Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

An east Auckland man’s charges stepped up a gear after Police made an expensive and unexpected discovery at his property.

Police had executed a search warrant at an address in Juliet Avenue, Howick as part of an investigation into a series of petrol drive-offs across the wider area.

Senior Sergeant Simon Cornish, of Counties Manukau East Police, says upon arrival at the property, a man was seen at the back of the house attempting to flee.

“Police believed he was discarding evidence in the back yard.

“He was subsequently placed under arrest and it was found a set of keys had been thrown into an outside shed.”

Senior Sergeant Cornish says Police then searched the area, locating the set of keys, which then led to the discovery of a stolen Audi Q7 parked just 300 metres down the road.

“Following a number of enquiries it was found the vehicle had been taken during an unreported burglary at an Island View Terrace property, where the owners were overseas.

“Police have managed to contact the homeowners to advise them of the situation,” he says.

“Safe to say they were very grateful to be made aware of what had occurred and to learn the vehicle had been recovered.

“This is a great example of quick thinking and collaboration between staff, which resulted in a great find.”

A 32-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court today facing a number of charges including burglary, theft, receiving property, possession for supply of cannabis and resisting Police.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing $250k to upgrade the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop Great Ride in Rotorua, encouraging more visitors into the region while giving riders a safer and more enjoyable experience, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced today.

“I’m thrilled to be investing in the future of this popular cycle trail and contributing to a safe and scenic experience for locals and tourists,” Louise Upston says.

The funding will improve safety by rerouting the trail through the forest, moving it away from the concrete pathway alongside the busy State Highway 5 and will help extend the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop by approximately six kilometres.

“Visiting our newest Great Ride is a wonderful way to take in the sights and scenery of Rotorua’s iconic Whakarewarewa Forest, also known as the Redwoods. With over 200km of purpose-built trails, it’s a world-class experience for riders of all levels.”

This investment is one of several cycle trail infrastructure announcements as part of the Government’s new $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package.

“Upgrading our tourism infrastructure improves the overall visitor experience and ensures the future of tourism in the regions,” Louise Upston says.

“This means more people from across the country and the world visiting Rotorua, supporting local businesses, jobs and the economy.

“It’s a win for tourism, a win for safety and a win for everyone who loves to ride.” 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now name the man that died after a water-related incident on Saturday 10 January.

He was 43-year-old Chen You, from Halswell.

Chen was diving to collect seafood when he went out of sight for around an hour.

Police were notified that a person had been pulled from the water by the Harbourmaster shortly after but, sadly, they were not able to be revived.

Our thoughts are with Chen’s family and friends at this time.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Eagle-eyed Police who spotted a vehicle of interest in the Manukau area yesterday afternoon have taken a fully loaded firearm off the streets.

At about 5.40pm, Police observed a vehicle of interest travelling through Manukau on Puhunui Road.

Counties Manukau West Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Mohammed Atiq, says upon seeing Police the vehicle fled but was not pursued.

“Eagle was then able to locate the vehicle on Redoubt Road and units cordoned the address.

“The Police Dog Unit tracked a person to a room underneath a house and a search of the property found a fully loaded semi-automatic AK-47 style firearm in a cupboard as well as several parts of a shotgun.”

Inspector Atiq says another person at the address was also taken into custody.

“A 27-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman are now facing a number of charges, including unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm.

“We are committed to holding offenders to account and delivering on our intent to keep the community safe.

“This is another good result for our team, who continue to be actively engaged in their area.”

The pair will appear in Manukau District Court today.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s important changes to make it easier to consent the mines and quarries we need to enable more infrastructure become law today, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Resources Minister Shane Jones, and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.

The Government has amended five major National Direction instruments to make it easier to quarry, mine, and do more in the coastal marine area:

• The National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity 2023
• The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020
• The National Environmental Standards for Freshwater Regulations 2020
• The National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land 2022
• The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010

“It is an unavoidable fact that to build more infrastructure and grow our economy, we need quarries and mines. The RMA makes it far too difficult for these types of projects to get consent, which is why we are fixing it.” Mr Bishop says.

“These changes are part of the Government’s focus on creating jobs and growing the economy by ensuring the essential materials for infrastructure can actually be produced.

“These changes reduce duplication, remove conflicting and confusing language between these instruments, enabling the planning system to function more efficiently.

“Making these changes now mean that New Zealanders can see some of the benefits from a more enabling, simpler planning system now, rather than waiting until our new planning system fully takes effect. 

“After extensive public consultation last year, it is exciting to see these much-needed changes finalised following feedback from New Zealanders. 

“These new and updated National Policy Statements will form the first tranche of revised National Direction under the new planning system and have been designed to integrate into the new system as cleanly as possible.”

Mr Jones says the changes recognise that developing New Zealand’s natural resources is about much more than extraction.

“We are ensuring that during consenting quarrying and mining are consistently treated as strategic activities that help meet our national and regional mineral needs, drives economic growth, and supports development, while being carried out responsibly.

“Developing our resources doesn’t begin and end with extraction and shouldn’t be considered as such; it’s about securing supply chains, boosting exports, and delivering lasting benefits for all New Zealanders,” Mr Jones says. 

“The changes that come into effect today also include coastal policy changes to make it easier to consent activities such as renewable electricity generation and electricity transmission, aquaculture activities, and resource use,” says Mr Potaka.

“By streamlining the consenting process for these vital sectors, we’re enabling New Zealand to unlock new potential in sustainable energy and coastal industries, while maintaining strong environmental safeguards.”

Mr Jones says the Government has committed to growing aquaculture to generate $3 billion in annual revenue by 2035.

“The changes to the NZCPS announced today are an important step toward making that happen.

“The NZCPS changes will better support aquaculture growth and strengthen how councils provide for settlement space under the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act. This will support greater Māori participation in the aquaculture sector and enable marine farmers to focus on producing world-class kaimoana,” Mr Jones says.

Notes to editor: 

• National Direction refers to the set of rules and policies under the Resource Management Act (RMA) that guide councils in developing plans and making consent decisions.
• Ten new or amended national direction instruments come into force today, forming the first tranche of significant reform after being consulted on in 2025.
• The new and amended instruments were formally gazetted on 18 December 2025 and take legal effect on 15 January 2026.
• More guidance and information about the changes can be found here RMA National Direction updated | Ministry for the Environment 
• A second tranche of RMA national direction instruments, including five further National Environmental Standards, will be considered by Cabinet in the coming months.

Integration With the New Planning System

• All amended and new RMA national direction instruments will continue to operate under the RMA and will be integrated into the new planning system.
• The Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill, introduced in December 2025, will establish a modern framework for national direction, ensuring councils, iwi, and applicants experience a smooth transition and continued clarity.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A reminder that overnight work to rebuild SH30A Amohau Street between Hinemaru Street and Te Ngae Road, begins next Monday 19 January.

The road will be closed from 7pm to 6am, Sunday to Thursday (open Friday and Saturday nights). The attached flier has more details about the work and includes a map showing the detour routes.

All 4 lanes will be open to traffic during the day, with access to the footpath maintained for pedestrians and cyclists. Please drive with care as the road surface will be uneven and have steep ramps with speed restrictions in place. 

NZTA thanks Rotorua motorists in advance for their patience and cooperation ahead of these nightworks. 

Please allow extra time for your journeys and plan ahead during the works.

---

19 December 2025 – Nightworks to improve SH30A, Rotorua from mid-January:

The work will start on the eastbound lanes of SH30A between Te Ngae Road and Hinemaru Street, before moving to the westbound lanes. The work is expected to take up to three months, depending on weather conditions.

“We’ve listened to feedback and adjusted our plans to keep Rotorua moving while we complete these vital repairs,” says Sandra King, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) System Manager for the Bay of Plenty.

