Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The union representing Kiwi seafarers says the technical failure of the Interislander ferry Kaiarahi in the Cook Strait on Friday night is a “red flag” that the Government cannot ignore, proving the need to keep an emergency ocean-going tug on standby.

The Kaiarahi was forced to abandon its voyage and turn back to Wellington on Friday 12 December after experiencing steering issues in the Strait.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the incident demonstrates exactly why the Union is demanding the retention of the emergency response vessel MMA Vision.

“We are currently relying on two aging ferries to bridge the gap until 2029. The Kaiarahi turning back due to technical failure is the latest warning sign, yet Transport Minister Chris Bishop is moving to axe the MMA Vision contract months ahead of schedule.

“It is disturbing the Government is planning to remove our maritime safety net at the precise moment our critical infrastructure is showing its vulnerability. Minister Bishop’s decision to terminate the MMA Vision contract early is gambling with people’s lives and our maritime environment.”

Mr Findlay says the MMA Vision has already proven its value to New Zealand’s maritime safety.

“In September this year, the MMA Vision successfully towed the chemical tanker Golden Mind to safety after it lost steering off Rakiura/Stewart Island. It was also essential in pulling the Manahau barge off a Westport beach in 2024. If the MMA Vision had not been available, perhaps the Government can explain what the alternative plan was for those vessels.”

The Union notes that the current fragility of the Cook Strait connection is a direct result of the cancellation of the iReX project.

“Finance Minister Nicola Willis’s decision to cancel the iReX deal in late 2023 has put the arrival of replacement ferries years behind schedule,” Mr Findlay says.

“We have already seen the Kaitaki lose power with nearly 900 people on board and the Strait Shipping ferry Connemara drift in the Strait due to fuel issues.

“The Government created this delay in fleet replacement. They have a responsibility to put adequate safety measures in place to protect the public and the supply chain while we wait for the new ferries. Removing the only vessel capable of an open-ocean rescue in these conditions is irresponsible and negligent.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Wayne Namana lived the high life profiting from the drugs he pushed into the community, but a judge has brought his party to a close.

Yesterday (12 December), Justice Dale La Hood granted a profit forfeiture order against Namana totalling $653,000 – the amount Police calculated as the unlawful benefit he received from his offending. The order was made under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act and is the result of a long-running investigation by Police’s Asset Recovery Unit.

The 67-year-old Wairarapa-based drug supplier has reached a settlement with Police and will forfeit a piece of Masterton real estate, seven vehicles, seven motorcycles, bank funds, seized cash plus an addition payment of $91,000 in funds, with a combined total in value of around $240,000.

He could still stand to lose around $400,000 more, if or when Police identify other assets that could be seized.

Detective Sergeant Alex Macdonald calls it a “significant win” against organised crime.

“Wayne Namana lined his pockets from misery and suffering… Users of the drugs that Namana pushed suffered, along with their families and the community. A massive amount of work went into tracking the profits he made and it’s satisfying being able to strip these assets from him.

“It’s a great day.”

In July 2019, Namana was jailed for five years and seven months after being charged with leading a family network who were responsible for the sale and supply of methamphetamine in the Wairarapa, following an investigation by the Wellington District Organised Crime Unit and Wairarapa Police.

Profit Forfeiture Orders have already been made against two of his children involved in the syndicate, Chanel Namana and Merepeka Namana.

Chanel Namana was sentenced to six years and four months for her role in the drug dealing, while Merepeka Namana was sentenced to nine months home detention.

A male convicted of supplying the Namana family methamphetamine, Michael Hanna, was sentenced to 12 years and eight months prison in September 2019. Mr Hanna has also had a profit forfeiture order, of over $5 million granted against him.

The purpose of the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act is to confiscate property from persons who have engaged in, or who have profited from, significant criminal activity. To reduce the rewards from crime for individuals, and to reduce the attraction of crime to potential offenders.

“Police will continue to target organised crime offenders through both criminal and civil court jurisdictions,” Detective Sergeant Macdonald says.

“The profit forfeiture orders issued in these proceedings demonstrate the of unlawful benefit received by the offenders. Property to an equivalent value can then be sought for forfeiture regardless of when or how it was acquired.”

