Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died following the two-vehicle collision south of Pahiatua yesterday.
Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 2 at around 3pm on Thursday.
Sadly, the driver of one of the vehicles died at the scene. There were no other significant injuries.
The Serious Crash Unit has carried out a scene examination and enquiries into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
39 minutes ago
EIT staff and students embraced the cold, plunging into an ice bath at the Hawke’s Bay campus as part of an initiative to raise awareness for mental health.
Held on Tuesday, the challenge saw Head of the School of Trades Todd Rogers, Dean Helen Ryan-Stewart, Mental Health Lecturer Chris Malcolm, and Ira White from Human Resources take turns submerging themselves in freezing water alongside three student volunteers.
The initiative was part of a global resurgence of cold-water challenges, revived in the United States nearly a decade after the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, using the hashtag #SpeakYourMIND to raise mental health awareness.
Dean Helen Ryan-Stewart, Ira White from Human Resources, Mental Health Lecturer Chris Malcolm and Head of the School of Trades Todd Rogers took turns submerging themselves in freezing water to raise funds and awareness for mental health.
A crowd of supporters gathered with cheers, laughter, and plenty of encouragement as each “dipper” stepped up to the tub. The event combined light-hearted fun with a serious message, promoting open conversations around mental health and showing solidarity with those facing mental health challenges. Funds raised went to the Jolly Good Chaps Charitable Trust.
Ira showed particular resilience, taking a full bucket of ice-cold water over the head with a smile.
All four staff members embraced the challenge with good humour and were met with enthusiastic applause.
“Hopping into a bucket of ice is never easy,” Todd said.
Chris said mental health was an important focus. “One of the key things was resilience, so we wanted to test the resilience of some of these people hopping in the ice.”
Leanne Harkness, who helped coordinate the event, said the turnout and energy on the day reflected strong support for student mental health. “It’s been quite a warm day, so it was lucky for our dippers.”
Watch the video of the challenge here.
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
2 days ago
Dr Sally Rye (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou) has been appointed as Head of Research at EIT, marking a return to the institution where her academic journey began.
She brings more than a decade of experience across education, health, and social development, with a strong focus on kaupapa Māori and community-led research.
Sally returns to Hawke’s Bay after holding national roles in the tertiary and public sectors, most recently at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Dr Sally Rye (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou) has been appointed Head of Research at EIT.
Her interdisciplinary background includes business development, social work, youth development, mental health, addictions, and teaching.
She is widely recognised for her innovative approach to research centred on wellbeing, equity, and mātauranga Māori.
She says the decision to take on the role was grounded in a desire to contribute to her own community and invest in the future of her mokopuna.
“EIT is deeply embedded in this region. For me, this role is about returning home — not just geographically, but to a place that shaped who I am. I’m here to support a research culture that reflects our people, our priorities and our potential,” she says.
Her vision includes strengthening communities of practice, where staff and external partners can collaborate on shared kaupapa, and making research more visible, vibrant, and relevant to everyday life.
“I want to shift the perception of research from something isolated or academic to something aspirational, creative and community driven. Whether it’s improving local health outcomes, celebrating cultural knowledge, or informing how we teach, research should be part of everything we do.”
Sally also brings a deeply personal connection to her research practice. Her doctoral work explored the relationship between gut health, brain function and wellbeing — a journey inspired by her own health challenges. This work evolved into a holistic, kaupapa Māori programme that helped hundreds of wāhine Māori reclaim their hauora through nutrition, spirituality, connection, and movement.
She remains active in both national and international research spaces and recently presented at the Eru Pōmare Centre at Otago University in Wellington.
Sally was formally welcomed onto the Taradale campus at a pōwhiri in February and officially began her role in March. She is currently connecting with staff across all EIT campuses and welcomes interest from those keen to collaborate or join a community of research practice.
Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart, EIT’s Executive Dean, Education, Humanities and Health Science, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sally to EIT”.
