Category: MIL-OSI

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Busy year sees Tairāwhiti cyclone recovery move closer to completion

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Around 90% of Cyclone Gabrielle recovery work on Tairāwhiti’s state highways has been completed after a busy 2025.

Crews will pause over the Christmas and New Year period (from 18 December to 5 January) and traffic will return to two lanes apart from at Kemps Hill, and one section of Mangahauini Gorge.  The TREC team will return in early January to complete the remaining projects, all scheduled to finish in 2026.

The Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) alliance has been carrying out Cyclone Gabrielle recovery work, on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), since 2023. TREC crews and local contractors have been working to restore 2 lane access and build resilience on the state highway network throughout Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay.

Across the 500 kilometres of state highway network in the region (SH2 and SH35), TREC has been focused on repairing 180 ‘faults’ (which includes slips under the road, slips over the road, culvert replacements and repairs).  So far 166 of those ‘faults’ have been completed.

TREC project manager Richard Bayley says crews have worked solidly throughout the year, with the support of local contractors and communities, to complete projects and keep the highways open.

“It’s been another busy year and we’d like to thank the community for their patience as the recovery work has continued. Their support makes our job so much easier, and we don’t take that support for granted.

“We couldn’t deliver the work without the ongoing partnership and support of hapū kaitiaki and local contractors who continue to deliver great work on the state highway network. Around 80% of our East Coast recovery construction work is delivered by local contractors.

“Together, we’ve started construction on some of our most complex projects this year. This includes the last and largest stage of river management work at Mangahauini Gorge on SH35, the bridge rebuild at Hikuwai, and two sites with upgrades to prevent flooding – the Hakanui Straight project on SH2 near Te Karaka, and Rototahe on SH35, north of Tolaga Bay.

“We’ve also repaired numerous underslips, improved drainage, cleared silt from streams, and restored sections of highway back to two-lanes.

“Thank you to our Iwi and hapū partners who have continued to work closely with us to deliver better outcomes for communities.”

SH2 progress

Work completed includes:

  • Otoko Hill. Work has now finished on a programme across 11 sites, transforming the area from slip-prone to storm-ready. Nearly 3km of new underground drains are reshaping the way water moves through one of Tairāwhiti’s most landslide-prone road corridors. Work includes repairing multiple landslides and reinforcing slopes with soil anchors and shotcrete to stabilise soft ground and protect the road.
  • Rakauroa underslip. Cyclone Gabrielle had washed away the road shoulder creating an incredibly steep terrain. Soil nails stablised the ground beneath the road and a shotcrete (sprayed concrete) retaining wall was constructed.
  • Matawai Road overslip. At this site just north of Ormond a willow wall was used to stabilise the slope which was prone to erosion.

Work underway includes:

  • Hakanui Straight. Flood protection is well underway at this project (formerly known as Nesbitt’s Dip). An 850m stretch of state highway is being raised by 3m and drainage upgraded to reduce closures due to flooding. This work will continue until mid-2026.

SH35 progress

TREC’s recovery work on SH35 stretches from Tairāwhiti into the eastern Bay of Plenty.

Work completed in 2025 includes:

  • Awatere Gully underslip. A buttress (supporting) structure was built to repair an underslip and the road was reinstated.
  • Kopuaroa Slip 1. An underslip was repaired with a soil nail and shotcrete wall and the road was opened to two lanes in December.
  • Kopuaroa slip 2. An underslip at this site requires soil nails and shotcrete (sprayed liquid concrete) to stabilise and rebuild the hillside.
  • Kemps Hill subsidence. Three faults were repaired and the road restored to two lanes. Work included building a buttress, using a willow wall.
  • Paronga (D9). Two underslips were repaired with a buttress wall and also an MSE (Mechanically Stabilised Earth) wall.
  • Rotokautuku (Waiapu) Bridge. Repairs have been completed on the bridge bearings and cross bracing. These components absorb movement and keep the structure. This work involved lifting the bridge by approximately 2cm.