“Methamphetamine causes serious harm to our communities, and has a particularly harmful impact in smaller communities, like the Wairarapa. Police will continue to work to strip organised crime groups and their associates of their illegitimate wealth” he says.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A controlled training exercise will be conducted off Port Taranaki to the Bell Block area on Sunday 14 December.

The multi-agency exercise is designed to test and improve the coordination and response capabilities of all agencies involved in maritime emergencies.

Taranaki Search and Rescue Coordinator and Public Team Supervisor Wade Callander says the exercise will involve rescue vessels and that people might notice smoke markers, objects in the water and life rafts as part of the scenario.

“These planned exercises enable Police and partner agencies to test our response and systems should an emergency ever arise.

“Normal marine traffic should proceed with caution and follow any instructions from authorities.
 
“This exercise is part of our ongoing commitment to public safety and ensures that emergency services are well-prepared for real-life incidents.” 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

New in-water cleaning technology to help commercial vessels meet New Zealand’s biofouling requirements and protect our marine environment will be in use in Auckland this summer, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.

The system, co-developed by Port of Auckland and New Zealand Diving and Salvage Limited (NZDS) with support from Biosecurity New Zealand.

The technology targets hard-to-clean areas of vessel hulls, such as sea chests and propeller shafts, providing a safe and practical solution for spot cleaning in port. This reduces the need for offshore cleaning and minimizes disruption to passenger and cargo operations.

“It will help vessel operators meet their biosecurity responsibilities without disrupting passenger or cargo operations.”

Biosecurity New Zealand received the application in October and completed its evaluation in December following successful trials on domestic vessels. Provisional approval means the system can now be used this summer for arriving vessels, including cruise ships.

“The work reflects Biosecurity New Zealand’s commitment to helping vessel operators comply with biofouling and other biosecurity requirements. Marine growth on vessel hulls – poses a biosecurity risk to New Zealand’s marine environment.”

“This government is committed to ensuring New Zealand’s environment, unique marine ecosystems, aquaculture industry, and economy are protected from biofouling.

“At the same time, we are very aware of the commercial pressures faced by the shipping and cruise industries, and the need to make compliance with New Zealand’s biosecurity requirements as straightforward as possible.”

Biosecurity New Zealand will continue working with NZDS to refine and optimise the technology.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Finance Minister David Seymour is welcoming the passing of the Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Act. The changes mean most overseas investment decisions must be made in 15 working days and New Zealand businesses will have more opportunities to receive new investment, grow and pay higher wages.

“New Zealand has been turning away opportunities for growth for too long. Having one of the most restrictive foreign investment regimes in the OECD means we’ve paid the price in lost opportunities, lower productivity, and stagnant wages. We are fixing that,” says Mr Seymour.

“Under the new law, decisions on all investments except residential land, farmland and fishing quota must be made within 15 working days, unless there is a potential national interest concern. That compares with a 70-day statutory timeframe for the current benefit test.

“International investment is critical to ensuring economic growth. It provides access to capital and technology that grows New Zealand businesses, enhances productivity, and supports higher paying jobs.

“New Zealand’s productivity growth has slowed down because workers haven’t had enough capital behind them. Over 2013–2023, our capital-to-labour ratio grew by just 0.7 per cent a year, compared with 2.2 per cent in the previous decade. As a result, productivity growth fell from an average of 1.4 per cent annually between 1993 and 2013 to just 0.2 per cent from 2013-2023.

“This law change builds on previous improvements. Last year I directed the Overseas Investment Office to speed up consent processing timeframes under the Overseas Investment Act. The letter set my expectation that LINZ will process 80 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframes for decisions.

“LINZ has since taken a risk-based approach LINZ take to verifying information and streamlining consent processes. This recognises that the majority of consent applications are low-risk and should be processed more efficiently.

In the 12 months to 30 November:

• LINZ has processed almost 82.6 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframe
• Processing times are 60 per cent faster than in financial year 2024. The average timeframe has reduced from 71 working days to 28 working days.

“The act also consolidates and simplifies the screening process for less sensitive assets by introducing a modified national interest test that replaces the existing benefit to New Zealand test and investor test and enables the regulator to triage low-risk transactions. If a national interest risk is identified, the regulator and relevant Minister will have a range of tools to manage this, including through imposing conditions or blocking the transaction,” says Mr Seymour.

Current screening requirements will stay in place for investments in farmland, fishing quota and residential land (except for investments in residential land from qualifying investor visa holders).

“New Zealand has been turning away opportunities for growth for too long. International investment is critical to ensuring economic growth. It provides access to capital and technology that grows New Zealand businesses, enhances productivity, and supports high paying jobs.”

The bill also ensures overseas-based investors with a New Zealand investor resident visa will be allowed to buy a house here, to encourage more investment to grow the economy.

“The Government is focused on smart immigration settings that bring additional investment, skills, and connections to New Zealand. The Active Investor Plus residency visa is critical to that and our economic growth. If a migrant invests a minimum of $5 million to help grow the economy, passes a good character test, and has acceptable health, they will now be able to buy or build a home,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says.

“The home must be valued at least $5 million, less than 1 per cent of New Zealand houses, providing greater connection into local communities.

“New investors don’t just bring their capital, they bring skills, knowledge and experience that will drive future economic development. We are open for business,” Ms Stanford says.

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Inspector Lew Warner:

A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Rotorua overnight.

Just before 8:30pm, Police were called to Ford Road after reports that a vehicle had collided with a tree.

Upon arrival, the sole occupant of the vehicle was located with critical injuries. He died a short time later.

Initial enquiries suggest the injuries sustained are not consistent with a crash, and we’d like to hear from anybody who has information that could assist Police.

We want to hear from anybody who was in or around Ford Road between 8pm and 8:4pm yesterday.

Additionally, anybody who saw a white Toyota Hiace van, registration DFR734 in Ford Road or the surrounding areas.

Anybody with information should contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 251212/4041.

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

A forensic examination of the scene and vehicle will be carried out today.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says he is proud of the courage shown by five serving police staff recognised as recipients of the New Zealand Bravery Awards today.

The NZ Bravery Awards recognise the actions of those who save or attempt to save the lives of others while putting their own life at risk.

Five staff were awarded the NZ Bravery Medal (NZBM) today.

They include Detective Sergeant Heath Jones for helping people from flood waters near Hastings during Cyclone Gabrielle. It is Detective Sergeant Jones’ second NZ Bravery Award.

Sergeant Harshad (Harry) Ghodke and Constable Alexander Kerr also received Bravery Awards for putting their own lives at risk to help rescue people from water.

Sergeant Richard Bracey and Constable Friederike (Fritzi) Faber dealt with a situation in which a man set fire to a garage while they were inside, saving the man and putting the fire out.

Commissioner Chambers says the five are worthy recipients of the awards.

“These officers did not hesitate before acting to help others in dangerous situations.

“We can all feel incredibly proud of them. They have highlighted the service police officers give to their communities, day in and day out, including when they are not on duty.

“It is very encouraging to see their courage and selflessness recognised at a high level and I thank them for the service they have done for others.

“These events often take a toll on those involved in them. I also acknowledge the bravery and actions of others – both police officers and members of the public – who assisted in responding to some of these events and thank them for it.”

The New Zealand Bravery Medal – NZBM

• Sergeant Richard Bracey and Constable Friederike (Fritzi) Faber

Sergeant Bracey and Constable Faber were responding to a family harm incident in Clover Park, Auckland on 14 July 2024 when a man at the address doused the garage floor in petrol and set it alight, with himself and the officers inside.

The fire covered three quarters of the garage, with flames at waist height setting Sergeant Bracey’s boots on fire.

Two colleagues outside the garage were able to break a glass door and pull the man out while Sergeant Bracey, fearing the burning petrol cannister would explode, picked it up and threw it out onto a grassed area.

Constable Faber grabbed blankets from the house to help smother the flames.

As the blankets also caught fire and the garage filled with toxic black smoke, Sergeant Bracey and Constable Faber continued suppressing the fire with containers of water from the laundry tub.

Both were treated for mild smoke inhalation.
 

• Sergeant Harshad (Harry) Ghodke

Sergeant Ghodke was off-duty with his family on 19 January 2023 when a young boy playing in the Rees River was pulled by the current towards Lake Wakatipu.

Sergeant Ghodke removed some of his clothing and entered the water to reach the panicked boy, who had gone underwater.

The boy climbed on top of Sergeant Ghodke, making it difficult for him to keep his head above water.

Remaining calm but battling to stay afloat in the strong undertow, Sergeant Ghodke reassured the boy and told him to float on his back while Sergeant Ghodke swam back to shore, against the current, in search of more help.

Back on shore and exhausted, he spoke to a woman passing by and she swam out to the boy and successfully pulled him ashore.

Sergeant Ghodke had been able to calm the boy, enabling him to stay afloat long enough for the rescue.

Sadly, another man who had also tried to help save the boy drowned and his body was recovered the following day.

* Sergeant Ghodke and Susan Burke, the woman who swam out to save the child, have acknowledged the courage shown by that man in a joint statement.
 

• Detective Sergeant Heath Jones, NZBD

On 14 February 2023, as Cyclone Gabrielle caused widespread devastation in Eastern District, Detective Sergeant Jones repeatedly entered rapidly rising flood waters to assist others.

In the Pakowhai area near Hastings, he climbed a submerged fence to reach a fellow officer stranded on the roof of a shed with her 4-year-old son and baby.

Working with a colleague, Detective Sergeant Jones helped the family down and guided them safely through the floodwaters.

Later, at Chesterhope Bridge, he swam to an older couple trapped by the rising water. The woman was a poor swimmer, and the man could not swim at all.

Detective Sergeant Jones stayed with the woman while his colleague swam the man to the riverbank. When his colleague returned, the pair wrapped their arms around the woman and carried her through the strong current to safety.

The area was later confirmed to be completely flooded, with homes fully submerged.

* In 2011, Detective Sergeant Jones was awarded the NZ Bravery Decoration for his actions in the Napier siege of 2009 during which Senior Constable Len Snee was killed and senior constables Grant Diver and Bruce Miller were wounded.

• Constable Alexander Kerr

Constable Kerr (Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Mutunga) responded to reports of a woman in distress in the Waikato River about 5am on 24 January 2025.

Locating her in the darkness with his torch, he saw she was unable to swim and was being dragged under by the current.

Removing his police vest, Constable Kerr entered the river, but the weight of his waterlogged uniform made resurfacing difficult.

By the time he did, the woman had been swept to the opposite bank.

Undeterred, Constable Kerr returned to shore, removed his boots, belt, and shirt, and waded 50 metres through mud flats before re-entering the current.

In near-total darkness, he reached a man who had jumped in to help and was struggling to keep the woman afloat.

Constable Kerr pulled the man above water and helped the woman, who was unable to swim, back to the riverbank for medical treatment.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a serious crash on Fitzherbert East Road, State Highway 56.

The two-vehicle crash was reported to emergency services at around 12:30pm.

The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination.

The road has since reopened.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has today passed changes setting a new sensible biogenic methane target, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts say.

The Climate Change Response (2050 Target and Other Matters) Amendment Bill passed its third reading today.

It updates the biogenic methane component of New Zealand’s 2050 climate target and makes several other changes to ensure climate legislation remains fit for purpose.

“The Government announced in October its common-sense approach to setting a science-based biogenic methane target for 2050, and today we have delivered,” Mr McClay says.

“The changes we’ve made provide farmers and exporters with certainty and a clear pathway to reduce emissions.

“At the same time, we can maintain productivity and trade competitiveness.”

The Government is committed to New Zealand’s domestic and international climate change commitments and agriculture will continue to make an important and fair contribution to achieving this reduction.

“Our methane targets must be practical for famers, because a climate solution that shuts down farms and sends production overseas to less efficient systems, is not a solution at all,” Mr Watts says.

“We need to ensure that we are supporting our farmers. That’s why the Government’s approach to reducing agriculture emissions is clear – through technology and partnership we will deliver the reductions we need.”

This Government is backing innovative technology to meet the target and is already investing more than $400 million with industry to speed up the development and roll-out of methane-cutting tools. The first is expected on farm in 2026, with up to 11 available by 2030.

The amendments:

• Reset biogenic methane target to 14-24 percent below 2017 levels by 2050.
• Legislate a review of the methane target in 2040 to ensure its alignment with science and against progress of key trading partners.
• Requires consideration of protecting food production when setting emissions budgets.
• Removes the requirement for ETS settings to accord with NDCs, clarifying the purpose of the ETS as our key tool to drive domestic emissions reductions.
• Defer the fourth emissions budget as more time is needed to reflect the updated 2050 target.

Passing this Bill also confirms the Government’s decision to retain the current Net Zero target for long-lived gasses.

“We carefully considered the Climate Change Commission’s proposal to shift the target from net zero to net-negative, assessing the potential impacts on both the economy and the climate. We found that strengthening the target would come at undue economic cost and therefore have retained gasses,” Mr Watts says.

“Our latest projections show that we are on track to meet the net zero target eight years ahead of 2050.”

The Government has passed this Bill under urgency to provide certainty for the agriculture sector. 

“The debate over targets has gone on for far too long, and it is now time to move from discussion to action,” Mr McClay says.

“This decision has been clearly signalled. It was a coalition commitment, and we have maintained transparency throughout the independent methane review.”

Source: New Zealand Police

From Monday 15 December 2025, Police will be able to screen drivers for the presence of impairing drugs in the Wellington District – the first-time testing of this kind will be conducted on New Zealand roads.

Superintendent Steve Greally, Director of Road Policing says with the addition of this new tool it enables Police to detect and deter drug drivers off the road.  

“Our dedicated staff continue to prioritise the safety of all on New Zealand roads and the introduction of roadside drug driving testing is a positive step in our collective effort to reduce harm by drivers who get behind the wheel impaired by drugs. Our focus remains the same – to keep everyone safe on our roads.

“Police has worked vigorously alongside agencies to identify and clarify any ongoing matters this significant change will bring for road users.”

Police will begin roadside screening for four key drugs – THC (cannabis), methamphetamine (meth), MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine – using the new device that screens for the presence of impairing drugs.

Similar to testing for alcohol levels, there are thresholds for each drug that are set to indicate the recent use of one or more drugs rather than historical use, passive exposure, or accidental ingestion which would be unlikely to cause impairment.  

Alongside roadside drug testing, Police will continue to use the behavioural test called a Compulsory Impairment Test (CIT) where Police can assess a driver if they have good cause to suspect the driver is impaired by drugs.

Drivers who are prescribed medication are advised to continue with their medication as directed by their health practitioner and consider any impairing effects it might cause. Ultimately responsibility remains with drivers to consult their practitioner for medical advice. If they are experiencing any impairing effects, they should not drive. 

“Drivers cannot use a prescription or medical note at the roadside to stop them from undergoing a test or to dispute a positive saliva screening test result.

“If an infringement is issued after laboratory testing, drivers will have the ability to apply for medical defence if it is for a drug that has been prescribed to them. Information on how to apply for medical defence can be found on Police’s website from Monday 15 December. 

“Those who refuse or fail to comply with a roadside drug screening test will be issued with an infringement notice that includes a $400 fine, 75 licence demerit points, as well as being forbidden to drive for 12 hours.”

Superintendent Greally says having the ability to screen drivers for the recent use of drugs allows Police to detect and deter drivers from this dangerous behaviour that endangers not only themselves but other lives. 

“The message is clear to drivers who blatantly drive impaired by drugs – don’t take drugs and drive.

“We’ve seen too often the devastating impact of fatal crashes due to drug driving and the flow on effects it has caused families and communities. If you intend to get behind the wheel after consuming impairing drugs, you will be caught.”

ENDS

Background information

The roadside drug screening process for drivers

Drug screening test:

A driver must wipe the drug screening device’s pads on their tongue, which screens for recent use of THC (cannabis), MDMA (ecstasy), cocaine and methamphetamine. The testing process will take about 10 minutes.

If no drugs are detected the driver is free to go.

If drugs are detected:

If the screening test detects a drug(s), the driver must:

• Provide a saliva sample by holding an absorbent collection pad under their tongue. The saliva sample is sent for laboratory analysis.
• Complete a second drug screening test exactly like the first.

If the second drug screening test is also positive the driver is forbidden to drive for 12 hours. 

If the second drug screening test is negative the driver is free to go. The saliva sample will still be sent for laboratory testing.  

Laboratory testing

The laboratory will test the saliva sample for all 25 drugs. An infringement notice is issued if the sample tests positive for one or more of these drugs.

Process for drivers to apply for medical defence

This information can be found on Police’s website from Monday 15 December 2025.

– Issued by the Police Media Centre