“Her experience across various disciplines combined with her passion for research and rangahau provide a perfect fit for our institution. Sally’s vision aligns with EIT’s goals and values, and her leadership will drive our research and innovation space forward.”
Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Inspector Peter Raynes:
Police have made two arrests after a fleeing driver incident in South Auckland this evening.
At around 4.30pm, Police received information about a stolen vehicle travelling north in the Pukekohe area.
At about 5.08pm, this vehicle was seen travelling on Porchester Road in Papakura.
This vehicle then entered The Warehouse car park in Takanini Village and collected a female passenger.
A Police car approached the vehicle and was rammed along with several other cars as it erratically exited the car park.
Around this time, the Police Eagle helicopter arrived in the area and began tracking the vehicle.
Shortly after the woman was observed exiting the car with stolen property.
The vehicle continued travelling recklessly through the surrounding area until eventually entering the Southern Motorway southbound at Takanini.
Road spikes were successfully deployed at the Bombay offramp.
The vehicle then re-entered the Southern Motorway heading north before eventually stopping near Ramamara.
Police were close behind the vehicle when the driver absconded on foot and ran across the motorway into the surrounding area.
He has since been taken into custody without incident.
The woman has also been arrested and stolen property recovered.
Police are aware a number of vehicles may have been damaged throughout the course of this incident.
Police are asking anyone who has had their vehicle damaged or anyone who witnessed the driving behaviour to contact us.
Please call 105 using the reference number P062560926.
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Nicole Bremner/NZ Police
Source:
The closing date for submissions is Thursday, 12 June 2025.
The bill would amend the Education and Training Act 2020 to give effect to new policy decisions, including matters related to:
The bill would also make some technical changes to the Act and regulations. Full details of the bill are available at the links below.
Tell the Education and Workforce Committee what you think
Make a submission on the bill by 11.59pm on Thursday, 12 June 2025.
For more details about the bill:
ENDS
For media enquiries contact: Committee staff, education.workforce@parliament.govt.nz
Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines
Auckland’s notable trees are living legends. They provide homes for native species like the tūī, offer much-needed shade on a warm day, and have stood steady as Tāmaki Makaurau has grown around them. Now, a fresh batch of these leafy landmarks have been nominated for the notable tree schedule.
Today, Auckland’s Policy and Planning Committee approved public consultation on adding 174 individual trees and 29 groups of trees to the schedule. Chair of the committee, councillor Richard Hills, says protecting notable trees helps preserve an important part of Auckland’s natural identity.
“Notable trees are living parts of Auckland’s story. From pōhutukawa to kauri to London planes – adding them to the notable tree schedule preserves their natural, historical and cultural stories for us, and to pass on for generations to come.
“This year Auckland was recognised as a Tree City of the World for the fourth year in a row. I’m so proud the effort we make to protect and nurture our vibrant urban ngahere has again been recognised on a global scale – our notable trees play a key part in that.
“We now have an opportunity to protect more of Auckland’s remarkable trees. We have assessed all trees that were nominated for the schedule up until the end of June 2024, and now propose to add them through this plan change.”
The notable trees schedule includes trees that are remarkable, significant or help wildlife to flourish.
How are notable trees protected?
Auckland’s unitary plan is our city’s planning rulebook. It sets out what can be built where, and it also helps preserve the notable trees that line our leafy streets. It does this through a part of the plan called the notable tree schedule. Most changes to this schedule must follow a plan change process, allowing Aucklanders to have their say on updates.
What makes a tree notable?
Notable trees are significant for their age and size, rarity, cultural or historical significance, or the habitat they provide to wildlife, like pīwakawaka/fantail, pihipihi/silvereye, and riroriro/grey warbler.
Additionally, trees help cool our city and clean the air. As Auckland’s population grows and city becomes denser, they’re vital to keeping our neighbourhoods healthy and liveable.
What protections do notable trees have?
