need, demonstrating what can be achieved when iwi and government work in partnership.” 

“Ngāpuhi is delivering on its plan to provide homes for its people. Together, we’re creating warm homes, local jobs, and opportunities that will last across generations,” Mr Potaka says.

Infrastructure work is underway and expected to finish this year, whilst the whole development project is expected to be finished in 2027. 

Source: New Zealand Police

A body has been located at a beach in Napier.

At around 8:25pm on Thursday 5 February, Police were notified that a body was seen in the water off The Esplanade, Westshore.

Police and Coastguard responded and conducted a search for the body, which was located just before 1:30am.

A formal identification process is underway, and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Four youths and a 20-year-old man have been apprehended following a burglary at a commercial premises in Upper Hutt overnight.

Hutt Valley Area Commander, Inspector Wade Jennings says Police were notified of an attempt to break into a store on Main Street at around 12:40am.

“The alleged offenders made multiple attempts to gain access to the store, however those attempts were unsuccessful. They then fled the scene in a vehicle.”

That vehicle was later seen by Police where it was stopped, and five people were apprehended.

“The quick reporting of this incident by the store owner assisted Police greatly with gathering all necessary information, leading to locating and apprehending these youths.

“We understand the impact that this kind of offending has on local businesses and will continue to work to ensure we hold these offenders to account.”

The alleged offenders are due to appear in Court on 12 February.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey have welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for psychologists employed by Health New Zealand, following a vote by members of the Association of Professional and Executive Employees (APEX).

“I’m pleased for the approximately 670 psychologists nationwide who will benefit from this agreement. It recognises the skill, dedication, and professionalism of psychologists who care for patients and their families every day,” Mr Brown says.

“Just as importantly, it provides greater certainty for the workforce and supports the vital role psychologists play in delivering services to people and communities across the country.”

Around 670 psychologists will receive pay increases of 2.5 per cent in the first year and 2 per cent in the second year, over a 24-month term starting in January 2026.

The agreement also strengthens professional pathways, with expanded development opportunities and a new salary step to recognise senior expertise across the profession.

“Our psychologists support Kiwis at some of the most challenging moments in their lives. By supporting this important workforce, we’re helping ensure patients remain at the centre of the health system and can access safe, timely, and quality mental health care,” Mr Doocey says.

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Senior Sergeant Roy Appley:

Christchurch Police investigating the burglary of two mountain bikes are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the two people pictured.

We believe the two people pictured may have some information that could assist in our enquiries into a burglary on Bealey Avenue.

On Sunday 1 February at around 6.15am, two mountain bikes, with a combined value of $4,000, were stolen.

Police are making enquiries to identify and locate the two people pictured as we believe they can assist in our investigation.

We would also like to speak with anyone who may have information, CCTV or dashcam footage in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police via 105, referencing file number 260201/3919.

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

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Government investment in two horticulture developments on underutilised Māori land will unlock economic potential in Northland and Waikato, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say.

“These Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) investments will bring collectively owned Māori land into productive use in these regions. They will strengthen local horticulture supply chains and accelerate a shift in land use,” Mr Jones says.

The two initiatives being funded are: 

• The Mid-North Kiwifruit Project – a kiwifruit development in Te Tai Tokerau, to be delivered by Oromahoe and Rangihamama Omapere trusts – will receive a $4m loan and $200,000 grant.
• Ngāti Hauā Horticulture – a horticulture development in Waikato, to be delivered by Ngāti Hauā – will receive a $2.05m repayable grant. 

The Mid-North Kiwifruit Project will use its funding for orchard preparation and infrastructure including irrigation, drainage, access tracks, orchard structures and shelter belts. 

“With a total project value of $20.7 million, the RIF’s $4.2 million contribution has unlocked major local co-investment from key players in the local horticulture sector,” Mr Potaka says.

“This opportunity transforms underutilised land into high value horticulture and delivers long-term economic benefits for whānau in Te Tai Tokerau.” 

The Ngāti Hauā horticulture project will bring nine whānau-owned land blocks, totalling more than 90ha, into commercial production, growing asparagus, strawberries and blueberries. The RIF funding will be used to build infrastructure, expand packhouse capacity and support the first crop plantings.

“This project is helping build a sustainable horticulture industry to support whānau for generations in Waikato,” Mr Jones says.

The project has a total cost of $5.1m and has co-funding from investors and joint venture partners Peria LP under the Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust. 

“These initiatives show what is possible when iwi leadership and government support align behind a shared vision. They are delivering productive whenua Māori, stronger regional economies and generational opportunities,” Mr Potaka says.

Note to Editors:

Funding is approved in principle and announced, subject to conditions being met, after which contracts are negotiated. Some funding may depend on updated information as agreed in contract negotiation. Payments are made once agreed milestones are met. These are set as part of contract negotiations and differ from project to project.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  05 February 2026

This mobile kauri education resource brings a unique multi-sensory experience to the people of Te Tai Tokerau and its visitors. The public are invited to visit from 9:30 am at the sports field, M1, opposite the Treaty Grounds.

The innovative advocacy and education platform results from a partnership between the Kauri Ora Iwi CoLab (a collective of four Te Tai Tokerau iwi), Northland Regional Council (NRC), and the Department of Conservation, with support from Ministry for Primary Industry’s Tiakina Kauri. The partners share a clear goal: strengthen community understanding of kauri protection and support action on the ground to keep kauri safe.

