Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Another busy summer season of road maintenance and renewals means everyone will enjoy the benefits of smoother roads thanks to the Government’s record investment in state highway maintenance and pothole prevention, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“NZTA’s annual state highway renewal programme is already underway, continuing delivery of the largest-ever investment into road rebuilding and resealing. This has been made possible through ring-fenced investment of $2.07 billion for pothole prevention, focusing investment into road and drainage maintenance and renewals.

“The overall volume of more than 2,100 lane kilometres of newly rebuilt or resealed roads will be similar to last summer. A significant portion – almost 300 lane kilometres – of this is dedicated to delivering new roads, replacing end of life seals and pavements with brand new materials that will last.

“Continuing our focus on rebuilding roads will reduce the number of potholes appearing on the state highway network during winter months, ensuring that New Zealanders experience stress-free travel year-round. After tripling delivery to over 300 lane kilometres last summer, producing the same result again this summer keeps the foot on the accelerator as NZTA continues working to improve the overall condition of the state highway network.”

Regions with significant programmes of new road building include Taranaki, West Coast, the coastal Otago area that includes Dunedin and Oamaru, and Southland. All of these regions will receive more than 20 lane kilometres of new roads. The innovative Tīrau to Waiouru programme is also continuing this year, with a mixture of road rebuilding and asphalt surfacing already underway in multiple locations. 

“We’re hearing that the travelling public is seeing and experiencing the difference this investment is making. Providing a safe, smooth and resilient state highway network that helps increase productivity by unlocking economic growth is a key priority for this government.

“Additionally, NZTA has adopted new risk-based traffic management guidance across all maintenance contracts, ensuring this work will be delivered effectively and efficiently – and with the right number of cones and signs for the work at hand. This will minimise disruption across the network while these works take place – often at times when many of us are finishing our Christmas shopping or taking our summer holidays.”

The annual renewal programme can be viewed on the interactive NZTA Forward Works Programme map.

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Lew Warner:

The woman assisting Police with enquiries into a serious incident in Matatā on Saturday has now been charged.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Flax and Matatā Roads about 3.50pm, after a report of two people being injured by a third person while in a vehicle. The vehicle left the road and crashed.

One of the victims died at the scene. The second victim is in a stable condition in hospital.

The 35-year-old woman is due to appear in Whakatāne District Court today on charges of murder, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Police enquiries are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Cordons are in place at a property as Police investigate a serious incident in Riverdale, Gisborne, this morning.

Police were called to an address on Ormond Road, near Lytton Road, about 4am, where a person was located with critical injuries.

There is a visible Police presence in the area and motorists should expect diversions while Police work at the scene. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area.

Further information will be released when we are in a position to do so.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has been arrested in Wadestown this afternoon, after he allegedly entered a property and threatened the occupants with a weapon.

Police were called about 12.35pm to Anne Street, after a report of a man entering a house with a large, bladed weapon and attempting to steal a vehicle.

When challenged he has begun causing damage to the property, and on Police arrival, OC spray has been deployed.

He has then retreated to a room in the house and refused to come out.

While Police were trying to de-escalate the situation, the man has become violent and has presented a threat to attending staff while still in possession of his weapon.

OC spray and tasers have been used, and when the man has continued to escalate, a single shot has been fired by a Police staff member.

The Armed Offenders Squad and Police Negotiation Team have then arrived, and the man has been taken into custody with the assistance of a Police dog about 2.20pm.

The man has been transported to hospital to receive treatment for a dog bite, where he will remain under Police guard. He has also sustained a superficial injury to his shoulder, believed to be as a result of the shot fired.

Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell says this was a fast-moving situation involving a volatile offender.

“We are fortunate this incident was resolved with no injury to our staff or members of the public.

“We will be ensuring the victims of the initial burglary incident receive support, as they are understandably very traumatised by what’s happened today.

“Our staff attending the incident will also be supported.”

A scene examination is now being carried out at the address, and the public can expect to see an increased Police presence in the area.

The matter will be referred to the IPCA, as is standard procedure for incidents of this nature.

Charges are still being considered and will follow in due course.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Lucy Aldridge:

Police searching for missing 17-year-old Marley are releasing an update on the clothing he is believed to be wearing.

Marley was wearing a light grey coloured Adidas hoodie and low-cut burgundy coloured converse shoes.

The bottom half of his clothing cannot be confirmed at this stage.

Police re-iterate that Marley was last seen in Opawa at around 2:30pm on Friday 26 September and his vehicle was later located in Sumner.

We continue to appeal for anyone in Sumner and Scarborough with CCTV or doorbell cameras on their property to check their cameras from 2:45pm.

