Police can now name the man who died in hospital after being struck by a car on McGrath Street, Napier, on 26 December.
He was Carl Louis Duncan. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing and Police are still wanting to speak with any witnesses, or people who provided assistance to Mr Duncan before emergency services arrived.
If you can help, please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 251227/1644.
Police have arrested and charged a man after a routine traffic stop led to locating a firearm, ammunition, methamphetamine, another offensive weapon, and drug paraphernalia.
On Tuesday 30 December, around 10.10pm, Police clocked a vehicle exceeding the 50km/h speed limit on State Highway 11, Kawakawa.
The vehicle was subsequently stopped by officers, who found that the vehicle had been reported stolen the week prior.
Upon speaking with the driver, he advised Police of a firearm that was in the vehicle which resulted in officers conducting a warrantless search.
During the search, officers located and seized a firearm, ammunition, methamphetamine, another offensive weapon, and drug paraphernalia.
A 24-year-old man was arrested and has been remanded in custody, due to re-appear in Kaikohe District Court on 13 January 2026.
He is facing charges of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, possessing methamphetamine and utensils for using methamphetamine, possessing an offensive weapon, possessing opiates, and receiving stolen property.
To be attributed to Detective Inspector Martin James, Eastern District Manager Criminal Investigations:
Police continue to make enquiries into the death of Teishallia Te Paea and are seeking assistance from the public.
Investigators would like to speak with the three males who, together, visited Teishallia’s Kotuku Street address during August or September 2025.
Police are also interested in speaking with another individual who arrived at the address in a dark-coloured van or similar vehicle during that same time period.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police via 105, quoting file number 251029/3817.
Information can also be provided via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
It’s been a big year for nature!We take a look back and count down some of the biggest naturing stories from 2025…
10: New bridges to get into nature 🌿
A number of stunning bridge projects have been completed this year, making it even easier for people to head out naturing and connecting with our special places.
Manganui Gorge suspension bridge. 📷: Wayne Boness
A stunning new 68-metre cycle bridge along the St James Cycle Trail loop replaced the old McArthur Bridge.
A new 42-metre suspension bridge across the Routeburn River has reconnected the popular Lake Sylvan Track after the previous bridge was damaged in a significant storm in 2020.
A brand new 100-metre suspension bridge over the Manganui Gorge was opened in May. This is one of the most striking features of the Taranaki Crossing project on Taranaki Maunga.
Fantastic new bridges at Blue Pools near Wanaka also reopened in May after being closed for safety last year.
In September, our Royal Cam chick was gifted a name – Kaewa, which means to adventure, travel or roam.
The name was formally gifted by Te Poari a Pukekura, a joint trust who manage Pukekura / Taiaroa Head.
Royal Cam chick at a few days old.
The name was very appropriate as the chick fledged and headed off on her massive round-the-world journey to the coast of South America, where she will live for a few years, before returning home to Pukekura/Taiaroa Head to breed.
In March, two geckos surveyed on a predator free island off the North Canterbury coast were found to be the oldest in the world at around 60 and 64 years.
The two Waitaha geckos were first discovered and marked in 1967 and 1969 by late Herpetologist Tony Whitaker. His detailed record-keeping allowed us to accurately date their ages.
World’s oldest geckos. 📷: Allanah Purdie
The age record for the Waitaha gecko was previously 53 years with a gecko found on the same island in 2015.
It’s just amazing they’ve existed on this teeny, tiny island since before the moon landing.
In June, the Predator Free Strategy received close to 3,400 submissions. Over 90 percent backed improved feral cat management.
Feral cats are found across New Zealand, from farms to forests, and they put huge pressure on native birds, bats, lizards and insects.
A lone feral cat destroyed a large black-fronted tern in Canterbury.
The addition of feral cats to the Predator Free 2050 target list will support national coordination of feral cat control and allow greater access to funding for projects targeting feral cats.
This year a majority of our hunting permits have gone digital!
Hunters can use our online platform to book or obtain permits for hunting on 93% of Public Conservation Land — that’s about 7.8 million hectares! And the improvements aren’t stopping there: in 2026, South Island hunting ballots will also be integrated into the system.
We’re removing unnecessary barriers and restrictions to make hunting easier for everyone. This year we saw on average 2,500 hunters per month jumping online and grabbing an open hunting permit.
7: Success for our endangered tara iti/fairy terns
Eight tara iti/fairy tern chicks were successfully hand-raised in partnership with Auckland Zoo in February this year, with 11 chicks fledging in the wild.
Hand raised tara iti/fairy tern chick. 📷: Auckland Zoo
This is promising progress for tara iti, one of New Zealand’s most endangered birds, but with fewer than 40 adult individuals remaining, every nest, egg and chick is critical to the species’ survival.
So far this breeding season, 19 eggs have been laid. While predation and recent storms have taken a toll, we’re cautiously optimistic, with three chicks hatched so far and more opportunities ahead as the season continues.
In November and December, two fires ripped through more than 3000-hectares of Tongariro National Park, impacting wildlife and closing tracks and facilities.
