Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Night shift staff pursued a lead that led to a great catch for Mt Wellington Police this morning.

At around 3.20am, units were patrolling near Penrose Road when they stopped a vehicle.

“Once stopped the officers noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from inside,” Auckland City East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rachel Dolheguy says.

“A search of the vehicle was invoked and resulted in a guitar case containing an unloaded military style pump action shotgun was located in the boot.”

Also found were four shotgun shells, a small amount of cannabis and cannabis paraphernalia.

“This was great proactive police work by our officers, which has resulted in a high-powered weapon being removed from our community,” Inspector Dolheguy says.

A 34-year-old male will appear in the Auckland District Court this morning charged with possessing a firearm and possessing cannabis.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are urging members of the Wellington community to be aware of recent card skimming incidents, taking thousands of dollars from victims.

Wellington District Operations Manager, Acting Inspector Tim McIntosh says Police have seen an increase in the number of victims losing large amounts of money due to card skimming incidents.

“In the last week alone, we have received around 12 reports of this offending, where in some cases victims have lost over $5,000.”

Card skimming is where an offender will install a device with a camera on an ATM or POS (point of sale) terminal to capture card data and record PIN numbers.

Offenders will then use the obtained information to create fake payment cards and make unauthorised purchases or withdraw funds to steal from victim’s accounts.

“We urge the public to be aware of this type of offending to ensure they can take the proper precautions to keep their data and finances safe,” says Acting Inspector Tim McIntosh.

“Thankfully, there are many ways to help prevent being a victim of card skimming when using your cards.”

• Always double check an ATM or POS terminal. Look out for signs of damage or tampering, loose or unattached pieces, or a different colour variation on the device.
• Block your PIN number. When entering your PIN number, use your other hand to block any camera that may be recording.
• Trust in what you know. A large majority of card skimming takes place at non-bank ATM machines due to increased security and cameras around bank ATMs.
• Follow your instinct. If you feel something is off or suspicious about an ATM or POS terminal, check-in with a bank or store staff member.
• Regularly check on your accounts. This will not only allow you to keep track of where you have spent your money, but will also ensure you can act quickly in the case your money has been stolen.

If you believe you have been victim to card skimming, please contact your bank immediately and cancel your cards and accounts.

Police also urge you to gather as much information as you can and make a report through 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

For more information on card skimming, head to Westpac’s guide to card skimming or Southern Cross Travel Insurance.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A teenager’s tearing up of a rugby club’s fields has taken a turn for the worst.

The 19-year-old has swapped the keys to his new pride and joy for a court appearance.

Kumeū Police got onto the case after locals awoke to the Kumeū Rugby Club fields torn up early on Saturday morning.

“A furore ensued on the community grapevines given a prized community asset had been damaged,” Sergeant Graham Bennett says.

“Information was quickly passed onto Police which was followed up and a vehicle of interest was identified.”

After ongoing attempts to speak with the driver, Kumeū Police have since interviewed him.

Sergeant Bennett says the 19-year-old Hobsonville man has been charged with intentional damage as well as other driving offences.

“The driver has had his newly purchased vehicle impounded.”

He will appear in the Waitākere District Court at a later date.

Sergeant Bennett says: “Police would like to thank those involved in the rugby club and members of the public for their assistance in supplying information which led to this apprehension.

“It’s a reminder about consequences, and we will not tolerate this behaviour in the community given the risks posed and damage created.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: Green Party

The Greens welcome the open letter from world-leading climate scientists to the Prime Minister, urging his Government to abandon any plan to water down climate targets.

“Christopher Luxon must end any further speculation that his Government is on the climate denial bandwagon. After wasting a year playing around with the mythical ‘no additional warming’ idea, international alarm bells are ringing,” says Green Party co-leader and Climate Change spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick.

“The Climate Change Commission is clear that any entertainment of ‘no additional warming’ from agricultural gasses would mean households and businesses across the rest of the economy carrying a far higher burden.

“International experts are rightfully calling out this accounting trick. It’s about fixing numbers on a page while the real world burns.

“While the Government doesn’t tend to show any care for people and the planet, perhaps they would understand that pushing ahead with this agenda poses huge risks for our international exports, climate and trade agreements.

“The Greens have shown how we can reduce real-world emissions five times faster than the Government’s ‘plan,’ while reducing the cost of living and improving our quality of life.

“New Zealanders deserve so much better than this Government’s low ambitions for our country,” says Chlöe Swarbrick.

* The Green Party has raised this issue multiple times. Please see some examples below 

Source: New Zealand Police

A man is facing at least 18 charges after a string of alleged offending across the North Shore area in recent months.

Waitematā East Police caught up with the man and he is custody until his next court date later in June.

Businesses and commuters have been the alleged targets of the man’s spree, including a defibrillator worth thousands of dollars from one Takapuna business.

Area Commander Inspector Stefan Sagar says staff have been piecing together a series of burglaries and shoplifting offences.

“Thanks to this collation the man was deemed a priority to target and locate, and Police arrested him near the Takapuna area late last week,” he says.

“Other alleged offending includes the theft of scooters from Park and Rides at Constellation and Sunnynook.

“We have laid 18 charges against this man including burglary, unlawful takes, theft and trespass.”

A 42-year-old man appeared in the North Shore District Court in late May.

“Police are continuing to target and hold offending to account and in this case, there was ongoing harm being inflicted,” Inspector Sagar says.

“The man has been remanded in custody and is not currently in the community.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: Auckland Council

A range of projects led by community groups have been allocated a share of $303,119 from Auckland Council in the latest round of Ngā Hapori Momoho | Thriving Communities grants for 2024/2025, approved by the Community Committee on 27 May.

​The grants support regional goals in the council’s Ngā Hapori Momoho | Thriving Communities Strategy 2022-2032, with the vision for a fairer, more sustainable Tāmaki Makaurau where every Aucklander belongs. The goals aim to improve financial security, improve health outcomes, and grow community and intercultural connection. 

Committee chair, Councillor Angela Dalton says the funding recognises the organisations behind these projects as experts at what they do, changing lives for the better in line with council objectives.

“Initiatives funded in this round include a transitional housing service for women, a programme teaching traditional Māori parenting skills, and a support service for young people experiencing sexual harm,” Cr Dalton says.

Deputy chair, Councillor Julie Fairey agrees that this year’s successful applicants will provide a broad spectrum of community benefits, from strengthening wellbeing for rainbow youth to supporting food rescue.

“The council is proud to be able to support a wide range of community activities through these grants, acknowledging the skills of local groups and supporting them in their important mahi.  This is the stuff that helps our communities to thrive,” says Cr Fairey.

Ngā Hapori Momoho | Thriving Communities grants are allocated to regionally significant groups, services, events and activities to benefit residents across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

General Manager Community Wellbeing Kenneth Aiolupotea says demand for council funding continues to grow with the highest number of applications ever received for the current round of Ngā Hapori Momoho grants, up 25 per cent from last year, with a total of 119 applications submitted.

“It is really great news that each of the 11 successful applicants have been approved for close to maximum funding, with grants ranging from $26,000 to $28,500 allocated,” Kenneth says. 

Organisations delivering strong Māori outcomes were among 11 community groups that each receive a welcome boost this year for their work to improve welfare, health and belonging for Aucklanders in need.  

“In addition, four of the successful applicants are Māori organisations and another two are delivering projects with strong Māori outcomes. Together, these six applicants account for 56 per cent of the total recommended funding, which is an important measure for the council.”

In the last funding round for 2023/2024, six of the 13 applicants funded were from Māori organisations or delivered strong Māori outcomes, and together they received 50 per cent of the allocated funding.

All applications were assessed by a panel to determine eligibility, capability, and how well they meet the grants funding criteria, which is available online. Unsuccessful applicants will be supported to reapply for future funding.

The Community Committee has reviewed whether change is needed for future funding rounds to keep meeting the best outcomes. Members have resolved to continue investing in projects that increase whānau and community financial security, improve health outcomes and grow community and intercultural connection for allocations from 2026 through to 2028.

Find out more

The full eligibility criteria and funding priorities are explained in the Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Grants Guidelines, available on the Auckland Council website.

Key dates

Applications for the next round of the 2022-2032 Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Grants are expected to open in November 2025.

The Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Strategy 2023-2024 document is available on the Auckland Council website.

Ngā Hapori Momoho | Thriving Communities grants for 2024/2025:

Applicant	Project	Amount Recommended
Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai	Te Whare Hīnātore – a transitional housing service to reconnect wāhine with their whānau and provide the skills to live independently	$28,500
Auckland Pride Incorporated	Strengthening connections and wellbeing for Rainbow Youth	$28,500
Breathing Space Charitable Trust	Creative wellbeing professional development program for community organisations working alongside at-risk youth and young women	$28,500
EcoMatters Environment Trust	Improving health outcomes through teaching Aucklanders how to keep their house warm and dry and how to save money by reducing water and energy usage	$26,629
ECPAT Child Alert Trust (ECPAT NZ)	Youth engagement programme – supporting youth who are at risk of or have survived sexual exploitation	$28,500
KiwiHarvest	Food rescue and distribution to recipient charities	$28,500
Momentum Charitable Trust	Life and financial skills at Auckland Region Probation Centres	$27,374
Mya Steele-Fonokalafi	Ngākau Aroha parenting – inspiring and empowering whānau to apply tūpuna parenting skills	$26,104
TAIORA	Hauora training for Ngāti Whātua Iwi – training iwi and marae leaders with skills to support young people	$28,500
Te Whare Hukahuka Ltd	Ka Eke Poutama – rangatahi governance skills and pathways into governance roles programme	$28,263
OKE Charity	Working with schools – building outdoor classrooms, hands-on workshops, and community events	$23,750
Total recommended		$303,119

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now provide a brief update into a sudden death in Muriwai earlier this morning.

A person’s body was located after a car fire was reported on Jack Butt Lane.

Police can now advise enquiries are being made on behalf of the Coroner in this matter.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Eligibility criteria
If you are approved to provide work-based delivery, AEWV holders that undertake work-based learning with you may be eligible for TEC funding. To be eligible, they must:

For more information about ‘domestic student’ requirements, see:
Other valid domestic enrolments
Which programmes are funded?
TEC publishes a list of funded programmes for work-based learners with AEWVs here:
List of funded programmes for eligible AEWV work-based learners (XLSX 73 KB)
If a work-based learner with an AEWV meets the eligibility criteria, funding will apply. To determine when a specific programme becomes eligible for funding, see the ‘Programme list’ section under the ‘Instructions’ tab. Check this list regularly. It changes in response to policy, immigration and programme changes.
What if a learner is not eligible?
If an AEWV holder does not meet the criteria to be an eligible learner, they will not qualify for funding, unless they fall into a different category of people eligible to be treated as domestic learners. Find out more at Other valid domestic enrolments. 
Learners ineligible for funding may still be able to access both provider-based and work-based learning. However, international fees will apply. Individuals with holiday or work visa types do not meet the criteria; the visa must be an AEWV.
Eligibility for Fees Free
AEWV learners who are eligible for TEC funding for work-based learning are treated as domestic learners, so they may be eligible for Fees Free.
Find the complete list of Fees Free eligibility criteria at the Fees Free website.
Learners enrolled in work-based learning before 1 January 2023
Before 2023, all individuals working legally in New Zealand and enrolled in work-based learning were eligible for TEC funding under the Industry Training Fund. This included individuals with visas other than residency visas.
From 1 January 2023, limits were placed on funded work-based learning for international workers, to align eligibility more closely with funded provider-based study. As a result, fewer international workers are eligible for TEC funding.
However, any learner who enrolled in work-based learning before 1 January 2023 is still eligible for TEC funding until they complete their programme of training, if they meet all other fund requirements. This is because they started their training under the previous policy settings.
If the learner changes employers but continues the same programme, they will remain eligible for TEC funding.
However, if the learner withdraws from or changes their programme, any new enrolment will be subject to the eligibility criteria in place at the time they enrol.

Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

Dr Dave Gittings, Manager, Building Performance and Engineering, said: “This new document streamlines the process for those looking to use proven and tested overseas products, knowing they will be accepted through the consenting system.”

“The draft Building Product Specifications document released today contains specifications and overseas standards that can be used to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code. 

“Designers will be able to use overseas products that comply with any one of these standards and specifications to show the building work meets overall Building Code requirements.

“Today we are releasing the proposed first version of this document which contains specifications and standards for products that we already know and use, such as windows, plasterboard and cladding. 

“We will be rolling out further updates to this document over time, as well as developing other pathways for recognising overseas products.

“We think there’ll be a lot of interest in the changes – from councils who will be using the Building Product Specifications when assessing compliance – to designers, builders and developers keen to understand what other options are out there, and I’d like to encourage everyone to have their say.”

Find out more and have your say:
Give feedback on the Building Product Specifications

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

3 June 2025

Concerns about road cone use anywhere in New Zealand can now be reported to WorkSafe New Zealand through a new digital hotline on the WorkSafe website.

The hotline is part of a 12-month pilot, brought about by work health and safety reforms announced by the Government(external link), to tackle overcompliance in temporary traffic management.

The initiative aims to get those deploying cones to be more proportionate and balanced, while maintaining worker and public safety.

“The pilot aims to reduce unnecessary cones on the road. While cones are primarily there to manage the speed and flow of traffic and help keep everyone safe, there can be times when usage is excessive. We will engage with those involved with temporary traffic management and provide information to influence them to take a more risk-based approach to the use of cones on the road,” says WorkSafe’s Chief Executive Sharon Thompson.

Once a report is received through the digital hotline, WorkSafe will assess it to determine the appropriate response. This could include contact with those responsible for the roadwork site, sending an inspector out, and educating the parties involved on what the law and guidance is.