Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Media are invited to the 392 Raelene Castle recruit wing graduation.

What:              Graduation of the New Zealand Police 392 Recruit Wing.
Who:               For families and friends to celebrate with the 89 newly attested police officers.
Why:               Completion and graduation from their initial training course.
Where:            Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua.
When:             Thursday 5 December at 10am – media will need to be in place by 9.45am.
How:               RSVP the Police Media Centre if you’re attending: media@police.govt.nz

Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Pannett will attend the ceremony along with members of the Police executive and Wing Patron, Raelene Castle – Ngāpuhi, ONZM.

The 392 Wing Patron:

Raelene Castle, Ngāpuhi, is the Group Chief Executive of Sport New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ).  She joined HPSNZ in December 2020 and was appointed Group Chief Executive in April 2022. Before this, she spent seven years working in Australia as Chief Executive of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and then Chief Executive of Rugby Australia. She was previously Chief Executive of Netball New Zealand from 2007 to 2013.

Before beginning her career in sports administration, Raelene built a successful corporate career in communications, sales and marketing. This included general management and other senior roles at Telecom New Zealand (now Spark), Bank of New Zealand and Fuji Xerox. 
Raelene has held several governance roles in sport, previously serving as a board director of the ANZ Championship Netball, International Federations of Netball Associations, SANZAAR Rugby and the World Rugby Council.

She also has a rich sporting background as a former representative-level netball, tennis and lawn bowls player.

Raelene was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2015 for services to business and sport.

More details about statistics, prize winners and other recruits will be shared after graduation on Thursday and a follow up Ten One story will be published later this month. 

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Hurunui on Thursday 29 January.

He was 69-year-old David Moss, from the United Kingdom.

Our thoughts are with those close to him at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

A major investment into Greymouth and Westport ports will boost coastal shipping and stimulate economic growth across the West Coast, Associate Transport and South Island Minister James Meager says.

The $5.3 million funding comprises of $4.3m for upgrades to the Port of Greymouth, and $1m for a regional safety programme to be shared with Westport Port. 

Crown funding stems from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, with the Grey District and West Coast Regional Councils co-investing an additional $671,200 for both projects.

“Greymouth is the West Coast’s largest port but currently has limited ability to berth larger coastal shipping vessels due to the main freight wharf’s poor condition. Major works are required for it to accommodate freight traffic increases, which is essential if we want to grow the region’s economy,” Mr Meager says.

“This will include the reconstruction of up to 80 metres of currently unusable wharf to allow loading and unloading of cargo vessels. A roll-on, roll-off facility will also be built, to enable front loading craft to move large equipment and freight with ease.

“The upgrade will significantly increase the region’s resilience when completed in early 2028. It will create a much-needed avenue for essential supplies and equipment to be delivered by sea, in the event of a disaster which cuts off road and rail links.

“Additionally, a shared Regional Harbour Master programme will be established for both ports, alongside upgraded navigational aids. This will support commercial shipping’s return to Greymouth and ensure the longevity of both ports’ operations.”

West Coast-Tasman MP Maureen Pugh has welcomed investment, calling it an opportunity to grow the coastal shipping industry and tidy up the harbour.

“This is yet another investment into crucial infrastructure for the West Coast and reflects our commitment to fixing the basics and building the future,” Ms Pugh says.

Notes to Editor:

•            The Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund was established through the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024. The $30 million fund invests in projects which enhance the sector’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from events that could disrupt New Zealand’s freight system.

•            This is the second confirmed recipient of the fund, following a recent investment in Eastland Port.

•            Installation of improved navigational aids is expected by the end of 2026, while a shared Regional Harbour Master programme is expected to be in place by the end of 2027.

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that Te Whare Kounga will open as a new charter school in Term 3 2026. 

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. Today’s announcement demonstrates the innovation enabled by the charter school model,” Mr Seymour says.

“Te Papatipu Matihiko (the school sponsor) have been operating an alternative education programme in Wairoa for the last two years. That programme was a huge success. Students and schools were lining up to take part once space opened up. The charter school model has allowed them to meet some of this demand. 

“Wairoa has one of the highest rates in the country of young people not in employment, education or training. Te Whare Kounga recognises that mainstream education is failing these kids.

“Te Whare Kounga will ensure children in Wairoa have access to all the opportunities associated with an education. That is what they deserve. 

“Students will be met where they’re at and taught in ways that resonate with them. The curriculum will be hands-on and deeply local. Students may explore science through things like water quality testing, math’s through food production data, or literacy through Māori storytelling. Students will work towards NCEA.  

“To create a stronger sense of community and leadership, non NCEA subjects will be taught in mixed-age groups. 

“Charter schools show 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, then apply strict performance standards to the best ones.

“It will join the five new charter schools announced in the last couple of weeks which will open in 2026. This takes the total number of charter schools to 18. We expect more new charter schools to be announced before the end of the year, along with the first state schools to convert.

“I want to thank the Charter School Agency and Authorisation Board for the work they have done getting charters open. They considered 52 applicants for new charter schools. This year they tell me the choices were very difficult.

“This is just the beginning. I hope to see many more new charter schools opening, and state and state-integrated schools converting to become charter schools.”

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  04 February 2026

Rangers were shocked when a person sent in photos of three ducks hunting and killing freshly hatched native pūteketeke (Australasian crested grebe) chicks next to Lake Alexandrina, just south of Lake Takapō/Tekapo.

The pūteketeke hit global headlines when comedian John Oliver successfully campaigned for the Australasian crested grebe to win the Forest & Bird, Bird of the Century crown in 2023.

DOC Principal Biodiversity ranger Dean Nelson says they were horrified to see graphic photos of pūteketeke chicks being eaten alive, knowing how unusual it is for ducks to prey on other birds.

“Mallard ducks usually eat plant material, with a little bit of protein from insects and snails during the breeding season. It was shocking to see them eating pūteketeke chicks. We went out there straight away and I observed three mallard ducks in the outlet creek where the grebe nests are. They were actively scoping out the pūteketeke nests to see if they had chicks.

“The adult pūteketeke didn’t see the danger as they don’t perceive the ducks as a threat.”

This duck behaviour was unknown to DOC experts, and there was a concern that it would spread, as ducks learnt from each other, says Dean Nelson.

“There was a case which was referenced in a research paper from a Cambridge University scientist describing how a group of mallard ducks were attacking and eating the chicks of two common bird species in Romania in 2017. It claimed this was a world first and the ducks may have been searching for a source of protein before laying eggs and nesting.”

Dean Nelson says the member of the public did exactly the right thing in calling DOC about the incident and taking photos as evidence, otherwise he says it would’ve been hard to believe.

“This is a great example of people taking action for nature and looking out for our vulnerable species. While some people think the pūteketeke is introduced because of its name (the Australasian crested grebe), the reality is they’re native and are classed as nationally vulnerable.

“We want the public to be really engaged with nature. People can be our eyes and ears out ‘naturing’ and that’s fantastic for us, as our rangers can’t be everywhere,” he says.

Last December campers and boaties around the popular Lake Benmore shoreline in Canterbury were asked to look out for pūteketeke over the summer holidays after reports of nests being disturbed at the Ōhau C campground. Many nests were adjacent to the boat ramp and spread out around the lakeshore.

The pūteketeke colony has had 40 to 50 nests each year for the last five breeding seasons and birds have raised their young much later than usual in the outlet creek next to Lake Alexandrina. The ‘colonial’ style of nesting so close together makes them easy prey for predators.

DOC staff have caught the three offending ducks with nets and removed them from the site and humanely euthanised them. They are also heading out again today to check that no other mallard ducks have learnt the behaviour.

Anyone who sees sick, injured or at-risk native wildlife can ring 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant John Kean:

Southland Police continue to search for Invercargill man, Kevin Belling, who was reported missing on Sunday 18 January.

Kevin, 62, was last seen at his Motu Rimu farm on Friday 9 January and has not been heard from for nearly four weeks now.

Police Search and Rescue and Land SAR teams have conducted extensive searches, and last Saturday focused on his Caeser Road property in Kapuka. The search involved foot search teams and a drone.

Unfortunately, Kevin has not been found and Police continue to appeal for any information that could help us find him.

Police urge the community to be vigilant and to check their rural properties for any sign of him.

It is very unusual for Kevin to not be in contact with anyone for this long, and Police and his loved ones have serious concerns for his welfare.

Anyone with information is urged to call 105 and reference file number 260118/6964.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing up to $35 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to help local start-up OpenStar Technologies position New Zealand at the forefront of the global research into fusion energy.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says the loan will support the creation of a specialised facility for OpenStar’s next fusion machine.

“The successful development of fusion is the holy grail of energy production. It could be a game-changer for this country’s energy security, economy and environment,” Mr Jones says.

Fusion energy is an emerging technology that seeks to replicate the process

powering the Sun by fusing light atoms into a larger atom, releasing a vast

amount of carbon-free energy.

“New Zealand’s OpenStar Technologies, led by Dr Ratu Mataira,  is one of more than 50 companies worldwide competing to deliver a breakthrough in fusion energy. OpenStar is developing a different design approach to its competitors which offers advantages in stability, cost and scalability,” Mr Jones says. 