Tongariro National Park fire in December. 📷: FENZ
A mammoth effort by Fire and Emergency, DOC and forestry firefighters saw the fires come under control but leaving behind a blackened landscape in place of a thriving alpine ecosystem.
Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro have placed a restorative rāhui set to last 10 years, over the fire ground itself. This rāhui is not about keeping people out. It’s about restoration and the spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing of Tongariro.
In July, the rediscovery of kiwi pukupuku in the wild on mainland Aotearoa for the first time in 50 years, shocked and delighted both conservationists and mana whenua Ngāti Māhaki.
At the time, only one kiwi pukupuku was confirmed in the remote Westland wilderness area, but in December we were able to confirm a small breeding population of the birds is present. Nine birds have been located to date.
The rediscovery of kiwi pukupuku on the mainland for the first time in 50 years. 📷: Lucy Holyoake
There’s a lot to learn from such a newly rediscovered population, but our hope for the future is to see these manu thriving once again on the mainland.
In September, New Zealanders woke up to a new population overnight – from 5 million to 695 billion.
The new population count was a playful, back-of-the-envelope estimate aimed at reframing the way people see nature. It was part of our new campaign inviting New Zealanders to ‘Always Be Naturing’.
Always Be Naturing billboard in London.
There are just 238 kākāpō left, fewer than 40 tara iti (New Zealand fairy tern) and 4000 native species that are threatened or at risk of extinction. 63% of our ecosystems are on the brink of collapse. These are the numbers we want everyone to be aware of.
We know when we take action, it makes a tangible difference – nature is resilient and can bounce back. This is why we are encouraging people to view nature differently, get out and get amongst it, and take action.
Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora e mua – Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.
Māori recipients in the New Year 2026 Honours list demonstrate deep and enduring commitment to Māori advancement and community leadership across Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.
The list of Māori recipients includes Companions, Officers and Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit, as well as recipients of the King’s Service Order and King’s Service Medal.
Rod Drury becomes a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business, the technology industry and philanthropy.
“Rod Drury has played a significant role in building New Zealand’s technology sector, helping establish globally successful companies from Aotearoa New Zealand and supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth.”
Leith Pirika Comer becomes a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori, governance and education.
“Leith Comer has made a sustained contribution to Māori leadership and education, with mahi that strengthens governance capability and supports Māori success across generations.”
Professor Thomas Charles Roa becomes a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori language and education.
“Professor Roa has been a tireless advocate for te reo Māori, with leadership that has shaped Māori language revitalisation and educational excellence nationally.”
Rachel Emere Taulelei becomes a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business, Māori and governance.
“Rachel Taulelei’s work bridges Māori values with commercial leadership, creating pathways that support Māori enterprise, governance and long-term prosperity.”
Christina Cowan becomes an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori, particularly blind and low vision people.
“Christina Cowan’s mahi has centred on inclusion, advocacy and dignity, ensuring Māori with disabilities are supported, represented and heard.”
Te Warihi Kokowai Hetaraka becomes an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and art.
“Through art and cultural leadership, Te Warihi Hetaraka has strengthened Māori expression, identity and storytelling.”
Waihoroi Paraone Hoterene becomes an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and Māori language education.
“Waihoroi Hoterene has been a powerful contributor to Māori language education, supporting intergenerational transmission of te reo Māori.”
Roger Bruce Douglas Drummond becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby and Māori.
“Roger Drummond’s contribution reflects the important role sport plays in Māori leadership, wellbeing and community connection.”
Dr Lorraine Shirley Eade becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori, governance and the community.
“Dr Eade’s governance and community leadership has strengthened Māori participation and representation across multiple sectors.”
Hori Te Moanaroa Parata becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to conservation and Māori.
“Hori Parata’s work reflects the deep connection between Māori and the natural environment, advancing conservation outcomes grounded in tikanga and kaitiakitanga.”
Andrew Ruawhitu Pokaia (Pāpā Ruawhitu) becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and education.
“Pāpā Ruawhitu’s lifelong commitment to Māori education has shaped generations of learners and leaders.”
Arihia Amiria Stirling becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and Māori.
“Arihia Stirling’s contribution spans education and Māori development, strengthening pathways for Māori success.”
Gail Henrietta Maria Thompson becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and conservation.
“Gail Thompson’s mahi reflects the strength of Māori-led conservation and the protection of taonga for future generations.”
Helena Audrey Tuteao becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to people with disabilities and Māori.
“Helena Tuteao’s work has supported Māori whānau navigating disability services with dignity and care.”
Mark Joseph Harawira becomes a Companion of the King’s Service Order for services to Māori education, arts and conservation.
“Mark Harawira’s leadership across education, arts and conservation reflects a lifelong commitment to Māori wellbeing and cultural strength.”
Bonita Joanne Bigham receives the King’s Service Medal for services to local government and Māori.
“Bonita Bigham’s service highlights the vital role Māori leadership plays within local government and community decision-making.”
“While it is my privilege to highlight the mahi of these recipients, they are part of a wider group of New Zealanders whose service strengthens our communities,” Mr Potaka says.
“Māori leadership continues to play a critical role in shaping a strong, inclusive and resilient Aotearoa New Zealand.”