Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will amend the Building Code to better protect New Zealanders, following strong calls for change as part of a nationwide fire safety review, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has confirmed.

“The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has today released the summary of submissions from last year’s consultation on fire safety regulations in the Building Code. 

“The review was launched following the devastating fire at Loafers Lodge in Wellington, which sadly claimed the lives of five people in May 2023.

“The recent tragedy here and similar incidents overseas have made it clear we need to look closely at how safe our buildings are, especially larger residential accommodation. 

“More than 100 organisations, businesses, and individuals across New Zealand shared their insights during the consultation. I want to thank everyone who took the time to make a submission.

“Since the last update of the Building Code fire safety regulations in 2012, building uses, technology, materials and construction methods have evolved rapidly – adding new complexities to fire safety in our buildings and to firefighting.

“Many submitters agreed that the current framework is overly complex, with confusing building classifications and unclear language.

“These issues are causing inconsistent compliance decisions, consenting delays and challenges for owners trying to maintain buildings.

“Respondents agreed that it is essential for all building occupants to be able to evacuate safely, including people with disabilities and those in accommodation like hotels, motels and boarding houses.

“Others agreed the rules should target specific fire hazards to ensure requirements are fit-for-purpose and cost-effective.

“There was also support for ensuring fire safety provisions in the Building Code align with the realities of modern-day firefighting to protect firefighters while doing their jobs. Submitters agreed that New Zealand’s rules need to keep pace with new technologies and construction methods.

“We have a clear mandate to strengthen protections for New Zealanders by updating our fire safety requirements for buildings.

“I have instructed the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to incorporate this feedback into proposed Building Code changes for Cabinet to consider early next year.”

Notes to editor:
 

Further information on the Building Code fire safety review 2024 can be found on the MBIE website.
Any changes to fire safety provisions will be progressed separately from the new three-year Building Code update cycle, reflecting the priority and ongoing nature of this work.
The summary of submissions can be found on the MBIE website.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Drivers of the scenic Thames Coast highway are all too familiar with stop/go interruptions due to damage to State Highway 25 (SH25) in recent years, but one disruption will soon become a distant memory with the replacement of the Boundary Creek Bridge deck.

The bridge itself, wedged tight between the cliffs and the sea, has been reduced to a single lane since 2023 while it patiently waits for a new bridge deck and repairs to its abutments.  

“Drivers will be pleased to know a new bridge deck and strengthening work is planned to be completed ahead of summer, meaning SH25 will once again revert to 2 lanes here,” says Darryl Coalter, Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). 

This work will also see the restoration of the slow traffic bay on the southern bridge approach, which has been temporarily closed. 

“It’s great news for everyone. The new, safer 2 lane bridge and passing bay will be in place ahead of the holidays and peak summer period, making this section of state highway safer, more resilient, and one less pinch point during busy times.” 

With the contract for the works now awarded, NZTA expects repair work will begin in October. A full road closure of up to 7 days will be required to allow for the demolition of the old bridge deck and installation of the new one. The closure is currently anticipated for the week immediately after Labour weekend. 

“In this location it isn’t possible to build the new bridge deck in a way that allows continued access for road users. Without suitable local detours, we appreciate this will mean a lengthy detour around the peninsula for a short duration” Mr Coalter says. 

NZTA has considered a range of construction options after talking with emergency services, stakeholders, businesses and the community, to understand how the closure will impact them and has incorporated their preferences into the planning.  

“We will use a prefabricated bridge deck and other key components, as well as work extended hours to speed up construction, meaning the road will be closed for the least amount of time as possible,” Mr Coalter says. 

NZTA will provide regular updates to the community and stakeholders as more details are confirmed.  

Elsewhere across the peninsula, our Coromandel Recovery project to repair storm damage caused by cyclones Gabrielle and Hale in 2023, is now nearing completion.

A summer maintenance programme is scheduled to begin across the Coromandel, with up to 10 worksites planned between Wharehako (north of Whitianga) and Waihī as well as on State Highway 25A. 

These works are part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and resilience and will be communicated widely once work schedules are confirmed. 

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a house fire in Eltham this morning.

Emergency services were called to the property on Derby Street just before 5am, where the house was fully ablaze.

One person was found deceased at the property.

A scene guard is in place and enquiries to determine the cause of the fire are underway.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are investigating the unexplained death of a woman in Parnell on Thursday night.

Just after 9.30pm on 7 July, emergency services were called to an apartment block on Cracroft Street.

“A woman was located unresponsive inside a unit, and on ambulance staff attending she was pronounced deceased,” Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend says.

“The circumstances of her death are unclear, and Police have commenced an investigation into what has occurred.

