Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for a unique art piece stolen during a burglary in west Auckland.

The Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit is investigating a burglary in the Piha area on 6 December 2025.

Detective Sergeant Anna Freestone says scrap metal and tools were amongst items stolen, but also an valuable artwork called ‘Infinite Sea’.

“The round artwork is made up of glass, a mirror, led lighting and PVC,” she says.

“It’s a distinctive piece of art and we’re asking anyone in the public who has information on its whereabouts to get in touch.

“It may be that this artwork has been offered up or advertised for sale, and we need to hear from you.”

If you have information to assist Police, you can provide information online now or call 105 using the reference number 251208/4801.

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

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The $200 million Gas Security Fund will open on 12 January 2026 to expressions of interest to help increase the availability of natural gas in New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.

“We are looking for proposals that will accelerate or increase the volume of gas to market as quickly as possible, or which will enable gas to be stored so it is available when most needed for industry and homes,” Mr Jones says.

“Natural gas remains critical in our energy system while we transition to more renewable energy sources. Until then, it’s needed to get us through periods of high demand and for industries that require consistent, high-temperature energy. 

“Declining gas production is pushing up costs for businesses and households and constraining economic growth. This fund will support activities that secure supply now and into the future, delivering short to long-term benefits,” Mr Jones says.

A gas advisory panel is being established to ensure decisions are informed by deep commercial and technical expertise, particularly given the complexities of gas exploration and market conditions in New Zealand, Mr Jones says.

The panel will provide expert technical advice to the decision-making ministers – Mr Jones and Associate Finance Minister Chris Bishop. 

Members of the panel will be named in due course.

The 12 January 2026 opening date for expressions of interest for the fund follows the Government’s announcement last month that it has broadened the fund’s scope from new exploration to include existing fields and storage options.

The Gas Security Fund is administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. 

“Once the fund opens on 12 January, we encourage expressions of interest to be submitted as soon as possible. More information can be found on the Grow Regions website, and interested parties can also speak to Kānoa officials,” Mr Jones says.

“We are moving at pace to restore confidence in New Zealand’s gas sector and support businesses that rely on it for their ongoing industrial needs and the benefit of New Zealand’s wider economic growth.”

For information on the fund go to www.growregions/gas-security-fund

Source: New Zealand Government

Education Minister Erica Stanford welcomes the successful conclusion of pay negotiations to renew the Area School Principals’ Collective Agreement. 

“Area schools principals play an integral role in our rural communities. This settlement delivers meaningful improvements to pay and conditions and reflects a firm commitment to strengthening professional learning and development and raising student achievement,” Ms Stanford says. 

The new collective agreement which benefits over 140 principals includes:

• A cumulative increase to u-grade remuneration component of 4.7% within 12 months
• Introduction of an NCEA Change Implementation Allowance of $6,000 per annum, to recognise the significant work principals do the lead changes in our national secondary school qualification
• Increase in the Area School Principal Payment by $1,500, phased over two years
• Increase to Career Structure payments by $1,500
• An allowance for principals who are appointed as mentors of $5,000 per annum.  

“This settlement is a result of productive negotiations and good faith bargaining. We back our teachers to succeed in the classroom and help build our country’s future,” Ms Stanford says.

Notes for editors: Full details of the Area School Principals’ Collective Agreement (SPCA) settlement can be found here: Collective Agreement negotiations | Education Workforce 

Source: New Zealand Government

Five leading AI concepts have been shortlisted to establish a world-class national platform for artificial intelligence research, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.

“A new national AI research platform – backed by the Institute for Advanced Technology with up to $70 million over seven years – will accelerate AI innovation, strengthen global and domestic partnerships, and drive the growth of high-tech businesses that boost our economy,” Dr Reti says.  

“By embracing AI as a catalyst for sustainable growth, national competitiveness, and long-term prosperity, New Zealand can lead, not follow, in the global digital economy. 

“These concepts offer a strong mix of sector leadership and applications. They span universities, Public Research Organisations, and industry and cover areas including infrastructure, healthcare, robotics, primary industries, creative industries and aerospace among others. 

“Their selection is an exciting first step to significantly lift our AI capabilities, fast-track commercialisation and create new opportunities for New Zealanders.” 

The selected concepts are:

• Aotearoa Agentic AI Platform, led by the University of Auckland, focused on next-generation AI assistants aligned with New Zealand values.
• Aotearoa Creative AI Research Institute, led by Wētā FX, positioning New Zealand at the forefront of AI research for the creative sector.
• Aotearoa Institute for Autonomous Intelligence, led by Earth Sciences New Zealand and Victoria University of Wellington, developing AI and autonomous systems for aerospace, marine and primary industries.
• BioAI Platform, led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute, using AI to drive productivity and export growth across agriculture, aquaculture and forestry.
• Physical AI for Real-World Systems, combining strengths from the University of Waikato and University of Canterbury to deliver AI that works in complex outdoor and industrial environments.

Each concept will receive $250,000 to develop a detailed proposal for further assessment. The final platform is expected to be confirmed in the first half of 2026, with funding from July 2026.

Dr Reti also announced the inaugural Institute for Advanced Technology Board, appointed to shape the future of advanced technology research. 

Steve O’Connor will serve as Establishment Chair for six months to ensure strong governance and flexibility during the early establishment phase. He will be supported by board members Professor Cather Simpson, Professor Greg O’Grady, and Arama Kukutai, who have extensive expertise in governance, entrepreneurship, and innovation. 

“The establishment of the Institute for Advanced Technology is an important step in our science reforms, which are about fixing the basics and building the science system New Zealand needs in the future. 

“With the Board in place and momentum building across AI, quantum and materials technologies, we’re laying the foundations for long-term economic growth driven by innovation,” Dr Reti says.

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Police Commissioner Richard Chambers:

I am very pleased to announce Superintendent Jeanette Park (Eastern District Commander), Superintendent Corrie Parnell (Wellington District Commander) and Superintendent Tim Anderson (Bay of Plenty District Commander) are provisionally appointed as Assistant Commissioners for NZ Police.

The appointments of new Deputy and Assistant Commissioners will ensure that from early 2026 we will have a refreshed leadership team and be well-placed to deliver on our core priorities.

Jeanette, Tim and Corrie all have significant operational experience and a strong understanding of the front-line, as well as the communities Police serve in. They will bring different perspectives and experience to the wider team.

They will begin in their new roles as Assistant Commissioners in early February.

This follows the confirmation yesterday of Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett as the statutory Deputy Commissioner. I expect to appoint a second, non-statutory, Deputy Commissioner early in 2026.

Superintendent Jeanette Park has been District Commander of the Eastern District since 2020, overseeing major operations including Operation Kotare to disrupt organised crime and gang harm.

She led the local Police response to Cyclone Gabrielle. Under her leadership, Eastern District has improved public trust and confidence through crime prevention measures and addressing gang tensions and the disruption gangs cause to communities. She has a proven track record in engaging with different communities and a strong focus on the safety and training of frontline staff.

Prior to her role as District Commander, she was Area Commander in Hawke’s Bay.

She started her policing career in Papakura in South Auckland in 1991 and has worked in Southern, Bay of Plenty, Central, Counties-Manukau, and Eastern Districts in a range of roles from CIB and road policing to prevention manager.

In 2005 she was awarded the Bravery Star for her actions in a 2002 critical incident in which her colleague Detective Constable Duncan Taylor was shot and killed, and Jeanette was also shot and seriously wounded.

Superintendent Corrie Parnell was appointed Wellington District Commander in 2019, and recently has been acting Assistant Commissioner: Investigations, Serious and Organised Crime.

Corrie joined New Zealand Police in 1993 and has worked across a broad range of investigative groups, and in District Commander and prevention roles.

Corrie has extensive experience in cross-agency emergency management.

As District Commander, he led multi-agency responses to some of the largest public order operations in Police history, including the 2022 Parliament protests and the 2024 Hīkoi mō e Tiriti, facing high levels of public and political scrutiny.

He was also involved in cross-agency management for the Canterbury earthquakes, Kaikoura earthquake, Port Hills fires, Covid-19 response, and Cyclone Gabrielle.

He has represented NZ Police globally, working with the United Nations on model protocols for policing protests and as a speaker on crisis management.

He was Acting Assistant Commissioner: People Services in 2023, overseeing nationwide strategies for workforce wellbeing, performance management, recruitment and culture change.

During 2018 Corrie was seconded as the Acting National Manager: Safer People, leading a major transformation programme. That same year he received training in counter-terrorism investigations, which in March 2019 saw him as one of the leaders responsible for the initial response to the Christchurch terror attacks.

In 2019 Corrie graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, completing their three-month leadership programme.

Between 2003 and 2009 Corrie led several successful major crime and homicide investigations, receiving both District Commander and Commissioner’s Commendations for outstanding commitment to criminal investigations.

Superintendent Tim Anderson has been Bay of Plenty District Commander since 2022.

Since joining Police in February 1994, Tim has held a range of roles across Auckland and Bay of Plenty, including leadership roles across major investigations and prosecutions.

He has had a focus on serious crime investigations, including adult sexual assault and child protection matters.

From 2015 to 2019 Tim served as Detective Superintendent in the National Crime Manager role, leading the National Criminal Investigation Group.

In 2019, Tim was lead Senior Investigating Officer based at PNHQ in the investigation into the Christchurch terror attacks. He was also appointed by the Commissioner to lead the NZ Police team response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the attacks. In 2022, he was awarded the Police Bronze Merit Award for his work on Operation Deans.

As a trained Personal Protection Officer, Tim has been part of operational security planning teams for major events both domestically and overseas. He led the NZ Police Team as lead security adviser to the Chef de Mission and NZ Olympic Committee for the Rio Olympic Games 2016.

Tim holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from Auckland University, majoring in international criminal law and employment law.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  18 December 2025

Charlie, who was a long-term resident of the Department of Conservation’s Te Anau Bird Sanctuary after being hit by a car, was moved to Dunedin last year as part of the captive breed-for-release programme.

DOC Fauna Science Manager Ash Murphy says the successful fledging of a new chick, which hatched in October, is another great sign Charlie’s settling into her new home.

“Charlie continues to do well in Dunedin, where she is well cared for. She is an excellent mum, and we’re all thrilled with her latest chick, which fledged last week.”

In Dunedin she is currently paired up with male kākā, Bling, who she successfully bred with when they were both in Te Anau.

Because of Charlie’s experience, the team are hopeful she will be able to foster another chick this season, says Ash.

“Experienced mums like Charlie are important for the breed-for-release programme as they help fill gaps left by the less experienced, younger parents. It’s also another great way to help with her wellbeing as it provides an outlet for her strong maternal instincts.

“Charlie has raised multiple clutches of chicks in the past, making a big contribution to the recovery of the species, which are Nationally Vulnerable.”

Visitors are reminded not to disturb Charlie Girl and the other kākā during this sensitive breeding time, and always be naturing responsibly.

The Dunedin Botanic Garden Aviary has a proven track record of supporting South Island kākā conservation with kākā raised there going on to help re-establish wild populations at Orokonui Ecosanctuary and Abel Tasman National Park.

Charlie is well-supported at the aviary, under the highly qualified avian specialist veterinary team from Dunedin Wildlife Hospital.

An independent welfare assessment completed by Professor of Animal Welfare Science Ngaio Beausoleil, from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science, showed that Charlie’s welfare is best supported by her continuing to be cared for at the Dunedin Botanic Garden Aviary.

Ash says DOC is confident Charlie is well cared for and supported in Dunedin.

“We’re all thrilled to see her continue to be a brilliant mum.”

Charlie Girl kākā welfare assessment report (PDF, 511K)

Contact

Source: NZCTU

New GDP data released today from Statistics New Zealand showed that the economy flatlined over the past six months, and overall, the economy is still smaller than it was at the election.

“For all the talk of green shoots, the economy hasn’t grown at all in two years. Unemployment is up, and the cost of living is still rising for middle and low-income New Zealanders,” said NZCTU President Sandra Grey.

“The economic wellbeing of working people is continuing to get worse under this National-led government. We urgently need a different approach.

“The data shows that the benefits of growth have been unequally distributed. Wages and salaries grew by 0.9% over the year to September 2025, but the broad measure of profits grew by 7.2%. There is a twin-track economy that is not benefitting workers.

