Source: New Zealand Police
Eastern Hutt Road is blocked in both directions after a large slip between Stokes Valley Road and Reynolds Bach Drive.
Diversions are being put in place.
Police are advising motorists to avoid the area where possible, and expect delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
A new $3 million fund to support outcomes-focused programmes will significantly enhance our ability to improve the lives of at-risk young New Zealanders, Minister for Youth James Meager says.
Mr Meager today launched the Youth Development Partnership and Innovation Fund, to coincide with International Youth Day.
The fund provides matched funding for businesses, iwi, charities, NGOs and other philanthropic organisations to deliver outcomes-based, early intervention and youth development programmes and services for those aged 12-24 years.
Funding will go towards programmes that directly support key Government targets including:
• Reducing the number of young people on the Jobseeker Support Benefit.
• Increasing student attendances rates.
• Supporting young parents with children in their first 2,000 days.
“We need to shift our mindset from contracting for outputs, to delivering outcomes,” Mr Meager says.
“I have instructed officials to ensure that all new Ministry for Youth Development funding will only go to programmes that can demonstrate successful outcomes for young people which align with key government targets.
“By co-investing with matched funding, we can get twice the value for the taxpayer, while recognising that services are best delivered in the community, by the community. This is the fundamental premise of social investment.
“We will fund a range of community-based providers to deliver evidence-based programmes tailored to the needs of their region. This could include things like leadership training, mentoring, informal qualifications and volunteering opportunities, with an aim to build new skills and gain employment-related experience.”
Expressions of Interest for the new fund are now open, with more information available on the Government Electronic Tender Service website.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now formally release the name of the woman who died after being hit by a bus on Lower Municipal Street, Onehunga on 4 August.
She was Pamela Marion Biggs, 83, of Mangere Bridge.
“Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this difficult time,” Senior Sergeant Wayne Gear says.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
ENDS.
Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
Good evening and thank you for the opportunity to be here today.
This Government’s approach to health starts from a simple belief: every New Zealander deserves timely access to care that works, is effective, is affordable, and utilises the latest innovation.
Health is not a cost to be managed, but an investment in people’s ability to live well, contribute to their communities, and participate fully in our economy. A healthy population is the foundation of a strong, productive nation.
Our job is to build a system that puts people and outcomes first. That means removing the barriers that slow down innovation, making decisions faster, and working closely with those who are creating solutions – like many of you in this room.
I believe the public and private sectors can work together to achieve greater outcomes. I see so much innovation in this room, it’s incredible. If everyone could see what’s being achieved by the exhibitors here today, then the next question would be – why don’t we get to use most of this stuff?
We’ve got massive problems in our health system, around us right now is part of the solution. When we can harness this technology we not only improve individual lives, we will strengthen our collective future.
Medical devices
That’s the lens through which we are looking at the medical devices system, and it’s the reason why fixing the current uncertainty is a priority for me.
I know there’s frustration. You’ve waited far too long for clarity on the future of medical devices in New Zealand.
When I arrived, we were already 11 years into the idea that Pharmac might take the lead. Then Health New Zealand came along, the system changed again, and everything stalled. That’s not good enough.
We are working to give you a solution. Not as fast as I’d like, and I acknowledge the process hasn’t been good enough either. But we are close now, and when a decision is made my focus is to make sure it doesn’t just create more red tape.
Right now, we’re clarifying who should take responsibility for hospital medical devices procurement.
Over the past year, the Ministry of Health engaged independent advice for the Director-General on the future of the medical devices programme. The initial recommendations weren’t sufficient for Ministers to reach agreement, so more information was requested from both Pharmac and Health New Zealand, including potential costs, savings, and system benefits if the function moved entirely to one agency.
That advice, again, fell short. We have now commissioned further work to explore a modified status quo, recognising that some devices likely sit best with Pharmac, others with Health New Zealand.
This will identify where each agency adds the most value, outline which devices are best procured at a national level, and consider how both agencies can deliver better patient outcomes.
