First-year Fees Free

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 31 October 2024
Last updated 31 October 2024

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The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) administers the first-year Fees Free Tertiary Education and Training (Fees Free) policy.
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) administers the first-year Fees Free Tertiary Education and Training (Fees Free) policy.

The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study and training will finish at the end of 2024 and be replaced with a final-year Fees Free scheme starting from January 2025.
Find out more about the final-year Fees Free scheme including eligibility criteria, entitlement and implementation:
Final-year Fees Free
First-year Fees Free will continue to operate until 31 December 2025 under transition settings. Find out more about the end of the first-year Fees Free scheme:
End of first-year Fees Free policy 
Information about first-year Fees Free
End of first-year Fees Free policy – the settings for the end of the first-year scheme and the transition rules for learners with remaining first-year entitlement
Payments and reporting – how we make payments and how you report to us
Eligibility criteria and what Fees Free covers – the Fees Free eligibility criteria, how to check learners’ eligibility, and what fees the policy covers
Fees Free interactions with other funds – how Fees Free interacts with the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF), Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) and Youth Guarantee (YG), as well as student loans, student allowance and scholarships
Statutory declarations – what to tell learners about finding out their eligibility
Communications pack for TEOs – material for tertiary education organisations
Carrying over Fees Free entitlement – how learners can use their Fees Free entitlement across years
Guidance – FAQs, information guides and other resources to help you understand Fees Free
Who to contact                                                                             
If you have any questions, please contact your Relationship Manager or Advisor, or the Customer Contact Team on 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz.
For information on Fees Free for learners, see FeesFree.govt.nz. Learners can also call 0800 601 301 or email customerservice@tec.govt.nz.

Implementing Key Information for Students – guide

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 10 January 2020
Last updated 10 January 2020

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This page is a one-stop shop of guides, hand-outs, documents and up-to-date frequently asked questions (FAQs) for both publishing options of the Key Information for Students (KIS).
This page is a one-stop shop of guides, hand-outs, documents and up-to-date frequently asked questions (FAQs) for both publishing options of the Key Information for Students (KIS).

Guides and hand-outs
You will find all the information you need to guide you through the process of publishing the KIS on your website in the documents below.
If you have questions, please see the frequently asked questions or contact us.
KIS overview

Preparing your data

Implementing your design
For the ‘full KIS’ option:

For the ‘KIS button’ option:

Frequently Asked Questions
During the process of publishing the KIS to your website you will have a lot of questions. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) split by key topic areas.

Contact us
If you’d like to find out more or ask a question, please contact us by:

How, who and what we fund

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 15 February 2023
Last updated 15 February 2023

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Each year, we invest over $3.3 billion in tertiary education. This page outlines how, who and what we fund.
Each year, we invest over $3.3 billion in tertiary education. This page outlines how, who and what we fund.

Our investment aims to help equip New Zealanders with the knowledge and skills they need for lifelong success. Most of the funding is provided in the Government’s Budget via Vote tertiary education. We occasionally provide funding on behalf of other government agencies.
The Tertiary Education Strategy
Our funding decisions are guided by the Tertiary Education Strategy (TES). Part of our role is to make sure that our funding helps tertiary education organisations (TEOs) achieve the Government’s priorities for tertiary education.
As well as reflecting what we expect from tertiary education, the strategy describes how a high-performing tertiary education sector can create better opportunities for individuals and for New Zealand.
How we fund
We provide most of our funding through Investment Plans. Funding decisions are communicated through a funding confirmation letter.
We also allocate funding through off-Plan processes. This funding is often managed through a funding agreement.
Under the Education and Training Act 2020, the responsible Minister(s) issue funding mechanisms and delegations, which set out the purpose of each fund and give us authority to administer funding.
To help us achieve the desired educational outcomes, we provide TEOs with guidance on each fund. Where outcomes are not meeting our expectations, we may apply performance consequences.
Who we fund
Each fund has specific eligibility criteria that define which TEOs are eligible for that funding. These criteria are usually outlined in the funding mechanisms and delegations. We only fund eligible TEOs.
The types of TEOs we fund include:

universities
wānanga
Workforce Development Councils (WDCs)
Te Pūkenga
private training establishments (PTEs)
community organisations
schools
rural education activities programme providers (REAPs).

Accessing funding from us
If your organisation is interested in finding out how it can access funding from us, please contact our Customer Contact Team by emailing customerservice@tec.govt.nz or calling 0800 601 301.
What we fund
We want to give everyone the opportunity to achieve, so we offer a variety of funds tailored to suit different types of tertiary education and learners. This means that we focus funding on:

improving outcomes for learners, particularly in foundation education
vocational education
improving the participation of priority groups (such as Māori and Pacific learners) in education at higher levels of the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

For more detailed information about each fund, search our Fund finder.

Related Content

Key Information for Students – initiation

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

 
The KIS makes key information available to learners so that they have access to consistent information about qualifications, and can make more informed tertiary education study decisions. 
Guides and more information
Detailed information and frequently asked questions are contained in the documents on the KIS guides and FAQs page. 
Who publishes the KIS?
Tertiary education organisations (TEOs) delivering SAC-funded qualifications at level 5 and above will publish the KIS for these qualifications. If you don’t deliver qualifications at level 5 and above you won’t be expected to implement the KIS on your website. 
What information makes up the KIS?
The KIS has two levels of information and a total of twelve fields.

TEO-specific qualification information – provides information about studying qualifications with your organisation. These fields include Entry requirements, Duration, Tuition Fees, and Successful course completions. 
National graduate outcomes information – provides national outcomes three years after the completion of a qualification (regardless of TEO). These fields include Earnings, In employment, In further study and On a benefit.

For more information about the KIS fields, please read the KIS Your Data and its Sources handout.
KIS Your Data and its Sources (PDF 542 KB) 
Options for publishing the KIS 

TEOs have two options to choose from:
A. The full KIS displays the KIS for all level 5 and above qualification pages on your website.
B. The KIS button is a graphic which is located on all level 5 and above qualification pages and optionally other key web pages, and ‘links’ to the centrally-hosted KIS.
For more information refer to the KIS design and implementation page.
The process for publishing the KIS
Regardless of which publishing option is chosen, there are four phases you will be required to undertake to publish the KIS on your website:
Phase One: Initiate
This phase is for you to become familiar with what the KIS is, how you want to implement it on your website and checking your data is up to date.
Refer to KIS Your Data and its Sources (PDF 542 KB) 
Phase Two: Design
This phase is when you work with the TEC on the design of the KIS on your website. To ensure the location and design of the KIS is aligned to the implementation plan and style guide for your selected publishing option.
Refer to the KIS guides and FAQs page
Phase Three: Implement
This phase is for you to connect to the KIS Data Service (full KIS only) or to apply the KIS button to the relevant qualification pages on your website, linked to the KIS central website.
Refer to KIS Data Service Guide (PDF 997 KB) updated February 2018
Phase Four: Ongoing Maintenance
This phase is for ongoing maintenance of your data to ensure users view up-to-date data for your qualifications. The KIS quick reference guide provides information on the phases outlined above.
Refer to KIS Quick Reference Guide (PDF 348 KB) 
KIS deployment timeframe
The deployment started in October 2016 and is a phased deployment. We will engage with you to confirm your start date. The KIS is expected to be fully deployed across all TEOs by mid-2017.
For more information about the implementation process refer to the KIS design and implementation page.
Contact us
If you’d like to find out more or ask a question, please contact us by:

 

Key Information for Students – information for TEOs

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 10 January 2020
Last updated 10 January 2020

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Learners tell us making decisions about studying can be difficult because consistent information on qualifications and tertiary providers is hard to find and not easily comparable. 
Learners tell us making decisions about studying can be difficult because consistent information on qualifications and tertiary providers is hard to find and not easily comparable. 

We worked with learners and their advisors to develop a consistent, structured and accessible way to view key information about qualifications; called the Key Information for Students (KIS).
What is the Key Information for Students (KIS)?

The KIS is a specific set of information about a qualification provided by a tertiary education organisation (TEO). The KIS will be published on each associated qualification page on the TEO’s website in either a full table or as a button graphic. Both options will link to the full table on the central KIS website, hosted by Careers New Zealand.
Why are we doing this?
We are focused on improving outcomes for learners. Learners need information to be able to identify and assess the value of tertiary education and how it will contribute to achieving their desired outcomes.
Government and education providers have a shared responsibility to challenge learners to look at how they make decisions and the choices likely to result in achieving the best outcomes.
The KIS is a result of research, consultation and sector engagement to ensure that we help make it easier for learners to make good tertiary enrolment decisions.
The Key Information for Students (KIS) will:

enable learners to make real comparisons between qualifications and across providers when deciding on what and where to study
facilitate informed enrolment choices that align with learners’ desired tertiary education outcomes.

What does it mean for TEOs?
We’ll be working with TEOs to publish the KIS or KIS button on the qualification pages of their websites. This has been communicated in our Plan Guidance for 2017 and 2018 (page 15 of the Plan Guidance).
Who is required to publish the Key Information for Students (KIS)?

Funded TEOs (this excludes industry training organisations (ITOs)).
TEOs delivering SAC-funded qualifications at level 5 and above.

How are we doing this?
We are implementing a phased approach and will notify you about which group you are in, ensuring you have plenty of time to plan, resource and implement the KIS.
The key activities you’ll need to undertake to ensure that you are ready to start are:

Initiation: select which KIS option you will progress with, engage with your team and check your qualification data.
Design: the KIS or apply the KIS button for qualification pages level 5 and above. Send your design to us via email to begin the design review process. 
Implementation: once your design is approved, connect to the KIS data service (if implementing the full KIS) and or embed the link in your website, test and publish your KIS to your website.

Guides and more information
For more information on the publishing options and process refer to the KIS initiation page.
To view all guides, refer to the KIS guides and FAQs page.
Contact us
To find out more, or if you have a question:

Related Content

Apprenticeship Boost

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Apprenticeship Boost payments are available through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
Payments are made directly to employers to incentivise them to take on new apprentices. From 1 January 2025, employers can receive up to 12 months of support per eligible apprentice. Payments are currently $500 per month (excluding GST).
The employer must continue to pay their apprentice at least the minimum or relevant training wage.
More information, including how employers can apply for Apprenticeship Boost, is available from Work and Income:
Apprenticeship Boost – Work and Income
Background
Apprenticeship Boost was first introduced in August 2020 as part of the Government’s wider Apprenticeship Support Programme – a cross-agency response to help support apprentices and employers to manage the impacts of COVID-19. The Government has provided ongoing funding through Budget 2024, with some changes to eligibility and payments.  
Apprentice eligibility from 1 January 2025
To be eligible for Apprenticeship Boost, an apprentice must:

be enrolled and engaged in a Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)-approved and funded New Zealand Apprenticeship or Managed Apprenticeship, and
be actively training in a targeted occupation through a tertiary education organisation (TEO), and
have completed no more than 12 months in a TEC-approved apprenticeship that is the “same or similar” to a programme they may have done in the past.  

Apprentices must be employed in the occupation for which they are in training. They must be an employee (ie, not a self-employed contractor or sole trader).
Approved and funded New Zealand Apprenticeships and Managed Apprenticeships
Apprentices need to be enrolled in a TEC-approved and funded New Zealand Apprenticeship or Managed Apprenticeship programme to be eligible. More information about New Zealand Apprenticeships is available at:
New Zealand apprenticeship programmes
New Zealand Apprenticeships and Managed Apprenticeships both involve training consisting of 120 credits or more, leading to a qualification at Level 4 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework. Apprenticeship programmes are approved and funded by the TEC. Enrolments in these programmes are specifically reported as apprenticeship enrolments to the TEC.
Apprentices’ training is governed by a tripartite training agreement signed by the apprentice, the employer and the relevant TEO.
Apprentices must be actively training in a targeted occupation
Targeted occupations for Apprenticeship Boost are defined through New Zealand Standard Classification of Education (NZSCED) code of the qualification that an apprentice is training towards. They are:

NZSCED code
Field of study

0403
Building

0501
Agriculture

0503
Horticulture and Viticulture

0505
Forestry Studies

0301
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology

0303
Process and Resources Engineering

0305
Automotive Engineering and Technology

0313
Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology

0315
Aerospace Engineering and Technology

0317
Maritime Engineering and Technology

0399
Other Engineering and Technology

0905
Human Welfare Studies and Services

1101
Food and Hospitality

These qualifications are targeted at the NZSCED Narrow Fields of Study. More information about NZSCED codes is available at NZSCED Narrow Fields of Study – Education Counts.
To ensure that targeted occupations remain relevant, the Ministry of Education will review them every two years and report to Cabinet ministers. The next review is scheduled for July 2027.
List of eligible qualifications
TEC has compiled a list of eligible qualifications, which was last updated in April 2025. 
Qualifications in Targeted Fields for Apprenticeship Boost as at April 2025 (PDF 454 KB)
TEC does not assign NZSCED codes. NZSCED codes are assigned by the qualification developer and registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). If the qualification an apprentice is training towards is not on the TEC published list you can search for the qualification on the NZQA website.
Apprentices must be in their first year of training
As of 1 January 2025, only apprentices in their first year of training are eligible for Apprenticeship Boost.
Employers may receive up to 12 monthly payments for an eligible apprentice in a TEC-approved apprenticeship that is the “same or similar” to a programme they may have done in the past.
Apprenticeship programmes are the “same or similar” if they create transferable technical skills relevant to a particular occupation. If an apprentice has been previously enrolled in any other TEC-approved apprenticeship with “same or similar” content, this will be counted towards the number of months of training the apprentice has completed. The number of months enrolled in a “same or similar” programme will be subtracted from the maximum 12 months of possible payments.
Some new apprentices may be ineligible because they have completed training in a “same or similar” programme with a previous employer. This requirement cannot be waived regardless of the circumstances. Qualifications under the same NZSCED Narrow Field level are considered as “same or similar”. 
Transition to new requirements
There are some changes to eligibility and payments as of 1 January 2025.
Previously, payments were available for a maximum of 24 months per apprentice. This is now 12 months.
Previously, apprentices in all occupations were eligible. This is now limited to targeted occupations.
Employers will continue to receive payments for apprentices from 1 January 2025 if:

the apprentice is training in a targeted occupation, and
they are in their first 12 months of training.

MSD will automatically check the eligibility of employers who are currently receiving payments. Employers of eligible apprentices will continue to receive payments as normal and don’t need to reapply, but will need to continue to reconfirm each month with MSD to get the monthly payment.  
Agency roles and who to contact
MSD’s role
MSD manages the applications for Apprenticeship Boost and is responsible for payments. It receives employers’ applications, processes them and makes the payments. Applications can be made through MSD’s web page Apprenticeship Boost – Work and Income.  
MSD is the best point of contact for employers.
TEC’s role
TEC supports MSD by verifying and providing information on apprenticeships. We check an employer’s details, and confirm the number of months of training the apprentice has completed and if the training is in a targeted occupation. A data file is transferred from MSD to TEC for verification each day. When all details match between the MSD application and TEC’s data for an apprentice, the data is verified and MSD can start the payment process.
TEC is the best point of contact for TEOs, and for issues with data submitted for an apprentice.

FAQs for TEOs delivering apprenticeships  
What is the role of TEOs in Apprenticeship Boost?
There are a few things you can do that will help the process run smoothly:

Make sure all the data for apprenticeships that you provide to TEC is up to date and accurate so we can match it with the data that employers submit to MSD.
Check the Apprenticeship Boost Unmatched submission app on Qlik for a list of your apprentices where the Apprenticeship Boost employer name does not match the data you have submitted for that apprentice.  

As part of TEC’s Data System Refresh (DSR) Programme, this app will be replaced with a new Power BI report in mid-2025 (date to be confirmed). The data in the app will be current up to 25 December 2024, but no data will be added to it after this date. For queries that need 2025 data, please contact customerservice@tec.govt.nz.
Please continue to refer to the app for information submitted up to 25 December 2024, and work with the employer to ensure you are submitting the same employer name to TEC and MSD. 

Process new enrolments for apprenticeships as promptly as possible.
Help out where you can with enquiries from employers whose applications haven’t been successfully processed because the data they have submitted doesn’t match the data in TEC’s system.

Where should I direct further questions from employers about Apprenticeship Boost?
MSD is leading the Apprenticeship Boost programme and is the best contact point for employers.
What are the privacy statement requirements since data is being shared with MSD?  
Employers will need to get their apprentices to sign a consent form as part of the application process. This will cover the privacy arrangements and enable TEC and MSD to share information. Make sure the consent form used is the original form from the Work and Income website – do not use a copy or altered version.
How will Apprenticeship Boost affect other TEC funding paid to TEOs for apprenticeships?
Apprenticeship Boost won’t affect any funding that you currently receive from TEC. Apprenticeship Boost payments will be made directly by MSD to employers.
Apprenticeship data
Good data helps applications be approved more quickly
Apprenticeship Boost relies on good data provided to MSD by the employer and submitted to TEC by TEOs. Often, the data is different and this slows down payments to employers. Key data includes:

Apprentice name and date of birth: Make sure you give the apprentice’s legal name, and encourage employers to do the same in MSD applications. We often see abbreviated names that don’t match, or mismatched dates of birth. These mismatches result in failed verification.
Employer name: The employer name must also match in the MSD application and TEC data. The MSD application records the legal name of the entity verified by the Inland Revenue Department and the trading name. A training agreement should record the legal name (which can be checked against the Companies Office). Please do not include branch names in this field.

If I deliver Managed Apprenticeships, will I have to send data to TEC more frequently?
A Managed Apprenticeship template will be provisioned monthly on DXP Ngā Kete for TEOs that have been approved by TEC to deliver Managed Apprenticeships. This needs to be completed fully and accurately and submitted on time each month. Giving the employer’s correct name is critical to the data matching and the employer being paid as quickly as possible.
For TEOs that submit data via the Single Data Return (SDR), the data you submit in your course enrolment file should match the data you submit in your monthly Managed Apprenticeships template.
We are aware there will be timing issues as the Managed Apprenticeships template in DXP Ngā Kete is submitted monthly while the SDR files are submitted three times a year. However, we expect that your course enrolment file in the SDR will reflect apprenticeships submitted via Managed Apprenticeships templates in DXP Ngā Kete for the prior months.
How is the payment start date calculated for employers?
If the employer completed their application to MSD within 20 working days of creating their account with MSD, the payment start date will be the day they created their account. If the employer completed their application more than 20 working days after they created their account with MSD, the payment start date will be the day they completed their application.
If an apprentice’s training is on hold, is their employer still entitled to the Apprenticeship Boost assistance?
No. TEC will advise MSD when an apprentice’s enrolment is on hold. Payments will not be made when we have reported an apprentice as on hold.  
Does an apprentice’s previous study or training impact their eligibility?
It may do.
If an apprentice has been enrolled in a same or similar apprenticeship programme previously, this will be included in the calculation of their months of eligibility.
If the apprentice has previously been enrolled in other vocational training that is not an apprenticeship, this will not be included in the calculation of their months of eligibility.
How will MSD be informed about previous study or training?  
We will count every month where there is a record of an active apprenticeship   and share this with MSD. “Active” means the enrolment is not on hold, withdrawn or completed.

How will my privacy be protected?
Your employer will ask you to sign a consent form before sharing any information with MSD. This form clearly outlines what information will be shared between MSD and TEC to help determine if you are eligible for Apprenticeship Boost. The information will be shared securely.
What should I do if I change employers?
Please let your TEO know about any changes in employment status as soon as this occurs.
What should I do if I put my training on hold?
Please get your employer to notify MSD if you put your training on hold. You should also let your TEO know.
What should I do if I no longer want to do my apprenticeship?
Please get your employer to notify MSD if you withdraw from your training. You should also let your TEO know.
Will I receive Apprenticeship Boost payments?
No. Apprenticeship Boost payments will be paid to your employer.  
What should I do if I’m concerned about wages I receive from my employer?
The wages you receive are part of your agreement with your employer. If your employer is doing something that you think would make them ineligible for Apprenticeship Boost payments, please let MSD know by calling 0800 673 227 or emailing Apprenticeship_Boost@msd.govt.nz.
Assistance payments will be made to your employer, who must continue to pay you the relevant minimum or training wage. If you think you are not being paid the minimum wage or training wage, this may be a breach of employment law. Contact Employment New Zealand to lodge a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate.  
Who/where should I send my questions to?
Please send your questions to customerservice@tec.govt.nz.

South Auckland lifestyle farmer banned from owning animals

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

A south Auckland lifestyle farmer has been banned from owning or being in charge of any cattle under the age of 12 months, after 2 of his animals had to be euthanised.

Smith (Sam) Salevao (28) was sentenced in Papakura District Court yesterday (7 August 2025) after pleading guilty to one charge under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The ban from owning or being in charge of young cattle is for 2 years.

“In May 2024, animal welfare inspectors visited a lifestyle block and found 12 young calves in extremely thin condition, with no adequate food or shelter available. One calf had to be immediately euthanised by a veterinarian to prevent further suffering,” says MPI district manager of animal welfare and National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) compliance Cody Taylor.

“While we instructed Mr Salevao on how to provide the right care for the remaining calves, following a search warrant, we had to euthanise one other calf to end its suffering.”

All animal owners or people in charge of agricultural animals are responsible for ensuring they meet their animals’ physical, health, and behavioural needs. This includes providing quality and sufficient food and water, adequate shelter, timely veterinary care, and the opportunity to display normal patterns of animal behaviour.  

“Throughout our investigation, we worked with Mr. Salevao on how to improve the standard of care for his calves. Mr. Salevao failed to provide the basics, so we took action and placed the matter before the court,” says Cody Taylor.

Animal welfare is everyone’s responsibility and MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 008 333.

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Human remains located, Ōpōtiki

Source: New Zealand Police

An investigation is underway following the discovery of human remains at a beach in Waihau Bay, Ōpōtiki earlier today.

Police were notified at around 11:50am today.

The remains have been identified as human, and enquiries will determine how old these remains are. This will be followed by a formal identification process, which may take some time.

Anyone with information that could assist Police is urged to make a report via 105, either over the phone or online. Please quote the event number P063420839.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Military-Style Academy pilot closes

Source: New Zealand Government

The first 12-month Military-Style Academy pilot has now concluded, having provided support and opportunities that have made our communities safer and turned young lives around.

The pilot began in July 2024 at an existing Youth Justice residence, Te Au rere a te Tonga in Palmerston North. Throughout the pilot, participants were intensively supported, along with their whānau, by social workers, a mentor and other professionals. 

Minister for Children Karen Chhour has stated, “While the pilot only just closed, the feedback I have received has been overwhelmingly positive.”

“The aim of the pilot, trialling a new approach to working with the country’s most serious and persistent youth offenders to reduce (and, ultimately, end) re-offending, has been achieved and, in some cases, exceeded. 

“We have seen marked improvements in these young people’s behaviour, attitudes to offending, and activities. 

“The families of these young people have expressed great appreciation for the support they have been provided, such as accessing stable housing and parenting support services. 

“Most importantly, many of the young people involved in the pilot have taken this opportunity to turn their lives around and are showing real promise.”

Minister Chhour said, “Zero re-offending was never going to be realistic, but the goal of this programme has always been to provide meaningful supports and an opportunity for these young people to make better choices.”

“It is wonderful to see that so many have taken this chance and made great progress – several have found employment or work experience, some have returned to sports and other activities that promote positive social development, the vast majority have shown greater personal responsibility and a desire to no longer victimise others.

“This government committed to reducing the harm caused in our communities by serious and persistent youth offending. 

We are now tracking to reach a 15% reduction in the total number of children and young people with serious and persistent offending behaviour well ahead of schedule and initiatives like the Military-Style Academy pilot have played a huge role in this success.”

“Communities are becoming safer, young people who lacked hope and direction are finding it, this government is getting results.”    

Police prove better at hide and seek

Source: New Zealand Police

Two men who allegedly attempted to hide guns, drugs and cash in the engine bay of a car before Police arrived are now reconsidering their actions.

Yesterday Police in Counties Manukau South, including the Armed Offenders Squad, executed a search warrant at a Patumahoe address following a report relating to a person acting in a threatening manner.

Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says upon arrival a man was observed in the garage area attempting to hide items.

“This person was quickly taken into custody without incident.

“A second man was then seen also scrambling to hide a number of items.

“He failed to follow Police instructions and was also arrested after attempting to assault an officer.”

Inspector Hoyes says officers searched the property and found a pistol inside a bag, which had been hidden in the engine bay of a vehicle upon Police arrival.

“Also in this bag was s substantial amount of cannabis, LSD and methamphetamine.

“During a further search of the property a sawn-off shotgun and revolver type pistol were located in a bedroom along with some ammunition.

“A rifle and 61 rounds of ammunition were also located in a campervan on the property.”

Inspector Hoyes says three of the four firearms located were loaded.

“I am really proud of the work our teams did investigating this offending – being able to hold these offenders to account shows our commitment to stamping out this type of criminal activity in our community.

“Recovering the drugs and dangerous weapons that were present, alongside evidence of dealing, is a great result for everyone.”

A 42-year-old man has been charged with five counts of unlawful possession of a firearm/ammunition, possessio0n of methamphetamine for supply, possession of LSD for supply, possession of drug utensils, possession of cannabis for supply, assaults Police and resists Police.

He will appear in Pukekohe District Court today.

A 27-year-old man will appear in Pukekohe District Court today charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and threatening to kill.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police