“Across the economy, there were annual declines across more than half of all the sectors. Construction fell 8.5% this year. Mining is down 7.7% this year. IT and telecommunications are down 3.1%. Manufacturing is down 2.3%. Overall, the economy fell 0.5% last year.

“Economic growth is welcome if it translates into greater wellbeing. But the main growth is in unemployment claims, and the numbers of New Zealanders leaving the country. The economy is flatlining.

“This data reflects the fact that there is no plan to improve the lives of working people. GDP has fallen for two years in a row and is now worse than it was when National was elected. They are looking at further cuts at the next Budget, while we have record numbers on benefits.

“This National-led Government has proven that they are unable to lift the economic prosperity of working people, instead they are delivering higher costs and more job losses,” said Grey.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Minister for Trade and Investment, and Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay has announced the appointment of Nathan Guy as New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).

The position supports key Government objectives, including ensuring New Zealand’s trading partners understand our approach to agriculture and primary production.

The role also focuses on raising the performance of New Zealand’s agricultural and primary sector exports in global markets, thereby contributing to the Government’s goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years.

“Nathan Guy’s immediate priorities will be to advocate for New Zealand’s primary production interests from the perspective of a practising farmer,” Mr McClay says.

“I have asked Mr Guy to show particular focus on India and GCC markets, to leverage the opportunities that trade agreements with these countries would present.”
Nathan Guy is a dairy farmer, agribusiness leader, and a former Minister for Primary Industries.

He is currently the Chairman of the Meat Industry Association and Independent Chair of Apiculture New Zealand. He has extensive experience advocating for New Zealand’s agricultural exporters, both on the domestic and global stage.

Mr McClay says Nathan Guy’s background promoting New Zealand’s producers both as a Minister and as a farmer means that he is uniquely well placed to tell the story of New Zealand’s primary production sector to the world.

Nathan Guy replaces Hamish Marr, who has held the SATE role since 2023.

“Hamish has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s agricultural trade interests,” Mr McClay says.

“He has been highly effective in conveying the message that New Zealand agriculture is not a threat to others but rather that we can complement our partners to our mutual advantage.”

Nathan Guy will take up the role on 1 January 2026.

Source: New Zealand Police

A burglar bogged down during his escape efforts on a west Auckland farm will face court today.

Police responded to a burglary reported in Henderson Valley at around 3.15pm on Wednesday.

Acting Inspector Nick Salter, Acting Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, says a man had reportedly entered a shed on the property and was removing items.

“He was seen attempting to leave the property in a stolen ute, which became stuck in the mud,” he says.

“Instead, he was forced to leave on foot through the mud.”

Things got worse after he tried to steal a vehicle from a neighbouring property.

“Workers challenged the man, and he was ultimately unsuccessful at stealing a van and quad bike, making off on foot with various tools.”

Police had deployed into the area, with a dog handler quickly on the scent.

“Police tracked the man to an address, where he was taken into custody muddy and saturated,” acting Inspector Salter says.

The 40-year-old man has been charged with burglary and possessing cannabis.

He will appear in the Waitākere District Court today.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Confirmation that the economy grew strongly in the third quarter of the year is  welcome news before Christmas, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. 

Stats NZ reported today that the economy grew 1.1 per cent in the third quarter of the year. 

“This growth was broad-based, occurring in 14 of the 16 sectors measured by Stats NZ,” Nicola Willis says.

“This is what healthy growth looks like. With all the indicators pointing to further growth in the final quarter of the year, Kiwis can go into Christmas confident the economy has finally turned the corner after a tough few years.

“Treasury and the Reserve Bank are forecasting growth to accelerate next year and unemployment to fall.

“The Government’s plan to fix the basics and build the future is working.”

Nicola Willis says she was particularly pleased to see growth of 2.2 per cent in the manufacturing sector, 1.7 per cent in construction, and 1.6 per cent for business services. 

“These are job-rich sectors of the economy. Together with growth in exports of 3.3 per cent, and increased investment in residential buildings, plant and machinery, and transport equipment, this augurs well for future job prospects as well as higher incomes. 

“It is also pleasing to see that gross domestic product (GDP) per capita rose 0.9 per cent in the three months to September.”