The aim is to have a decision by the end of the year and certainly by the end of this term, as I said at the Health Select Committee earlier this year.
What are the stakes?
This work is mission critical for the long-term viability of our health system. If we want to aspire to having a first world health system for generations to come, something has to change.
If nothing changes, long-term modelling shows that publicly funded healthcare will steadily consume a larger and larger share of our national income, rising from about 7% of GDP today to 12% by 2060. That means health and superannuation together will be taking five times what we spend on education, compared to just over twice today.
On the current track, this means debt climbing towards unsustainable levels, passing $1 trillion by 2057, unless we choose from a handful of paths.
So what options does that leave with us with?
There’s another option, and it involves all of you. My preferred path is to improve productivity in health, so we get better results without runaway cost growth.
The reality is that structural reform to lift productivity in health could keep government debt close to today’s levels and spending sustainable, but only if we act now. And that is why innovation is not just a “nice to have”, it is the key to ensuring our system can deliver for the future without breaking the bank.
Why this matters
If our healthcare system keeps going as it is, we will overwhelm our hospitals and go broke in the process. We need to change how we do things, and that means we need the innovators and the change-makers. The people in this room today.
We’re already spending well above the OECD average on health. The challenge and the opportunity lies in making every dollar work harder. Simply spending is not enough; the real measure of success is how effectively we turn that investment into better outcomes for patients.
Innovation is the answer. I’ve taken this approach in my Pharmac portfolio when it comes to medicines, which this Government has increased funding for more than any other. Take Trikafta, since it has been funded, lung transplants in New Zealand have fallen off a cliff. I don’t know how much a lung transplant costs but I’m guessing it’s one of the most expensive things that the New Zealand healthcare system can do. I think we need to think about how innovation can save the Government money overall.
I look at the technologies showcased as part of the exhibition around me. These aren’t just clever ideas, they are life-changing innovations. And they’re proof that when we clear the road for innovation, patients win.
Too often the health conversation becomes about which department signs which form, instead of the real reason we’re here: improving lives.
Pharmac must be part of the solution. It needs to be faster, more responsive, and more connected to the people on the ground. Right now, it too often acts as a bottleneck. I want it to become a bridge between innovation and the patients who need it. We’re seeing massive changes in regard to medicines, and I hope we can make the same improvements for your technology as well.
Letter of Expectations for Pharmac
That’s why, in my Letter of Expectations to Pharmac, I’ve made it clear: we need to innovate and optimise so we deliver the greatest value to the largest number of New Zealanders.
We must improve access to new medicines and medical technologies, update our assessment methodologies, and make sure patients, carers, and families have a real voice in decision-making.
I’ve said to Pharmac:
I’ve also directed Pharmac to strengthen partnerships, including with the medical devices industry, to improve horizon scanning, enable process efficiencies, and plan for emerging technologies.
Cultural change is part of this too. This is happening now, and I’d like to give a shoutout to Pharmac’s Chair Paula Bennett for her outstanding work in this area, which I’m sure will be complimented by the incoming Chief Executive Natalie McMurtry.
Pharmac has completed a culture review and is implementing the review recommendations, renewing their organisational culture.
They’re also developing a new vision and strategy by mid-2026, investing in data and digital infrastructure for better decision-making, and, crucially, delivering the agreed outcomes from the medical devices review in collaboration with Health NZ, the Ministry of Health, industry, and other stakeholders.
My challenge to you
Here’s my challenge: Tell us. What’s the fix? What’s the one change that would get innovation into people’s hands faster and deliver better care?
We want to be the advocate for innovation, not the barrier to it.
I’ve got no interest in putting up roadblocks for you getting your innovation into the health system, what we need from you is to show us the benefits, show us why this technology is going to improve our health system, why it’s going to save money in the long run if we invest now.
