Source: New Zealand Police
Location:
Missing woman Te Anihana Pomana’s family have supplied a new photo for media to use alongside the existing CCTV imagery.
Her family, and Police, would ask media outlets to please also use the attached image in reporting going forward.
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Images(s):
Source: New Zealand Police
Extra Police remain on patrol across Napier, Hastings and Wairoa, as part of a Gang Conflict Warrant in place throughout the Hawke’s Bay.
Overnight Police used the warrant for three vehicle searches and officers arrested a 39-year-old Camberley man for possession of an offensive weapon, Inspector Dean Clifford said.
“Across the Hawke’s Bay, we have a focus on keeping people safe, and Police will continue to have a highly visible presence.
“While there were no major incidents overnight, we remain ready to respond.
“I do want to thank the public for their support while we make ongoing enquiries into recent incidents and work to hold the offenders to account.”
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Issued by the Police
Source: New Zealand Government
Fewer people in Auckland are waiting to see a cardiologist, with the cardiology first specialist assessment (FSA) waitlist down 25 per cent since November 2023, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Heart disease is one of New Zealand’s leading health challenges. It’s encouraging to see more Aucklanders getting timely access to specialist care when they need it,” Mr Brown says.
Between November 2023 and March 2025, the number of people waiting for a cardiology FSA reduced by 25 per cent, with patient numbers dropping from 3,829 to 2,847. The longest waits saw the biggest improvement, with those waiting over four months reducing by 73 per cent – from 663 to 179.
“These numbers represent real lives being changed. It means a dad with chest pain is seen quickly and started on the right treatment before a heart attack happens, an older woman with breathlessness finally gets answers and support, and families are no longer left waiting in uncertainty for that first crucial appointment.”
The results come after years of mounting pressure, with the cardiology waitlist having grown by 36 per cent in the previous three years. Now, progress is being made across all three Auckland districts:
The turnaround reflects the dedication of Auckland’s clinical teams, who have:
“Our plan is working – we are backing clinical teams, improving referral systems, and ensuring hospitals have the capacity to deliver faster, smarter care.
“Reducing wait times for FSAs is a key Government priority, with a clear target: by 2030, 95 per cent of patients will be seen within four months.
“Patients are still waiting too long, and there is more work to do – but this latest data shows we are heading in the right direction,” Mr Brown says.
Source: Tertiary Education Commission
Last updated 23 February 2024
Last updated 23 February 2024
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This page contains information for tertiary education organisations (TEOs) about using Equity funding. Equity funding is available for Māori, Pacific, and disabled learners.
This page contains information for tertiary education organisations (TEOs) about using Equity funding. Equity funding is available for Māori, Pacific, and disabled learners.
Making education easier to access and improving the achievement of all learners is a core part of the priorities outlined in the Tertiary Education Strategy.
TEOs contribute to this by accommodating the diverse needs and aspirations of learners of all ethnicities, genders, ages, abilities and socio-economic backgrounds.
Equity funding is a “top-up” to:
Delivery at Levels 1 and 2 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (DQ1-2) Fund (available only for disabled learners), and
Delivery at Levels 7 (degree) to 10 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (DQ7-10) Fund (available for Māori, Pacific, and disabled learners).
For learners with disabilities, Equity funding seeks to improve their participation in tertiary education and achievement of qualifications at any level. For Māori and Pacific learners, it is to improve participation in and achievement at higher levels of tertiary education (Levels 7 (degree) to 10).
Equity funding helps cover the costs of any additional support some learners may need and is not intended to be the sole or primary source of funding. Equity funding should supplement DQ1-2 and DQ7-10 funding and contribute to ensuring the success of all learners.
Equity funding does not apply to the Delivery at Levels 3 to 7 (non-degree) on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework and all industry training (DQ3-7) Fund.
Resources
We expect all providers to offer the support required for learner success. These resources contain helpful information:
Source: New Zealand Police
A Gang Conflict Warrant is now in place across Hawke’s Bay as Police respond to concerning incidents of gang violence.
Inspector Dean Clifford says the warrant gives Police special powers to search vehicles of suspected gang members, and to seize firearms, weapons, and vehicles.
It comes after two incidents in the last 48 hours believed to involve those linked to the Mongrel Mob and Black Power.
The first was a serious assault on Riverbend Road in Maraenui last night, where a firearm was reportedly discharged and two people were taken to hospital with moderate injuries.
The second was in the early hours of this morning, where Police were called to a grievous assault on Omahu Road, Hastings, where two young people sustained life-threatening injuries. Both were taken to hospital.
