Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Wellington’s SH1 Terrace Tunnel is due for its annual WoF.

In the same way your car needs to pass regular inspection to ensure it is safe, the same applies to the State Highway 1 Tunnels in Wellington. They both must have annual Building Warrant of Fitness checks,” says Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager.

“Because they are critical infrastructure on heavily used traffic routes, they must be inspected, assessed, and maintained regularly.”

Wellingtonians can expect to see a week of night closures of the Terrace Tunnel next month while the inspection takes place.

“This will take five nights to complete. The tunnel will have to be closed while this work is underway, so drivers will need to use alternative local road routes through the city.

“We appreciate this will affect traffic and cause some delays, but these inspections are essential and must be done to ensure the tunnel remains in good repair. We will make the most of the closure by carrying out resurfacing work on the approaches to the tunnel at the same time. In effect, we will be getting two jobs done at once,” Ms Hilliard says.

The Terrace Tunnel will be closed Sunday to Thursday nights (8 to 12 February), between 9pm and 5am.

Contractors will also use this closure for essential resurfacing work on SH1 on Vivian Street, between Willis Street and Cuba Street. 

The resurfacing work will require lane closures on Willis Street and Victoria Street. On one night there will be a full closure of Victoria Street, between Abel Smith Street and Ghuznee Street. 

There will also be a Stop/Hold in place one night at the Vivian Street and Cuba Street intersection. Drivers can expect delays travelling in this part of the city. 

To get this essential work done quickly, contractors will be working at night and, though roadworks can be noisy, they will aim to keep noise to a minimum. 

Southbound traffic will be directed off SH1 via The Terrace, Ghuznee Street, Taranaki Street and back onto SH1. Northbound traffic will be directed off SH1 via Willis Street, Ghuznee Street, The Terrace, and back onto SH1. Follow the sign posted detours when travelling. 

Similar work for the Mount Victoria Tunnel is currently scheduled to be done in March. Updates on timing will be shared when details are confirmed.

Works schedule and detour route

• Sunday, 8 February, to Thursday 12 February. 9pm – 5am
• SH1 Terrace Tunnel CLOSED. Local road detours available
• Lane closures also in place on Willis Street and Victoria Streets for resurfacing works
• Southbound detour via The Terrace, Ghuznee Street, and Taranaki Street
• Northbound detour via Willis Street, Ghuznee Street, and The Terrace.

More information

Source: New Zealand Government

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has received advice from officials outlining options for dealing with reports of rockpools around Whangaparāoa Peninsula and other areas being stripped of marine life. 

“I know people are concerned about the sustainability of these rock pools which are critical to the health of ecosystems. That’s why I will be making my decisions in the next week,” Mr Jones says.

The options set out a range of possible restrictions to gathering from rockpools as well as public education. 

“I understand the frustrations of people who care about their coastlines but it is important I have all the information before making such significant decisions. For example, I’m considering whether there needs to be a change of rules to better recognise the importance of rockpool species that are not usually gathered for food.”

In the meantime, Fishery Officers are working on the frontline of sustainability, regularly patrolling popular beaches around Auckland and other regions to enforce the rules.

Mr Jones assured the public that the vast majority of those gathering marine life from rock pools were doing so within the current rules.  However, there would always be those who exploited the resource.

“I am aware that a recent checkpoint carried out by Fishery Officers in Clevedon, South Auckland, found significant non-compliance from gatherers in that area. Of the 130 inspections done, 23 offences were identified including large hauls of cockles and mussels. 

“This blatant disregard for the rules is unacceptable, and Fisheries New Zealand will hold those to break the rules to account.”  

Making changes to the rules is just one part of resolving the issues.

“It’s important that communities know how they can get behind initiatives to support the important protection of marine ecosystems,” Ms Marcroft says. 

“I am continuing to meet community leaders and groups, along with Fisheries officials, to help educate people about the role they can play in ensuring sustainability and the importance of their local rockpools.  

“Minister Jones and I are committed to ensuring healthy and thriving coastal areas that can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.” 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  28 January 2026

New Zealand has 147 living native gecko and skink species (lizards) – all of which are found only here – and new species are still being discovered.

A whopping 29 new lizard species were assessed for the first time since the last report in 2021. New genomic studies by Otago University (looking at complete lizard DNA) have led to previously recognised species being split into new species, overturning our understanding of some lizards. Four species newly discovered in the wild (three skinks and one gecko) were also included.

