Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson:

Police can now confirm six people are currently confirmed as unaccounted for, including two teenagers, following yesterday’s landslide at Mount Maunganui.

The youngest of those missing is 15 years old.

We have been unable to establish the whereabouts of three further individuals. While we do not currently believe they were involved in the slip, further enquiries are required to rule it out.

Those three parties are believed to be tourists, and we believe it is likely they left the area.

Police are asking anyone with video footage of the slip at Mt Maunganui yesterday to upload it via this online portal.

Additionally, anyone who might have information that could help our enquiries into the three parties whose whereabouts are yet to be determined is also asked to get in touch.

You can do so through our 105 service, referencing Operation Sunbrae.

We are wrapping support around the families of those whose loved ones are unaccounted for.

We would also like to acknowledge the wider community, who have similarly shown such an outpouring of support and empathy for those affected, including the family of those who died in Welcome Bay.

I can confirm one of those parties was a Chinese national and we continue to liaise with overseas officials regarding this matter.

There are still thousands of people across the region affected by this weather event, and Police, alongside other agencies, are working to support our communities.

In Welcome Bay, where a number of evacuations were carried out, Police are carrying out additional patrols around those vacant properties until residents can return.

Police will continue to work with our partners to support the ongoing operation at Mount Maunganui as the first priority, and will also continue to deploy our staff across the region where they are most needed.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

1 minute ago

After four years studying the Bachelor of Creative Practice (Visual Arts and Design) at EIT, artist Taya Evans’ work reflects significant artistic growth.

Originally from Gisborne, Taya (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi) moved to Hawke’s Bay to complete the degree after leaving High School in Year 12.

“I’ve been painting and drawing since before I could walk, and I always knew I wanted to get a higher education in visual art.”
She began her studies with the NZ Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 3) and NZ Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) before progressing into the degree.

Looking back on her journey, Taya says the most noticeable change has been in her skill level and attention to detail.

“When I first started, I thought I was really good,” she laughs. “Now I look back and can see how much my work has changed. Just small things have made such a big difference to my practice and my outcomes.”

Throughout her studies, Taya worked on a range of conceptually challenging projects. One such project explored anthropomorphism, combining human and animal characteristics through detailed visual research.

“I did an anthropomorphic project where I morphed human qualities with animalistic qualities. I researched genetic abnormalities that happen in nature, like animals born with two heads or two faces. It was about showing the connection between humans and animals. It was a crazy project, but it was really fun.”

Her final project took a more introspective direction. Taya produced a charcoal installation made up of nine exhibited self-portraits, selected from a much larger body of work.

“They were about the animalistic qualities in humans and how easy it is to forget that we’re mammals ourselves. It was about the many faces of us as people.”

She also credits the learning environment at EIT as an important part of her development, particularly the close relationships formed with tutors and peers.

“We were a really close group. It’s quite personalised, and the relationships built with your tutors is invaluable. They’re really understanding and welcoming, and they push you.”

Taya will graduate in April and is already looking ahead to the next stage of her creative career. She hopes to pursue a career as a tattoo artist, while continuing to draw and create independently.

“I’m still doing my drawing and still creating. Tattooing just seems like an exciting way to work in a more contemporary process.”

Dr Sean Coyle, Head of School IDEAschool and Toihoukura, said: “Taya’s work demonstrates a high level of technical skill and conceptual maturity, reflecting the depth of learning and refinement she has developed throughout her studies”.

“The impact of her practice lies in its confidence, thoughtfulness, and ability to engage audiences in meaningful reflections on identity and the human condition.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute Inspector Peter Cooper, Area Commander Canterbury Rural 

Police will continue to maintain a highly visible presence across the North Canterbury area this weekend, with a gathering of car enthusiasts for the Muscle Car Madness Car Show in Rangiora.

Police expect to see a large number of attendees moving around the Rangiora Showgrounds area and will have additional resources available to manage any issues that may arise from the event.

Following up driving complaints around Rangiora over the last two nights, Police and Court bailiffs have seized and impounded six vehicles, and issued a number of infringement notices.

Over 1000 breath tests were completed on Thursday night alone.

Police will continue to monitor activities over the weekend and take all complaints seriously.

We will review any video footage of driving complaints, and we plan to hold all offending drivers to account at the time of the behaviour or at a later date.

While the Police respect the right of people to gather and enjoy this event, it should not be in such a manner that causes disruption, annoyance, and frustration to the public.

We will continue to communicate our expectations to attendees of Muscle Car Madness and will take enforcement action wherever necessary.

Police always encourage safe driving behaviour: keeping a safe speed and distance and driving without impairment or distraction.

If you are witnessing dangerous driving behaviour or any illegal or disorderly behaviour, please call Police on 111.

You can also report non-emergencies or matters after the fact by calling Police on 105 and supplying as much information as you can gather, including images or video footage.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious two-vehicle crash at the intersection of the Appleby Highway and McShane Road, Appleby.

Police were called about 12.50pm.

Initial indications are there have been serious injuries.

The road will be closed, with diversions in place.

Motorists, please avoid the area if possible.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today officially opened Te Piringa Āhuru, South Auckland’s new Crisis Recovery Café.

“A brightly lit, busy emergency department is often not the best environment for someone in mental distress. That’s why we are rolling out eight new crisis recovery cafés across the country, so more New Zealanders have a calm, peer-led, non-clinical space to go to for support,” Mr Doocey says.

“We know that each community can be different. That’s why I have always said the solutions already exist within our grassroots organisations, they just need to be supported. Ember has been operating in South Auckland for the last six years, already making a difference, and will now be running the café and reaching even more people.

“Ember named the café Te Piringa Āhuru to signify it as a place of safety and belonging, and a space where there is hope, which I think is a fitting name for this space.