The notable trees schedule includes trees that are remarkable, significant or help wildlife to flourish. They therefore have greater legal protections and can’t be removed or significantly altered without an approved resource consent from Auckland Council.
How do I know if a tree is notable?
Check the schedule! You can see all of the trees listed on the notable trees schedule in the Auckland Unitary Plan, or the Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan for the islands.
Find out more about Auckland’s notable trees. You can have your say on the proposed change to add the trees to the notable tree schedule from 22 May – 23 June 2025.
Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines
A new strategy for how and where Auckland’s southern rural area will grow and change over the next 30 years has been approved by Auckland’s Policy and Planning Committee.
Franklin ward councillor, Andy Baker, says the Southern Rural Strategy supports the region to accommodate a growing population, while continuing to support a healthy environment and the area’s established and emerging industries, like horticulture, dairy farming and construction.
“The southern rural area is expected to account for approximately 15 per cent of Auckland’s overall population growth over the next 30 years. At the same time, it is one of the country’s primary food production regions, with abundant natural resources and some of the most productive land in New Zealand. It’s strategic location, close to airports, seaport and key export markets, helps to further cultivate these industries.
“The strategy provides direction for where housing choices, industries and employment opportunities will grow, in a way that supports the area to thrive economically and ecologically. I’d like to acknowledge the Franklin Local Board, mana whenua, and local communities, businesses and representatives, as well as all who took part in the consultation for their work to help shape the future of Auckland’s southern rural land,” says Cr Baker.
Auckland Council anticipates an increase of 89,900 people, 37,500 households, and 16,500 jobs in the southern rural region by 2052. Housing capacity to cater for this expected population growth has been enabled by the Auckland Unitary Plan. Over time, areas that have been identified as places where future urban growth – known as ‘future urban areas’ – will also provide additional capacity.
Deputy chair of Auckland’s Policy and Planning Committee, Angela Dalton, is councillor of the Manurewa-Papakura Ward. She says the strategy supports the southern rural area to grow well.
“This is a vibrant region, where traditional industries thrive alongside emerging sectors. The strategy is about balanced growth, that minimises the impact on the environment while improving housing choices and socially connected communities. By making the most of existing infrastructure, and focusing on projects that deliver multiple benefits, we’re helping set up the region for a resilient and sustainable future.”
The strategy covers the full Franklin ward. It also includes some rural land from the Howick, Manurewa, and Papakura local board areas. The area’s quickest growing towns, Drury, Ōpaheke , and Pukekohe, already have community-backed plans to guide their growth, so the strategy does not cover these areas.
Consultation on the Southern Rural Strategy took place from Tuesday 29 October – Sunday 1 December 2024.
Source: Green Party
Today’s report into last year’s Oranga Tamariki contract procurement process confirms the Government’s brutal cuts were rushed, poorly managed, and made with no concern for the impact on tamariki.
“It is now crystal clear that these cuts have come at the expense of the safety and wellbeing of our children,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Children, Kahurangi Carter.
“All tamariki in Aotearoa have the right to be loved, nurtured and safe in whānau and communities that have what they need to support their wellbeing.
“Today, the Government’s lie that any cuts would not affect front-line services has been completely exposed. We’ve heard from staff on the ground: they’re experiencing increased wait lists, inability for whānau to access services, and distress at the prospect of more tamariki going into state care.
“Slashing $30 million – nearly six per cent of the budget for contracted services – was never about efficiency. It was about cutting costs to fund tax cuts for wealthy landlords and tobacco companies.
“Incredibly, the report shows that Oranga Tamariki axed nearly half of the team responsible for contract management and development, directly before a major contracting round, and with no robust systems in place to support it. Not only did this leave providers in chaos, but it left frontline staff unsupported and tamariki at risk.
“The effects of decisions on children and their families are still not known. Let’s be really clear: this was all avoidable. The Minister forced these cuts through, painting these service providers as a ‘cash cow’.