Debbie Martin from Kauri Ora Iwi CoLab says: “The partnership has been guided by the CoLab’s whakataukī / vision: E kore te kauri e tū mokemoke. Our kauri never stand alone. The forest ecosystem stands with kauri, as do all hapū, iwi and community. Unchecked, disease caused by the pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida (PA), would devastate kauri forests, and consequently the wellbeing of the ngahere and its people. We are all connected.”

Chair of NRC’s Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party Jack Craw says: “Protecting our kauri is something every one of us can play a part in. Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri will help grow the awareness and know how our communities need to keep these taonga thriving.”

Martin Akroyd, Plant Pathogen Manager for DOC acknowledges the value of the partnership: “It has been fantastic working together in collaboration on an advocacy initiative to help our communities understand the impact the disease has on kauri, and the behaviours required to ensure the trees are protected when out naturing in the majestic kauri forests in Te Tai Tokerau,” he says.

Visitors to Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri can engage with both visual and hands on immersive learning activities, including:

• Kauri bark rubbing activity
• The relationship between kauri and tohorā, brothers of land and sea as told by Ngātiwai
• Kauri hygiene protocols to prevent the PA disease from spreading
• Get to know the flora and fauna that live and interact with kauri as whānau
• Virtual reality experiences within kauri ngahere

Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri will travel across Te Tai Tokerau to kura, schools, and community events Northland. Please email matauranga@kauriora.org.nz for more information.

Background information

The Kauri Ora Iwi CoLab is a collective of four Te Tai Tokerau iwi represented by Te Roroa Commercial Development Limited, Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa, Ngātiwai Trust Board and Ngāti Kurī Trust Board. Together, these iwi are mana whenua over approximately 60 percent of the remaining kauri whenua in Te Tai Tokerau. The CoLab exists to ensure the survival of kauri through iwi led biosecurity, governance, and operational leadership and excellence.

Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri was inspired by the Waikato Regional Council’s (WRC) kauri trailer resource — an initiative that has proven impactful in community and school settings. We gratefully acknowledge the support and sharing of WRC of resources and guidance.

Featuring Tane Mahuta, Rakau Rangatira from Waipoua, we acknowledge Te Roroa for allowing us to represent their taonga on Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri.

Partners acknowledge the permission to share the Ngātiwai korero of Kauri and Tohorā: Brothers Of Land And Sea.

Partners acknowledge the funding and visuals provided by Tiakina Kauri.

Phytophthora agathidicida

• Kauri is threatened by a soil-borne pathogen called Phytophthora agathidicida (PA).
• PA is spread by soil movement, including by:
  – footwear, clothing or equipment that touches the soil
  – vehicles that have driven through infected areas
  – animals, including wild pigs and stock, that have walked through infected areas.
• PA infects kauri trees through their roots and restricts their ability to transport water and nutrients between their roots and the leaves. This causes the condition known as kauri dieback disease, which eventually starves the kauri.
• There is no proven way to cure a kauri tree that has been infected by the PA pathogen, and there are limited treatment options.
• To date, the PA pathogen has been detected in the Northland, Auckland, and Waikato regions, but we do not yet know how many kauri trees have been infected by it.
• Ensuring the survival of kauri for future generations depends on all of us taking actions and doing everything we can to stop the PA pathogen from spreading.

Contact

Source: Green Party

Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono has launched his Member’s Bill to recognise whales as legal persons with inherent rights, including the right to freedom of movement, a healthy environment, and the ability to thrive alongside humanity. 

“Our tohorā are sacred ancestors for many communities across Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, but they are under threat from commercial fishing, pollution, and climate change.” says Teanau Tuiono. 

“This Bill represents a transformation in how we protect our marine species and the wider moana, to create a law that would protect whales by legally recognising their mana.” 

The Bill describes te mana o te tohorā through five fundamental principles: Freedom of movement and migration, protection of natural behaviours, protection of social and cultural structures, right to a healthy environment, and the right to restoration and regeneration of habits and ecosystems.  

“Indigenous peoples are the enduring kaitiaki of our moana. When we follow their lead, we can protect our precious species and the places they call home.” 

“The Tohorā Oranga Bill will recognise the inherent mana of tohorā and require decision-makers under a range of environmental law to recognise and provide for the rights of tohorā. 

“By recognising the mana of tohorā, this Bill represents a transformation in how we protect our marine species and the wider moana.” says Teanau Tuiono.

Source: New Zealand Police

The quick action of Police has resulted in the arrest of one person following an investigation into a suspicious fire at a commercial premises on Oruanui Street in Taupō.

The fire was reported to emergency services around 10.30pm on Tuesday 3 February.

One property sustained substantial damage, and spread to the adjoining building, which sustained minor fire damage.

Thankfully, the premises were unoccupied, and no injuries were reported.

A fire investigator inspected the scene on Wednesday morning, indicating the fire was lit deliberately.

Evidence led to a 53-year-old man being charged with arson. He appeared in the Taupō District Court today and is remanded in custody until 17 March.

As the matter is now before the courts, Police cannot comment further.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

The Southern motorway is down to one lane following a four-vehicle crash this afternoon.

The crash was reported to Police at 4.05pm.

One vehicle has flipped on to its side and is blocking the right-hand lanes.

There are multiple injuries reported ranging from minor to moderate.

Motorists are asked to delay travel if possible and expect delays.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police