That’s why innovation matters. The question isn’t just how much we spend, but whether we’re clearing the road for new ideas that make care faster, more accurate, and more accessible. If we remove the barriers to medical device innovation, we can turn comparable spending into world-leading results, delivering better health, greater productivity, and a stronger future for all New Zealanders.
Thank you.
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 11 August 2025
DOC Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming says the killing of the three highly endangered New Zealand pakake is the latest blow to the species in what’s becoming a disturbing and unacceptable pattern.
“It’s completely horrifying and simply not good enough. As a country we pride ourselves on our native wildlife and these acts are not who we are. Our precious taonga deserve much better. Most people are rightly appalled when they hear of these cowardly acts so we are hopeful that someone, somewhere will have a conscience and come forward and tell us what they know,” Aaron says.
Two sub-adult male pakake were found dead and a third grievously injured near the mouth of the Waitaki river on Saturday in the attack on the nationally endangered species. All three had wounds consistent with being shot by a firearm. The third was euthanised following veterinary assessment.
Aaron says this brings the number deliberately killed by people to at least five in the past year alone. A female sea lion known as Jade and her pup were killed by firearm last year in the Catlins. Investigations are ongoing.
“Because the population is so small, any loss is felt hard. We know them, we’ve cared for them, we’ve followed their progress as they’ve grown. One was tagged as a pup at Port Pegasus, Rakiura and the other at Enderby Island in the subantarctic. They were born in the summer 2024 breeding season; to lose them so soon is just gutting. Collecting the bodies of shot sea lions should not be a job for DOC rangers.”
The NZ Sea Lion Trust co-chair Shaun McConkey says the trust is devasted by the latest incident.
“It is heartbreaking that there are some people who want to deliberately harm our endangered, native species.
“After the shooting and stabbing of three sea lions less than a year ago in The Catlins there seems to be a disturbing new trend of heartless attacks on sea lions. The perpetrators need to be caught and punished to the full extent of the law to send a clear message.”
CEO, Te Rūnanga o Moeraki Trevor McGlinchey says Te Rūnanga o Moeraki is appalled by the killing and cruel wounding of pakake within their takiwā.
“Pakake are taoka (treasured) species to us and were highly valued by our tūpuna for their flesh, fat and pelt. We support the police and the Department of Conservation in seeking to find and lay charges against whomever shot these pakake.”
It is illegal to injure or kill protected native wildlife like sea lions and anyone who does so can face punishments of up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
Aaron Fleming says sharing coastlines with marine mammals is a privilege and a hard-fought one at that.
“We all stand united in our condemnation of this callous act. Enough is enough.”
Anyone with information should contact DOC on 0800 DOC HOT, the NZ police on 105 or the Oamaru police station.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand
Lyttelton port workers are disappointed with an Employment Court ruling that allows Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) to proceed with a restructure that will remove highly experienced foremen from the waterfront.
The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) and the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) are considering their response to the judgment from the Employment Court in Christchurch released on Friday 8 August.
The decision follows an interim injunction granted by the Court in early July, which halted the restructure, and an earlier determination from the Employment Relations Authority which found LPC had breached its obligations.
The new decision gives the green light for the destruction of jobs, which Unions say is part of a hostile approach by LPC management.
LPC had been seeking to eliminate 24 full time foreman and at least 20 relieving foreman covered by the collective agreement, and replace them with 21 new roles on individual agreements.
MUNZ Lyttelton Branch President Gerard Loader says the decision is a blow to port safety and productive relationships.
“This restructure will remove the foremen who are the last line of defence against tragedy on our wharves. We are concerned at the collapse of the relationship between the workforce and an aggressive management, which is undermining the future of the port.”
Mr Loader contrasted the problems at Lyttelton Port Company with the recent success of Port of Auckland (POAL) where unions had achieved a major turnaround for the troubled port with a constructive relationship with POAL CEO Roger Gray, a former CEO at LPC.
“It would be a bad outcome if Lyttelton had to go through the same painful destructive process that POAL did for many years, before a new and progressive approach was put in place.”
RMTU Lyttelton Branch Secretary Mark Wilson says the judgment, while disappointing, is not surprising.
He says a good employer does not operate by minimum legal requirements, which LPC management have now admitted in court is their standard.
“LPC’s approach is not aligned with the CCHL statement of intent, and we will continue to hold the company to account for its failure to act as a good employer,” says Mr. Wilson.
The unions are calling on the LPC Board and its owner, Christchurch City Holdings Limited (CCHL), to commit to a genuinely productive and cooperative relationship.
MUNZ and the RMTU are committed to defending their members’ jobs and a safe workplace, and will continue the fight to keep the Port of Lyttelton in public hands for the benefit of all Cantabrians.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are commending the selfless actions of a member of the public following an incident in Pine Harbour yesterday afternoon, which narrowly avoided a tragic outcome.
Police were called to the Pine Harbour Marina at about 4.20pm following a report of a woman in distress in the water.
Relieving Counties Manukau East Area Commander, Inspector Nga-Wati Chaplow, says the Police Air Support Unit, Deodar and Coastguard were dispatched.
“Prior to their arrival a member of the public has come to the woman’s aid, wading into the water to assist before emergency services arrived.
“This person hasn’t hesitated to help another person in their time of need.
“I would like to acknowledge their actions; for seeing something and doing something about it, they potentially saved a life.”
Inspector Chaplow says once officers arrived, they too jumped into the water to help.
“Again and again we see Police officers putting themselves in harm’s way to help others and keep our communities safe.
“I am extremely proud and humbled of the actions of this member of the public and my team.”
The woman was transported to hospital to receive the care needed.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now release the name of the person who died in the single vehicle crash on State Highway 23 in Whatawhata on Saturday 9 August.
She was Julia Organ, 55, of Te Awamutu.
Police’s thoughts are with her family at this time.
The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 11 August 2025
Waimata Gemstone Bay was one of several Coromandel locations impacted by extreme weather events in 2023 which damaged DOC-managed tracks. In July, DOC announced it would be reinstating tracks to Waimata Gemstone Bay, following news in May the Hahei Beach Short Walk would be rerouted and repaired.
Michael Sparrow, DOC’s Mautohe Cathedral Cove Sustainability Project Manager, says work to remove the weeds at Waimata Gemstone starts this week.
“It’s a small but important first step on this project. We’ve arranged for four kaimahi (workers) from Coromandel iwi Ngāti Hei to remove these weed species from the reserve,” Michael says.
The Ngāti Hei team will spend a week at the site clearing woolly nightshade, gorse, pampas grass, cherry, pine, moth plant and any other undesirable plant species identified.
This will be followed by the planting of native vegetation to enhance the site’s biodiversity and mauri, with underplanting included to suppress weeds and reduce ongoing maintenance. Local businesses, the community and tourists have donated close to 300 trees, which will be planted at the location as part of Destination Hauraki Coromandel’s ‘Good for your soul’ initiative.
“They’ll focus on around two hectares of land in total, spread along both sides of the track,” Michael says.
Ngāti Hei conservation representative Shelley Balsom welcomed the shared environmental improvement initiative and efforts at Waimata Gemstone Bay.
“Ngāti Hei support this kaupapa,” Shelley says. “It is in alignment with Ngāti Hei values as restoration is a priority for us. We thank the tourism industry for this initiative.”
The repair to the Waimata Gemstone Bay track will see the track rerouted and an extra 40 metres constructed. Reinstating the track will restore land access to a popular snorkelling destination within Te Whanganui-O-Hei Marine Reserve enjoyed by educational groups and the local community.
The Hahei Reroute and Gemstone Bay Track projects are part of the wider Mautohe Cathedral Cove Sustainability Project, a long-term initiative focused on enhancing the visitor experience, managing visitor impacts and safeguarding the cultural and environmental values of this iconic site.
With visitor numbers returning to pre-COVID levels, long-standing challenges like littering, graffiti overcrowding, marine safety, and environmental pressures have resurfaced.
In response, DOC, Ngāti Hei, and community partners are working together to develop a Visitor Management Plan and sustainable operating model that addresses transport links, visitor flow, site maintenance, and infrastructure resilience, while supporting local businesses to thrive. This comprehensive approach ensures Cathedral Cove remains a taonga for future generations, with the mauri enhanced.
Nature is vital to New Zealand’s economy, and a significant proportion of tourism is based in, on or around our unique natural environment. Tourism on public conservation land (PCL) is worth $3.4 billion each year. More than 50% of international visitors and 80% of New Zealanders visit protected natural areas every year.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Government
Good afternoon.
First, thank you to our speakers: Peter Jackson, Megan Drayton, Peter Reidy, Her Worship Adrienne Wilcock, and Deklin Frew-Parks.
Welcome to Members of Parliament, community leaders, transport representatives, first responders, and especially those among you who have been affected by deaths and injuries on our rail corridor.
This is a serious occasion. We are talking about the real risk to life that occurs when people enter the rail corridor. This year there have been six deaths on the rail corridor.
Communities like those represented by Mayor Wilcock understand far too well what that means. Losing a member of your community is devastating for all involved.
It is why we must follow the 2025 Rail Safety campaign message: “Stay Off, Stay Safe.”
As the Minister for Rail, and the word “for” is deliberate, we have a positive vision for rail.
There are 3,800 kilometres of track across New Zealand, and in hundreds of communities.
We want to see more people catching trains. We want to see more of our goods moved by rail. But we have to respect the network and the rolling stock.
Locomotives weigh around 100 tonnes, while loaded freight trains weigh thousands of tonnes. These are heavy machines, often travelling at speed. They cannot stop on a dime.
So people need to stay out of the way. “Stay Off, Stay Safe” is a simple message.
Changing attitudes is not easy. We commend TrackSAFE for their work over the past 18 years to raise rail safety awareness. There has been a steady decline in the number of deaths in the rail corridor in recent years.
There are also practical steps being taken to improve safety. New fencing being installed, clear signs, and flashing lights and barrier arms. But it is not possible to fence all lines across the country. The most effective safety measure is an informed and alert public.
We commend KiwiRail’s teams for their visits to schools, as educating young people who live and study near rail lines is so important. It saves lives.
We commend Students Against Dangerous Driving, “SADD”, for working with TrackSAFE to develop new resources for secondary schools.
We commend everybody who understand the message: “Stay Off, Stay Safe.”
Now, many in this room will be health and safety professionals. You may have watched footage on Friday as we asked Patrick Brockie, Chief Executive of City Rail Link Limited, to explain why safety clothing was required at the City Rail Link. We were told: “it’s about visibility”, “in case of evacuation”, and “for safety reasons.”
After some time, it was later confirmed that the hard hats and safety glasses were not required. Presumably because everything above us was fixed in place and we were nowhere near flying debris.
While we were at a construction site, we were sectioned off from the real work, walking on finished stone tiles and concrete, under the constant supervision of managers, and stepping on a fully compliant train.
Safety is critically important, and we must never trivialise it. Dressing up as workers when the risk is so patently low risks turning safety into a joke. There should be no health and safety leader who wants their important work to be a joke.
And that brings us back to the serious nature of this event.
We have workers across all 3,800 kilometres of track. These people lift heavy lengths of steel, loads of sleepers, manage huge equipment. These people are protected by safety officers, teammates, leaders and train controllers.
The crews on our trains are often the first to respond when commuters have health incidents. The locomotive engineers experience real trauma in near misses and fatalities.
As New Zealand’s towns and cities grow along and across train tracks, it becomes more important that we look for trains driving on level crossings.
It becomes more important that KiwiRail, NZTA and councils plan how they provide places for people to cross railway tracks safely.
We must stay off the network unless we are in a train or legally passing through a level crossing.
So, “Stay Off, Stay Safe – Tracks are for Trains.”
Thank you very much.