Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Maritime New Zealand

In New Zealand there are more than 150,000 registered beacons. These are lifesaving tools to assist people if they get into trouble while undertaking activities in the great outdoors.

Source: New Zealand Police

A large-scale search is ongoing for a missing Christchurch woman, whom Police hold grave fears for.

Tracy, 66, was reported missing about 1.20pm on Wednesday 17 September, after missing a pre-planned lunch date. Her Tesla was found along Taylors Mistake Road in Scarborough about 2pm, but there was no sign of Tracy.

Constable Kieran Palmer said Police, Search and Rescue volunteers, Fire Emergency New Zealand, and Sumner Coastguard volunteers have been involved in the search.

“We’re very concerned for Tracy’s welfare, and her family wants her to return home.

“Police have carried out enquiries through the night, and searchers are back out there this morning looking for Tracy, and we ask anyone with information to contact us immediately.”

Tracy is of a small build, with grey curly hair, and may still be in the Whitewash or Scarborough area.

Anyone who sees Tracy should call 111 immediately, referencing 250917/1820.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a major investment in AI research to build New Zealand’s AI capability, fast-track commercialisation, and drive economic growth.

The Government will invest up to $70 million over seven years through the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology to support innovative AI research and applications, develop world-class expertise, and sharpen New Zealand’s competitive edge.

“AI is transforming economies worldwide, and New Zealand must be bold and seize the opportunities,” Dr Reti says.

“Our existing AI research is expanding, with innovative work already under way in areas such as precision health and agriculture.

“This investment will accelerate that work by bringing our best researchers and businesses together to build capability, fast-track commercialisation, and create high-value jobs and new opportunities for Kiwi researchers.”

Dr Reti cited a recent partnership between the Auckland Bioengineering Institute and the Oden Institute at the University of Texas, supported by the Catalyst Fund, as an example of how AI can lift productivity, reduce costs, and deliver better outcomes for New Zealanders.

“New Zealand researchers, drawing on international AI expertise, are developing real-time digital models of the human body to personalise treatment, cut hospital costs, and generate millions in licensing revenue.

“Teams behind the project estimate that AI-driven public health solutions could deliver between $80 million and $160 million in annual healthcare savings. By combining AI with advanced modelling, this project could save up to $32 million a year in hospital costs through better management of chronic diseases and generate up to $16 million in annual licensing revenue from digital twin tools.

“The $70 million investment in AI through the Advanced Technology Institute can help scale up exactly this sort of ambitious, world-class research that strengthens our economy and positions New Zealand as a global leader in next-generation technologies,” Dr Reti says.

Investment in AI was recommended by the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Council, which recently appointed Grant Wright—an expert in digital transformation and product innovation through AI and emerging technologies.

“I am pleased to welcome Grant Wright as the newest member of the Council, which is working to shape a future-focused, resilient, and globally competitive science and technology ecosystem.”

Source: New Zealand Government

The new Third Main Line in Auckland will be a game changer for rail freight and will enable more frequent passenger trains, Rail Minister Winston Peters and Transport Minister Chris Bishop say. 

The Third Main was opened by the Ministers at an event in South Auckland this morning, followed by a passenger train trip down the 6.5km line from Wiri to Middlemore Station. 

“We funded this $328 million project in 2020, adding a third track in the busiest part of Auckland’s rail network to ensure a busier passenger network does not derail our economy by blocking rail freight,” Mr Peters says.

“Auckland is our largest city and congested roads are no good for locals, tradies or anybody else, and it is also New Zealand’s largest domestic market where efficient freight connections here enables benefits from Northland to Southland. 

“Rail moves 17 per cent of the freight task to and from Auckland with 4 million tonnes hauled last financial year equating to 2.7 tonnes for every Aucklander, and our efforts to optimise KiwiRail’s freight business means there is real opportunity to grow volumes and get more trucks off our roads.

“We extend our thanks on behalf of the Government to KiwiRail for its work delivering the project,” Mr Peters says.

Minister Bishop says more frequent passenger trains will be a breakthrough for transport in Auckland. 

“Major cities across the world, including those we like to compare ourselves to, have far more frequent train services than anything we’ve seen to date in New Zealand. 

“Opening the Third Main means we can look forward to seeing reliable peak services every 5 – 8 minutes across the city, giving Aucklanders more transport options and improving productivity. It’s a necessity if our largest city is going to grow sustainably, while lifting the economy.

“The Third Main also provides an alternative route for trains to run during planned or unplanned disruption, providing resilience in our transport system and keeping services and people moving through this busy part of Auckland.

“Alongside other recent investments in Auckland’s transport network, including the Papakura to Pukekohe rail electrification project, rail upgrades and renewals in Auckland through Budget 2025, and the City Rail Link, the Third Main will help keep our biggest city moving.”

