Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Gibbston Highway/State Highway 6, Roaring Meg, Queenstown, is down to one lane following a crash this morning.

Police were called to the three-vehicle crash, between Waitiri Road and Kawarau Gorge Road, around 10.30am.

Initial indicators are that there has been minor-moderate injuries.

The road is expected to remain partially blocked for some time, while emergency services are working at the scene.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, Waitematā CIB:

Police investigating the incident on Kaipara Coast Highway, Makarau, Auckland, where a person was found deceased on the road, are appealing to the public for information.

Around 5.20am today [Thursday 1 January], Police were called with a report that someone was deceased on Kaipara Coast Highway, between Tuhirangi Road and Makarau Road.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing, however Police believe it is likely that the person was struck by a vehicle.

Police would like to hear from anyone who was travelling in the area between midnight and 5.30am, who observed a pedestrian walking on Kaipara Coast Highway, Makarau, or has who has dashcam footage of the area during that time.

We are also urging any residents in the Makarau area with road-facing CCTV cameras to please get in touch so that we may review this footage.

If you can help, please contact Police through 105, either online or over the phone, and reference file number: 260101/7190.

The road is expected to remain closed for the next three hours while a scene examination takes place with the Serious Crash Unit.

Diversions remain in place at the West Coast Road intersection and the Makarau Road intersection and the public is reminded to avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Today marks a major step forward for vocational education in New Zealand, with ten regionally governed polytechnics and eight new Industry Skills Boards officially beginning operation, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says.

“Today is more than the start of a new year, it is the start of a stronger, more responsive vocational education system – one that is fixing the basics and building the future,” Ms Simmonds says. 

“We promised to return decision-making to regions and industry, and from today that promise becomes reality.”

The ten re-established polytechnics, Ara, EIT, NMIT, SIT, Toi Ohomai, Wintec, Unitec and MIT, Otago Polytechnic, UCOL and The Open Polytechnic, now hold responsibility for local training decisions once again. 

“Communities know their own needs, and these polytechnics and their Councils will now be able to respond with the agility and accountability that was lost under the previous centralised model,” Ms Simmonds says.

The Open Polytechnic is the anchor for the new federation, supporting shared programmes and more efficient delivery. The four remaining polytechnics NorthTec, WITT, Whitireia and WelTec, and Tai Poutini are still operating under the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST, formerly Te Pūkenga) for the start of 2026 until decisions are made on their future models.

At the same time, eight new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) have taken their place at the centre of work-based learning. Covering sectors from construction, food and fibre, and infrastructure to health, services and technology, the ISBs will set standards, endorse programmes, and manage work-based training during a two-year transition.

“Industry knows the skills it needs, and these Boards will ensure apprentices and trainees gain qualifications that employers trust,” Ms Simmonds says. 

“Whether people train on campus or on the job, their learning will now be closely aligned to real employment opportunities.”

“This is a practical, future-focused reset. We’re rebuilding a system that delivers real skills, real jobs, and real value. Today marks an important new beginning for learners, industry, employers, and regional New Zealand.”

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has been located deceased on Kaipara Coast Highway, Makarau, Auckland, this morning.

Police were called to an incident around 5.20am where a person was found deceased on the road.

The death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries into the circumstances are underway.

A scene examination is taking place, and the road remains closed with cordons in place at the West Coast Road intersection and the Makarau Road intersection.

The public is advised to avoid the area, and motorists should take alternative routes.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

The provisional number of road deaths in 2025 is currently 272, down from 292 in 2024.

This marks three years in a row that road deaths have seen a reduction, due in large part to Operation Open Roads, says Superintendent Steve Greally, Director Road Policing.

“Over the last three years, we have seen constant reductions in the number of fatalities on our roads, while we have also nearly tripled the number of alcohol breath tests in that same period.

“For another year, our officers have worked tirelessly to ensure we can do everything possible to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities on our roads.”

While the numbers continue to trend down, we are still seeing far too many families have their lives changed upon receiving news that a loved one has been lost.

Police has conducted nearly four and a half million alcohol breath tests in the 2024/25 financial year, as well as issuing over half a million speeding infringements.

“Breath testing and speed enforcement are two of our main focus areas, and we will continue to make no excuses for stopping and testing people.

“We continue to ask drivers to play their part and make sensible decisions both on the road and before you get behind the wheel.

“Unfortunately, we are still seeing evidence that people are making the wrong decisions when it comes to speed.

“Our aim is to see the number of speed infringements issued drop, which is an indication that people are doing the right thing, and following the sign-posted speed limits.

“Plan your journey ahead so you have plenty of time and are never in a rush on the road.”

In December, Police rolled out roadside drug driver testing in the Wellington region, and expects to scale up nationally between April and June 2026.

Superintendent Greally says Police wants to continue to work towards making a difference, and reminds people to keep themselves safe especially over the current holiday period.

“Our staff are dedicated to changing driver behaviour and working towards maintaining the lowest number of fatalities in the coming years.

“We make no apology for taking action against anybody who is putting their life, and the lives of others, at risk on our roads.

“Put your seatbelt on, keep your speed down, put your cellphone away and make sure you are driving free of fatigue, drugs and alcohol.

“We want everybody to reach their destination safely. Stay patient on the roads, and make sure you do everything you can to keep everybody safe.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a crash at the intersection of State Highway 26 and Cadman Road, Tirohia, Hauraki, early this morning.

Police were notified of the single vehicle around 12.40am.

Despite emergency services efforts, the sole occupant of the vehicle sadly died at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit have conducted a scene examination and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

The road is expected to remain closed for a short time longer while other agencies work at the scene.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Kaipara Coast Highway, Makarau, Auckland, is closed while Police respond to an incident this morning.

Police were called to the incident around 5.20am.

The road is closed in both directions and cordons are in place at the West Coast Road intersection and the Kahikatea Flat Road intersection.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating today’s crash in the southbound lane of Auckland’s Southern Motorway at Randwick Park, between Hill Road and Takanini, are seeking help from the public to further understand the circumstances of the crash.

The crash involved a car and a motorbike around 12.30pm today. One person was seriously injured.

The motorway was closed while the scene was examined and has now reopened.

Police are strongly interested in dashcam footage of the vehicles immediately prior to the crash, from people driving along the motorway around the same time.

If you are able to help please get in touch with Police either online or via call on 105. Please quote P064975702.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Rakaia Bridge, State Highway 1 in Bankside has re-opened following an earlier crash.

Traffic in the area remains heavy and motorists should continue to expect delays while the congestion clears.

We thank everybody for their patience.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre