Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 5 near Waipunga between Matea Road and Pohokura Road is blocked both ways after a truck has rolled.
One person has moderate injuries and is being seen by ambulance services.
The truck has spilled gravel across the road, causing the road to be closed for several hours while cleanup is coordinated.
Motorists are urged to delay travel or take alternative routes in the area.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
A media stand-up regarding weather-related incidents in Western Bay of Plenty will be held in Mt Maunganui at 1pm.
The location of the stand-up will be outside the surf club, at the corner of Marine Parade and Adams Avenue.
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Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police is reminding people to take heed of weather warnings after a callout to Takapuna Beach early this morning.
A severe weather warning was still in place for the Auckland region at the time.
At 1.21am, Police responded to an emergency call that two swimmers were unaccounted for in the water.
Waitematā East Area Commander Inspector Mike Rickards says both swimmers were quickly located, but the situation could have resulted in tragedy.
“Several units were quickly dispatched to the beach and plans were being made should additional maritime resources need to be deployed,” he says.
“Police arrived on scene, when the two swimmers were located.”
Inspector Rickards says the pair had come back to shore without telling the person waiting on the beach.
“We established the group had been out drinking in Takapuna earlier in the night and some decided to go for a late night swim,” Inspector Rickards says.
“Our staff spoke with the group about how this could have easily put themselves at risk, we’re just relieved no one is unaccounted for.
“It’s a reminder for people to use common sense, particularly around alcohol and swimming while weather warnings are in place.”
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey today announced the first four new mental health co-response team locations that will work alongside Police to respond to 111 calls.
“It’s not right that when a concerned mum, dad, friend, or colleague calls 111 looking for a mental health response, they receive a criminal justice response. This Government is changing that by rolling out a better crisis response,” Mr Doocey says.
Budget 2025 invested $28 million to roll out 10 mental health co-response teams across the country to respond to 111 mental distress calls and adds additional crisis helpline capacity.
“The first four new co-response teams will be launched in Canterbury, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Counties Manukau this year.
“The teams’ pair mental health workers with frontline Police to respond together to mental health-related calls. They offer people experiencing a mental health crisis the support they need on the spot, and more streamlined access to the most appropriate services.
“The Wellington co-response evaluation found there was a reduction in the use of powers under the Mental Health Act, fewer people needed to go to an emergency department or police station, and the level of wraparound support increased.
“This is important because over the years, I have heard from advocates, those with lived experience and families that having a uniformed Police officer turn up during times of mental health need can be disheartening and distressing. Most of the time, these people have not done anything criminally wrong, yet a Police officer turns up at what can be the lowest time in their life.
“Police do an excellent job in our communities, but the bottom line is they are not mental health professionals. That is why we are overhauling the way emergency services respond to 111 calls for people experiencing mental distress, because New Zealanders deserve better.
“There are around 73,000 mental health-related 111 calls made each year. By expanding co-response teams across the country, we will improve mental health outcomes for many of those people.
“The previous National Government announced $8 million to pilot co-response teams in 2017, but that funding was cut in 2018 under Labour. This Government believes these co-response teams are a real game changer.
“This builds on the work happening through the Police change programme. We’ve implemented a 60-minute handover from Police to emergency department staff for people arriving in distress. We’ve also changed it so that if someone is held under the Mental Health Act in a Police custody suite, they must be transferred to a health facility within 30 minutes.
“Co-response teams are part of this Government’s mental health plan to deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response.”
Notes to editors:
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
15 seconds ago
Bachelor of Creative Practice graduate Liv Wilson has added a second major scholarship to her achievements after completing her studies at EIT.
The 26-year-old, who graduated last year, has received the John Harré Scholarship, which supports students with a disability as they transition from study into employment.
It follows her success in 2024 when she was awarded the David Fine Scholarship, which enabled her to complete her first solo exhibition, ‘Chipper’, at Hastings Community Arts Centre.
Liv says receiving the John Harré Scholarship is something she is “really proud of”.
