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Category: MIL-OSI

  • Poll – New Zealanders back action on preventing alcohol harm – Health Coalition

    Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

    New Zealanders are calling time on the alcohol industry’s influence and supporting stronger safeguards to protect health-especially for children.
    “Alcohol is the most harmful drug in Aotearoa, but it’s marketed like a harmless treat,” says Karen Wright, Health Coalition Aotearoa. “Our legislation is outdated and is maintaining large inequities in harm. People are saying enough is enough. They back action to protect children, whānau and communities from alcohol harm.”
    The majority support making alcohol less available
    • 81% agree online alcohol deliveries should have to follow the same checks as bars and stores
    • 76% agreed with neighbourhood limits on the number of places selling alcohol
    • 58% support returning the alcohol purchase age to 20 years old
    The majority support removing industry from policymaking and telling the truth about alcohol harms
    • 71% agree the alcohol industry should stay out of policymaking
    • 66% support cancer warning labels on alcohol products
    The majority support safeguards against alcohol advertising
    • 80% back a ban on alcohol ads seen by children
    • 62% support a ban on all alcohol advertising and sponsorship
    • 68% agree sporting organisations should be supported to move away from alcohol sponsorship
    Support for making alcohol less affordable
    • 58% agree cheap alcohol should not be sold below a certain price
    • 47% agree the Government should increase the price of alcohol by 10% and use that money for alcohol treatment services and harm prevention. A further 11% were unsure.
    The poll shows strong support for the three areas known to reduce alcohol consumption and harm for communities – safeguards for affordability, availability and advertising. Successive New Zealand Governments have not implemented long-standing recommendations to address these issues. Instead they have made disappointing, minor tweaks to the law governing alcohol.
    “The people of Aotearoa are ready for change. Now it’s up to the Government to act,” says Steve Randerson, Health Coalition Aotearoa. “As a country we have done this before with tobacco, when the Government brought in sensible safeguards around tobacco marketing. The public supports similar action for alcohol marketing, which would benefit young people and those trying to cut down or stop drinking.”
    Alcohol causes a broad range of harms to the consumer, whānau and communities. Alcohol fuels violence and causes at least seven types of cancer. It also causes lifelong brain injury to babies exposed during pregnancy – and many other harms to health and society. It’s also deeply woven into everyday life, from rugby matches to music festivals-thanks to relentless industry marketing.
    “Alcohol companies spend millions telling us drinking is fun, sexy and essential. But the ads don’t tell us it causes cancer,” says Steve Randerson. “Our children deserve better. So do we.”
    The cost of replacing alcohol sponsorship in sport is relatively low-just $10-12 million per year, or 5-6% of total sponsorship revenue.
    “This is a fixable problem,” says Karen Wright. “New Zealanders want politicians to put people before profits. Solutions to reduce harms must not be influenced by an industry motivated by sales and profit. It’s time to overhaul our alcohol laws to protect our children and those most impacted by harm.”
    Health Coalition Aotearoa is calling time and urges the Government to act on the clear public mandate and introduce evidence-based reforms to reduce alcohol harm across Aotearoa.
    More information
    Poll details
    This poll provides the most up to date data on current public opinion on alcohol policies of New Zealand adults.
    Results are based upon questions asked in a Talbot Mills Research nationwide online survey of a sample of 1161 nationally representative respondents in NZ 18 years of age and over. The questions were asked in March 2025.
    Participants were asked ‘To reduce the problems associated with alcohol use, how strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements (%)’ followed by a range of alcohol policy measure statements.
    The last public opinion survey was the 2023 University of Otago/Cancer Society survey. Our PHCC Briefing includes 2023 results for comparison where relevant, but we caution comparing results too closely as the methodology and question and response options differed between the two surveys.
    This poll was funded by Health Coalition Aotearoa and the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

  • SH 1, Moerewa blocked by crash

    Source: New Zealand Police

    State Highway 1 near Moerewa is blocked by a crash, between Main Road and Hautapu Road.

    The crash, involving a truck and a car, was reported to Police at 8pm.

    One person is reported to have serious injuries, one person has moderate injuries, and one person has minor injuries. 

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

  • Fatal ATV crash, Karapiro

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has died following an ATV crash at a private property on French Pass Road, Karapiro this afternoon.

    The crash was reported to Police at 2.30pm.

    In addition to the fatality, one person sustained critical injuries, one has serious injuries and one has moderate injuries. 

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 
     

  • Police bring in extra resources ahead of tangi

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attribute to Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk:

    The Gisborne community will notice additional Police on patrol ahead of a tangi for a patched gang member on Monday morning.

    A large number of gang members and associates are expected to be in town for the tangi, and Police will have additional resources on hand to provide staff the support they need for a gathering of this size. Extra staff from neighbouring Police districts will be in Tairāwhiti, ensuring we can respond to any scenario that threatens public safety. The Police helicopter, Eagle, will also provide aerial support through Monday.

    We are mindful of providing a space for whānau and friends to grieve peacefully while balancing the safety of the community.

    Police have been in contact with local gang leaders to outline our expectations, including around the wearing or displaying of gang insignia in a public place, which Police will act upon. We have also been in communication with whānau of the deceased.

    Our focus is on the safety of everyone. We will not tolerate behaviour that aims to threaten or intimidate, and officers will be working to reduce disruption to the public.

    Police will have extra patrols around Gisborne and the wider area, including on the roads. Even if we can’t take enforcement action on the day, staff will follow up on reports of illegal activity.

    At the heart of this is the safety of our community and I urge anyone who has immediate concerns for their safety to please call Police on 111.

    If you are reporting matters after the fact, please make a report online or call 105, referencing file number 250511/1622.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

  • Homicide investigation launched after Napier incident

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A teenager has died after a serious incident in Napier overnight.

    Police were called to a disorder event on Alexander Avenue in Onekawa, about 3.10am today, said Detective Inspector Martin James, District Manager Criminal Investigations.

    “On arrival, a teenage boy was found critically injured at an Alexander Avenue address. Despite all efforts by ambulance staff, he died at the scene.

    “At the same time, a second injured teenager was located at a Cottrell Crescent address. He was transported to hospital in a serious condition but has since been discharged.

    “Enquiries are in the very early stages and Police are providing support to the whānau of both victims.”

    Detective Inspector James said a disorder event involving a group of people on Dinwiddie Avenue may be linked to the incident.

    A scene examination is ongoing, and cordons remain in place at the intersections of Hitchings Avenue and Alexander Avenue, Dinwiddie Avenue and Wallis Place, and Alexander Avenue, near Dinwiddie Avenue.

    “Police will have a noticeable presence in the area while that work continues.

    “We are speaking with a number of people as part of the investigation, but we urgently want to hear from anyone who was in the area, or anyone who took photos or video of the altercation on Dinwiddie Avenue.

    “A number of investigators are working to determine what occurred and why, and we urge anyone who can assist our enquiries to contact us as soon as possible.”

    Anyone with information is asked to make a report online, or by calling 105. Please quote the reference number 250511/1317.

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

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

  • Police appealing for information following aggravated robbery in Marton

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police investigating an aggravated robbery in Marton are appealing for information from the public.

    On Saturday 10 May, Police received a report of a person entering a commercial premises on Broadway at around 10pm.

    The alleged offender threatened an employee with a weapon before taking cash.

    The employee was uninjured, however is understandably shaken by the incident.

    Prior to Police arrival, the alleged offender fled the area on foot.

    Manawatu Police would like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the aggravated robbery or may have information that could assist in our invesitgation.

    Police would also like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage in the Broadway area between 9.30pm and 11pm on Saturday night.

    Anyone with information that can assist Police in our investigation is urged to contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    Please use the reference number 250511/1196.

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

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

  • Wellington Queer Communities Protest Against NZ First’s Anti-Trans Bill

    Source: Queer Endurance in Defiance (QED)

    On Saturday 8 May, around 400 protesters rallied with Queer Endurance in Defiance (QED), protesting against a proposed member’s bill by NZ First MP Jenny Marcroft, which aims to legally exclude trans people from definitions of “man” and “woman.”

    NZ First leader Winston Peters announced on 22 April that the bill will define a woman as an “adult human biological female” and a man as an “adult human biological male.” The wording of the bill reflects that of a recent ruling from Britain’s Supreme Court, which similarly excluded trans women from the definition of women.

    QED activists say both moves seek to facilitate the exclusion of trans people from social services and public life. QED spokesperson Tristan-Cordelia Egarr noted that the government had already indicated moves to restrict access to puberty blockers for trans rangatahi, and erase queer and trans people from Relationships and Sexuality Education in schools.

    Egarr also noted that “instead of focusing on the most pressing issues facing New Zealanders – the cost of living crisis, child poverty, the climate crisis, our overburdened healthcare system – Peters and the government are presenting these transparent attempts to distract and divide us by targeting an already marginalised and vulnerable community.”

    “Now more than ever, trans communities need support. Join Queer Endurance in Defiance, or your local queer organisation, and help us demonstrate that we will not be defined out of existence. We trans people will continue to exist, and we will continue to resist.”

  • No Justice for State Abuse Survivors- Kapa-Kingi

    Source:

    Te Pāti Māori MP for Te Tai Tokerau calls out the government’s decision to keep funding state abuse, turning their backs on justice and real change for abuse in care survivors.

    “The government has committed to throwing $744 million down the drain, reinforcing a violent regime of disrespect against the expertise and experience of survivors” said Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Oranga Tamariki Mariameno Kapa-Kingi.

    “Survivors bared their souls to the Royal Commission and its findings were meant to deliver transformational change, not serve as an inquiry for nothing. Minister Erica Stanford should be deeply ashamed of herself, as should every other complicit member of parliament in the coalition government.

    “Stanford has assumed she knows better than those who have lived and survived state abuse, throwing away money top-ups to cover up the fact that government has yet again ignored key recommendations.

    “We need to see these ‘band-aid for bullet wounds’ approaches for what they truly are, cover-ups and superficial solutions to deep systemic failures” said Kapa-Kingi.

    Te Pāti Māori remains unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that every recommendation from the inquiry is fully implemented.

  • Fatal crash, Hastings

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has died and another has serious injuries following a two-vehicle collision in Hastings overnight.

    Emergency services were called to the crash on Southampton Street West, near the intersection with King Street South, about 12.20am.

    Sadly, one of the drivers died at the scene, while the other was transported to hospital in a serious condition. There were no other occupants in either car.

    Police are providing support to the next of kin.

    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

  • Road closures, Napier

    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