Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died following a single vehicle crash on Wickliffe Road last night.
Emergency services were notified of the crash about 9:10pm.
In addition to the deceased, one person was seriously injured and one person sustained minor injuries.
The Serious Crash Unit attended and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre.
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 30 January 2026
The recent closure, under DOC’s Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) for Mautohe Cathedral Cove, stems from the recent extreme rain event across the North Island. Landslides and rockfalls are a known risk across the wider coastal area DOC manages, including Mautohe Cathedral Cove.
DOC’s Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly says geotechnical specialists visited the site on Thursday, 28 January, and recommended a continuation of the landslide risk management approach, which has given DOC confidence the track can be reopened.
“We have a large body of data about landslide and rockfall risk at Mautohe Cathedral Cove, a lot of experience managing the site – and combined with our TARP, we’re able to make well-informed and quick decisions, like this one to reopen the track,” Nick says.
Part of DOC’s risk management for Mautohe Cathedral Cove is to monitor known landslips areas, and that will continue. DOC closes Mautohe Cathedral Cove after heavy rainfall events in line with the TARP.
Nick says public safety remains DOC’s top priority – and people should be alert for rockfall, landslips and debris, both on the track and on the beach itself.
Recent events on the East Coast and in Mt Maunganui – along with advice previously obtained by DOC – have shown the risk to public safety must be carefully managed based on reliable information.
There has also been a large landslide on the closed Hahei coastal track to Grange Rd – reinforcing the previous decision not to repair and reopen that part of the track network. Work to completely decommission that closed section of the track will be planned.
Reinstatement work at Waimata Gemstone Bay remains on hold and the track is not available to the public.
Assessments this week have also revealed damage at two other north Coromandel DOC visitor sites.
Nick says Matarangi Bluff Track – a popular walking track about 40 minutes north of Whitianga – is impassable, with the current slip very close to an historical slip in the same area. It’s believed the slip can be cleared with light machinery – but the timing of that work is still to be confirmed.
Visitors are urged to stay off this track until further notice. An alert on the DOC website will be lifted when the track is cleared and considered safe.
Further north, there are several slips on the North Coromandel Walkway, a popular walking and cycling track north of Stony Bay and Port Charles.
Nick says the North Coromandel Walkway requires a geotechnical assessment so the scale of the damage and the possibility of further slips can be fully understood. There are also sections of the track where there is a fall risk due to the proximity of the damaged sections of the track to cliff faces and steep drops.
“People should not go naturing at these two locations – we believe they are not safe, and there is a risk of injury to visitors,” Nick says.
“We’ll lift the website alerts for all our damaged sites once we’re satisfied they’ve been cleaned up and are safe.”
There is has been a change of plan in reopening DOC’s North Coromandel campsites. DOC previously signalled it hoped to reopen the campsites this weekend.
Closer inspection of the campsites has revealed more damage than first thought, and the availability of contractors is crucial to being able to make the campsites ready for visitors.
Nick says the revised target to reopen the north Coromandel campsites is Waitangi Weekend, but that relies on a range of factors still being worked through.
Would-be campers should keep an eye on the DOC website and contact Booking Services.
Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. DOC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Police
The following is a statement on behalf of Natallia and Carmine, Sharon’s mum and dad:
Our hearts are broken following the passing of our beautiful daughter Sharon Maccanico.
Sharon was born in Italy. At age 3, she moved to Australia and at age 8, moved to New Zealand.
This was where her passion for dance began. Sharon wanted to be a professional dancer, and she would often practice for hours every day.
She participated in seven solo competitions at regional and national level and won all seven. Last year she also won an international competition in Belarus.
We gave her all the support we could and were so proud to watch her work towards achieving her dreams.
We had the most amazing relationship with Sharon, from the day she was born, she was loved by all.
Our family is a very close family and always did everything together.
Sharon and Natallia had a bond like no other, and were best friends. Sharon felt comfortable to talk to her about everything and had a very close relationship with both her parents.
Sharon has an older sister in Belarus, who no matter how far apart they were, would always remain in close contact and had such a strong bond.
She was very close to her family in Italy and would often call home and talk to everybody for hours.
Her teacher at school always told us that she was the heart of the class because of her strong energy.
She made so many people happy and touched so many lives. We loved that she had the ability to get along with absolutely anyone.
Sharon was very well respected and had a great sense of humour.
One year ago, Sharon met the love of her life Max. They very quickly formed a strong relationship.
Max became a treasured part of our family, and he looked after Sharon and made her feel so special.
We would like to thank everybody that has reached out to our family and sent kind messages.
We have been so well supported, and we would like to especially thank all the people who have worked so hard to bring Sharon back to us.
We also want to express our gratitude to the community, local iwi, and all the people who have been beside us through this difficult time. We are very grateful for their support.