EIT Bachelor of Creative Practice graduate Liv Wilson has received the John Harré Scholarship.
“I am really stoked with it. It is a great platform for someone with a disability to show resilience and high achievement. It has helped me in my career and even helped me purchase an intermediate level camera.”
She says she actively pursues every opportunity she can.
“My disability is a big part of my life, and I have worked hard to do well with it. I am proud of that, and I thought this scholarship recognised that, not only for me, but for those who live with a condition.”
“I wanted to shine a light for those living with Bipolar Disorder. I wanted to show you that anything is possible and that with your condition, you most certainly can do it. My Dad would always tell me to choose my attitude and that’s stuck with me mostly in my adult years, because it’s all about how you look at it. As soon as I changed my attitude, I started living my life.”
Liv was born in Lower Hutt and grew up in Hawke’s Bay. After high school, she moved to Wellington to begin tertiary study before returning home.
She says enrolling at EIT was a turning point, after her therapist, friends & whānau encouraged her to study following a series of mental health challenges that led to a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder Type 1 and ADD.
“It changed everything for me. Having an outlet to be creative gave me purpose, and the tutors supported me through my illness the whole way.”
Creativity has always been part of Liv’s life, but she says she discovered her true passion for photography during her degree.
“Anthony, one of my tutors, was the person who really got me into it. We did a lot of studio work and outdoor photography, and even photographed musicians, including my cousin. I realised that when I am behind a camera, I am my happiest.”
Her growing passion for photography has already led to major opportunities.
In Tāmaki Makaurau, Liv exhibited in the Women’s Work show (In)Visible, featuring alongside some of New Zealand’s top female photographers. In Hawke’s Bay, she photographed SIX60 and Yelawolf for a project with director Connor Pritchard, which she describes as “amazing”.
Since graduating, Liv has continued to build her creative portfolio. She is currently a social media content creator for Jonique Oli at Waiapu Road, where she produces digital content and design assets, and has also worked with community organisation Nevertheless on a docuseries ‘Akama’ara’ which follows the migration stories of three generations of Pasifika families in Hawke’s Bay.
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue developing her photography practice and pursue agency or studio work. She also hopes to one day collaborate creatively with her brother and best friend Angus Wilson, who is a designer and art-toy entrepreneur.
“My biggest goal ever is to be well renowned in what I do.”
Liv says she is grateful for everyone who has supported her along the way.
“I am really grateful for everyone who has helped me; EIT, my family, my friends, my boyfriend. You guys know who you are. I have achieved more than I thought I ever would.”
Anthony Chiappin, Programme Coordinator and Senior Lecturer, Design, says: “Liv was always thorough in her process and inquiry, and this showed through consistently high marks”.
“She was not interested in focusing on just this though, but always questioning what her future may be, and we recognised that photography in all its capacities was it. I am personally so proud of what Liv has achieved.”
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
40 seconds ago
Those passionate about protecting the environment will soon be able to study a new suite of Environmental Studies programmes at EIT, following NZQA approval for the qualifications to begin in 2026.
The Environmental Studies suite includes the new Bachelor of Environmental Studies covering environmental science, legislation, management and sustainability, and the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Studies for degree holders or professionals wanting to specialise or retrain in the environmental field. There is also the existing level 5 Diploma in Environmental Management for those seeking a pathway into degree-level study.
EIT Environmental Studies lecturers Chris Thorman (left), Gerard Henry, Dr Dinusha Jayathilake, Dr Amelia McQueen and Dr Glen Robertshaw will teach across the new Environmental Studies programmes launching in 2026.
Lisa Turnbull, Assistant Head of School – Primary Industries, says the programmes have been developed in response to regional and national needs.
“Students can study locally, gain essential skills, and launch a career without leaving the region. Developed with local stakeholders, our courses reflect the realities of environmental work in Aotearoa and beyond. We’re excited to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and experience to lead change and make a real difference.”