This latest threat assessment paints a stark picture of the status of New Zealand’s native lizards. Of 147 lizard species, 59 (40%) are classed as Threatened, 68 (46%) At Risk and 16 (11%) Data Deficient or too poorly known to assess. Just four species (3%) are Not Threatened.

The main cause of decline is introduced predators, but habitat loss to development and impacts of invasive species like wasps, ants and frogs also contribute. More than half (54%) are estimated to be at risk of climate change impacts.

Department of Conservation Senior Science Advisor James Reardon, who was on the expert assessment panel, says 17 lizard species have improved in status since 2021, mostly due to better knowledge about them although the improved status of four is due to management efforts.

“In recent years through focussed research we’ve tested new tools such as fenced enclosures, which are improving outcomes for some of our most threatened lizard species.

“For example, Grand and Otago skink numbers are recovering in an area where predators are managed at Macraes Flat in the Waitaki District and within the fenced Mokomoko Sanctuary near Alexandra.

“Populations of Kapitia skink moved to a 1.3 ha fenced enclosure and small experimental “leaky” fenced areas on the West Coast are also increasing.

“We’ve recently built a new 5 ha fenced enclosure near Reefton to protect the critically threatened Alborn skink, which has an estimated population of just 30 individuals. We’re hopeful this sanctuary will turn its fortunes around.”

On the other hand, eight lizards have been assessed as having worse status. For seven species, this is due to new information improving our understanding of their situation rather than actual decline.

However, for Sinbad skink in Fiordland, numbers have dropped in the past five years, and extensive searches of its alpine habitat has shown it has gone from areas where it once was, says James.

“Sadly, we’ve seen a decline in Sinbad skinks, which are found in a single alpine gully in Fiordland. Its status has worsened to the highest threat level.”

The biggest threat to lizards is predation from invasive mammals, especially mice. The report notes that predator control operations targeting rats, possums and stoats can unintentionally result in lizard populations declining, since mice populations tend to increase when large predators are removed. More effective control tools need to be developed to protect lizards from mice.

The discovery of lizard species is showing no signs of slowing down and people can contribute to new findings when they’re out naturing.

DOC welcomes information about lizard sightings, especially in alpine areas or seldom-visited locations. Take photos and send reports with location details to lizardresearch@doc.govt.nz.

People can also support efforts to save the critically endangered Alborn skink by donating to New Zealand Nature Fund.

Further information

A panel of ten experts assessed 159 reptiles including 101 skinks, 48 geckos, tuatara, five turtles, and four sea snakes and kraits, using the New Zealand Threat Classification System, updating the last assessment from 2021.

Conservation status of reptiles in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2025

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

One man is lucky to be alive after a fall down a Northland cliff face, stranded for more than five hours, with little to no line of communication to the outside world.

Various agencies pulled together on Saturday night, after a 53-year-old man called Police at around 9.42pm reporting he had fallen near Butterfly Bay, north of Tauranga Bay.

Detective Sergeant Ryan Cooper, Northland Search and Rescue, says initially the cell phone coverage was poor, making it difficult to pinpoint the man’s exact location.

“There were long periods where we were not able to speak to him via phone or text,” he says.

“From the first phone call we believed the man had fallen approximately 100-150ft down the cliff face, making it a threat to life.”

In an effort to locate the man a frontline Sergeant and Police SAR teams coordinated from above and below the cliff face.

“A member of SAR managed to voice appeal the man using sound line techniques,” Detective Sergeant Cooper says.

“This was very difficult to do as to be able to locate him our officer had to saddle the side of the cliff.”

At the same time the Northern Emergency Services Trust deployed its helicopter to the area, however, were unsuccessful in reaching the man due to the steep terrain and strong winds.

“Unfortunately, this was not known at the time of deployment, as we were not certain of his exact location initially,” Detective Sergeant Cooper says.

“Once we located him were we able to deploy a ropes team to the scene.”

The man was eventually winched to safety at 2.36am.

“He was extremely shaken up but miraculously hadn’t suffered any injuries aside from a few scrapes and bruises,” Detective Sergeant Cooper says.

“The man was very appreciative of his rescue and was reunited with his son back at a nearby campground.”

Detective Sergeant Cooper is pleased the operation was a success, and credits Land Search and Rescue for their work.

“It’s times like these where our LandSAR teams combined skills lead to a successful rescue,” he says.

