Fatal crash: Wanaka

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a crash on Roche Street, Wanaka this morning.

The crash was reported at around 10:45am.

One person has died at the scene.

An area of Roche Street remains closed while a scene examination is completed.

ENDS

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Fatal crash: Te Poi

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a crash on State Highway 24/Tauranga Road, Te Poi this morning.

The two-vehicle crash was reported at around 9:45am.

One person died at the scene, no further injuries were reported.

The road remains closed, with diversions in place.

Motorists are advised to expect delays.

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Roche Street, Wanaka closed following crash

Source: New Zealand Police


District:

Southern

Roche Street, Wanaka is closed following a crash.

The single vehicle crash was reported at around 10:45am.

Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

ENDS

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Review commissioned of ManageMyHealth cyber security breach

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown has commissioned the Ministry of Health to review the response to a ManageMyHealth cyber security breach involving patient information.

ManageMyHealth is a privately operated patient portal used by some general practices around New Zealand. It holds medical information and enables patients to communicate with health professionals.

“I know this breach will be very concerning to the many New Zealanders who use ManageMyHealth, and we need assurances around the protection and security of people’s health data,” Mr Brown says.

“Patient data is incredibly personal and whether it is held by a public agency or a private company, it must be protected to the highest of standards.

“I have decided to commission the Ministry of Health to lead a review of the ManageMyHealth and Health New Zealand’s response.

“We must learn from this incident, to avoid any repeat events in the future.”

The purpose of the review will be to:
•    assess the cause(s) of the incident,
•    review the adequacy of the data protections that were in place and the response to the incident, and
•    recommend any improvements required to prevent similar incidents occurring.

“I have written to the Director-General of Health asking that the review will commence no later than 30 January,” Mr Brown says.

“While this review should commence as soon as possible, it is important that the focus continues to be on the immediate response to the incident and that we do not distract from this response. An Incident Management Team has been meeting daily to coordinate advice and support across government agencies.

“In the meantime, I expect the Ministry to develop Terms of Reference, in consultation with the Government Chief Digital Officer and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and a timeline for the review process.”

Health New Zealand has advised there has been no impact on its systems. It is working with primary care providers through General Practice New Zealand (GPNZ) to clarify the potential impact on patients and general practices. General practices remain open and providing services.
 

Fatal crash: Rolleston

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Rolleston this morning.

The single vehicle crash on Jones Road was reported just after 7:45am.

The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

Jones Road remains closed while a scene examination is carried out.

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Reminder: New Year lane closure on Cambridge Road part of major intersection upgrade works

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is reminding road users that January 2026 will mark a significant milestone for the Tauriko Enabling Works project, as crews undertake an intensive programme of works to progress the State Highway 29 (SH29)/Cambridge Road intersection upgrade.

While many locals continue to enjoy their summer holidays, the team is taking advantage of reduced traffic volumes and the absence of school buses to deliver what’s being dubbed ‘Super January’ – a concentrated effort to complete as much work as possible during this period. 

Darryl Coalter, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Acting Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery says the ambitious approach will include removing temporary sheet piles, earthworks, relocating utilities, road construction and resurfacing. 

“To do this safely, we’ll need to close a short section of the northbound lane on Cambridge Road, from the SH29 intersection to 579 Cambridge Road, from today (Saturday 3 January) until early February,” says Mr Coalter.

“All Bethlehem-bound vehicles will need to detour via SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road or SH29A and Cameron Road. The southbound lane will remain open. 

“We appreciate this will cause some disruption, so we’re committed to working extended hours to minimise the overall impact. This short-term inconvenience will mean less disruptions in the future.”

Work will take place 7 days a week, with some extended shifts (7am to 12am) and night works (6pm to 5am).  

The intersection upgrade began in late 2024 with construction of a 210-metre retaining wall, supported by temporary sheet piles. The first stage of sheet pile removal is already underway behind safety barriers with no traffic impact. In early January, removal will continue in the narrower section of Cambridge Road, requiring the lane closure. 

Once January works are complete, the team will focus on road widening and pavement construction. The full upgrade will deliver a safer, more efficient intersection for all road users, with completion expected in 2027.

What you need to know: 

  • Cambridge Road northbound lane 24/7 closure from Saturday 3 January, and reopens early February, ahead of the school year commencing.  
  • Northbound detour: Bethlehem-bound traffic via SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road (adds 15 mins, toll applies) or SH29A/Cameron Road (adds 22 mins, free route). 
  • Cambridge Road southbound lane: Remains open
  • Cambridge Road right-turn bay closure: Cambridge Road to SH29 – Kaimai Range/Hamilton-bound traffic must turn left onto SH29, then use SH29/SH36 roundabout to change direction. 
  • Temporary speed limits: 60km/h on SH29 approaches; 30km/h on Cambridge Road near the work site. 
  • Resident access: Via detours; vehicles exiting driveways within the closure must turn left onto SH29 and follow the detour. 

NZTA appreciates the patience of residents and road users while we complete this important work.

More information: Tauriko Enabling Works

State Highway 24/Tauranga Road closed following crash

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 24/Tauranga Road is closed following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash was reported at around 9:45am.

Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

The road is closed near Old Te Aroha Road. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

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Jones Road, Rolleston closed following crash

Source: New Zealand Police

Jones Road, Rolleston is closed following a crash.

The single vehicle crash was reported just after 7:45am.

Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

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Fatal crash: Papatoetoe

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Papatoetoe last night.

The single vehicle crash on Puhinui Road was reported at around 10:15pm.

The sole occupant of the vehicle was transported to hospital with critical injuries, where they died a short time later.

The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

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