Inspector Clifford says an increased Police presence remains across Hawke’s Bay as we continue our enquiries into these incidents.
“I hope the Gang Conflict Warrant will do two things,” he says.
“That it reassures the public that we are using every tool at our disposal in order to keep them safe, and that it sends a clear message to those involved in this violence that we will not accept it in our community.”
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Diversions are in place off State Highway 57 near Shannon as emergency services respond to a serious crash.
The crash was called in shortly before 4:50pm and involved a single vehicle hitting a barrier on the highway just north of the intersection with Kara Road.
Indications are that there are serious injuries.
Diversions will be put in place, including along Foxton Shannon Road from Shannon township.
Motorists are advised to delay travel if possible, or expect delays.
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Source: New Zealand Police
Additional Police staff are being deployed throughout Hawke’s Bay after two serious gang-related incidents overnight.
Hawke’s Bay Area Prevention Manager Inspector Caroline Martin says Police are working to help quell this activity.
“We’re urging people to stop this needless violence before anyone else gets hurt.”
Around 9:30pm yesterday (4 September), Police attended a report of a serious assault on Riverbend Road.
Reports indicated that a firearm was discharged, and two people were taken to hospital with moderate injuries.
Several hours later, about 2:20am, Police were called to a grievous assault on Omahu Road, Hastings where two youths sustained life-threatening injuries. Both were transported to hospital.
Omahu Road was closed for a scene examination, but re-opened several hours ago.
“There will be an increased Police presence across Hawke’s Bay while we conduct our enquiries in relation to these incidents.
“We will not stand for any behaviour that results in harm to members of our community,” Inspector Martin says.
“I want to assure the public that we are allocating additional resources.
“I urge anyone with information to please contact us – even small details might help us,” she says.
Anyone with information is asked to make a report online, or call 105 and quote file number: 250905/0501.
Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or Crime Stoppers New Zealand
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are pleased to invite media to the launch of the Crowded Places Escape, Hide, Tell public information campaign in Wellington on Monday.
Date/time: Monday 8 September, 1.45pm set up for a 2.10pm start.
Who: Associate Minister of Police, Hon. Casey Costello and Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson will attend and be available for media after their speeches.
We ask media interested in attending to RSVP to media@police.govt.nz for further detail.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, members of the police executive and wing patron, Jude Simpson MNZM congratulated the 83 graduating constables from Wing 387 this afternoon.
Families and friends watched as the newly attested police officers marched out at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua. The celebration acknowledged the successful completion of their initial training course at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC).
New Zealand Police were joined by executives and staff from the Victoria Police of Australia and a minute’s silence was observed during the graduation for the loss of two officers in their jurisdiction last month.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, were killed in the line of duty in Porepunkah, Victoria on 26 August 2025.
Commissioner Chambers says, “It is important to mark the service Neal and Vadim gave to their communities, organisation and country.”
The top award winner for wing 387, former teacher and member of the New Zealand Airforce, Constable Sarah Thomas was excited to be heading to Wellington District to start her new career.
Constable Thomas is no stranger to policing and has worked in the Police Emergency Communications Centre and previously trained recruits as a Defensive Tactics Instructor at the RNZPC before donning the uniform.
“My family have been an amazing support for me coming into this, and I know I couldn’t have done it without them. I also could not have done this without my amazing 387-wing mates, my barrack mates especially. We are honestly like family. I’m also grateful for the support and encouragement of the amazing college staff, (my ex-colleagues), and of course, my section sergeant at the RNZPC.”
Sarah will be based in Wellington District.
Leadership Award Winner, Constable Laura Comerford, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Tapuika (Te Arawa), Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, is thrilled with her success.
“My primary reasons for wanting to join Police are first and foremost my beautiful nieces. I want to be a positive role model for them and encourage them to believe in themselves to achieve their goals. I want to uplift wāhine Māori to aspire to pursue their wildest dreams. The hardest part for me was believing I was actually good enough to be a police officer. I’d never been the fittest, smartest, or best at anything. Thankfully, I took a leap of faith, trained hard and had some key people that believed in me to help get me through. I’m living proof that with determination, discipline, perseverance and an amazing support system, anything is possible.
Laura will join Sarah in Wellington District.
Deployment:
The new constables will start their first day of duty in their Police districts on the week beginning Monday 15 September 2025 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.
Northland 1, Tāmaki Makaurau a total of 22 and broken down into the three districts: Auckland City 5, Waitematā 4, Counties Manukau 13, Waikato 9, Bay of Plenty 10, Eastern 2, Central 7, Wellington 16, Canterbury 8, Southern 7.
All Awards:
Minister’s Award recognising top student and the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Sarah Thomas posted to Wellington District.
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership: Constable Laura Comerford posted to Wellington District
Patron’s Award for second top student: Constable Daniel Brown posted to Canterbury District.
The Firearms Award: Constable Nathan Forster posted to Waitematā District.
Driver Training and Road Policing Award: Valentine Beattie posted to Eastern District.
Demographics:
25.3 percent are female, 74.7 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 68 percent of the wing, with Māori 12 percent, Pasifika 4.8 percent, Asian 12 percent, LAAM 2.4 percent.
Wing Patron, Jude Simpson MNZM, is a family harm education and training specialist. She is passionate about empowering victims of family harm to live their life to their full potential.
Jude has been working for the past 11 years at the Royal New Zealand Police College as the lead Family Harm Facilitator. She designed, developed, and delivers training for recruits on family harm from the perspectives of a victim and a perpetrator. Alongside other family harm training, this gives recruits a full view of family harm and how to respond to it with empathy and understanding.
Jude has also worked for Presbyterian Support Northern as a Family Violence Advocate and while in this role designed, developed, and delivered a programme for the Department of Corrections focusing on low-risk women offenders. The objective of the programme was to build self-esteem and empower and support the women into work or training.
Over the years, Jude has become a skilled presenter and facilitator, and she has spoken at many conferences as the keynote speaker.
Jude was the lead female spokesperson for the “It’s not ok” national campaign for several years and helped raise awareness of family harm and the needs of victims. She was the project lead on Mangere College becoming the first school in the country to be an “It’s not ok” school.
In 2018 Jude was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her contribution and work relating to family harm.
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Watch out for our Ten One story coming soon with more images and stories.
If you’re interested in joining police check out newcops.govt.nz
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Construction crews are powering through early works on State Highway 2 (SH2) near Te Karaka, laying the foundation for a major flood resilience upgrade designed to reduce road closures and keep communities connected during severe weather.
The Hakanui Straight flood resilience upgrade will raise an 850-metre flood-prone section of highway by 3 metres. The project also includes new drainage systems, upgraded culverts, and safety barriers.
Over the past two months, the Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) team and local crews have focused on early enabling works, but major earthworks get underway very shortly.
Media release 20 July 2025 – Work begins soon to raise flood-prone area near Te Karaka, SH2
TREC Project Manager Richard Bayley says crews are starting work around the Hakanui Stream, where a new culvert, measuring 1.8-metres in diameter, will be installed. Part of the stream will also be realigned to improve water movement and reduce erosion.
“At 1.8 metres in diameter, the culvert is big enough for someone to stand upright in, and larger than most used across the state highway network,” Mr Bayley says.
“The size reflects the scale of the challenge here, we’re building for future weather, not just today’s conditions.”
Culvert and drainage work will continue into Spring. Starting in mid-September, crews will begin lifting and rebuilding the southern side of the road, with work expected to continue through November, when they will switch to the other side of the highway (weather permitting).
Recent work has included relocating fibre cables and power poles and preparing the ground for the upcoming major earthworks. Environmental protections, such as drainage channels and silt fences, have been put in place to safeguard the Hakanui Stream and support native fish life.
Drivers are encouraged to allow up to 10 minutes of travel time through the site during the work, as lane changes, shoulder closures, and stop/go traffic management will be in place at various stages until work wraps up in mid-2026.
As the project progresses, NZTA will keep people updated with any substantial changes to the traffic management requirements in the area.
We appreciate people’s patience as this work progresses.
Alongside the early construction work, multiple cultural inductions have been delivered by kaitiaki from Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki.
Kaitiaki of Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Pimia Wehi, says these sessions ensure contractors understand the cultural and environmental significance of the site before they start work.
“Sharing the story of this whenua means everyone working here is well prepared to work respectfully and responsibly on whenua that holds deep meaning to local communities,” she says.
More information is available on the project website:
Hakanui Straight Flood Resilience or by signing up to:
TREC fortnightly updates(external link)
The project name is ‘Hakanui Straight’ but was formerly Nesbitt’s Dip. This is a change requested by hapū and Iwi representatives as the name reflects the area’s cultural and historical significance. The Hakanui Stream was important for local food gathering, mahinga kai, and as a travel route for waka.
With the road being elevated to ensure safer and quicker evacuations during floods, ‘Straight’ (rather than ‘Dip’), embodies strength, directness, and a clear path forward.