Work underway includes:

  • Hikuwai Bridge No.1 replacement.  Piling work started in early December to replace the single, two-laned bridge that is being built to replace the Hikuwai bridge destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle. Expected to be complete in late 2026.
  • Mangahauini Gorge programme of works are well underway to install hanbars in the river, repair the sheetpile wall, install new drainage and shift thousands of tonnes of slip material. Expected to be complete in mid-2026.
  • Rototahe flood protection.The state highway will be raised and the drainage will be upgraded to reduce closures due to flooding. Expected to be complete in early 2026.
  • Rotokautuku (Waiapu) Bridge. Rock revetment (protection) work is underway to repair the area beneath the bridge and protect it from future erosion impacts of the Waiapu River. Expected to be complete in April.
  • Tōrere underslip and overslip. More than 30 steel soil nails are locked into the hillside at the underslip site to help stabilise. At the overslip site all 9 layers of an MSE (Mechanically Stabilised Earth) Wall are finished and the crew is now adding drainage. Expected to be complete in March 2026.
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Summertime means seasonal risks for workers

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

As the glorious days of summer settle in, workloads increase for many around the country.

Whether you’re up on the roof, busy with harvest, managing livestock or on the factory floor, higher temperatures and long, sunny days bring different risks.

WorkSafe’s Central Region Principal Inspector Graham Bates, says plenty can be done to help manage hot conditions, but it’s not as simple as putting on a hat.

“Summer comes with increased risk of sun exposure, extreme temperatures and fatigue. These factors can lead to poor decision-making and accidents, so it’s important that they’re taken seriously.

“Hotter working conditions means workers need adequate breaks and hydration, and specialist PPE might need to be used. Taking these steps can really help reduce those summertime risks.”

WorkSafe has published guidance to help businesses and workers prepare for these common seasonal risks.

Sun

Working outdoors increases the risk of exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This can lead to serious conditions such as skin cancer, but there are steps that can be taken to limit the risk of that happening.

Protecting workers from solar UV radiation

Heat

Soaring temperatures come with serious health risks, especially for those doing physically demanding work. Our good practice guidelines give practical advice to help mitigate those risks.

Working safely in extreme temperatures

Fatigue

To work safely, workers should be physically and mentally alert. Both businesses and workers are responsible for ensuring that happens.

Fatigue quick guide

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Aotea kids share stories of conservation in action

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  18 December 2025

The inaugural Department of Conservation Aotea Kaitiaki competition brought together the island’s three primary schools to share stories of protecting the environment.

Students aged 5 to 10 from Okiwi School, Mulberry Grove School, and Kaitoke School entered stories inspired by their own experiences or their imagination.

Cara Fraider, DOC community ranger, says that the DOC staff were all impressed by the great storytelling “The children shared a wonderful range of thoughtful and creative stories, reflecting the students’ strong connection to caring for the environment. We would like to thank all the students who participated and wrote such excellent pieces,” says Cara.

The first prize was an experience of a lifetime: the winners of each school will be involved in an upcoming DOC translocation of nationally vulnerable niho taniwha/chevron skink to Aotea.

This is part of an aspirational goal for DOC to work with iwi, community and other organisations to bring five taonga species to Aotea and its surrounding pest-free islands over the next five years. There are hopes to welcome kiwi, wētāpunga, tuatara and kōkako.

Winners also received a Whitcoulls voucher and a certificate, and vouchers were given to the second and third place storytellers.

Leanne Eloff, Principal of Kaitoke School welcomed the competition.

“The children really enjoyed writing their stories. We will look at keeping this going.”

With the success and great feedback, DOC will make this an annual event.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Police acknowledge IPCA finding into arrests at sea

Source: New Zealand Police

Police acknowledge the IPCA’s finding in relation to a yacht which was abandoned following two arrests at sea.

On 2 December 2024 Police received a report of a serious assault onboard a yacht, approximately 10 nautical miles off the coast of 90 Mile Beach.

Police received a mayday report stating the master had been stabbed onboard the vessel by the only crew member.

Police located the yacht just after 8pm.

Northland District Commander, Superintendent Matt Srhoj, says information received at the time indicated there was a significant risk to the person injured.

“Responding Police made a tactical approach towards the vessel in a Coastguard boat, that also had paramedics on board.

“Upon arrival, officers were faced with a situation that was quite different to the one that had been reported to us.

“The alleged offender was compliant, however, the victim was in an agitated state, and a risk assessment was made that it was unsafe to leave him alone on the vessel.”

He says both people were taken into custody on existing arrest warrants and advised they would be returning to shore.

“Although we accept that more consideration could have been given to the prospect of needing to abandon the yacht during the planning stages, Police were faced with a situation where they believed a life was in imminent danger due to information at hand.

“We were also working within very tight timeframes to ensure any approach could be conducted safely and before daylight was lost. 

“Had more accurate information been available, Police would likely have taken a more considered and delayed approach.”

Superintendent Srhoj says the vessel was also in a state of disrepair with a number of concerning safety issues.

“Under the circumstances we support the decision not to allow anyone to return to the vessel.

“Police would like to acknowledge that the circumstances surrounding this incident, including the location and information received, were quite unusual.

“We recognise the vessel was this man’s main residence and acknowledge what he has lost.”

ENDS.  

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Be sure before you leave the shore this summer

Source: Maritime New Zealand

As the summer holidays approach, many people will be setting their out-of-office messages and making plans to head out on the water.  

The lakes are warming up, the fish might be biting, and kids will be eager to get on the biscuit. 

Maritime NZ data shows that around 1.7 million people in New Zealand take to recreational craft each year. 

“Being on the water is part of our DNA. Whether it’s offshore, on a river, behind the wheel of a high-powered boat, or on a stand-up paddleboard. We have a range of ways to enjoy our time on the water,” says Matt Wood, Maritime NZ Principal Advisor, Recreational Craft. 

We want everyone to have fun out there—but, most importantly, to come home safe. 

These are some basic checks everyone should be doing when heading out onto the water.  

“No matter the vessel type, prepare it.  

“Check the weather conditions, what the risks are in the area you will be heading to and the equipment on-board.  

“Know the rules of the water. In in doubt look for courses to help build knowledge, such as a day skipper course.  

“This is about being sure before leaving the shore,” Wood says. 

To help remind people how to stay safe, keep an eye out for our spokesbuoy, Buoy-Boy, who will be out on the water around the country. Buoy-Boy will feature safety tips to help everyone enjoy the water responsibly. 

Tragically, over the past decade an average of 17 people a year have lost their lives in recreational craft incidents, with countless more suffering life-altering injuries. 

This year, 19 people have died in recreational craft incidents.  

“Every year we receive notifications about people who have been run over, swimmers that have been hit, people being struck by a boat’s propellors, people falling out of vessels and injuries on unpowered crafts.  

“Sadly, most of these incidents are avoidable.  

“In in doubt, don’t go out,” Matt Wood says.  

Recent Maritime NZ research shows that many incidents occur close to shore. 

“We know a lot of people will be heading to coastal holiday spots and crossing bars—one of the highest-risk activities for boaties,” Wood says. 

“If you’re launching from an unfamiliar spot, it’s critical to understand how the bar behaves, when it’s safe to cross, and how to manage the risks. Far too many people encounter serious issues while navigating bars.” 

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Native mistletoe on the increase in time for Christmas

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  18 December 2025

This summer, intrepid visitors naturing in the remote Hope River valley can see scarlet, red and yellow mistletoe.

As well as being “Christmassy”, New Zealand’s mistletoes provide nectar for forest birds and geckos. They are semi-parasitic plants, living on host trees which provide them with nutrients, that also photosynthesise some of their own food.

Wayne Costello, DOC South Westland Operations Manager says, New Zealand mistletoes flower between December and January but are under threat from possums.

“Mistletoe is a highly preferred food for possums – often considered the “ice cream” plant for this introduced species.

“In the Hope valley, mistletoe has been monitored since 2006. The results show that since this time, the population has increased by 2.34 per cent per year – an overall 57 per cent increase over the 19 years monitoring has been underway.

“The results of monitoring suggest that management of possums in the valley with aerial 1080 has been successful in maintaining healthy populations of possum-sensitive tree species. Mistletoe is an indicator species, which means that if it’s doing well, other species in the forest are also likely in good health.

“It’s awesome to see predator control is paying off in the long term – the results give us confidence we are making a difference. It’s also heartwarming to know that this plant, which plays an important role in a healthy ecosystem, is on the rise in this valley and people who go there can enjoy its beauty in the forest.”

Mistletoes were once widespread in New Zealand beech forests. However, due to possum browse, they are now absent from many forests.

Possums arrived late in South Westland compared to the rest of New Zealand, which is why in the 1990’s, when pest control using 1080 began, there was still a population of mistletoe to build on.

Background information

Monitoring of mistletoe is undertaken across 44 20 x 20 m plots in the Hope valley. In 2006, there were 58 plants recorded, while in 2025, 91 plants were recorded in these plots.

For more information about mistletoe see: Mistletoe: Native plants

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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New specialist mental health and psychogeriatric beds open in Lower Hutt

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is delivering faster access to mental health support with the addition of 31 new specialist beds at Manor Park Private Hospital in Lower Hutt, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey announced today whilst visiting the facility. 

“These new beds will ensure more people receive faster access to the right support, in the right place. The beds will help reduce unnecessary hospital stays, ease pressure on emergency departments, and most importantly deliver better care for people,” Mr Doocey says.

The new beds include:

  • 15 beds for adults with high and complex long-term mental health needs, offering a recovery-focused environment better suited to their care than traditional acute inpatient units.
  • 16 psychogeriatric beds, including:
    • 8 for long-term secure care for older adults in the region.
    • 8 for short-term transitional support, helping Wellington and Hutt Valley residents while their long-term care needs are assessed.

“Hutt Valley and Capital Coast are below the shorter stays in ED target of being admitted, discharged or transferred in six hours. This investment will help improve patient admissions and aims to contribute toward improving their performance. 

“We are shifting how we support people in need of mental health support. Units like this, ensures that when someone is in need of support, they are in a safe, supportive environment that is designed to help them get well. 

“Currently, too many people who require long-term support are placed in facilities that are not meeting their needs. 

“By opening these additional long-term beds, we can ensure this changes. People with the most complex needs can now receive more therapeutic care, that will improve their quality of life. 

“Mental health care must be underpinned by high-quality infrastructure that enables clinicians and support staff to deliver the safe, effective, compassionate care Kiwis deserve.

“Today’s announcement of more beds is part of this Governments mental health plan to deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response.”

Note to editors:

  • Manor Park Private Hospital is a secure residential facility specialising in high-dependency psychogeriatric and long-term mental health care.
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Whale Strandings: What you need to know

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Summer’s here, and with more of us heading to the beach and along the coast for some much needed ‘naturing’ downtime, we thought it would be a good opportunity to talk about whale strandings – something that may occur over summer and something that we should all be aware of.

We’re sharing what causes whale strandings, what to do if you come across a stranded whale, and the important role Aotearoa New Zealand plays in protecting marine mammals.

Pilot whale stranding at Farewell Spit 2024
: Project Jonah New Zealand 

We put together responses from some of the most frequently asked questions about whale strandings, to help people during the summer season if we have whales stranding.

Why do they strand?

Whale strandings are natural phenomena that have occurred for many years. – Since 1840 we’ve had more than 5,000 strandings recorded around the New Zealand Coast. We usually don’t know why they happen, but theories include:

  • Illness or injury.
  • Navigational and hunting errors, and predator avoidance
  • Extreme weather or changes in water currents.
  • Noise pollution or disorientation caused by human activities.
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People attending to a pod of stranded pilot whales, Puponga, Farewell Spit, November 1992.
📷: DOC

How common are whale strandings in New Zealand?

New Zealand is known as the global hotspot for whale strandings, having one of the highest rates of whale strandings in the world, responding to around 85 marine mammal stranding incidents each year, most involving just one or two animals. Mass strandings, events involving large groups, are less common but tend to occur with oceanic species like pilot whales.

Not all incidents are live strandings, most incidents that we respond to are of whales or dolphins that are already deceased. These are really important opportunities to learn more about these animals, so please report them promptly.

Between January 1, 2023, and May 23, 2024, there were 151 marine mammal stranding events involving 527 animals across our (DOC’s) 35 coastal districts. Of these, 63 individual animals were removed or buried following. Additionally, 27 animals were successfully refloated.

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Public looking at a dead baleen-type whale, 54 feet long, near Hokitika, West Coast, 1968.
📷: Oliver, N

What are some notable whale strandings in New Zealand?

The largest recorded stranding was in 1918 on the Chatham Islands, involving about 1,000 pilot whales.

In 2024, 600 pilot whales stranded on Farewell Spit.

Which species strand most often?

Dolphins, pygmy sperm whales, and beaked whales are the most frequently stranded marine mammals.

Large whales, like sperm whales, also occasionally strand.

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Beached Shepherd’s beaked whale, Oteranga Bay, Cook Strait, 12 September 1998.
📷: Simpson, Peter

What should I do if I find a stranded whale?

  1. Keep your distance Until you are advised what to do – prioritise the health and safety of yourself and others.
  2. Keep animals calm – avoid loud noises, keep dogs and small children away.
  3. Call 0800 DOC HOT or Project Jonah (0800 4 WHALE) immediately to report the stranding.
  4. Follow DOC or Project Jonah’s instructions.

Who helps rescue stranded whales?

New Zealand is recognized as a world leader in successful whale rescues, thanks to:

  • The partnership between DOC and Project Jonah.
  • Support from iwi, local communities, volunteers, and other marine mammal rescue groups.
Pilot whale stranding
: Nikki Hartley DOC

Are there any positive outcomes from stranding?

While strandings can be distressing, they also provide valuable opportunities for:

  • Scientific research to learn more about marine mammals, understand environmental pressures, like climate change and pollution.
  • Community involvement in conservation efforts.

Why is New Zealand a hotspot for strandings?

New Zealand’s location, surrounded by vast oceanic waters and its unique coastal geography, makes it a hotspot for marine mammal activity—and unfortunately, strandings.

For more information, visit our website or contact Project Jonah. Remember, the experts are there to assist both the whales and the public!

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Tail flukes of sperm whale, Kaikoura.
📷: Westerskov, Kim
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Fatal crash, Flemington

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a single vehicle crash south of Flemington last night.

Emergency services received reports of the crash on Ngawaka Road at around 11:10pm.

Sadly, the sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

The road was closed while a scene examination was carried out, and the death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

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Visitor trends highlight simple naturing as Kiwis’ top way to unwind

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  18 December 2025

And coastal destinations and short walks – giving easy access to nature – continue to be the favourites for kiwis looking to make the most of the warmer weather.

DOC’s Director Heritage and Visitors Cat Wilson says the report paints a clear picture of how people are using public conservation land and waterways as a place to reset after a tough economic year. She says short walks continue to dominate visitor activity, making up a large share of recreation across the motu, and many of the top 10 summer spots are coastal, reflecting how strongly Kiwis gravitate toward the water when the holidays arrive.

“Summer naturing doesn’t need to be complicated, a short walk, a swim, or time at a favourite beach or camp is still how most New Zealanders choose to relax and recharge,” Cat Wilson says. “The data confirms what many of us already know: people want simple, affordable ways to be in nature, especially after a challenging year.”

Great Walks, managed by DOC, remain a key part of how people are naturing. Across the 2024/25 season, Great Walks recorded 154,000 bednights and a 78 per cent occupancy rate, up 10 percent on last year. International visitors contributed around 40 percent of bookings as global travel strengthened, while domestic walkers remained strong with close to 60 percent of bookings. Despite some weather-related dips on individual walks, overall growth shows sustained demand for immersive, multiday journeys.

International visitation has now rebounded to 3.38 million arrivals at June 2025, up 162,000 on the previous year and is now more than 90 percent of pre-COVID levels. Beaches and national parks remain the backbone of the international itinerary, with 57 percent visiting a beach and 52 percent visiting a national park, and 72 percent heading out for a walk, most choosing short walks of less than three hours.

Fiordland, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Tongariro and Abel Tasman National Parks are still the biggest drawcards for international visitors. Even with slightly shorter stays, international travellers are packing their itineraries full of nature experiences, meaning high-use national parks will see plenty of activity over the summer months.

With some of New Zealand’s most iconic places at their busiest over summer, Cat encourages visitors to think about how they get there, not just where they’re going.

“At places like Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Franz Josef, taking a shuttle instead of driving can make a real difference,” Cat says. “It reduces congestion at busy sites, takes the pressure off car parks and roads, and lets people relax and enjoy the scenery while someone else does the driving.”

“If you’re heading into the backcountry or our iconic national parks arrive prepared- take the right gear, check the forecast, and plan for changing conditions,” says Cat. “Summer weather can be a mixed bag, hot and dry one day, sudden downpours the next. Having warm layers, sun protection and enough water makes all the difference.”

Domestic visitation softened slightly over the past year, something the report links to storm events, slips, road closures and the cost of living. But Cat says that hasn’t stopped people from getting outside, it simply means they’re naturing differently.

Many well-known huts recorded solid year-on-year gains, with domestic visitors continuing to dominate usage and often making up 60–80% of bookings The most popular hut was the Pinnacles Hut which had over 18,000 bednights, up 13% from last year. Uretiti Beach Campsite (52,000 bednights) and Totaranui Campground (71,000 bednights) top the most used campsite list.

With more people spending time at beaches, estuaries and coastal tracks, DOC is also reminding the public to give wildlife plenty of space, especially seals, penguins and seabirds resting along the shoreline.

“Summer naturing is for everyone, including the wildlife that calls these places home. Please keep dogs under control, slow down around marine mammals, and enjoy watching from a respectful distance.”

Cat says summer is the perfect time to slow down, explore somewhere new, and let nature do what it does best.

“After a long year, getting outside is one of the easiest ways to feel restored. Whether you’ve got five minutes or a full day, nature is always there, and summer is the ideal time to make the most of it.”

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