Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has laid out its expectations for City and Regional Deals (CRDs) as long-term partnerships that will increase economic growth, create jobs, and boost productivity for New Zealanders, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts say.

The Government has also signed the first Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to negotiate deals with Auckland, Otago/Central Lakes and Western Bay of Plenty.

“City and Regional Deals will be strategic 10-year partnerships between local and central government to progress joint priorities including economic growth, enabling abundant housing, better management and utilisation of local assets, and closing the infrastructure deficit,” Mr Bishop says.

“The Government has established five objectives for the City and Regional Deals programme:

1. Better coordination between central government and regions, including how we work together and align our priorities
2. Unlocking regions’ unique potential and lifting economic growth, including regional employment opportunities
3. Making room forhousing growth
4. Ensuring local governments do a better job at managing and utilising their asset base and make significant progress to close their infrastructure deficits – without new funding from Central Government.
5. Ensuring Local Governments comprehensively adopt Central Government priority reforms such as Local Water Done Well, Resource Management Act reform, and Going for Housing Growth.

“Today we are outlining what central government will put on the table during negotiations for cities and regions participating in CRDs. These are:

1. Improved central government coordination (both internally and with the regions), ensuring the right agencies are around the table. This could include agreement to deploy more senior officials to existing Urban Growth Partnerships and other governance arrangements, and improved Government infrastructure investment and asset management.
2. Early collaboration with councils on system reforms including undertaking joint-spatial planning ahead of RM reform implementation. We will consider improvements to existing regulatory frameworks including: zoning, fees and charges innovation, streamlined planning and land acquisition processes, regional spatial planning.
3. Providing councils with new funding and financing tools and incentivising them to better utilise existing ones. This could include considering the use of sharing of mining royalties, mobilising existing government funds to support deals, and providing access to government experts that could help councils use more complex tools such as Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act Levies.
4. Supporting regions to unlock growth sectors (e.g., technology, biotech, advanced transportation, aquaculture, tourism, cleantech, renewable energy). Central government will consider locating “confirmed/funded” innovation facilities/institutes in regions as part of a CRD. 

Notes to editor: 

The three regions:

• The Auckland region comprises Auckland Council.
• The Otago Central Lakes region comprises Queenstown Lakes District Council, Central Otago District Council and Otago Regional Council.
• The Western Bay of Plenty region comprises Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Regions’ light-touch proposals were assessed by a multi-agency assessment panel against four criteria: 

• Strategic alignment – Is the proposal aligned with the Government’s priority objectives, does it have economic growth potential, and is there a commitment to housing and development growth?
• Effective partnerships – How strong and effective are the local and central government partnerships, is there collaboration between councils in the region, is there a history of positive collaboration with central government, and is there a commitment to broader government reforms and work programmes?
• Deliverability – Is there capacity, capability and readiness to deliver?
• Economic and financial feasibility – Is the proposal feasible, are projects likely to have a positive cost-benefit ratio, are timelines realistic, and is the risk profile of proposed projects acceptable?

More information is available at: www.dia.govt.nz/Regional-Deals 

“The Government expects that local government provides a better framework/structure for regional relationships with central government, and improves asset renewals, maintenance and management including ensuring a pipeline of future infrastructure work.

“We also expect that councils will go above legal and regulatory minimum requirements to unlock housing growth including around rapid transit corridors and where central government has invested in infrastructure. Further, we want regions to commit to exploring demand management tools like time of use charging.

“We are eager that regions commit to exploring new and existing tools including (but not limited to): Targeted rates, IFF Act Levies, Development Levies, asset recycling, and become attractive destinations for international investment opportunities.”

“The Government also expects regions to comprehensively adopt priority Central Government reform including Local Water Done Well, Going for Housing Growth, Resource Management Act and transport governance reform in Auckland,” Mr Watts says.

“Late last year, councils were invited to submit regional deal proposals to the Government. In total, 18 proposals were submitted. 

“Following a multi-agency assessment process that included review by independent experts, Cabinet agreed to progress to MOUs with three regions.

“The Government has now signed MOUs with the Mayors from Auckland, Otago Central Lakes and Western Bay of Plenty.

“All three regions have existing Urban Growth Partnerships which demonstrate existing collaboration, and all three have economies with significant economic growth potential.

“These initial regions put together compelling proposals that reflect the Government’s and the regions’ priorities through strong propositions that provide a clear pathway to getting important work done. 

“The Government will now begin negotiations with the three regions, with a view to agreeing the first Deal by the end of 2025.”

The MOU signings reflect the National-Act Coalition Agreement to institute long-term city and regional infrastructure deals, allowing PPPs, tolling and value capture rating to fund infrastructure.

Source: New Zealand Police

A spree of car break-ins across one North Shore suburb has parked one offender in a court dock.

Police have so far charged him with 17 offences over one weekend.

In recent days, Waitematā East Police began investigating a spate of theft reports from vehicles parked in Schnapper Rock.

Waitematā East Area Investigators Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams says numerous break-ins occurred between 26 and 29 June.

“Offenders have been targeting sunglasses, wallets, bank cards and other items left in plain view,” he says.

“A break came in enquiries when offenders were disturbed in the act on Sunday.

“The victims got a very good description of a vehicle being used in the offending, which was invaluable to us.”

Frontline staff attended the incident and, through camera operators, managed to obtain a registration.

“Our Tactical Crime Unit picked up enquiries on Monday, identifying a person of interest which resulted in a visit to his Te Atatū Peninsula property on Tuesday.”

A search warrant was executed at the property, resulting in the arrest of a 28-year-old man.

Detective Senior Sergeant Williams says numerous items of interest were found at the West Auckland property.

“He will face the North Shore District Court today on multiple counts of theft ex-car, and we will be opposing the man’s bail.

“It’s a pleasing result, and our North Shore staff worked together with urgency to take enforcement action and ultimately prevent our community from being victimised further.”

Police enquiries are continuing, and further arrests and charges cannot be ruled out at this point.

Detective Senior Sergeant Williams says Police acknowledge vigilant reporting from the Schnapper Rock community, with timely and helpful information to respond.

Always call 111 if you see offending or suspicious activity occurring in the community.

You can also report information to Police online or by calling 105.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The appointment of Scott O’Donnell to the KiwiRail board will bolster its freight expertise Minister for Rail Winston Peters says. 

“Railways have no shortage of potential for New Zealand, and we expect to see sustained growth in earnings, revenue, volumes, reliability, and safety to turn this business into something great.”

Mr O’Donnell is a current director of HW Richardson Group and was its managing director from 2006 to 2015. The Group owns 46 companies, employing 2000 people across six sectors including road freight.

 “Mr O’Donnell, new Chair Sue Tindal and the Treasury have established a conflict-of-interest management plan which will be reviewed and monitored.

 “The company’s road freight operation is primarily south of Oamaru, and as such Mr O’Donnell will recuse himself from KiwiRail activities in this part of New Zealand. 

“Mr O’Donnell has resigned as chair of HW Richardson-owned Dynes Transport but remains on its board, noting this company is receiving Government co-investment for a rail siding into a new Mosgiel road and rail freight hub,” Mr Peters says.

Term: 1 September 2025 – 31 August 2028

Biography: Scott O’Donnell is a Director of the HW Richardson (HWR) Group and was previously Managing Director of the Group from 2006 to 2015. In addition to his directorship, Mr O’Donnell spearheads the HWR Group Property portfolio that is responsible for various projects across New Zealand. Mr O’Donnell has led HWR Group through a decade of considerable growth, in both company size, business growth and diversification. His deep expertise both operational and governance in property management, transport, freight, and logistics as well as his commercial nous will add important strategic insights to KiwiRail’s business.

Source: New Zealand Government

Eight new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will give industry a strong voice in work-based learning, ensuring the system delivers the right skills, in the right places, for a growing economy, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says. 

“The Government promised to disestablish Te Pūkenga and return decision-making to local providers and industry. The Industry Skills Boards are a key part of delivering on that promise,” Ms Simmonds says.

“This is all part of our plan to make sure that the training people receive is aligned to what industry needs, and skills are matched to ensure they are fit-for-purpose, paving the way for economic growth.  We want to ensure our workforce across key growth sectors are ready to hit the ground running.

“The ISBs will be led by industry experts who know their trades and sectors best. They will set training standards, oversee quality, and make sure apprenticeships and traineeships match what employers and students need.”

The eight Industry Skills Boards will begin operating from 1 January 2026 once the legislation is passed later this year. They will also temporarily manage work-based training currently overseen by Te Pūkenga. Backed by industry consultation, they will cover:

• Automotive, transport, and logistics
• Construction and specialist trades
• Food and fibre (including aquaculture)
• Infrastructure
• Manufacturing and engineering
• Services
• Health and community
• Electrotechnology and information technology

Industry Skills Boards will have three main funding sources. They will receive some core public funding, they can choose to charge fees to fund their quality assurance functions, and industries can also choose to support ISBs through a levy. 

Around 250,000 learners enter the vocational education system each year — half learning on campus or online, and half through work-based training. 

“Whether you’re learning on the job or in a classroom, these changes will make your training more relevant and valuable,” Ms Simmonds says. 

“We want every apprentice and trainee to be confident their qualifications will be recognised by employers. Employers can trust the system to deliver skilled workers ready to step into roles. 

“This is a win for apprentices, trainees, employers, and the economy. We’re building a modern, connected work-based learning system that supports quality jobs and drives the economic growth powering New Zealand’s future.”

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a serious crash in Kumeū on the night of 27 June.

An investigation has been underway since Friday night, when a car that had earlier failed to stop for Police crashed on Coatesville-Riverhead Highway at about 8.20pm.

Four teenagers were hospitalised at the time, with the conditions of three stabilising in recent days.

Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan says one of the teenagers had been in a critical condition in Auckland City Hospital.

“Sadly, the teenage male succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday night and passed away in hospital,” she says.

“This is a tragic development for everyone concerned on top of an incident that has had devastating impacts for these young people.

“The boy’s next of kin has been advising wider family members overnight, and we are ensuring there is support in place for them.”

Investigations will continue into the events of Friday night.

“We are continuing to support our staff who responded courageously on Friday night, and were confronted with a very traumatic scene,” Superintendent Hassan says.

“It’s important we allow a thorough investigation to be carried out and we expect this may take some time to complete.”

Police have notified the Independent Police Conduct Authority of the incident as part of this process.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

A homicide investigation has been launched following the discovery of a body on Renall Street, Freeman’s Bay last night.

Auckland City CIB’s Detective Inspector Scott Beard says Police discovered the deceased around 10pm.

“Police are continuing to gather information from the scene and enquires into the exact circumstances surrounding what has occurred are ongoing.”

A person is in custody and Police are not looking for anyone else in connection at this stage.

Detective Inspector Beard says a scene examination is under way at the address and there will be an increased Police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

“Members of the public can be assured there is no risk to public safety.”

A post-mortem will be carried out in due course.

If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the file number 250630/9878 and quote ‘Operation Yarrow’.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-nz.org.

Further information will be provided when we are able to do so.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Thousands more New Zealanders will get the procedures they need faster, with the Government today announcing 21,000 more elective procedures over the next year through its Elective Boost programme, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“With over 215,000 procedures set to go ahead over the next year – over 21,000 more than previously planned – wait times will reduce, helping more Kiwis access life-changing operations like hip and knee replacements and cataract surgeries sooner.  

“Our Government is focused on real delivery. For patients stuck on surgical waitlists, that means getting their procedures faster, no matter where they live or who provides it. 

“We’re making the health system work smarter, using both public hospitals and private providers in a coordinated national effort. New Zealanders don’t care who does the operation – they just want it done and done quickly.” 

Many of the procedures will be delivered in Health New Zealand’s dedicated elective facilities, including Manukau Health Park, Tōtara Haumaru on the North Shore, and Burwood Hospital in Christchurch. Others will be completed by private hospitals under new national agreements. 

The next phase of the Elective Boost follows strong early results: 
 

• More than 12,764 procedures delivered to 1 June, outpacing the 10,579 target set for 30 June.
• The majority of procedures delivered have been for people waiting longer than four months for treatment.
• Statements of work issued to 60 private providers to deliver surgery at consistent national rates.  

“We’re taking a joined-up approach to procedure delivery. That means removing hold-ups, providing certainty, and unlocking capacity across the system,” Mr Brown says. 

“This is how we start to fix the waitlist crisis that grew under the previous government. Too many Kiwis have been waiting in pain for procedures that could transform their lives – a tradie needing a shoulder operation to get back to work, a nana needing cataract surgery to see her grandkids clearly, or a child waiting months for tonsils to be removed. We’re turning that around.” 

Mr Brown says the long-term goal is to treat 95 per cent of patients within four months by 2030 as part of the Government’s health targets. 

“Our Government is investing $30 billion a year in health, and we’re backing that investment with a relentless focus on delivery. We are ramping up capacity in public hospitals, partnering with private providers in a more strategic way, and most importantly, we are getting Kiwis the care they need,” Mr Brown says.  

“We’ve already delivered thousands of extra procedures through the Elective Boost, and now we’re building on that with thousands more to put patients first.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Amohau Street in Rotorua is closed following a crash involving a truck and a pedestrian.

It happened around 6am near the intersection with Ranolf Street.

The pedestrian is understood to be seriously injured.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised, and motorists are asked to take alternate routes.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has released proposed changes to reshape transport in central Dunedin and achieve safe and efficient access to the city’s new hospital.

From today, people can have their say on the preferred option for State Highway 1 Cumberland Street and State Highway 88 St Andrew Street, both of which are key routes connecting people to the new Dunedin Hospital. The hospital’s main inpatient and outpatient public entrances will both open onto the intersection of these two streets.

The proposed roading changes, developed in partnership with Dunedin City Council after previous rounds of community feedback, can be viewed in detail here.

“The new hospital development is a once in a generation development for Dunedin. It presents an exciting opportunity to reshape the surrounding transport infrastructure to best serve the community,” says NZTA Director of Regional Relationships, Ian Duncan.

“Up to 10,000 pedestrians will be walking in and around the new hospital facilities daily when open. Many of these people will be ill, elderly or vulnerable, so safety will be paramount. Access to the new hospital will need to cater for frequent pick-ups and drop-offs by vehicles, and for unimpeded access by emergency services.”

“At the same time, these changes we have laid out are aimed at ensuring we continue to have good traffic flow for road users in and out of Dunedin’s CBD.”

Proposed changes include the following:

• A new Barnes Dance crossing (where all pedestrians cross the road at once) at the SH88 St Andrew Street/SH1 Cumberland Street intersection to help people reach the hospital public entrances safely. 
• Removal of the westbound right turn from SH88 St Andrew Street onto SH1 Cumberland Street to make space and time for the increased number of pedestrians, including people with mobility needs, to cross the road.
• Two new signalised pedestrian crossings on SH1 outside the Woolworths and the Centre City New World supermarkets.
• Changes to St Andrew Street and other nearby streets to help people driving, walking and cycling, and emergency vehicles, move safely and smoothly around the hospital and surrounding area.
• Frederick Street will become the new SH88, moving right turning traffic from St Andrew Street to other streets.

“Some of the proposed changes will mean road users having to adapt to new ways of moving through the area, but we think these are practical and sensible moves to make it safe and efficient for everyone,” Mr Duncan says.

“We intend to have clear signage and guidance in place when any changes are introduced to avoid confusion.”

“The removal of the right turn from St Andrew Street onto SH1 for westbound traffic is seen as the only practical option to give pedestrians enough time to cross safely and to keep traffic flowing.’’   

Removal of this right turn will mean Hanover and Frederick Streets are expected to become key alternative routes for light vehicles. Larger trucks are expected to use Ward Street and the overbridge onto Frederick Street as an alternative route.

“Both Hanover and Frederick Streets can handle the expected changes in traffic volumes, and we don’t believe travel times are going to be greatly affected.”

The proposed changes do have some impact upon car parking, such as on the north side of St Andrew Street near Dunedin Central Fire Station where roading improvements mean the loss of 14 parks. This will be partially offset by new parks in Harrow Street, and analysis of public parking available in the wider vicinity of the new hospital shows there are multiple off-road parking facilities available to be used in addition to provision being made at the hospital itself.

The proposed changes for SH1 and SH88 build on earlier work in 2023, when the decision was made to keep Dunedin’s existing SH1 one-way system.

Mr Duncan says public feedback on the current proposed changes will need to be considered before any work on the affected streets take place over the next few years.  

People can view the proposed changes and give their feedback via an online form. Printed material with the proposed changes and feedback forms can be found in the next few days at Dunedin City Council libraries and service centres, and those not online can send their feedback to NZTA by post.

View proposed changes and give feedback 

Feedback closes on 28 July, 2025.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is making it easier for police to punish shoplifters and is introducing stronger penalties for low-level theft, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say. 

“Public confidence in our justice system is undermined if people can steal with apparent impunity. It’s disheartening, and our government will not sit by while shoplifters rob businesses of their livelihoods,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“Currently, the administrative burden can deter retailers from making official complaints, and lower-level offending often goes unreported or unpunished. Our government is restoring real consequences for crime, and shoplifting is no exception.”

The proposed changes include:

Introducing an infringement regime for shoplifting in retail premises. For stolen goods valued up to $500, infringement fees will be up to $500. For goods valued over $500, fees will be up to $1,000.
Strengthening the penalties for theft. The maximum penalties will be one year imprisonment (if the value is approximately $2,000 or less), or seven years imprisonment (if value is approximately more than $2,000).
Creating a new aggravated theft offence for when the value of the goods is under $2,000 and the theft is carried out in a manner that is offensive, threatening, insulting, or disorderly.  

“Harsher penalties could mean up to twice as long behind bars for aggravated theft, and criminals will be forced to think twice before destroying more lives,” Mrs McKee says.

“Our government is focused on restoring law and order, reducing violent crime, and putting victims first in our justice system.
“I want to thank the Ministerial Advisory Group, and its Chair Sunny Kaushal, for their work shaping this proposal.”
These changes fulfill a commitment in the National/New Zealand First coalition agreement to ensure real consequences for lower-level crimes such as shoplifting.