“Our Green Budget reverses these funding cuts and ensures our tamariki get the care and support they deserve.
“The well-being of our tamariki and rangatahi must be at the centre of decision-making. It really is as simple as that,” says Kahurangi Carter.
Source: Green Party
The Government’s just-passed Social Security Amendment Bill is set to create more benefit sanctions that will push families deeper into poverty.
“Instead of punching down on the poor like the current Government, we can end poverty and provide everyone with what they need to live good lives,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March.
“Calling these new sanctions non-financial is misleading, as they’ll still deprive people of the ability to access financial support like hardship grants. It’s a disgrace that the Government is pursuing this despite reports New Zealand ranks near the bottom in child wellbeing.
“We have a plan to provide everyone with what they need to live good lives. Our Income Guarantee would ensure all whānau have the basics for a good life and don’t fall through the gaps.
“In this country, we have enough to support those who are struggling. Instead of providing the bare essentials for some of our most vulnerable, Christopher Luxon’s Government has chosen to prioritise tax cuts for wealthy landlords and tobacco companies.
“The Ministry of Social Development has already admitted their frontline capacity is oversubscribed and unable to properly support people due to the traffic light regime the Government has brought in. This will make things even worse.
“The Green Party will repeal all benefit sanctions and lift incomes to liveable levels. We will build an economy that works for all of us, not just a wealthy few,” says Ricardo Menéndez March.
Source: AUT
AUT today launches the AUT Innovation Fund with an allocation of $5 million to invest into spinout companies and impact initiatives.
Managed by AUT Ventures, the fund will empower some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most innovative minds to commercialise research and transform it into real-world solutions.
Vice-Chancellor Damon Salesa says that growing research impact is a key focus, and the AUT Innovation Fund extends the way that AUT Ventures supports innovation and research commercialisation. “The AUT Innovation Fund is more than just a financial instrument. It’s a signal — to our researchers, our partners, and our country — that AUT is ready to lead. Ready to invest. Ready to go first.”
AUT Ventures Chief Executive Michael Fielding says the fund is about accelerating commercialisation, as well as linking research to industry. “It’s a game-changer. The fund lets us back promising ideas and teams at a very early stage, committing support to innovators before they’re ready to seek investment from the angel and VC community. But it’s also going to give us new ways to connect with organisations outside the university.”
The fund is being launched with investments into Dot Ingredients and CONICAL.
Motion Capital is the lead investor in the $350k early funding round in Dot Ingredients, alongside Climate Venture Capital Fund and the AUT Innovation Fund. Formerly known as Spherelose, Dot is the brainchild of Associate Professor Jack Chen, who developed a new way to make critical ingredients for everyday products like soaps, detergents and cosmetics, but using wood pulp instead of petrochemicals or palm oil. Based in laboratories at AUT, the company is currently participating in the Aurora Climate Lab accelerator programme run by Creative HQ, while scaling production and developing new applications.
$110,000 will be invested into CONICAL to support the upcoming launch of its indie role-playing game, Faeborne. Launched out of AUT in 2016 by alumnus Alejandro Davila and entirely staffed by AUT graduates, CONICAL quickly gained headlines through the success of its Green Fairy TV series. After earning a reputation for developing cutting edge virtual reality exhibits and activations for businesses across New Zealand and worldwide, Faeborne marks a return to the company’s fairy fantasy origins. Faeborne is a fast-paced, story-driven co-op game centred around the conflict between two fairy sisters in the fantasy realm of Lamparis, and is slated for a multi-platform launch in late 2025.
AUT Ventures has appointed Craigs Investment Partners, a leading New Zealand investment manager, to manage the fund’s assets until they’re invested into new innovations. The income generated under Craig’s management will provide grants to AUT researchers to help kickstart new collaborations with businesses, government and NGOs, expanding the pipeline of future commercialisation opportunities.
AUT’s Innovation Fund will be launched at city campus by Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, the Hon. Dr Shane Reti today.