The Third Main project, which was funded in 2020, includes a third rail line between Wiri and Westfield junctions (including Puhinui and Middlemore Stations); track upgrades at Quay Park (where the Eastern Line passes) to enable flexibility for freight moving in and out of Port of Auckland; track upgrades at Wiri and Westfield Junctions; and the redevelopment of Middlemore Station to include a new, third platform. 

Approximately 6.5km on new track has been laid and 50 pieces of track infrastructure (turnouts), which improve flexibility by allowing trains to switch between tracks, have been added.

Source: New Zealand Police

Motorists are advised to avoid travelling through New Lynn due to a crash between a bus and a car around 7.02am.

Road closures are in place between Margan Ave and Rankin Ave while the road is cleared.

There were no passengers on the bus which was stationary at the time off incident.

The driver of the car sustained minor injuries.

Enquiries are underway to determine the cause of the crash.

ENDS 

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, and Saudi Minister of Investment, H.E. Dr Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi signed a joint statement establishing the New Zealand–Saudi Arabia Business Council this week.

“Worth nearly USD$3 trillion, Saudi Arabia is a top 20 export market for New Zealand and one of the most dynamic economies in the world. The establishment of this Business Council is an important step in strengthening trade and investment links between our two countries,” Mr McClay says.

“The upcoming conclusion of the free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council will open the door to significant new opportunities, particularly in Saudi Arabia. The Business Council will ensure New Zealand companies are ready to seize those opportunities, while also boosting investment flows between our two economies.”

Mr McClay says business councils are a proven way to build stronger commercial connections and support exporters to succeed.

“A dedicated New Zealand–Saudi Arabia Business Council will raise awareness of opportunities, strengthen relationships, and help Kiwi firms do well in this growth market. It will play a key role in contributing to the Government’s goal of doubling exports by value in 10 years.”

“Trade supports jobs in every region of the country, and stronger export and investment links mean more opportunities, higher wages, and greater opportunities for all New Zealanders,” Mr McClay says.

Source: New Zealand Government

A bill to make revenue collection on imported and exported goods fairer and more effective has been passed by Parliament, Customs Minister Casey Costello said today.

“The Customs (Levies and Other Matters) Amendment Bill modernises the way in which Customs can recover the costs of services that are needed to efficiently process trade and protect New Zealand’s borders against threats such as illicit drugs,” Ms Costello says.  

The Bill makes three key changes:

• It introduces a levy regime into Customs legislation so that in the future levies can be made (as an alternative to fees) to recover Customs’ goods management costs;
• It clarifies that Customs or other agencies can collect product stewardship fees (for example on tyres) under waste minimisation legislation on behalf of the Ministry for the Environment; and

• It makes the process of seeking GST refunds on imported goods, which are returned overseas and then replaced, fairer and more accessible.

“The bill is about improving the system – it doesn’t change or increase rates of existing charges or introduce new charges,” Ms Costello says.

“A levy regime is more appropriate and best practice when costs need to be spread across a class or category of payers, such as importers, rather than placing the cost directly on an individual.”

Customs already has a levy regime in place for recovering costs related to travellers, the Border Processing Levy. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a serious crash in Ellerslie earlier this afternoon.

The two-vehicle crash was reported on Main Highway at 3.37pm.

Sadly, a female occupant from one of the vehicles died at the scene despite assistance from emergency services.

An occupant from the second vehicle suffered serious injuries.

An investigation is now underway to determine the circumstances of the crash.

Police can advise the earlier closure of a section of Main Highway remains in place at this stage.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Remutaka Hill Road is closed due to a high wind warning.

The closure of the road is required for safety and won’t be reopened until winds ease.

Motorists are advised to add extra time to their journey, as the alternative routes are State Highway 3 / Te Ahu a Turanga or the Pahiatua Track, which are significantly longer.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Whangārei detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in investigating a cowardly aggravated robbery late last month.

Police would like to speak to two men featured in footage after the victim was left with facial injuries following the ordeal.

Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, of Whangārei CIB, says the victim was approached at around 2.10am on 17 August 2025 in Whangārei CBD.

“The victim had been seated on Rathbone Street after a night out in town, when he was approached by two men,” he says.

“These men have spoken with the victim, who was intoxicated at the time, before he was assaulted a number of times.

“At one point the victim has briefly lost consciousness during the offending and has suffered bruising as a result.”

Items have been stolen from the victim’s pockets during the aggravated robbery, including his wallet.

Detective Sergeant Overton is calling on the community to provide information.

“This was a cowardly assault, and I know the community will share a dim view on what has happened,” he says.

“I’m confident someone will know exactly who these two individuals are, and I’m asking them to come forward and provide information.”

If you can assist Police enquiries, you can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250817/7197.

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

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police