Note to media: The family will not be providing further comment and ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
The recovery effort at Mount Maunganui following last week’s landslide remains ongoing today, as the operation moves into week two.
Superintendent Tim Anderson, Bay of Plenty District Commander says this has been a challenging operation for everybody involved.
“As this operation reaches week two, it gives a great indication of the sheer scale of what we are working with here.”
Police continue to call on staff from out of district
Since the landslide on Thursday 24 January, Police has utilised hundreds of specialised staff across a number of workgroups.
“We have seen a significant number of staff from around the country travel into Mount Maunganui in recent days.
“Over the course of the last week, Police staff from several districts have come into the region to assist with the recovery operation, as well as relieve some of our staff who have worked incredibly hard.
“It has been warm the last couple of days, so we need to maintain our focus on staff safety.”
Specialist technology remains in place
Technology that was sent up from Wellington on Sunday 25 January remains in place and has been a great contributor to the safety of staff working at the scene.
“It was imperative that this technology was brought up and installed, and we have already seen success in its purpose, when staff were alerted to an issue with excess water within the scene on Thursday 29 January, suspending search efforts temporarily.
“While there is no way for us to control a natural hazard, the technology has greatly assisted our recovery teams by providing another safety method for those who are working meticulously to bring people back to their loved ones,” says Superintendent Anderson.
Recovery teams making good progress
Recovery teams working at Mount Maunganui have made good progress in recent days, however there is still a lot of work to do.
“Due to the nature of the work being undertaken, we do not have a timeline on when work will be complete.
“We are here for those grieving and for the families that have lost loved ones in this tragedy. The teams on scene are doing a great job at looking after each other, and we all want to reunite families with their loved ones.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is rolling out support to schools, kura and families in Northland and Gisborne to minimise potential disruptions, Education Minister Erica Stanford said.
“Our thoughts and ongoing support are with the students, families, and teachers who have been affected by the severe weather we are seeing,” Ms Stanford says.
“Our priority is on ensuring people have access to services they need to minimise disruption. We are ensuring transport and school lunch provision, warm and dry places to learn and meet, and assessment and repairing of damages.
“Closed and damaged roads have disrupted several school transport services in rural areas – we are working on restoring those services as soon as possible.
“Ministry staff are working with schools and providers to ensure the Healthy School Lunches programme remains available, including for support students cut off from their schools.
“In Northland, an Education Hub is being set up at Whangaruru School. This is set to support primary and secondary students who can’t currently access their schools in Whangārei.
“This Education Hub will accommodate up to 40 students. Teacher aides will be available to provide additional support for children who need it.”
“In Gisborne, some schools have moved their start dates to 9 February following the severe weather. School principals in Te Araroa / Hicks Bay are exploring alternatives including online learning, use of local marae for teaching spaces, sharing of teaching space across differing schools, and more teaching support.
Ms Stanford says there will be an 0800 number from the Ministry for families in Northland with education-related concerns. The Ministry of Education’s Gisborne office is available to receive all calls about education concerns and is contactable on 0508 656 565.
“I strongly encourage people to reach out, along with staying connected to the wider support that is available outside of education.
“The school property team are assessing all schools. Most assessments have been completed and damage fortunately appears to be minimal.
“I want to thank the schools and kura for their leadership and innovation, and for stepping up and supporting the affected children and their families during this challenging time. Regional Ministry staff will remain in contact with schools and kura to assist where needed.”
Source: New Zealand Government
The deployment of a New Zealand Defence Force liaison officer to Israel has been extended by an additional three months, Defence Minister Judith Collins says.
“The situation in Gaza continues to evolve as implementation of the peace plan progresses,” she says.
“This deployment continues to make a critical contribution to our understanding of what is a dynamic and complex operating environment in and around Gaza.
“This extension is to ensure that the NZDF liaison officer can continue to improve our understanding of what is happening on the ground to inform any future decisions regarding New Zealand’s potential contributions.”
The extension is until 3 May 2026, and the liaison officer will continue to be based in the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre.
Source: New Zealand Government
People affected by recent severe weather are receiving temporary accommodation and marae-led welfare support, with recovery assistance now being delivered on the ground, says Minister for Māori Development and Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka.
“Temporary accommodation is already in place for households who cannot return home, with 17 motorhomes currently on the ground supporting displaced whānau. A further 25 motorhomes are now on the move, with more being deployed to affected areas as access allows,” Mr Potaka says.
Delivered through the Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service, households are being placed quickly, with assessments typically completed within 24 hours of registering with the service.
“Marae are often the first-place people turn to and they responded immediately with manaakitanga by opening their doors to welcome displaced people providing kai and shelter for whānau when it mattered most. We are making sure their mahi and leadership is acknowledged and that they’re not left carrying that cost,” Mr Potaka says.
