Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Cordons are in place following a serious incident in Napier overnight.

Police were called to Alexander Avenue in Onekawa about 3.10am.

Cordons are in place at the intersections of Hitchings Avenue and Alexander Avenue, Dinwiddie Avenue and Wallis Place, and Alexander Avenue, near Dinwiddie Avenue.

A scene examination is under way this morning and cordons are expected to remain in place through the day.

At this early stage, Police are unable to comment further.

Information will be released proactively.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health Matt Doocey will travel to Australia on 12 May to attend Digital Health Festival 2025 in Melbourne. He will head a delegation of 23 New Zealand companies and organisations, to highlight the leading role New Zealand is playing in the digital transformation of healthcare.

“New Zealand has a proud history of innovation in healthcare. I am delighted to support the innovative, forward-thinking Kiwi companies at this year’s Digital Health Festival and showcase some of New Zealand’s world-class healthtech solutions,” Mr Doocey says.

While at the event, Mr Doocey will deliver a keynote speech on New Zealand’s innovative approach to healthcare and take part in a panel discussion on ‘Enhancing the Future of Patient Care – Innovation from the Edge’. He will also work directly with New Zealand companies to open doors to more opportunities for New Zealand businesses in Australia and globally. 

“Healthtech is one of New Zealand’s largest and fastest-growing tech subsectors, employing over 10,500 people globally. International collaboration is key to driving much-needed innovation in the industry and events such as this provide an excellent platform for fostering partnerships,” Mr Doocey says.

Digital Health Festival 2025 will run from 13-14 May, bringing together over 8,000 influential leaders and innovators to connect and share the latest developments in healthcare. A New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) hosted pavilion will be the focal point of New Zealand’s presence at the event.

Mr Doocey leaves for Melbourne on Monday 12th May and will conclude his visit on Thursday 15 May.

Source: New Zealand Police

A motorcyclist has been transported to hospital in a critical condition following a crash on Auckland’s Southern Motorway this afternoon.

Emergency services were alerted to the crash involving a car and a motorbike at 3.10pm.

The Southern Motorway is closed northbound, between Market Road and the Wellington Street on-ramp.

Motorists are advised to take alternative routes where possible, as lengthy delays are likely.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 
 

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are responding to a crash on Auckland’s Southern Motorway, near the Newmarket offramp.

Police were alerted to the crash involving a car and a motorbike at 3.10pm.

The northbound lanes are blocked and motorists are asked to take alternative routes where possible.

There is no information on injuries as yet – an update will be provided when that information is available.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 
 

Source: New Zealand Police

A 73-year-old man who went missing in Masterton on 4 May has sadly been found deceased.

John Rafferty was discovered by a Search and Rescue team this morning.

Sergeant Anthony Matheson says the death will be referred to the Coroner.

“This was not the outcome we were hoping for, but I want to thank the community for all their assistance, and the dedication of the search crews who have worked so hard over the past week.”

As the death has been referred to the Coroner, Police are unable to comment further.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Budget 2025 will do more to strengthen our borders, prevent drug smuggling and fight organised crime, Customs Minister Casey Costello announced today. 

“Customs is doing a great job stopping illicit drugs entering the country, but New Zealand is increasingly being targeted by organised crime groups. The Government is committed to ensuring law and order, so it is investing in the tools and capacity agencies need to meet growing challenges,” Minister Costello says. 

“Transnational and serious organised crime threats are growing worldwide. These groups are increasingly targeting the Pacific and New Zealand, which has some of the world’s highest prices for illicit drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine.

 “In 2014, Customs seized 55kg of methamphetamine in the entire year. Last year Customs stopped, on average, 90kg of meth every week.In the past two years, Customs and its offshore partners stopped nearly 8.5 tonnes of meth from entering the country and harming New Zealanders.

“We know what works to stop the threat from organized crime, and harm from drugs. Decisions at Budget 2025 mean that Customs will have $35 million more over four years to help to do this job even better,” Minister Costello says.

“The extra funding will increase the number of staff protecting our border as well as increasing Customs technological capability.”

The funding will focus on three areas: 

• Targeting those involved in lower-quantity, high-frequency drug smuggling such as through international mail or airports.
• Improving supply chain security and targeting the “trusted insiders” who use these links to help smuggle drugs.
• Extending Customs presence overseas, with an additional liaison officer to support investigations and information sharing with global enforcement and border partners.

“While Customs is dealing with increasingly large-scale drug smuggling attempts, it also needs more capacity to investigate and prosecute the smuggling that sends low quantities of drugs in high volumes through international mail and air routes. This new funding will provide that.” The new spending will provide Customs funding for up to 60 additional roles over the next four years, including investigations and prosecutions, intelligence, and border operations.

It comprises $21 million in operating expenditure and $5.5 million in capital funded through Budget 2025 plus an additional $8.2 million from third party levies and fees. 

Source: New Zealand Police

A person has died after a single-vehicle crash at Te Arai overnight.

Police were called to the scene on Mangawhai Road, between Braddick Road and Fairy Hill Road, about 11.15pm, where officers found a vehicle crashed into a tree.

Sadly, the sole occupant died at the scene and Police are providing support to their next of kin.

The Serious Crash Unit has carried out a scene examination and enquiries into the crash are ongoing.

Mangawhai Road reopened about 5am.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand – Communities across Aotearoa New Zealand are coming together to mark Keffiyeh Day on May 11, 2025 – a day of solidarity, cultural pride, and resistance in support of the Palestinian people.

On this day, people from all walks of life are encouraged to wear the iconic Palestinian keffiyeh (scarf) – a symbol of resilience, identity, and resistance – to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for justice and human rights in Palestine.

Keffiyeh Day is more than a cultural celebration; it is a powerful statement of unity. In workplaces, schools, universities, and public spaces, New Zealanders will proudly don the keffiyeh to amplify Palestinian voices and stand against oppression and injustice.

“The keffiyeh has become a global emblem of solidarity. In wearing it, we honour Palestinian heritage and reaffirm our collective commitment to justice, freedom, and dignity for all,” said Maher Nazzal, chair of the Palestine Forum of New Zealand.

Events on the Day Include:

Community gatherings and photo calls

Workplace and campus solidarity actions

Educational workshops and cultural displays

A nationwide social media campaign using the hashtag #KeffiyehDayNZ

Organized by the Palestine Forum of New Zealand, Keffiyeh Day is part of a growing global movement to keep Palestine visible on the international stage and ensure that Palestinian narratives continue to be heard.

We warmly invite individuals, community groups, organizations, and public figures across Aotearoa to participate in Keffiyeh Day 2025 and show their solidarity.

Maher Nazzal
Founder, Palestine Forum of New Zealand

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Trade and Investment, and Agriculture Minister, Todd McClay travels to the United Kingdom today to participate in the first in-person joint NZ UK Ministerial Trade Committee and to mark the two-year anniversary of the entry into force of the New Zealand United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA). 

“Better access to overseas markets is an important part of the Government’s economic plan to grow the economy and create better paying jobs, Minister McClay says. 

The NZ-UK FTA has seen a 21 per cent boost in Kiwi exports worth an additional $644.4 million over the two years since the deal came into force. This is delivering real benefits for Kiwi exporters.

“The results speak for themselves —goods exports to the UK have risen by 20 per cent, and services exports are up over 22 per cent in just two years, Mr McClay says. 

“And the primary sector is leading the way with big increases in food and fibre exports along with travel and tech.   

• Meat exports are up 46% to nearly $500 million
• Dairy exports are up a staggering 139% worth $198 million
• Fruit and nuts are up 52% worth $54 million
• Travel service exports are up 22% to nearly $1 billion
• Tech-related services exports are up 50% to $221 million 

While in the UK, Minister McClay will meet with his trade and agriculture counterparts, the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, as well as the UK Trade Envoy to New Zealand, Carolyn Harris.

He will also engage with key partners and stakeholders, including Waitrose and the National Farmers Union, visit local farms, and connect with New Zealand businesses operating in London.

The UK is New Zealand’s 7th largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth $7.27 billion. In 2024, New Zealand exported $3.69 billion in goods and services to the UK

Minister McClay will then travel from the UK to Korea on Tuesday of next week to participate in the APEC Trade Ministers meeting where he will hold bilateral meetings with APEC and CPTPP trading partners.