“The café will have peer support workers who can link people back into community services, lend a listening ear, and offer people experiencing mental health or addiction challenges a place to sit down in a relaxed setting.

“There is real power in knowing there is someone in the room who has walked a similar journey and come through it, it can give people real hope. I have been pleased to hear firsthand the real difference these roles are already making. One worker told me that, reflecting on her own experience, the peer support service is exactly what she wishes she had when she was struggling, someone who can say, I see you, I hear you, I know what you’re going through.

“We are better utilising peer support workers in a range of settings, including emergency departments, eating disorder services, and crisis alternatives.

“I was recently in Whanganui, where I opened the first of eight cafés, as well as New Plymouth and Whakatāne, to announce they received a boost in funding from the Government. I look forward to continuing the roll out.

“Crisis cafés form part of our mental health plan. Last month, I announced a crisis response package that includes more clinical workers in crisis assessment teams, two new 10-bed peer-led acute alternative services, and additional peer support workers in emergency departments and crisis recovery cafés.

“My focus is on delivering faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response.”

Note to editors:

• The café has been operating from a temporary site since late September last year and has now moved to the new site.

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Carl Fowlie, Waitematā North Police:

The search for a missing man is resuming at the Mahurangi River after he was swept away by water on Wednesday.

Additional resource is being deployed into the area today as water levels have continued to subside overnight.

Police Search and Rescue is deployed into the area carrying out ground-based searching around the banks of the river.

They are being supported by 17 Land Search and Rescue members as well as a water rescue crew from Fire and Emergency.

A Police drone is also carrying out aerial searches.

Police is continuing to support the man’s family through this difficult time.

We thank all other agencies who have been called upon in recent days for their assistance. Everyone involved in this operation is focused on locating the man on behalf of his family.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: NZCTU

Cost of living data released by Stats NZ today shows that working people are being left behind, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey.

“Data released by Stats NZ today showed that the cost of living rose at its fastest rate for 18 months. 68% of workers across the economy are currently facing another year of real terms pay cuts under this government”

“80% of items measured in the CPI basket saw prices rise. Food prices rose 4.3%, electricity prices rose 12.2%, and gas prices rose 16.2%. Working people are struggling to afford the basics.”

“Minimum wage workers are now facing a third straight year of real terms cuts to their income. The lowest-paid workers in the country are paying the price for this Government’s economic mismanagement.

“National keeps promising opportunities for New Zealanders but they’re only delivering for the wealthy. When last measured, annual household inflation was running 2.7 times faster for the lowest income New Zealanders than for the highest income earners.”

“Working people need wage increases, not tax cuts. The Government may be celebrating the economy improving, but working people aren’t feeling any relief. Its time the government stopped leaving workers behind,” said Grey

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Crews continue to make steady progress at the Goldsmith slip site (the first from the Ōpōtiki side and potentially largest – approx. 110 metres high and up to 60 metres wide), with an additional 40 tonne digger on the way to boost clearing efforts.

Contractors have managed to get over the slip by digger and are now in a position to obtain on‑the‑ground information about conditions ahead of the main blockage.

Rob Service, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Controller SH2 Waioweka Gorge Response and Recovery says the scale and complexity of the slips in the Gorge mean progress won’t be instant, but that teams are working every hour they safely can to push through.

“Getting an additional digger on site is a big step in helping us tackle the major blockages.

“Conditions on the ground are changing day by day, especially after last night’s weather. Safety has to come first, which is why our teams are assessing the Gorge carefully before pushing ahead from the Gisborne side.”

A second container, which was in position from previous maintenance works before the weather event hit, is equipped with Starlink and cameras. This will ensure contractors have reliable communications as they move deeper into the Gorge.

Clearance work will continue in a “leap‑frog” style – crews rapidly clearing smaller slips while the larger digger tackles the major blockages.

Last night’s heavy rain caused flooding at the Gisborne entrance to the Gorge, preventing crews from accessing the site. The water has now receded, and teams are assessing conditions to confirm whether it is safe to proceed.

The landscape has changed significantly overnight, and a fresh geotechnical assessment may be required before work can resume.

Current expectations are that clearing efforts from the Gisborne side will restart early Friday, 23 January, pending safety clearance.

“We know how important this connection is for people and freight. Our crews are committed to restoring access as quickly as possible, and we’ll keep everyone updated as we make progress,” says Mr Service.

SH2 south of Gisborne is the only open route, however long detours are required. There is a significant increase in traffic on SH2 south of Gisborne, with high volumes of vehicles continuing through to Bayview. Drivers are reminded to drive to the conditions, allow extra time, and remain patient. 

Travellers should delay travel where possible. People are encouraged to check the NZTA Journey Planner for up-to-date information before travelling.

NZTA Journey Planner(external link)

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Senior Sergeant Matt Prendergast, Taranaki Road Policing:

Following up complaints of dangerous driving on Monday 19 January, Police have arrested one driver, seized and impounded two vehicles, and issued several infringement notices.

The complaints were made to Police around late morning and early afternoon, and shortly after, a large convoy of vehicles made their way through New Plymouth to Bell Block for a tangi.

At the time, the numbers of motorists were such that Police were unable to respond and take enforcement action safely.

Police have since reviewed video footage of the driving complaints and have now held the offending drivers to account.

Enquiries are still ongoing to identify other illegal activity involved during or around the tangi. 

While the Police respect the right of people to grieve, it should not be in such a manner that causes disruption, annoyance and frustration to the public.

We are disappointed that this group choose to express themselves in this way with little consideration for other people.

Police always encourage safe driving behaviour: keep a safe speed and distance, and drive without impairment or distraction.

If you are witnessing dangerous driving behaviour, please pull over and call Police on 111.

You can also report non-emergencies or matters after the fact by calling Police on 105.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre