Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander:
Two people have died after a water-related incident in the Tarawera River near Boyce Park late this morning.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 11.30am after a report of a party becoming stuck under a bank.
Sadly, two people were located deceased a short time later.
The deaths will be referred to the Coroner.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
There is still time to nominate outstanding native forest initiatives for the 2026 Growing Native Forest Champions Awards, with nominations closing on Friday 17 April.
Now in their second year, the awards recognise individuals and organisations leading the establishment and restoration of native forests across Aotearoa New Zealand. They celebrate practical, on the ground efforts that support biodiversity, strengthen land resilience, and deliver enduring environmental and economic benefits.
The awards showcase the leadership of landowners, farmers, iwi, forestry organisations, and community groups who are integrating native forests into their land management in meaningful and innovative ways. From erosion control and climate resilience to long term sustainable land use, permanent native forests play a vital role – and these awards highlight those making it happen.
Belinda Miller, forestry support regional manager at Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, says the awards reflect growing momentum for native forest planting and restoration nationwide.
“We’re seeing strong enthusiasm from landowners and communities who are integrating native forests into their landscapes in practical, forward-thinking ways. These awards recognise that leadership and help share stories that inspire others,” she says.
The Growing Native Forest Champions Awards align with the Government’s broader objectives to support sustainable land use, improve environmental outcomes, and strengthen regional economies. They also complement existing initiatives that encourage permanent native forests and long-term land stewardship.
Award categories recognise excellence across innovation, environmental impact, and community or iwi-led initiatives. Categories include Trees on Farms, Lifestyle Block Owner, Large scale Restoration Project, Forestry Company, Mana Whenua, and Catchment or Community Group.
Finalists and winners will be celebrated at a national awards ceremony at Fieldays from 10 to 13 June, providing a high-profile platform to share their stories with the rural sector and the wider public.
Nominations close on Friday 17 April 2026.
To celebrate the great work in your community being done to grow native forests, visit Growing Native Forests Champions
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
This evening we sit in a close circle, focussed on an A3 laminated map on the ground. We scribble coloured marker lines over the map, which depicts the landscape around Camp Cove. To discuss our plans, we have to raise our voices. Heavy rain hammering our canvas shelter makes it hard to hear.
The map we are looking at shows about 1,500 hectares of Maukahuka/Auckland Island. It sounds impressive until you realise it’s only around four percent of the island; four percent we will get to know really well. The four of us, each marked by a different colour on the map, plan to service the 82 trail cameras spread across this area on a 500m-by-500m grid. On paper, it’s neat: dots evenly spaced, straight lines connecting routes. In reality, it’s anything but.
Outside the shelter, the rain changes to hail. Overnight it settles on the ground and crunches underfoot in the morning as we set off to walk the lines we marked the night before.
Maukahuka is big in a way that’s hard to explain until you’re walking in it. At 480m from the ridge above camp I can see 30km across fjords and ridges all the way to the northern-most point of the island. However, every ridge hides another line of tangled scrub; every plateau holds wet ground that sucks at your boots. Sometimes our progress while servicing cameras is measured at 200m an hour — crawling and fighting through scrub, climbing around basalt cliffs, sinking into bogs that look solid but definitely aren’t. Other times, while on open ground, we might cover three kilometres in an hour.
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Between days servicing the camera grid, and as a reminder that our human scale doesn’t apply to most animals here, we spend a day collecting invertebrate samples from pitfall traps across different habitats. Most of the specimens are smaller than 1cm in length and perfectly adapted to utilise this challenging landscape. We are examining the abundance and distribution of these invertebrates. After eradicating pigs and mice, we expect the average size of invertebrates to increase, and that we will catch more of them, including more rare species that are abundant on the pest free islands nearby. These species are the ones that will be able to flourish once the mice and feral pigs are gone. Having baseline biodiversity data gives us the ability to accurately measure the impact of the restoration work in decades to come.
The challenge of eradication isn’t just finding the pests — it’s proving they aren’t there at the end. That means we need confidence across every kilometre of this varied terrain – and the island doesn’t give up answers easily. For the Maukahuka project we plan to have more than 2000 cameras across the island, collecting data and helping us build this assurance. However, when just four percent of the island takes days of effort, it’s easy to grasp how much work will be involved to check thousands of trail cameras across the entire Auckland Island archipelago.
One thing that’s changed how we work down here is connectivity. In the past, heading to the Auckland Islands meant weeks of limited communication with the outside world. This trip, thanks to DOC’s partnership with One NZ and their satellite capability, that’s no longer the case.
Being able to make daily scheds, share updates, and even make a WhatsApp call from such a remote place makes a real difference — not just for the coordination of our team in the field, but for safety too. While spread across a huge island in such varied conditions, quick communication allows us to change plans or even to ask someone else to cook dinner if we’re going to be home late! All making this vast place feel just a little more manageable.
Looking ahead, the kind of data capability we have now with satellites opens new possibilities for how we work across an island of this scale. We have been working with developers for the past two years to test and deploy ‘Sentinel’ devices that allow near real-time classification of camera imagery onsite, with the ability to notify us remotely when a detection of interest occurs. Until now these have been restricted to terrestrial cellular reception – but with the ability to connect to Satellite-to-cellular data services, these devices could be used almost anywhere. With reliable data connectivity and the inclusion of the devices at each camera site, many of the trail cameras wouldn’t need to be checked manually. To read more about Sentinel devices follow this link: Conservation X Labs Joins Island-Ocean Connection Challenge, Commits to Deploy Transformative Technology to Protect Island Ecosystems. Data captured on these devices can be sent back to us multiple times a day, reducing time, risk, and effort required to move people around the challenging landscape. Detections could be received in near real time, allowing teams to respond quickly during the eradication of feral pigs, mice, and feral cats. On an island this big, speed matters. Better data could allow us to react to a detection immediately and give us a higher probability of success.
How would real‑time detections change the way your conservation project approaches pest control? The scale of Maukahuka has forced us to rethink how we monitor, detect, and respond. As the project progresses, we’ll be sharing the lessons we learn with the wider conservation community.
Getting to know Maukahuka is the first step toward its recovery—you can be part of this ambitious endeavour by supporting the project through the NZ Nature Fund, you can help turn every trail camera checked and every mouse trap set into a future Auckland Island free of introduced pests and full of thriving native wildlife.
Source: New Zealand Police
A man attempting to evade Police by hiding in the backseat of a vehicle has been arrested after tallying up a list of charges.
On 14 April, Northland Police were trying to locate a man who was wanted in connection with a series of burglaries across the region.
Mid North Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Mark Barratt, says officers were making their way to an address of interest when they came across a vehicle known to be used by the suspect.
“Despite no visible signs of him, an officer’s gut instinct suggested the man they were looking for was inside the departing vehicle.”
Police followed the vehicle as it travelled into Kaeo.
As the vehicle came to a stop on Wainui Road, a man leapt from the backseat and ran into a nearby property.
“The suspect then attempted to steal a vehicle from the address.
“The Police Dog Unit was quickly deployed, and the man was arrested,” Senior Sergeant Barratt says.
A 44-year-old man has been charged with four counts of burglary, three counts of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, and driving while disqualified.
He has been remanded in custody and will appear in Kaikohe District Court on 28 April.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Lincoln Street is blocked following a crash this afternoon in Frankton, Hamilton.
Police were called to the three-vehicle crash at the intersection with Rifle Range Road at around 1.30pm.
There are no reported injuries.
The road is blocked and motorists are asked to avoid the area and expect delays.
Contractors have been contacted.
ENDS
Source: New Zealand Government
Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston, welcomes new figures out today showing more New Zealanders moved off benefit and into work over the year to March 2026, even as economic conditions remain challenging.
“5,580 more people left the benefit for work during the year ending March 2026 compared to the same period the year before,” Louise Upston says.
“Quarterly comparisons are also positive, with 24,615 exits from a main benefit into work during the March 2026 quarter – up 1,347 from the March 2025 quarter.
“We’re facing tough economic conditions, both at home and internationally, but these numbers matter – they represent lives turned around for thousands of New Zealanders.”
The latest benefit figures also show a decrease in the number of people receiving a working age main benefit.
“We also saw the number of people receiving Jobseeker Support decrease by 8,289 – or 3.7 per cent alongside the number of working age people on a main benefit drop by 17,661 – or 4.1 per cent – from the December 2025 quarter,” Louise Upston says.
“The Government’s welfare reset is shifting the dial, helping jobseekers to be work ready and proactive about seizing opportunities when they arise.
“After the introduction of our Traffic Light System in mid-2024, jobseekers are more aware of their job search responsibilities.
“MSD’s Kōrero Mahi seminars continue to help jobseekers understand their work obligations and take practical steps toward sustainable employment through targeted employment support – including advice about finding the right job, CV support, or being referred to job vacancies, training, or case management.
“Many New Zealanders are doing it tough, but our government is committed as ever to fixing the basics and building the future while supporting job and income growth and providing practical support to help get jobseekers into work.”
Source: New Zealand Police
An alleged fuel thief and his partner have been arrested in the Waikato thanks to a working security camera and a quick tip-off.
Police were called to a commercial property at Horsham Downs about 8pm yesterday after a person noticed a suspicious character and vehicle on a CCTV feed. While they were on the phone they watched as the person started siphoning more than 200 litres of diesel from a tank at the property.
Waikato Western Area Commander Inspector Andrew Mortimore says timing was everything.
“The person watching all this unfold did everything right – they called 111 straight off the bat and provided really helpful information. That gave us a head start, and we got units rolling towards the property.
“By the time the suspect finished filling the drum and a container on his ute, units had closed in, and others waiting on nearby roads. The offender probably got a bit of surprise when he saw the patrol car coming up the road, because he took off in the ute at a rate of knots.
Inspector Mortimore says a pursuit was initiated and the ute’s front tyres were spiked as the driver headed north towards Ngaruawahia. As the vehicle drove along Waingaro Road, the ute, and its then-rubberless front wheels, lost control and stopped in a ditch.
The alleged driver took off on foot, but a Police dog sniffed him out and he was taken into custody and treated for a minor dog bite. An associate of the man remained in the ute and was arrested.
“This arrest is a great result. This isn’t the first time this property has been hit and it causes a heap of pain and inconvenience, not to mention expense.
“This really shows the value of having working security systems in place and contacting Police immediately when something doesn’t look right.”
Inquiries are ongoing to see if these two individuals are linked to other District wide offending.
A 32-year-old Chartwell man has been charged with burglary, driving while suspended, failing to stop, and dangerous driving. He is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court today, alongside a 28-year-old Chartwell woman who has been charged with burglary.
People can find out more prevention advice to prevent fuel thefts here: https://www.police.govt.nz/advice-services/personal-community-safety/fue…
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealand’s Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and Certificate of Fitness A (CoF A) light vehicle inspection requirements will soon be significantly reformed, saving Kiwis time and money, Transport Ministers Chris Bishop and James Meager say.
“Compared to other countries, New Zealand has very frequent inspections for light vehicles. Modern light vehicles are significantly safer and more reliable, but our rules haven’t kept pace, imposing unnecessary costs on motorists. Other countries including Ireland, Germany, Japan, and Australia inspect every one to two years or at ownership change and achieve comparable or better safety outcomes,” Mr Bishop says.
“The Government’s changes mean that most light vehicles under 14 years old will move to two-yearly WoF inspections (up from yearly), and new vehicles will go four years before their second WoF. Older vehicles, motorcycles, and light rental vehicles will move from six-monthly to yearly inspections.
“These simple changes will deliver massive benefits for Kiwis. The cost-benefit analysis shows the changes are expected to deliver between $2.6 billion and $4.1 billion in net benefits over 30 years through reduced inspection fees, less time spent on compliance, and fewer unnecessary repairs.
“I know many people will welcome these changes, especially when many households are feeling pressure due to high petrol and diesel prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.
“Overall, the Government’s changes align inspection effort with actual safety risk, meaning fewer unnecessary inspections, lower costs for vehicle owners, and less time spent jumping through administrative hoops – while still ensuring the cars on our roads are safe to drive.
“The Government consulted on these changes last year, with 74 per cent of respondents in support of reducing inspections for lower-risk vehicles.”
Under the new settings, changes will come into effect in two stages. Implementation is subject to the completion of the Order in Council process.
From 1 November 2026:
From 1 November 2027:
“The changes mean that compulsory inspections will be focused where they make the biggest difference to safety – older and higher-risk vehicles. Data on safety risk shows an increase in crashes where vehicle factors were recorded for vehicles from about 15 years of age,” Mr Meager says.
“We’re confident that the changes will not come at the expense of road safety. Inspections are being expanded to include modern safety systems, and the Government will also strengthen penalties for non-compliance and increase public education.
“Modelling conservatively suggests there could be an estimated 0.6 to 1.3 per cent increase in defect-related crashes. However, New Zealand crash data shows defects identified during inspections contribute to a small proportion of death and serious injury crashes (3.5 per cent), far less than other factors like speed, alcohol and drugs (23 per cent and 34 per cent respectively).”
These changes deliver on commitments under the Government’s Land Transport Rules Reform programme, which is focused on modernising outdated rules, reducing red tape, and supporting a safer, more productive transport system.
Source: New Zealand Government
A major resilience project on State Highway 73 (SH73) at Candys Bend between Christchurch and the West Coast is getting underway to repair a damaged retaining wall, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop.
“State Highway 73 (SH73) between Christchurch and the West Coast is relied upon for freight, tourism, business connections and the many communities that live along the highway,” Mr Bishop says.
“Because of this, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has put lots of effort into keeping the highway open and safe for road users. A big focus under this Government has also been building the longer-term resilience of important connections like SH73.
“Hunter Civil has been contracted to begin important repairs to a damaged retaining wall on SH73 at Candys Creek, between Arthur’s Pass Village and Otira. This concrete retaining wall was constructed in the 1950s and supports the highway and bridge above it but was significantly damaged by flooding in 2018.
“While the damage to the retaining wall does not present an immediate threat to road users, a significant flooding or seismic event in the future could cause the collapse of the retaining wall and the highway. If this happens, people will be at risk, and the South Island connection will be heavily impacted.
“The retaining wall is still in a state where it can be repaired, but if it deteriorates further, it will likely have to be rebuilt completely at a much greater cost. It makes sense to invest now into this important piece of infrastructure.
“The repairs will include filling voids behind the retaining wall with mass concrete, the installation of drainage and fixes at the top and face of the wall where Candys Creek discharges.
“This work is funded through the Crown Resilience Programme, with $419 million invested by the Government over seven years. It has a budget of around $8 million.
“Work on the ground is due to start later this month and is expected to be completed early next year.”
Notes to Editor:
Source: New Zealand Police
Bay of Islands locals, please be advised a search and rescue training exercise will be taking place this weekend.
Northland Police Search and Rescue are running the exercise, which begins on Friday until Sunday.
The joint-agency training exercise will bring together a range of organisations that play a vital role in saving lives throughout the year.
Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, SAR Officer in charge, says the agencies taking part include Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard, AREC, Surf Life Saving, RedCross, and the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand.
“These exercises play a key role in ensuring our capabilities and enhancing how we work together as a cohesive team when it really counts,” he says.
“Having the opportunity to train together and hone our skills is essential to ensuring we work effectively and safely when responding to real emergencies.”
If you see Search and Rescue personnel operating in the area over the weekend, please don’t be alarmed — this is part of a planned training exercise.
ENDS.
Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police