“At this very early stage, we are treating the woman’s death as unexplained.”

Police have had two scene guards in place at the unit overnight.

Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says a scene examination will begin this morning.

“As part of our investigation, a post-mortem is scheduled to be carried out today,” he says.

“Police will remain in the Parnell area as part of our enquiries.”

Anyone with information that might assist enquiries can update Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250808/6672.

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

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Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 1 is closed following a serious crash in Tirau this morning.

Police were alerted to the two-vehicle crash at around 7.50am, between State Highway 5 and Webster Road.

Initial indicators are that there are serious injuries.

The road is expected to be closed for some time.

Diversions are in place and motorists are advised to expect delays.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested and charged 11 people after an operation targeting alleged offenders with active warrants to arrest in several Waikato towns.

Inspector Karl Thornton, Area Commander for Western Waikato, says the one-day operation was focused on locating alleged offenders with warrants to arrest and holding them to account.

“A number of those arrested today have caused significant harm in our community, and this operation shows that Police will not tolerate it.”

The warrants to arrest were issued for a number of separate and unrelated incidents in the Ngāruawāhia, Huntly, Te Awamutu, and Kihikihi areas.

The charges relate to shoplifting, theft, receiving stolen property, assaulting a child, burglary, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, obtaining by deception, and driving matters (namely driving with excess breath alcohol).

Police are pleased with the outcomes of this operation, however acknowledge the increased Police presence may have caused concern within the community.

“Our Whānau Engagement Team and Maori Pasifika Ethnic Services are out in the community to ensure those affected are provided with support moving forward,” says Inspector Thornton.

Six men and five women between the ages of 21 and 59 are due to appear in court at a later date.

Police urge the public to contact Police immediately on 111 if they see any unlawful or suspicious activity.

Information can also be reported after the fact, or in non-emergencies, via our 105 services, and anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Motorists are being reminded that winter isn’t over yet and an expected cold blast in the central South Island over the next few days could make for challenging driving conditions.

Forecasts supplied to New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) suggest gusty cold southerly winds, rain, sleet and snow in some places from tomorrow, in addition to morning frosts and possible icy conditions on some roads, as a low-pressure system moves over New Zealand.

“Spring may be in sight, but as we often see in August, there’s still some winter driving conditions for us to contend with,” says NZTA system manager Mark Pinner.

“As a lot of people head to higher elevations at this time of year for some skiing, we encourage people to plan ahead and be aware of the potential for the weather to close in and restrict travel.”

Affected roads include the alpine passes, inland state highways in Canterbury and the Mackenzie Basin, the Kaikoura coast and State Highway 75 on Banks Peninsula.

Two to four centimetres of snow is forecast for State Highway 7 tomorrow, above 600m in the area east of Lewis Pass, and for State Highway 73 east of Craigieburn Cutting. Further snowfalls are expected on Saturday and remaining icy showers on Sunday, along with the risk of morning frosts.

On State Highways 8 and 80, snow and sleet showers are expected from tomorrow afternoon, with a risk of one to two centimetres of snow accumulating especially at higher elevations such as Aoraki-Mount Cook and SH8 north of Irishman Creek. Frosty conditions are also expected in the days that follow.

Metservice says snow may fall as low as 500 metres across the Canterbury High Country and Southern Lakes, and some southern alpine passes have road snowfall warnings in force for Friday morning, but more may be required as we head further into the weekend.

Strong wind gusts are expected for exposed parts of SH75 and the Kaikoura coast on Saturday.

“We will have crews out and ready to respond to the weather conditions and impacts on the highway networks,” Mr Pinner says.

“That may include clearing snow or laying grit on icy roads. If conditions are bad enough, temporary speed reductions or road closures are also possible.”  

“We want to remind motorists to drive with care and to the conditions – including being visible, reducing speed, adjusting the travelling distance behind other motorists and avoiding sudden braking or turning movements.”  

Plan ahead by visiting our Journey Planner site, and helpful tips about winter driving can be found below:

Journey Planner(external link)

Winter driving

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Agriculture, Trade and Investment Todd McClay and Indonesian Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, today signed a new bilateral arrangement in Jakarta to deepen agricultural cooperation, strengthen trade links, and create new commercial opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses across both countries.

“This new agreement will make it easier for our agricultural sectors to collaborate, share expertise and open doors for trade and investment,” Mr McClay says.

“It provides a framework for stronger cooperation in areas like livestock development, smart agriculture, biosecurity, agricultural research, and streamlined trade processes.”

The arrangement also commits both governments to establishing a dedicated Consultative Forum to coordinate future cooperation and set joint priorities. This forum will meet within a year of signing and will enable both countries to align efforts on technical standards, certification, and regulatory requirements, reducing red tape for exporters.

“This is about building long-term commercial partnerships. It will help more New Zealand businesses connect directly with Indonesian partners, support our farmers to get their high-quality products into market, and encourage m investment in agriculture from both sides,” Mr McClay says.

On a one-day visit to Indonesia Minister McClay has met with a number of senior counterparts, including:

•    Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman
•    Trade Minister, Budi Santoso
•    Vice Minister of Trade, Ibu Roro
•    Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto
•    Coordinating Minister of Food, Zulkifli Hasan
•    ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr Kao Kim Hourn

These engagements support the Government’s goal to double exports by value in ten years and strengthen trade and investment ties across the region to deliver greater export returns to New Zealand’s regions.

“Trade delivers jobs, investment and opportunities for New Zealanders,” Mr McClay says.

“Agreements like this one help to grow the value of our exports, lift returns to the farmgate, and unlock future growth for the entire economy.”

Source: New Zealand Government

More than 5,300 young Kiwis will benefit from new funding which invests in their business potential, develops enterprise skills, and better prepares them for their future work environment, Youth Minister James Meager has announced.

Mr Meager confirmed the $1.5 million Ministry of Youth Development (MYD) funding for 11 community-based providers, while speaking at the INVOLVE youth sector conference in Christchurch.

“The Government is focused on growing our economy for all New Zealanders, including our young entrepreneurs and emerging business leaders. This investment will enable promising young Kiwis to access financial support to develop essential skills like financial and digital literacy, learn how to create a business, and provide seed funding and mentoring to those with ones ready to grow,” Mr Meager says.

Three separate funds will support a range of programmes targeting different levels of youth enterprise experience, eligible for those between 12 and 24 years of age:

• The Introduction to Enterprise Fund ($475,000 total per annum) supports programmes focusing on essential skill-building, including financial literacy, digital, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• The Building Entrepreneurial Capital Fund ($725,000 total per annum) supports young people to acquire enterprise experiences and knowledge needed to create a business.
• The Developing Youth-Led Businesses Fund ($300,000 total per annum) supports seed funding and mentoring to young people who have businesses that are ready to grow. 

Among the 11 funding recipients is The King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand. This will enable it to continue delivering its He Kākano programme, which has supported young entrepreneurs since 2022. 

The He Kākano Impact Report, released today, highlighted the success of the pilot programme, which is a collaboration with MYD.

“Youth Enterprise is a powerful tool, supporting young people to discover their interests, build new skills, and work towards their future aspirations. It helps young people see themselves not just as job seekers, but as job creators and change-makers in their own communities,” Mr Meager says.

“The He Kākano report highlights the value of investment in Youth Enterprise, and the talents of our young Kiwis, showing that 93% of the youth-led businesses supported through this programme are still trading after 24 months.

“An investment in our young people is an investment in New Zealand’s future. This funding will ensure the next generation of Kiwis are supported in developing their business, entrepreneurial and workplace skills to grow our economy.”

Source: New Zealand Police

After several weeks of training, four Police patrol handlers and dogs and four New Zealand Customs officers and their detector dogs took part in the ceremony formally recognising their graduation as operational teams.

“It’s a proud day for the graduates of both our agencies, highlighting the value we place on working together to protect our borders and our communities. “The training has been a busy and demanding for the handlers, but they’ve risen to the challenges,” says Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator of New Zealand Police Dogs.

The ceremony was hosted by New Zealand Police at the Dog Training Centre in Trentham and attended by Commissioner Richard Chambers, officials from both agencies, families and guests.

Customs Group Manager Intelligence, Investigations and Enforcement, Terry Brown says, “We recognise the longstanding co-operation between Customs and Police, with our agencies working closely together to establish and support detector dog capabilities. Detector dog teams have a vital role in keeping New Zealand’s borders safe and protecting our communities by helping in the fight against transnational and serious organised crime.”

New Zealand Police Graduates who start in their districts next week:

• Constable Jordan and Hawke – Wellington District. 
• Constable Mike and Marley – Wellington District.
• Constable Blake and Whetu – Southern District
• Constable Matt and Ulfi – Central District.

The four graduating handlers and their dogs from New Zealand Customs Service will be deployed next week also.

Inspector Southall says, “Agency partnerships are effective at both the operational and strategic level, and New Zealand Police was very pleased to support them.

I’m proud of our fantastic team here,” he said. “The passion our training staff have for their role is amazing and it makes my job easier. So, thank you to everybody who contributes to the success of all the handlers and their dogs.

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Issued by Police Media Centre