The qualifications are designed to give students the knowledge and practical skills to address complex environmental challenges and contribute to conservation, sustainability and resource management across Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
The programmes explore how humans interact with the natural world, equipping graduates to contribute to conservation, sustainability, and resource management efforts across Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
The programmes integrate both Western science and mātauranga Māori, recognising the importance of combining knowledge systems to create solutions that respect people, place and environment.
Students will gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, lab sessions, and projects across the Hawke’s Bay region, working alongside government agencies, iwi, and environmental organisations.
EIT’s environmental teaching team brings together academic expertise and industry experience, ensuring students gain both theoretical understanding and practical know-how.
“The future of our planet depends on people who care, and it starts here at EIT.”
Source: New Zealand Government
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today announced additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS), saying that all forest owners will benefit from this decision.
“The last Labour Government wanted forest owners to pay an excessive $30.25 per hectare per year, forcing the sector to take legal action. We’re lowering that, for a second time, to $10.25,” Mr McClay says.
“This represents a 66 per cent reduction in the annual charge since the National-led Government took office.”
Consultation opens today and is the result of a second review into operational costs of the scheme. Mr McClay requested the first independent review in 2024, which resulted in an initial reduction to $14.90 per hectare.
Key proposed changes include:
“The changes aim to ensure cost recovery reflects the true costs of administering forestry in the ETS while upholding high service standards” Mr McClay says.
The consultation also seeks feedback on an alternative reduced annual charge option for forests that no longer need to report carbon stock changes, to apply for a limited period.
“Today’s announcement delivers on the Government’s promise to rebuild confidence in the forestry sector and support its role in achieving New Zealand’s exporting and emissions targets,” Mr McClay says.
Updated settings are expected to take effect from mid-2026.
Details on the consultation are available here: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/review-of-forestry-in-the-emissions-trading-scheme-cost-recovery-settings
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
Source: New Zealand Police
Police investigating numerous reports of cars being interfered with in Lake Hāwea are seeking the public’s help to identify the man captured in this CCTV footage.
We believe he may be able to assist us with our enquiries into the break-ins, which were reported between midnight Saturday 17 January and 5am Sunday 18 January.
If you recognise this man, please contact Police on 105 now.
Please quote file number 260118/4376.
Eight cars were attempted to be broken into, including one vehicle that was stolen – and later recovered by Police.
The streets the cars were tampered with were parked on Capell Avenue, Paradise Place, Hewson Crescent, Little Maude Avenue, Lakeview Terrace, Grandview Road and Bell Street.
Police are also aware of a vehicle heard doing burnouts and crashing in the area at 4am, where Police were not called.
Information on the incidents can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police also remind everyone to lock your vehicle and not to leave any valuable items visible, whether you’re parked on your property or on the road.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government has delivered on its commitment to roll out peer support services in eight emergency departments five months ahead of schedule, with Tauranga Hospital becoming the latest hospital to implement the service, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey says.
“We committed to rolling out peer support workers in eight hospitals over two years, and I’m pleased to say we’ve delivered that milestone five months early,” Mr Doocey says.
Mr Doocey marked the milestone by meeting peer support specialists from Ember, who will work in the emergency department.
“Ember already provides peer support specialists in EDs in the Auckland and Waikato regions and have valuable experience in ensuring a smooth establishment of the service in Tauranga.
“For people arriving at ED in mental health crisis, the experience can be overwhelming. Having a peer support specialist alongside them someone with lived experience who understands what they’re going through can make a real difference.
“The feedback from hospitals already using this service is clear. People feel more heard, more supported, and better connected to follow-up care in the community.
“Peer support specialists also play a key role in linking people back into community services once they leave hospital, helping set them up for better long-term outcomes.
“As New Zealand’s first Minister for Mental Health, I’m determined to better recognise and strengthen the peer support workforce. Their lived experience brings incredible value to our mental health system.”
Since launching at Middlemore Hospital in September 2024, the service has expanded to North Shore, Auckland City, Waikato, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and now Tauranga.
“This is about backing what works, growing our workforce, and making sure that when people take the brave step of asking for help, support is there when and where it’s needed.” Mr Doocey says.