“This rescue presented challenges with the cell phone reception and weather being a factor, but we managed to rescue the man back to safety.”

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will set out its financial intentions for the coming year on 28 May when it delivers the 2026 Budget, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“The focus of this year’s Budget will be on supporting the delivery of core public services – in particular, health care, education, defence, and law and order.” 

Nicola Willis says the Budget will demonstrate tight control of discretionary government spending while funding a limited number of priority commitments.

“There will be no splashing the cash.  

“Careful stewardship of public finances is essential to fixing the basics and building the future. 

“Delivering savings and reprioritising existing expenditure will again be features of the Budget. 

“These sorts of decisions are always tough, but they are necessary to ensure we can continue to fund the public services people rely upon while getting the books back in order.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now name the man who died after a fatal crash involving a cyclist on Friday 23 January.

He was Timothy Waka Maru, 55, from Dannevirke.

Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are responding to a helicopter crash in the Paekākāriki Hill area.

Police were notified at 7.30am via activation of an automated crash alert.

Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre is coordinating the search efforts.

At this stage there is no further information available but an update will be provided as soon as we are able.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

This summer, Auckland Zoo is inviting visitors to slow down and rediscover the wonder of nature through its vibrant new ‘In Your Nature‘ community art trail.

Now open and running until 8 February 2026, the trail showcases a stunning collection of 88 artworks, photographs, and poems created by nature lovers from across Aotearoa.

A celebration of community creativity

Selected from hundreds of entries, the featured works represent an extraordinary range of voices—from toddlers to octogenarians—each offering a unique perspective on what it means to connect with nature.

The pieces span everything from oil paintings and wildlife photography to children’s drawings and hand‑painted sketches. Together, they form a rich visual tapestry that speaks to how profoundly the natural world inspires creativity and wellbeing.

Dr Sarah Thomas, Auckland Zoo’s Head of Conservation Advocacy and Engagement, highlights the heart behind the exhibition:

“It’s in our nature to connect with nature, and it’s really good for us! Research shows that spending time connecting with wildlife and in green spaces contributes to lowering stress, boosting our mood, and deepening our sense of belonging and wellbeing.”

Always Be Naturing: a moment for connection

The trail doesn’t only display art, it actively invites you to slow down and reflect on your personal connection with nature.

To help with this you’ll see action-oriented panels explaining simple ways to get “naturing,” such as exploring the outdoors without headphones or helping keep coasts tidy with a beach clean-up. 

You’ll also see our Always Be Naturing “50 Fun Things” display showcase 50 ways to engage with outdoor spaces, giving practical ideas for naturing activities you can do at home. 

Whether you’re seeking a mindful moment, an inspiring family outing, or a deeper connection with Aotearoa’s wildlife, the “In Your Nature” Art Trail offers a beautiful new way to connect.

Plan your visit

The Art Trail is included with general admission and is open daily until 8 February 2026.

For families, creatives, nature enthusiasts, or anyone needing a wellbeing boost, this vibrant celebration of community art is a summer must‑see.

📷: Nicole Steven | DOC

Partnership with Auckland Zoo

For more than three decades, Auckland Zoo and DOC have collaborated on recovery programmes and fieldwork for some of our country’s most threatened species.

In 2024 we signed a new strategic partnership to deliver even greater outcomes for conservation across Aotearoa.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now share the name of the man that died after he was struck by a train on Lincoln Road in Addington on Friday 23 January.

He was 30-year-old French national Maxime Antoine Vandenbosch, who was living in Christchurch.

Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Maxime during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is increasing assistance for farmers and growers affected by recent severe weather, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson say.

“Significant rainfall, flooding, slips, and hailstorms have caused damage to farms, crops, and rural infrastructure,” Mr McClay says.

“The Government will provide an additional $200,000 to Rural Support Trusts to further assist recovery efforts. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed; however, this funding will be made available in Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, and Tairāwhiti.”

Mr McClay says Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) staff are on the ground working closely with sector groups and the Trusts to identify where support is most needed.

“The Trusts play an important role in supporting farmers and growers facing personal, financial, and weather-related challenges,” Mr Patterson says.

This funding is in addition to the $2.2 million announced yesterday by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to support affected regions through Mayoral Relief Funds and to reimburse marae that provided welfare services in response to the event.

Farmers and growers needing assistance are encouraged to contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.