“Over a century ago, New Zealand scientist Ernest Rutherford pioneered nuclear science. Today we are backing New Zealanders to lead the next big breakthrough in harnessing fusion energy, a technology that could deliver significant benefits for our country and the world.

“The Government’s substantial investment in the project will help anchor a bespoke fusion energy research and development facility in New Zealand.

“It will also enable OpenStar to scale up its research and development programme, helping to attract international investment and creating high-value jobs here in New Zealand.

“The project has the potential to uncover spinoff applications for the aerospace and medical technology sectors. These could potentially have enormous benefits in the medium term, while the technology further evolves towards the ultimate goal of delivering fusion energy.

“This funding supports infrastructure that drives economic growth, fosters innovation, boosts productivity and strengthens energy security,” Mr Jones says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Road access to one of New Zealand’s most important cultural sites, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, has been upgraded in time for Waitangi Day events, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

Haruru Falls Rd, which provides a secondary route to the Treaty Grounds without going through Paihia, received a $1.57 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to seal the remaining 3.7km of metal road.

“Anyone familiar with the road will know that it was a dusty, uneven and sometimes treacherous route because it was partially unsealed,” Mr Jones says.

“This upgrade will ensure safe and resilient access for the thousands of local and international visitors to what is one of New Zealand’s most historic and culturally important sites. The Treaty Grounds also house Te Rau Aroha – the 28^th Māori Battalion Museum. These hugely important parts of our history now have a road that goes some way to fitting their stature.”

The sealing project was completed just days before Waitangi Day celebrations.

Mr Jones officially opened the upgraded Haruru Falls Road at a ceremony today along with iwi leaders, trustees of the Waitangi National Trust, Far North Mayor Moko Tepania and other dignitaries in attendance.

The upgrades include drainage, paving, earthworks and fitting of guardrails. Far North District Council contributed $400,000 to the project. 

“The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are a place for all New Zealanders and where much of our country’s history was shaped. It’s a site of national significance and its importance is evident in the more than 160,000 visitors who head to the grounds each year,” Mr Jones says. 

The Treaty Grounds are undergoing an infrastructure upgrade funded with a grant of up to $10.2 million from the RIF. The project involves protecting nationally significant historic buildings from water damage and upgrading other facilities.

So far new toilets, a new carpark and lit pathways have been installed. The Treaty House has been repainted and protected from water with new drainage. 

The upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is delivering on its commitment to ensure every child gets the support they need to thrive, with major Budget 2025 learning support initiatives rolling out in schools as students return for Term 1 of the school year.

Budget 2025 invested $746.7 million to strengthen learning support – the largest boost in a generation. Today marks the beginning of the rollout of those significant initiatives, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“Early identification and timely support are critical for lifting educational achievement. From today, new services and specialist support are in place that benefit hundreds of thousands of students in classrooms all around the country.”

Key initiatives include: 

• Learning Support Coordinators (LSCs): this year more than 100,000 Year 1–8 students and their teachers will benefit from new Learning Support Coordinators across 474 schools.
• Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS): the package also expands support for learners with the highest needs, with additional funding already enabling 500 more students to receive support since Budget 2025 and another 1700 due to receive support by 2028/29
• Early Intervention Services (EIS): From this year support extends through Year 1 and includes 560 specialist roles and additional Teacher Aide hours.
• Teacher Aide Hours: In total an additional 800,000 Teacher Aide hours have been funded this year with more being added every year. 

The Government is also investing in helping kids catch up when they need additional support. Structured literacy intervention teachers are now working in 1,248 schools and maths intervention teachers are now in 812 schools, accelerating the learning of thousands of students around the country. 

Ms Stanford says that the Ministry of Education is now launching the induction programme for Learning Support Coordinators to provide high-quality professional learning and development that enables them to maximise the impact of their roles on learner achievement. 

“The induction programme will ensure nationally consistent practice and provide essential knowledge and skills for teachers starting in the role,” Ms Stanford says.

“This Government is ambitious about raising educational achievement. Our changes provide the support and resources required by students and their teachers to experience success in the classroom, so that every child can reach their potential.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Two teenagers were quickly apprehended after an early morning burglary at the Devonport Ferry Terminal.

Police were contacted at around 6.10am on Tuesday.

“Two males were reported to have allegedly forced open a roller door at a convenience store within the ferry terminal,” Waitematā East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant CJ Miles says.

“They both made off with various products from inside the store.

“Units deployed into the Devonport area, with a dog handler quickly on the scent and tracking the pair down.”

Senior Sergeant Miles says the two males, aged 13 and 15, were both taken into custody without further incident.

The 15-year-old male will appear today in the North Shore Youth Court on a burglary charge, with the second male being referred to Youth Aid.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police