Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Counties Manukau Police are seeking information into two incidents where ambulances were targeted and damaged.

Police are investigating the wilful damage reports at two Hato Hone St John bases in Manukau and Ōtāhuhu.

A new appeal is being issued after the latest incident was reported at the Ōtāhuhu Station, on Atkinson Avenue, on 9 April.

It follows the first incident at the Manukau Station on 28 February.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward, Counties Manukau West Area Investigations Manager, says, “in both events, an offender has illegally gained access to the stations’ compounds before slashing tyres of ambulances parked there.”

Six ambulances have had tyres slashed in total.

“We are keeping an open mind as to whether these two events are linked,” he says.

“This sort of offending is extremely reckless, given the ambulances were rendered inoperable.

“It’s thoughtless and risks the lives of anyone who required urgent medical care during the period that ambulances were out of action.”

The risks became clear in Manukau, when Hato Hone St John staff first noticed the damage when trying to respond to a priority job.

Hato Hone St John Acting Auckland District Operations Manager, Angela Jardine, says damaging ambulances is a serious and unacceptable act that directly affects the community.

“Ambulances are a critical part of the emergency response system.

“When vehicles are taken out of service, it has the potential to delay care for patients who need urgent medical help.

“Our people come to work to care for others, and incidents like this are incredibly frustrating.

“We are working closely with Police and urge anyone with information to please come forward,” she says.

Police are now seeking any information that might help identify the person, or persons, responsible for both wilful damage incidents.

– Manukau Station: Offending has occurred overnight between 28 February and 1 March

– Ōtāhuhu Station: Offending has occurred overnight between 8 and 9 April

Detective Senior Sergeant Hayward is calling on those with information to come forward.

“There will be people in the community that know who is responsible and they need to do the right thing and come forward.”

Anyone with information can update Police online now at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105, using the reference number 260409/0402.

Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Inspector Jamie Woods, Wellington Police:

Police can now release the name of the man found deceased at a Malone Road, Lower Hutt property on 9 April.

He was 29-year-old Nathaniel Sturmey.

We acknowledge this is an incredibly difficult time for Mr Sturmey’s family and support is being provided.

The investigation into the circumstances of Mr Sturmey’s death continues, and there will continue to be an increased Police presence in the Lower Hutt area.

The scene examination has been completed, and Police are working to understand Mr Sturmey’s movements in the hours preceding his death.

Police are appealing to the public for information about the incident and are particularly interested in any suspicious activity in the Waterloo, Lower Hutt area between the hours of 10pm on 8 April and 3am 9 April 2026.

Anyone with information that might help our enquiries can go online or call 105, quoting reference number 260409/9927.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Dodgy licence plates spotted by Police have served up two prolific burglars overnight.

An eagle-eyed Police Camera Operator observed a vehicle travelling with mismatched licence plates in Manurewa at about 1.45am.

Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager, Inspector MinHo Lee, says Police units arrived quickly to its location at outside a bar on Maich Road.

“Two people were seen leaving the bar and entering the vehicle, and our staff intervened before the vehicle could leave,” he says.

“Further enquiries revealed the pair were also wanted in relation to a spate of burglaries at Auckland businesses so it was a great catch.”

Inspector Lee says further investigations revealed the vehicle was also stolen from Kingseat in January.

“This is a great example of our community keeping an eye out and a reminder for the public to continue reporting any suspicious or concerning activity to Police immediately on 111.”

A 33-year-old man has been charged with nine counts of burglary, and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, and will appear in Manukau District Court today.

A 35-year-old woman will also appear in Manukau District Court today charged with unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle, possession of methamphetamine and cannabis, possession of an offensive weapon and six counts of burglary.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are condemning a man’s actions, after the Police Eagle helicopter suffered a laser strike overnight.

The west Auckland man will appear in court this week facing a serious charge.

At about 2.35am this morning, Eagle was in the Glen Eden area attending jobs when the crew were repeatedly targeted by a laser from the ground.

Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen, Officer in Charge, Air Support Unit, says the laser shone directly into the cockpit of the helicopter and the crew were subjected to the glare and flash blindness associated with such a strike.

“Our onboard technology was able to clearly capture the alleged offender in the act, and instantly identified their address.

“Police ground units arrived quickly and took a 50-year-old man into custody without incident.”

Senior Sergeant Larsen says the man has been charged with endangering transport.

“This offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment, recognising the terrible consequences that could occur after lasering any aircraft.

“The Police Eagle helicopter is out there working hard for the protection and safety of our community and this type of behaviour is unacceptable.”

The 50-year-old man will appear in the Waitākere District Court on 20 April.

Police are limited in further comment as this matter is now before the Court.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a two-vehicle crash on Main South Road.

The crash was reported to emergency services just before 7.30am.

Sadly, one person was pronounced deceased at the scene. One other person sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Main South Road was closed as emergency services worked at the scene this morning, and has now been cleared and opened for traffic.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

David Boyle has been appointed as Retirement Commissioner, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer has announced.

Cameron Brewer says Mr Boyle has had a strong focus on retirement savings during his extensive experience in the public and private sectors.

“He played a key role in establishing KiwiSaver at ING and is currently the general manager of KiwiSaver at Fisher Funds.

“With our much-loved Baby Boomers now somewhere between 62 and 80 years of age, issues around retirement savings and caring for our seniors are only growing in prominence. Likewise, the role of the Retirement Commissioner continues to increase in importance.

“Mr Boyle has also previously worked at the Retirement Commission with a focus on improving financial wellbeing, monitoring of retirement villages, and leading the initial development of the Commission’s ‘Sorted in Schools’ financial education programme.

“This experience makes him ideally placed to advise the Government on retirement income policy issues and to champion the steps all New Zealanders should be taking to secure a comfortable retirement.”

Mr Boyle is currently chair of children’s charity Stand Tū Māia, has chaired Ngāi Tahu investment scheme Whai Rawa Funds Limited, and was a board member for youth songwriting charity Play it Strange. His career in the financial sector includes senior banking roles, and he is a regular media commentator on financial issues.

Mr Boyle has been appointed for a three-year term, starting on 18 May.

Mr Brewer also acknowledged outgoing commissioner Jane Wrightson, who will step down after six years in the role.

“I would like to thank Ms Wrightson for her leadership and commitment. Over her two terms as commissioner, she has been a steadfast advocate for better financial capability and retirement outcomes for New Zealanders.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Inspector Scott Miller:

A second person has tragically died in Waikato Hospital following a crash on Wairere Drive, Hamilton.

The crash involved a car, with four people inside, and a truck on Wairere Drive near Pukete around 2.30pm on Monday.

One person died at the scene and three others were taken to hospital.

One of those people tragically died in hospital overnight. Two others remain in a serious condition.

Police extend their condolences to the families of all of those involved.

We would also like to thank the members of the public who came to the aid of those who were injured and assisted at the scene.

Investigations are currently underway into the cause of the crash.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Cutting red tape to speed up medicinal cannabis export licensing is growing the export industry in New Zealand, Associate Health Minister David Seymour says. 

For licences issued by Medsafe since 1 January 2026, the average timeframe to issuing a licence is 6.4 working days. The average timeframe for the 2024/2025 year was 10 working days. 

“This matters to Kiwi exporters. It means product is moving quicker and cashflow is improving. New Zealand companies are becoming more reliable trading partners overseas,” Mr Seymour says. 

“A license is required for every shipment of medicinal cannabis exported from New Zealand. I heard from one exporter that their first export license in 2023 took 155 days. Their most recent application was completed this year in 8.  When Medsafe process export licenses faster, more applications are made.”

Applications for an export license and the average processing times: 

• 2022/2023: 26 applications; 22.5 working days
• 2023/2024: 48 applications; 17.8 working days
• 2024/2025: 65 applications; 10.0 working days 

“I expect those numbers to continue to improve. Last year Medsafe reviewed the licensing regime for the export of medicinal cannabis. Now they are in the process of implementing changes to make the process even faster,” Mr Seymour says. 

“For example, previously the export application form was made to print off, complete in handwriting, scan, and email to Medsafe. Feedback was that this was outdated and inefficient. Now it’s moving to an electronic form which can be completed online. The two most prominent exporters have started trialling the new process, and their feedback will inform future changes.

“We need to get money into the country. Not everybody likes this stuff, but there’s a market for it.  Export volumes of cannabis flower increased from 49.0kg in 2021, to 2310.3kg in 2025. 

“The Government is also looking at giving exporters more permanent licences to reduce red tape and bureaucracy. Vendors are required to hold a medicinal cannabis licence, and must also apply to Medsafe for a controlled drug export licence for each shipment. Officials have said there may be an option to consider a broader or enduring export licence across multiple consignments.

“On top of this, we’ve made it easier for growers of low‑THC hemp to operate by modernising outdated legislation. Medicinal cannabis cultivators will soon be able to grow low‑THC plants without a licence, allowing more of the plant to be used to make medicinal cannabis products. For growers this means new opportunities.”  

Source: New Zealand Government

Patients across Otago and Southland are already benefiting from faster assessment and earlier treatment, with Dunedin Hospital’s new Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU) now fully operational, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

Shorter ED wait times
Faster diagnosis and treatment
Improved patient flow across the hospital

“The $2.4 million SAU provides a dedicated space where patients with acute surgical conditions, such as appendicitis or abscesses, can be assessed and commence treatment earlier,” Mr Brown says.

“Patients can be transferred from the emergency department or referred directly by their GP, ensuring they are seen by the right team as quickly as possible.

“This means patients avoid unnecessary waits in ED and instead receive care in a calmer, more appropriate setting, while also freeing up emergency department capacity for those who need it most.”

Initially trialled with three beds in December 2025, the SAU officially opens today with five reclining chairs and six beds.

“More than 630 patients have already been treated in the unit, with clear improvements in how quickly people are assessed, diagnosed, and started on treatment.

“The early results show this unit is making a real difference. Patients are being seen, diagnosed, and treated sooner, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Operating 24 hours a day, the SAU enables earlier intervention, including prompt pain relief, fluids, and faster access to scans and tests.

“The unit is staffed by highly experienced surgical nurses, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Registered Nurses, supported by surgical medical specialists. This nurse‑led model ensures patients receive timely, expert care from the moment they arrive.

“Importantly, patients are either admitted from the unit directly to a surgical ward or able to return home with a clear plan if surgery or an inpatient stay isn’t required, reducing delays and improving overall hospital flow.

“We are focused on reducing wait times for patients, particularly in emergency departments as we head into winter. Initiatives like the Surgical Assessment Unit put patients at the centre and will help people in Dunedin get the care they need sooner and in the right place,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Fast-track approval has been granted for a screen hub, a full-service film and television production village in Queenstown.  

Waterfall Park Developments Limited lodged a substantive application for the Ayrburn Screen Hub in February 2025. The proposal is for a 7,200m² film and television hub with studios, offices, and 201 accommodation units on the applicant’s 26-hectare Ayrburn Farm property in the Wakatipu Basin, Queenstown Lakes District.

“Approval has taken around 5 months following the commencement of an expert panel,” Mr Bishop. 

“Waterfall Park Developments Limited expect building Ayrburn Screen Hub to inject about $280 million into the local economy and support around 640 jobs across the wider Otago region. Once operating, it is expected to support about 370 local jobs each year.

“The screen sector makes a significant contribution to the economy. Once complete, Ayrburn will allow Queenstown to attract international productions and provide high-quality facilities for local filmmakers. Purpose-built infrastructure will help New Zealand compete for high value international productions.

“The panel assessed landscape, traffic, noise, servicing, ecology and cultural effects. It found that while some landscape effects would be more than minor, they are not significant, will reduce over time, and could be managed through conditions.

“The panel also gave weight to proposed water quality improvement measures, including riparian planting and sediment controls. It also found the project’s environmental benefits would be regionally significant, specifically through enhancing water quality in Mill Creek and Lake Hayes.

“This is the second project in the Otago Region that has gained fast-track approval.”

Notes to editors
For more information about the project: Ayrburn Screen Hub 
Fast-track by the numbers: 

•    17 projects approved by expert panels. 
•    20 projects with expert panels appointed. 
•    45 projects currently progressing through the Fast-track process.
•    42 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure. 
•    149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval. 
•    On average, it has taken 126 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope. 

Fast-track projects approved by expert panels: 

•    Arataki [Housing/Land]  
•    Ayrburn Screen Hub [Infrastructure]
•    Green Steel [Infrastructure] 
•    Homestead Bay [Housing/Land] 
•    Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]  
•    Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land] 
•    Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying] 
•    Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying] 
•    Maitahi Village [Housing/Land] 
•    Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land] 
•    Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]  
•    Southland Wind Farm Project [Infrastructure]
•    Sunfield [Housing/Land]  
•    Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy] 
•    Takitimu North Link – Stage 2 [Infrastructure] 
•    Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying] 
•    Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project [Infrastructure]

Expert panels have been appointed for: 
•    Ashbourne 
•    Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project  
•    Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project
•    Central and Southern Block Mining Project
•    Delmore
•    Downtown Carpark Site Development
•    Haldon Solar Farm 
•    Hananui Aquaculture Project 
•    Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme 
•    Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works 
•    Mahinerangi Wind Farm 
•    North West Rapid Transit
•    Pound Road Industrial Development 
•    Ryans Road Industrial Development 
•    State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus)
•    Stella Passage Development
•    The Point Mission Bay 
•    The Point Solar Farm 
•    Waitaha Hydro 
•    Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal