A reservation over the Kermadec Arc north of New Zealand will remain in place for a further two years, continuing restrictions on mineral permitting in the area, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.
The reservation, established in 2010 and renewed through successive declarations, is made under the Crown Minerals Act 1991 and prevents the granting or extension of permits for prospecting, exploration, and mining of minerals other than petroleum. The area covers about 412,690 km² of seabed and subsoil in the Kermadec Ridge system.
“The Kermadec Arc is an area of immense environmental and national importance. It is home to unique marine ecosystems and is likely to contain substantial deposits of critical minerals such as copper, zinc, and gold – resources vital for the global clean energy transition,” Mr Jones says.
“Global interest in the minerals on and under the ocean’s seabed is growing. Our approach to managing a significant opportunity like the Kermadec Arc needs to be informed and strategic.
“Through the Minerals Strategy for New Zealand to 2040, we’ve committed to improving data and research on our mineral resources, and this two-year extension gives us time to progress that work so future decisions on potential development, and the allocation methods that best maximise benefits for New Zealanders, are based on robust evidence.”
The new reservation takes effect on 5 January 2026 and will expire on 4 January 2028. At that point, the Minister for Resources will decide whether to declare a new reservation.
The Blue Springs and Te Waihou Walkway near Putāruru is one of the Waikato’s true (not so hidden) gems, and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), South Waikato District Council (SWDC) and NZ Police are pleased to see so many people wanting to experience its natural beauty.
“If you’re entering the Blue Springs from State Highway 28 Whites Road, please use the allocated parking area, follow the signs and cross the road safety,” says Andrew Oakley, NZTA System Manager for the Waikato.
“Parking on the state highway is illegal in certain places, including no parking zones marked by signs, no-stopping lines, or anywhere your vehicle could block other road users, or pedestrians.
“As more people visit the Blue Springs, we want everyone’s experience to be as safe and enjoyable as possible. Please plan ahead and check the NZTA Journey Planner for traffic updates before you travel,” says Mr Oakley.
With the fast rise in popularity of the Blue Springs, Nick Murphy, South Waikato District Council Executive Manager for Delivery reminds visitors that designated parking areas have recently been upgraded to make parking safer and easier for everyone.
“Please be responsible and do not endanger yourself and others by parking dangerously.
“The walkway also passes through privately owned farmland so please be considerate of locals and property owners. Stay on marked paths and follow all signage for your safety and to protect the area.
“The Blue Springs is a place of cultural significance and natural beauty. Help us keep it special by respecting local customs and the environment,” says Mr Murphy.
Senior Sergeant Fane Troy, Taupo Area Road Policing Manager, is also asking everyone to remain vigilant with an influx of visitors over the summer.
“Driving through this area can be busy at times, so we’re asking people to drive with care, stick to speeds safe for the conditions and within the legal limits, and take extra care when crossing the road. A little patience goes a long way in keeping everyone safe.
“With more visitors heading to the springs than ever before, everyone is encouraged to plan ahead, drive with care, and be considerate of the local community” says Mr Troy.
There are limited rubbish bins along the walkway, so please remember to take your rubbish with you. Leaving litter behind spoils the experience for others and harms wildlife. Let’s all do our part to keep Blue Springs pristine for everyone.
For more information on how to enjoy Blue Springs safely, visit:
Summer holiday travel can be fraught with frustration and unwelcome surprises and New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is doing its part to make journeys smoother around the South Island.
As is the Kiwi tradition from pre-Christmas onward, thousands are expected to hit the state highways to travel to holiday destinations. With that comes potential for delays on the roads and accidents as people get tired, rush to get to their destinations, or are distracted by all that is going on around them.
“If you are travelling, especially for long distances, there are some basic things you can do to help ensure you and your family get to your holiday location safely,” says NZTA system manager for the central South Island, Mark Pinner.
“Make sure you plan ahead, using our Journey Planner site so you know of any issues you are likely to strike along the way. We’ve removed all planned roadworks and restrictions to journeys to ensure that at the busiest time of year, people can travel with the least disruption. Temporary speed limits and traffic management have been removed over the Christmas-New Year period (20 December to 5 January). There are a few sites that will remain under a lower speed limit, and/or with cones to define the lane edge, where rockfall hazards or river or coastal erosion repairs remain incomplete after storms earlier in the year.”
“Certain sections of state highway will be busy with traffic, and that’s why it is good to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. A good tool is our Holiday Journey Planner, which provides estimates of busy and peak traffic times on state highways based on previous measures of traffic volumes.”
“Make sure you get enough rest before travelling, and that you stop and take a break if fatigue sets in, and drive to the conditions that are in front of you. While we expect good driving conditions in summer, there is always the potential for weather events like thunderstorms, heavy rain and high winds that can make travel treacherous.”
NZTA journey manager for Otago and Southland, Nicole Felts, says while NZTA contractors in Otago and Southland will also be downing tools at worksites over the holiday period, they will be ready to respond to any situations that arise on the highways to keep traffic flowing.
The age-old safety messages apply this holiday season as much as ever, she says.
“Watch your speed and be patient when stuck in traffic or behind slower vehicles. Making a bad decision out of frustration can have terrible consequences. Avoiding drink-driving and ensuring you wear a seatbelt can be the difference between enjoying a great summer holiday and a tragedy that has long-lasting impacts on families.”
“People should be able to enjoy the holidays and have a drink and be merry if they wish, but if you know you are going to need to drive, a simple rule of thumb is not to drink at all and save it for when you are done travelling.”
“Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of being killed or seriously injured in a road crash by about 40 per cent. If everyone wore their seatbelts, an estimated 20 lives could be saved from road crashes each year. So, it’s a no-brainer to buckle up yourself and make sure those travelling with you are also buckled in.”
“From NZTA, we wish everyone happy holidays and good travels this festive season.”
More information
Getting there safely – top tips for safe holiday driving
Plan ahead. Get your vehicle checked before you head out, plan to avoid peak traffic where you can and give yourself enough time to take plenty of rest or sightseeing breaks along the way. It’s your holiday after all, so why not make the journey an enjoyable part of it?
Drive to the conditions. Check the weather forecast(external link) before leaving home, as well as our real-time traffic updates for any incidents or closures. This isn’t just about weather conditions — it’s about the road you’re on, the traffic, your vehicle and load, your speed, your following distance, and adjusting your driving for wet and windy conditions.
Watch out for fatigue. Long trips are tiring and fatigue can be deadly behind the wheel. Get a good night’s sleep beforehand, plan in advance where you’ll take breaks along the way, and be aware of any medication you’re taking that might affect your driving.
Keep your cool. Holiday driving can be frustrating with busy roads, stifling heat and restless kids in the car. So please, be courteous and patient while on the roads. Don’t get provoked by other drivers’ aggressive behaviour, and wait to overtake until you get to a passing lane or can see enough clear road ahead of you to do it safely. And be sure to take enough games, books, or electronics to keep the kids occupied along the way.
Buckle up. Don’t let your family holiday be marred by tragedy simply because someone didn’t buckle up. If you’re the driver, you are legally responsible for making sure all passengers under the age of 15 are securely restrained with either a safety belt or child restraint. Children must be properly restrained by an approved child restraint until their 7th birthday.
Don’t drink and drive. Your judgement and reaction times begin to deteriorate after even one drink. Keep it simple – if you’re going to drink, don’t drive.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced New Zealand will invest an additional $13.3 million, over five years, to strengthen aviation security in the Pacific region.
The investment will go towards new airport x-ray and scanning machines, as well as technical and training support, at 11 Pacific airports. It builds on the existing airport security equipment programme in the region.
“This investment will benefit the Pacific by improving transport security, helping Pacific states comply with international aviation standards, and making air travel safer and more secure for all travellers in the Pacific,” Mr Peters says.
“New Zealand is strongly committed to addressing the risks of trans-national crime and other security threats in the Pacific, as demonstrated through this significant partnership.”
Associate Minister for Transport James Meager, who has responsibility for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says the work will be delivered by New Zealand’s CAA in cooperation with aviation regulators and airport authorities in Niue, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.
“This initiative reflects New Zealand’s commitment to safe, secure regional aviation, ensuring that Pacific communities remain connected through strengthened aviation security and infrastructure,” Mr Meager says.
WorkSafe has published a consolidated version of the Health and Safety at Work (Mining Operations and Quarrying Operations – Prescribed Competency Requirements for Certificates of Competence) Safe Work Instrument 2023 on our website.
The consolidated safe work instrument (SWI) specifies the requirements for certificates of competence for the extractives industry to be issued or renewed.
It brings together the information from the principal (original) 2023 SWI and the subsequent 2025 amendment into one document, for ease of use.
While the consolidated SWI is a useful summary, it’s for reference only and is not the official version of a SWI.
Applicants for a certificate of competence must meet the requirements introduced in the 2025 amendment. The amendment added recently developed unit standards across 20 certificates of competence, and removed references to an outdated unit standard.
Those renewing their certificate of competence do not have to meet the new requirements in the amendment. The principal 2023 SWI has the requirements for people renewing their certificate.
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Mining Operations and Quarrying Operations) Regulations 2016, everyone in a safety critical role must hold a current certificate of competence. Certificate of competence holders have statutory responsibilities that reflect the importance of their roles. Holding a certificate of competence shows that the holder has the knowledge, experience and skills to carry out their duties safely.
The New Zealand Mining Board of Examiners issues, renews, cancels and suspends certificates of competence for the extractives industry, while WorkSafe sets the competency requirements.
WorkSafe has published a consolidated version of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances — Modified Application of Controlled Substance Licence Requirements for Specified Class 1 Substances) Safe Work Instrument 2023 on our website.
The consolidated safe work instrument (SWI) brings together the information from the principal (original) 2023 SWI and the 2025 amendment into one document, for ease of use.
This makes it easy to see all the additional class 1 (explosive) hazardous substances that require – or do not require – a controlled substance licence (CSL). Thirteen additional substances now require a CSL.
While the consolidated SWI is a useful summary, it is for reference only and is not the official version.
The principal SWI came into force on 25 September 2023, and the amendment SWI came into force on 30 June 2025. WorkSafe consulted with key stakeholders in the hazardous substances industry when both SWIs were proposed.
A CSL is required to possess certain class 1 explosive hazardous substances, as well as certain vertebrate toxic agents and fumigants. These substances need to be handled by people who have sufficient knowledge and practical skills and meet certain character requirements. A CSL is issued by WorkSafe under Part 7 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 to applicants who meet the criteria. WorkSafe keeps a register of CSL holders.
Police acknowledge the sentencing yesterday of a former Wellington medical professional in relation to sexual offences.
Jared Cook was sentenced yesterday in the Wellington District Court to 10 months home detention after pleading guilty to charges of indecent acts on boys aged 12-16 years, making intimate visual recordings and possessing objectionable material.
This offending took place over a six-and-a-half year period while he was working as a General Practitioner doctor. None of the charges he plead guilty to relate to offending at his workplace.
Police worked closely with the victims of this offending, their families, and the Medical Council of New Zealand to ensure that Cook was held to account.
The strength and bravery from the victims who came forward to assist in the prosecution of this offender cannot be overstated.
We know it can be incredibly difficult, and at times distressing, to report or talk about incidents of this nature. We would like to reassure any victims of sexual offending that we take these matters seriously, have support available, and work tirelessly to hold offenders to account.
The Government is taking the next step in its plan to modernise and streamline digital services for New Zealanders by simplifying and coordinating the delivery of IT systems, Digitising Government and Public Service Minister Judith Collins says.
“Logical digital groupings of government agencies will be progressively established and will share common IT platforms, which will reduce duplication and improve efficiency,” Ms Collins says.
“Taking a centralised approach to digital investment and procurement could save up to 30 percent on the projected $13 billion technology spend across the public sector in the next five years. That means potential savings of $3.9b – money which can instead be spent on delivering better public services, for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
“Part of this drive for efficiency involves establishing a new government digital agency at the Public Service Commission (PSC), with the existing Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) functions transitioning from the Department of Internal Affairs to the PSC on 1 April. The new Government Digital Delivery Agencywill work under a functional chief executive – someone who is responsible for a specific area of work – who will hold the GCDO role.”
“We are modernising government services to make them simpler, faster and more cost-effective for New Zealanders,” Ms Collins says.
“These changes represent a significant shift in how the public service operates, ensuring digital investment is coordinated, cost-effective, and focused on delivering services that save time and improve outcomes for New Zealanders.
“A smarter approach to IT spending supports the Government’s priorities to get the books back in order, restore fiscal discipline, strengthen the efficiency and performance of the public service, lift productivity, and drive sustainable economic growth.”
Pest weeds, fish, microorganisms and now shellfish from overseas are estimated to cost New Zealand millions of dollars each year. Eradication is usually impossible. Containment and preventing further spread is a worthwhile investment – and a real team effort.
From left: Susan Emmitt, Brittany Earl and Shideen Nathan-Ngaronoa at a koi carp eradication operation. Photo: Sarah Wilcox, DOC
New Zealand’s worst freshwater weed
Brittany Earl, a DOC Freshwater Ranger, was in Christchurch catching up with a friend over dinner. She wandered over to say hi to her friend’s pet frogs, when some pondweed inside their terrarium caught her eye.
“It’s my job to keep an eye out for freshwater weeds and pests but I’d never seen hornwort in the South Island before, so it wasn’t on my mind.”
Hornwort thoroughly deserves its notorious reputation. It grows rapidly even from tiny fragments and can form huge, dense, free-floating mats that choke out native freshwater plants and block waterways.
“I’d seen it in the North Island the week before. But I thought, what are the chances it’s here?”
Brittany picked up the pondweed to get a closer look and feel it.
Hornwort. Photo: DOC
“It’s a unique-looking weed with bright green, feathery tendrils, and each spike has tiny, jagged horns that make it rough to the touch. I was pretty sure my initial ID was correct.”
She took some photos and explained the severity of the situation to her friend (it’s illegal to sell or propagate hornwort), who’d innocently bought it from someone else in Christchurch through Facebook.
Her discovery kickstarted an operation with Biosecurity New Zealand and Environment Canterbury.
“Environment Canterbury ran comms on social media asking people to report sightings. They tracked down the person who’d supplied it to check they hadn’t sourced it from a local waterbody.”
The frog’s weed was bundled up and burned.
“As far as we know, any hornwort in the South Island is contained in aquariums or garden ponds. It would be a massive issue if it got into the environment, not only for native freshwater species, but hydro lakes too. Their clear water would allow for rapid growth to significant depths, potentially clogging up turbines as well as boat propellors and fishing gear.”
Hornwort grows rapidly and smothers native vegetation. Photo: Weedbusters, Earth Sciences New Zealand.
New tool to detect invasive weeds early
Controlling a weed when it first invades is on average 40 times cheaper than control once it’s widespread. Using observations from iNaturalist and other sources, DOC’s smart weed alert tool will support faster, coordinated responses to protect native ecosystems and reduce future weed control costs.
Recording an ivy plant on iNaturalist. Photo: Colin Miskelly
Aggressive bottom feeders destroy habitat for native species
Koi carp are invasive fish with populations concentrated in Waikato and Auckland. They were illegally introduced to many New Zealand waterways by Stewart Smith on a personal campaign to make coarse fishing accessible for ordinary people. For 40 years, he bred and released more than 15,000 koi carp, rudd and perch across the country.
“Koi swim along and hoover up everything – weed, insects, worms, native fish – they’re not at all fussy,” says Phoenix Hale, Ngāti Porou ki Hauraki, DOC Freshwater Technical Advisor. “Like those underwater vacuum cleaners you can get for swimming pools.”
This feeding behaviour contributes to bank erosion. “Just like a vacuum cleaner, they spit silt back out of their gills, which releases sediment and nutrients into the water and contributes to algal blooms.”
A pile of dead koi carp. Photo: Michelle Archer, Place Group
Koi are very challenging to control. They reproduce rapidly, travel large distances and can be introduced to new areas during floods. “Waikato farmers have found them lying on their fields after floodwaters recede.”
DOC is responsible for protecting New Zealand’s native freshwater fish and habitats, and actively manages threats like koi, in collaboration with regional councils.
Koi carp.
“Koi is one of the main pest species we focus on. Our goal is to eradicate them outside the Auckland-Waikato containment area.”
One of the most effective control tools is the toxin rotenone, a plant extract used as a traditional fishing method.
Phoenix helped plan and coordinate a rotenone operation earlier this year at a reservoir on private land near Dannevirke.
“The landowner alerted us after spotting big orange fish in the water. Sightings like this are very important for staying on top of the problem. Testing water with environmental DNA is also proving to be a useful surveillance tool for koi and other invasive species.”
Given rotenone affects all fish species, working with mana whenua to rescue native fish before application was a critical part of the project. “Things are looking good so far, but we will be monitoring for 3 years to be sure.”
Jacob Cubitt shot his first koi carp when he was 8 years old. He’ll be entering the 35th World Koi Carp Classic this year, an annual event run by the New Zealand Bowhunters Society that removes several tonnes of koi from the Waikato River catchment. DOC supports this event. Photo: Logan Cubitt
Damaging intruder a recent arrival
Invasive freshwater clams had probably been in the Waikato River for a few years when they were spotted in Lake Karāpiro on 19 April 2023. It wasn’t welcome news.
Despite the biosecurity measures in place in Waikato, just this month mature clams were found in Lake Rotomanu, Taranaki. This lake is currently closed to motorised vessels.
Susan Emmitt leads DOC’s Ngā Riha Wai Māori freshwater pests programme. She says the clams are now present from Lake Maraetai to the sea, with high densities in some places.
Invasive clams found on the Waikato Riverbed at Lake Karapiro when water levels were reduced for maintenance work in August. Photos: Michelle Archer, Place Group.
“The clams have invaded all inhabited continents, and eradication has never been achieved.”
Take Ireland. First detected in 2010, the clams were present at 12 separate locations within a decade, with beds up to 15 cm deep across hundreds of metres. Record levels were found in the River Barrow – a staggering 17,872 individuals weighing 42 kg in one square metre.
Susan explains why they’re so easily spread. “The clams are self-fertile and able to produce up to 70,000 microscopic juveniles a year. The juveniles produce a thread that can help them attach to anything absorbent – like fishing gear, ropes, mats, waders or togs.”
Juvenile clams can be picked up in water intakes for town supply, irrigation or hydroelectric generation and grow there. Overseas, their economic impacts have been significant.
“It’s very worrying for New Zealand and our native species. Once you find invasive clams in a river, everything downstream will be part of the infestation. They can be very deep in the sediment, and unless it’s a contained site like a pond, very little can be done.”
Biosecurity New Zealand has imposed Controlled Area Notices on the Waikato River and Te Arawa Lakes to prevent the spread, supported by public awareness campaigns. In 2024 NIWA was awarded $10.2 million from MBIE’s Endeavour Fund to research the clam’s impacts and develop tools to manage it.
“There are many ways the clams could be spread, like building a new road, running a water-based event or fighting a fire – any activity involving transporting water or anything wet from the infested area of the Waikato River.”
Susan urges everyone to think through how they might inadvertently be transporting organisms to a new waterway, and to put more than one safeguard in place.
“Using different sets of gear for different sites can work well. For us, freezing everything that could be harbouring juvenile clams has proven to be the most convenient decontamination method.”
Raising awareness and containing the clam continues to be a big team effort, especially with summer just around the corner. “It’s essential to work together. We can contain their spread, but it takes everyone to be vigilant and do the right thing every time.”
How you can help stop the spread of freshwater pests
• Always Be Naturing by following Check, Clean, Dry for your watercraft and gear when moving between lakes and rivers. • Ensure you have plans in place to manage biosecurity risks before undertaking water-based activities or transporting water from one place to another. • Call the MPI hotline (0800 80 99 66) if you see invasive clams upriver of Lake Maraetai or outside the Waikato River and Lake Rotomanu in Taranaki, and koi carp or hornwort in the South Island. • Report sightings of koi carp or hornwort outside containment areas to 0800 ASK DOC (0800 275 362).