The Government, through Te Puni Kōkiri, is delivering $1 million through the Marae Emergency Response Fund. The first tranche will see $600,000 to support 22 marae.
People who have been displaced, or who may need temporary accommodation, are encouraged to register for support.
Notes to editors
Source: New Zealand Government
A project to restore 110 hectares of native forest on Northland’s remote Kōwhairoa Peninsula Historic Reserve is on track, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.
“What began with a local vision and volunteer hard work has grown into a thriving restoration project, thanks to the Provincial Growth Fund boost in 2020. Since then, 94,000 native plants have been established from locally-sourced seeds and pests brought under control,” Mr Jones says.
The project received government funding of $1.54 million under the former Provincial Growth Fund’s One Billion Trees programme, administered by Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service.
The project, led by Te Komanga Marae Trust, involves planting 132,000 native trees and controlling pests to recreate a native forest on steep, deforested, coastal land.
“The Kōwhairoa Peninsula is a significant site for Māori and was remarkable for its diverse flora and fauna, and old growth forests which were unfortunately cleared for their timber by early settlers. This project is restoring the old forest species that once dominated the area.” Mr Jones says.
Mr Jones travelled by boat to the remote Whangaroa Harbour reserve today to plant a tree and celebrate the forest restoration progress, five years after first visiting at the project’s launch.
The reserve land was returned to the Te Komanga Marae Trust to manage, as part of Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa’s 2017 Treaty settlement. Te Komanga Marae trustee Roger Kingi has led the project with guidance from ecologist Dr Adam Forbes and early assistance from the Department of Conservation.
“The Kōwhairoa Peninsula Historic Reserve is a culturally and ecologically significant to New Zealand, it is great to be a part of the restoration of such a site.” Mr Jones says.
The project is on track for completion at the end of 2026.
Source: New Zealand Government
A new facility at Mason Clinic in Auckland has officially opened, marking the next chapter of forensic mental health services in New Zealand, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey say.
“The opening of this facility is a major step forward for forensic mental health in New Zealand and strengthens the infrastructure needed to deliver safe, effective care,” Mr Brown says.
The Mason Clinic is New Zealand’s largest forensic psychiatric service, supporting close to two million people across Auckland and Northland. E Tū Wairua Hinengaro is a three-storey, 10,000-square-metre building – nearly double the size of the facilities it replaces.
“Modern facilities are essential for good health outcomes. They improve safety, support staff to do their jobs well, and ensure patients receive treatment in environments that are fit for purpose.
“This new facility strengthens the Mason Clinic’s ability to deliver quality forensic mental health services for the long term, while maintaining safety for patients, staff, and the wider community,” Mr Brown says.
The $200 million facility has 60 replacement inpatient beds, enabling the closure of four outdated units. It is one of the largest specialist mental health infrastructure projects in the country and forms part of nearly $1 billion being committed nationally to modernise hospitals and specialist facilities.
Mr Doocey says the new building will deliver safer, more effective care for patients and the community.
“People enter mental health facilities to get well and to be safe, and that is exactly what this new facility is designed to do. Families should be confident that when a loved one is receiving care, they are in a secure environment with the right support to recover.
“By investing in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities, we are ensuring people receive the care they need to get better, while also protecting the wider community.
“Expanding and upgrading mental health facilities is a key part of the Government’s plan to improve access to mental health services and deliver better outcomes for patients,” Mr Doocey says.
The opening builds on wider work underway in forensic mental health, including a $51 million investment in Budget 2025 to deliver 10 new acute inpatient beds and eight new step-down beds through non-government organisations in the Midland region.
Note to editors:
Source: New Zealand Police
The following is a statement on behalf of Lisa’s husband, Travis:
We are absolutely devastated following the loss of our beloved Lisa.
Lisa was a cherished daughter, mother, aunty, sister, grandmother (Nan Nan) and wife, and we all loved her dearly.
Lisa was very spontaneous and adventurous. She was always looking for new things to do and would never shy away from a challenge.
Lisa was fully devoted to her job as a learning assistant and loved working with young people that had challenges in their learning. She loved nothing more than seeing students succeed and overcome personal obstacles.
That is one thing, among many, that we loved about her, and know the whole community did too.
Lisa always had the best interests of others at the front of her mind, and she would always put others before herself. She was incredibly selfless and would often sacrifice things for other people.
Lisa went above and beyond for her friends, her family, and the community.
She was loving, humble, loyal and we are going to miss her immensely.
Lisa did not like attention, but she always worked so hard in the background to help others succeed.
We as a family would like to thank Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Urban Search and Rescue teams, rapid relief, local iwi, and everyone who has been on site day after day working tirelessly to help bring Lisa and all those unaccounted for, back to their families.
Note to media: The family will not be providing further comment and ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve.
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Issued by Police Media Centre