If you see Marley please call Police via 111, quoting the reference number 250927/3331. Information after the fact can be made via 105, using the same reference number.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Victoria Road, Tauwhare is closed following a two-vehicle crash this afternoon.

Police were called to the crash, between Ringer Road and Tauwhare Road, at around 2:40pm.

Initial indicators are that there have been serious injuries.

The road is closed, in both directions, while emergency services work at the scene, and will remain closed for some time.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are continuing to investigate after a person died during a serious incident in Matatā yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Flax and Matata Roads about 3.50pm, after a report of two people being injured by a third person while in a vehicle. During the incident, the vehicle left the road and crashed.

Despite the best effort of emergency services, one of the victims died at the scene. The second victim is in a stable condition in hospital.

The road was shut while a scene examination was completed and reopened about 2am today.

Detective Inspector Lewis Warner said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

“This is a shocking event and we are still working to understand why this happened. Police are providing the injured victim wraparound support, and support has been offered to the members of the public who were first on the scene and did everything they could to help. 

“The victims are known to the alleged offender, but at this early stage we are limited in the detail that we can provide.

“A 34-year-old Rotorua woman is assisting us with our enquiries.”

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Three innovative trans-Tasman space projects designed to enhance maritime awareness, improve agricultural planning and secure satellite communications have secured up to $5.3 million in government funding.

“I am delighted to announce second-stage funding for three innovative, collaborative projects, all of which demonstrated clear plans for real-world impact in earlier feasibility studies,” Space Minister Judith Collins says. 

“By building advanced space capabilities, creating new commercial opportunities and strengthening international competitiveness, these projects will boost our economies, bring New Zealand and Australia closer together and advance the Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy goal of accelerating aerospace innovation.” 

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti says the projects showcase the collaborative drive and commercial focus the Government is fostering through major reforms to New Zealand’s science and innovation system. 

“These projects exemplify the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives our science sector forward. By pooling expertise and resources with our Australian partners, we’re not only tackling shared challenges but also opening new opportunities for growth and technological advancement,” he says. 

Funded through the Catalyst Fund, which fosters international science and innovation partnerships for New Zealand’s benefit, the projects are:

• Monitoring the Southern Indo-Pacific from Space – The Takehē Mission: Led by Restore Lab Ltd (NZ) and SmartSat CRC (Australia), this satellite mission will deliver advanced maritime domain awareness across the Indo-Pacific.
• Satellite Sensing in Agricultural Practices: Led by the University of Canterbury (NZ) and the University of Newcastle (Australia), this global satellite-based soil moisture monitoring system aims to boost water efficiency and drought resilience for farmers.
• Governance and Management of a Network of Free-Space Optical Communication Nodes: Led by the University of Auckland (NZ) and the University of South Australia (Australia), this project seeks to establish a trans-Tasman optical communications network for high-speed satellite data transfer.

“These projects harness the strengths of our researchers to build capability, support our economy and protect our national interests. Congratulations to all three teams, I look forward to watching your progress,” Ms Collins says.   

The trans-Tasman projects are the result of an agreement between the New Zealand Space Agency and Australia’s SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (SmartSat CRC) to collaborate on research projects that advance space science, leading to real world benefits. 

New Zealand’s investment is matched by support from Australia. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Constable Lindsay Weir:

Whangārei Police are appealing to the public for information after a crash on State Highway 1 in Oakleigh yesterday evening.

Police were called to the crash involving two vehicles, one of which was towing a trailer, at around 5:40pm Saturday 27 September.

Thankfully, there were no serious injuries.

Police are asking for anyone that may have witnessed the crash or have dashcam footage of the crash and aftermath to please get in touch.

If you can help us in our enquiries, please contact Police on 105 and referencing event number PO63946063.

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

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are continuing their search for missing 17-year-old Marley today.

“Yesterday, Police, with the help of Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard Sumner, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand and volunteers searched the Scarborough whitewash area,” says Detective Sergeant Lucy Aldridge.

“Today our search efforts are focused on the surrounding bays and involves using drones, as well as boats and land teams to cover as much ground as possible.”

Marley was last seen in Opawa about 2:30pm on Friday 26 September and his vehicle was later located in Sumner.

“We are urging anyone in Sumner and Scarborough with CCTV or doorbell cameras on their property to check their cameras from 2:45pm on Friday.”

Marley is thought to be wearing black track pants and a dark-coloured hooded jersey.

If you see Marley please call Police via 111, quoting the reference number 250927/3331. Information after the fact can be made via 105, using the same reference number.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre