Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Auckland City Police are disappointed three liquor stores failed basic requirements, selling alcohol to minors during a recent operation.

A joint Controlled Purchase Operation was carried out at over 30 suburban licensed premises across Auckland City suburb, testing compliance with laws against selling to minors under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

The Auckland City Alcohol Harm Prevention Unit and Auckland Council licensing inspectors carried out the operation over the last three weeks.

Sergeant Michael Haydon, Auckland City District Alcohol Harm Prevention Unit, says that three failed.

“We’re really disappointed to report below 100 per cent compliance, in that three out of the thirty-six sites tested failed in their obligations,” Sergeant Michael Haydon says.

“A very basic requirement for anyone selling alcohol is to ask for ID and then calculate the correct age from that identification.”

Police and Auckland Council will now refer the three stores to the Alcohol Regulatory Licensing Authority for further action.

Sergeant Haydon says Police “work closely with partner agencies to reduce alcohol-related harm across the community and there is no excuse for basic failings”.

“It’s a privilege, and not a right, for licensees and duty managers to be granted the ability to sell alcohol. Three sales to a minor are three too many.

“We are however pleased to see that thirty-three sites were compliant and correct in their processes and actions.”

Controlled Purchase Operations are regularly carried out across the country, between Police, Health and Council licensing inspectors.

If you have concerns around the sale and supply of alcohol to minors in your community, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.

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

ENDS

Jo Wilson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are responding to a crash which has blocked northbound lanes on the Dunedin Southern Motorway.

The crash involves a logging truck and car. It was reported about 3.30pm, between Kaikorai Valley Rd turnoff and Caversham Valley Road on-ramp.

There are no reports of serious injuries, however motorists are advised to expect delays while the scene is cleared, which could take some time.

ENDS

Issued

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has settled an historic Human Rights Review Tribunal claim taken by IHC in 2012 which alleged the Government at the time breached the Bill of Rights Act with education policies that led to disadvantage for disabled students in local schools. 

“I’d like to thank IHC and the Ministry of Education for their work in reaching a settlement. Our Government is committed to stronger learning support for students with additional needs so the right support gets to the child at the right time, and we have a proven track record of delivering that,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

The settlement commits to a Framework for Action that responds to the support needs of disabled and neurodiverse students, and establishment of a stakeholder group to support its implementation. 

The framework includes:

• better data reporting and collection
• improved access to specialist support services
• better coordination among education agencies to improve the system for disabled students
• taking steps to ensure the curriculum reflects and includes all learners
• taking steps to enable more accessible infrastructure
• an investigation of alternative funding structures
• an investigation into the impacts of government policies and funding decisions on attitudes of ableism (a focus on what disabled students can’t do, rather than what they can). 

“This Government has already made a start on the measures in the framework. In Budget 25, we delivered the most significant investment in learning support in a generation – $750 million – directly tackling the long-standing inequities IHC has raised.

“It’s delivering up to over 2 million additional teacher aide hours per year, from 2028; Learning Support Co-ordinators for all schools with Year 1-8 students; expanding early intervention services from early learning through to end of year 1; and an historic overhaul of the Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS) funding model to ensure that demand for the service is met with guaranteed funding so all students with high and complex needs who are verified for ORS receive the support they need.

“We’ve also expanded the New Zealand Curriculum to support students with high and complex additional needs from Term 1 next year and included special schools in property network planning for the first time. 

“For too long children have waited to receive support, or missed out altogether, on the help they need to reach their potential. We are addressing this by investing in a smart, system-wide reform that significantly increases specialist and support staff resources in our schools,” Ms Stanford says.

Source: New Zealand Police

A confidential tip-offs from the Whangamatā community has helped Police disrupt the supply of methamphetamine into town.

Police are praising the public for taking a stand against the damaging drug, and a 34-year-old man is now facing charges of possessing methamphetamine for supply and obstructing Police.

“Our confidential informants are the real heroes here,” says Sergeant Will Hamilton.

“This great catch was a direct result of information provided to Police by members of the public. Thanks to the information they have given us, we were able to intercept a significant amount of methamphetamine, that was packaged and ready for sale to vulnerable members of our community.”

On Wednesday 10 December, Police executed two warrants simultaneously at two separate addresses in Whangamatā and located 16 grams of methamphetamine and other items used for the supply of methamphetamine.

The 34-year-old Whangamatā man is in remanded in custody and is due to re-appear in Waihi District Court on 15 December.

Sergeant Hamilton says a significant amount of harm has been prevented “thanks to people picking up the phone and coming to see us”.

“Police have no tolerance for this type of offending, and it’s great to see members of the public standing up for their community and reporting suspicious and criminal behaviour.

“Drugs like methamphetamine cause untold harm to its users, their families, and the community as a whole. People steal to feed their habits and the damage keeps on going. Taking out these suppliers does a world of good.

“I encourage anyone who has information about drug-related offending, or any other offending, to please get in touch. Your identity will be well protected, so please contact us via 105 or come and see us at the local station,” Sergeant Hamilton says.

You can also make anonymous reports through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

One person is in a serious condition following a two-vehicle crash on Fitzherbert East Road, east of Palmerston North.

Police were called to the scene about 12:30pm.

The road is closed, and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Government

Thirty-two graduate veterinarians will begin their careers in rural New Zealand through the Government’s Voluntary Bonding Scheme for Veterinarians (VBS), Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today.

“Veterinarians are essential to animal health and the productivity of our primary sector – it’s vital we support these regional roles. From Reporoa to Gore, and Whangārei to Dannevirke, graduates will be placed in 26 communities across the country,” Mr McClay says.
 
“This scheme not only helps ease the rural vet shortage but also gives young professionals a strong financial start to their careers.

“The scheme remains a key part of the Government’s commitment to supporting rural resilience and primary sector growth.”  

Each VBS recipient will receive $55,000 over five years, in return for working in rural areas with a focus on production animals and working dogs.

“It ensures farmers have access to high-quality animal care, which is essential for maintaining productivity and animal welfare standards,” Mr Hoggard says.

“It also gives new vets the chance to gain diverse experience in supportive, close-knit communities.”

The VBS was launched in 2009 and is administered by the Ministry for Primary Industries. There have been 516 recipients since inception, including the latest group.

Note to editors:  

Below is a summary of the locations of the successful applicants. To interview a recipient in your area, email media@mpi.govt.nz.

Region	Number of graduates	Towns/cities   (Numbers of successful applicants in brackets)
Bay of Plenty	1	Reporoa (1)
Canterbury	4	Geraldine (3), Ashburton (1)
Hawke’s Bay	3	Waipukurau (1), Napier (1), Hastings (1)
Manawatū-Whanganui	3	Levin (1), Dannevirke (1), Whanganui (1)
Northland	1	Whangārei (1)
Otago	4	Ōamaru (2), Balclutha (2),
Southland	1	Gore (1)
Taranaki	1	Inglewood (1)
Waikato	9	Morrinsville (2), Tirau (1), Paeroa (1), Taupō (2), Te Aroha (1), Tokoroa (1), Ōtorohanga (1)
Wellington	1	Masterton (1)
West Coast	1	Kumara Junction (1)
Auckland	1	Pukekohe (1)
Gisborne	1	Te Hapara (1)
Tasman	1	Tākaka (1)
Total	32

Source: New Zealand Government

The adult minimum wage rate will increase by 2 per cent to $23.95 an hour from 1 April 2026, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today. 

This increase reflects the Government’s agreement to moderate increases to the minimum wage each year as part of the NZ First-National coalition commitment. 

“This new rate will benefit around 122,500 working New Zealanders and strikes a balance between keeping up with the cost of living and not adding further pressure on the costs of running businesses,” says Ms van Velden. 

“I know those pressures have made it a tough time to do business, which is why we have taken this balanced approach. With responsible economic management, recovery and relief is coming.  

“I am pleased to deliver this moderate increase to the minimum wage that reflects this Government’s commitment to growing the economy, boosting incomes and supporting Kiwis in jobs throughout New Zealand. 

“The increase aims to help minimum wage workers keep up with the cost of living, with inflation projected to remain relatively stable at around 2 per cent from June 2026,” says Ms van Velden.  

Youth unemployment and impacts on wage compression were two considerations when setting this year’s minimum wage. 

“Past minimum wage increases have driven wage compression, reducing the differentiation in pay between workers based on skills, experience or performance. The moderate increases agreed to by this Government for the 2024 and 2025 minimum wage decisions have started to ease this trend. 

“It is also important that minimum wage rates support young people to gain employment. Young people are much more likely than other population groups to earn at or below the adult minimum wage rate. Ensuring a balanced minimum wage rate enables young people to have access to entry level jobs that can set them up for greater future success” says Ms van Velden.

The starting-out and training minimum wage rates will be set at $19.16, to remain at 80 per cent of the adult minimum wage.

“This Government is committed to making changes that grow the economy and create opportunities for all New Zealanders.” 

Editor notes:

• The Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety is required by law to review the minimum wages annually.
• The change will take effect on 1 April 2026 

More information can be found here: Minimum wage reviews | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (mbie.govt.nz) 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Deep into a hillside north of Gisborne, nearly 3 kilometres of new underground drains are reshaping the way water moves through one of Tairāwhiti’s most landslide-prone road corridors.

Landslides have long been a challenge on State Highway 2 (SH2) through Otoko Hill due to the nature of the terrain, but Cyclone Gabrielle intensified the problem, triggering multiple slips that disrupted travel. 

The Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) alliance, on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, has been working, since June 2024, on a programme of works across 11 sites at Otoko Hill. The last site, Site K, has now finished, with final road marking and checks complete.

Site K includes 976 metres of drainage: 691 metres of bored horizontal drains (long drainage pipes) drilled up to 60 metres deep into the hillside (that’s almost the length of two netball courts) and 285 metres of counterfort drains (deep trenches). 

TREC project manager Richard Bayley says the Otoko Hill recovery work will help stabilise slopes around the highway.

“The underground drains intercept groundwater at multiple depths and ease pressure inside the hillside around the highway, helping to reduce future movement.”

“Drivers may not notice the changes as they pass, but the work through Otoko Hill means fewer landslides and a more resilient highway that will help keep communities, whānau, freight, and emergency services connected in future weather events.”

Mr Bayley said local contractors and hapu kaitiaki have played key roles in restoring the route after Cyclone Gabrielle. 

“Otoko Hill’s recovery was a team effort, from the contractors who delivered the mahi on the ground, to the hapū kaitiaki and cultural monitors who guided the TREC team with care for the whenua. Their combined expertise helped stabilise this challenging corridor.”

“A huge thanks must go to our partners for their dedication, and to drivers who stayed patient while we got the job done.

“People who regularly travel through Otoko Hill will have seen the progress the team is making in improving this once vulnerable route and we’re very grateful for their support and patience.”

TREC Tairāwhiti recovery

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

With plans afoot for the Christmas and New Year break, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is pausing state highway works across Northland to help keep holiday journeys (and sleigh rides) smooth.

“While Santa gears up for his biggest night of the year, road crews will be taking a well-earned break to recharge and prepare for a busy start to 2026. Our teams will return in January ready to continue important improvements across Northland,” Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Jacqui Hori-Hoult says.

This year’s annual holiday shutdown is from midday Friday 19 December 2025 to 11.59pm Sunday 4 January. 

“Christmas is all about connecting with whānau, friends and enjoying summer plans. Pausing most works helps keep traffic flowing so people can get where they need to go.” 

Tis the season for spreading joy, so we’re sharing the great news that several major maintenance and recovery sites have made good progress heading into December.

• SH1 Mangamuka Gorge – slip A43 repair:  Work is well underway to install a new 48m retaining wall, following an underslip in September on the southern side of the gorge. Enabling work is complete, and the permanent piles will be installed in the new year. Stop/go will remain in place 24/7 until mid-December, with the road then fully open to two lanes over the Christmas/New Year period. Stop/go will return in early January 2026 when construction on the permanent retaining wall resumes, with completion expected by late May 2026. 
• SH1 Long Hill, Waiomio – slip repairs: Excavation is progressing well, and the site will be secure for the holidays. A safety barrier will remain in place over the period, which means the south bound crawler (left-hand) lane in the passing area will stay closed. Works pause on 18 December and resume 5 January, with project completion expected by early March 2026.
• SH10 between Oromāhoe Road and Porotu Road – road rebuild: Enabling (drainage) works continue until 12 December. All temporary traffic management will be lifted for the Christmas/New Year period and will be reinstated from early January. Road rebuild is scheduled through to 5 February 2026.

“While everyone’s hoping for sunshine and beach days these holidays, persistent wet weather in spring and early summer has had an impact on road sealing days, and in some areas, sealing will need to now take place in early 2026,” Ms Hori-Hoult says.

Dry conditions are essential for sealing to ensure proper adhesion and long-lasting results. Sites along SH1 will be a focus early next year as crews work to complete delayed renewals. These include:

• SH1 near Ruakaka resealing (4 nights) 
• SH1 Brynderwyns – Kaiwaka – Topuni resealing (2 weeks) 

Additional renewal sites across Northland/North Auckland, including SH1 Whangārei central and south, SH16 near Inland Road, SH10 Mangōnui, SH12 Ruawai, SH14 Tangowahine, and SH1 Kaiwaka and south of Wellsford, are expected to begin in January as the summer programme ramps up.  There will be more information in the new year. 

In the meantime, with more people on the roads over the holidays, NZTA encourages everyone to plan ahead and drive with care.

“Don’t let fatigue or impatience take the joy out of Christmas,” says Ms Hori-Hoult. 

“Check navigation apps and NZTA Journey Planner before you leave, allow extra time, and take breaks if you’re feeling tired. Let’s all do our part to keep the season bright and the roads safe.” 

Journey Planner(external link)

We also have a special holiday addition of our Journey Planner, which shows the traditionally busiest times on the highways, in case you can plan travel outside of these time and avoid the queues:

Summer holidays 2025 | NZTA Journey Planner(external link)

Trying to ‘make up lost time’ by speeding or unsafe overtaking puts everyone using the road at risk. 

“Please pack some patience along with the presents. A calm, careful trip is the best gift you can give yourself and others on the road.” 

Top tips for a safer trip

• Plan ahead – use  the  NZTA Journey Planner(external link)  
• Allow plenty of time and expect delays at peak travel periods 
• Drive to the conditions – whether it’s the weather, the road, the traffic, or the time of day 
• Take breaks – share the driving and stop regularly 
• Avoid distractions and put the phone away 
• Buckle up – every trip, every seat 
• Be patient – you’re on holiday, there’s no need to exceed the speed limit 
• Check your vehicle is safe to drive before travelling – tyres, brakes, wipers, lights, indicators, cooling system and WOF. A quick check can keep you and your whānau safe and also save you money with better fuel efficiency.

For more information, check out our helpful holiday driving tips: Driving in the holidays.

NZTA thanks Northlanders and visitors for their patience and support throughout another busy year of essential maintenance, improvements and recovery work.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and safe travels over the summer holidays.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

New Variable Speed Limits (VSLs) to slow traffic outside Southland schools are set to take effect from the start of the new school year, and the safety enhancements are being welcomed.

Installation and preparation for these VSLs – which indicate on flashing electronic signs that the reduced speed limit is in force – is now underway. They will operate at peak times at 14 Southland Schools (see list of schools below).

This work by the New Zealand Transport Safety Authority Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is part of the Government’s approach under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, which requires safer speeds outside schools by 1 July 2026.

Southland is one of several regions where VSLs are being installed ahead of the new school year. All eligible schools, including those on 100km/h roads, will have variable speed limits installed. At peak times, speed limits will drop to 30km/h or 60km/h, depending on the road and safety requirements.

“We know that these reduced speed limits, when in force at school drop-off and pick-up times, can make a real difference in keeping children and their families safe,” says NZTA Director of Regional Relationships, James Caygill.

Schools are welcoming these VSLs as an additional tool for the safety of their communities.

At Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi), the VSL introduction is being viewed as “creating a safer environment for all”.

“This important safety measure is being implemented to create a safer, calmer, and more predictable environment for our children, families, and all road users during the busiest times of our school day,” says principal Catherine Colvin.

“For our students, this means safer journeys to and from school. For our parents, caregivers, and whānau, it offers reassurance that the roads around the school are being managed with their children’s wellbeing at the forefront. For our drivers and wider community, the VSL provides clear guidance that supports safer driving behaviours and shared responsibility for protecting our most vulnerable road users.”

Edendale Primary School has eagerly awaited the new VSL, and principal David McKenzie says he is excited to see it switched on.

“Now, at the start and end of the school day, the speed limit will be 30 km/h along the road past our school,” Mr McKenzie says.

“Drivers’ heightened vigilance keeps all our children safe every school day.”

All VSL sites have been approved under the Land Transport Rule and will be legalised through the national speed limit register, making them subject to enforcement when they ‘go live’. The VSLs operate for up to 45 minutes before and after the school bell and can also be activated for short periods at other times when there are significant numbers of children around.

Safer speeds outside schools

The full list of Southland schools with new VSLs is as follows:

• Ascot Community School
• Edendale Primary School
• Garston School
• Hauroko Valley Primary School
• Hedgehope School
• Lumsden School
• Makarewa School
• Mararoa School
• Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi)
• St John’s Girls’ School (Invercargill)
• St Patrick’s School (Nightcaps)
• St Thomas’s School (Winton)
• Te Anau School
• Winton School