“Starting in mid-January and focusing first on the eastbound lanes helps reduce impacts on morning commuters and gives the community time to get used to the works before the school year starts.”

During the day, the road will remain open with a temporary speed limit. Drivers should expect an uneven surface with ramps at each end of the worksite. Overnight closures will run from 7pm to 6am, allowing crews to work safely while minimising delays to people’s daily travel.

The pavement on SH30A has been patched for many years now and requires a full asphalt rebuild. As a key urban route, these repairs are a priority to prevent pavement failures next winter.

This approach, using partial closures from 7pm until 6am will mean the overall timeframe will take longer but does minimise delays to people’s daily travel.

The road also sits within an active geothermal zone, which affects the foundations and adds complexity to the job. Before work begins, the team will carry out investigations to identify any potential issues, such as tomos, so these can be addressed before digging out the road.

“We acknowledge that our earlier plan to deliver these works using a full road closure didn’t fully consider the impact on traffic flows and the people of Rotorua.

“Over the past 3 weeks our team has worked closely with our contractor Higgins and Rotorua Lakes Council to develop a new approach that balances keeping traffic moving while completing the work safely and efficiently,” says Ms King.

NZTA thanks Rotorua motorists in advance for their patience and cooperation ahead of these nightworks.

Please allow extra time for your journeys and plan ahead during the works.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are currently at the scene of a traffic incident involving a truck which has spilled its load on SH24, east of Matamata.

The truck has spilled contents onto Mangawhero Road and the road surface is now slippery.

The road is not closed, however it is partially blocked.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area until the road has been cleared.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Canterbury and the West Coast’s regional tourism organisations will receive  $1million to launch a new campaign Discover Different, showcasing the best of what Canterbury and the West Coast have to offer this autumn, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced.

“This campaign builds on the success of this year’s ‘Winter Different’ initiative and now extends the invitation to Australians to experience everything the regions have to offer during the cooler months,” Louise Upston says.

“This investment is about celebrating what Kiwis already know: Canterbury and the West Coast are places of immense beauty – where you can enjoy the alpine vistas of Aoraki Mount Cook, whale watch in Kaikoura, enjoy a hot pool in Hanmer, discover Christchurch’s vibrant laneways, or experience the wild rainforests and rugged beaches of the West Coast.

“New Zealand’s food and drink scene is first class, and the West Coast and Canterbury is no different– think whitebait fritters, artisan cheeses, and a tasting flight from one of the region’s award-winning distilleries, craft breweries, or wineries. There’s a flavour to suit every palate.

“These campaigns will help local businesses thrive and show visitors what makes Canterbury and the West Coast truly special. It’s about backing your region and sharing the experiences you’re proud of.”

Discover Different is being delivered through a regional collaboration led by ChristchurchNZ, working alongside Destination Kaikōura, Visit Hurunui, Venture Timaru, Mackenzie Tourism, and Development West Coast. Together, these organisations are creating new travel deals, themed itineraries, and bookable packages to make it easier for visitors, particularly Australians to experience the best of the region.

“This is a great example of what we can achieve when we work together. Supporting local businesses, keeping our communities thriving, and showing visitors what makes Canterbury and the West Coast truly special – that’s what this campaign is all about,” Louise Upston says.

The campaign is one of five initiatives supported in the latest round of Regional Tourism Boost funding, which totals $3.69 million and aims to bring more international visitors to regional New Zealand during autumn and early winter 2026.

Source: New Zealand Government

More international visitors will be exploring regional New Zealand this year, thanks to a $3.69 million investment from the second round of the Government’s Regional Tourism Boost, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced.

“We want visitors to experience more of what New Zealand has to offer. Whether it’s cycling the Great Lake Trails in Taupō, tasting pinot noir in Waipara Valley, enjoying speciality cheese in Ōamaru or admiring Southland’s fiords, our visitors really can do it all,” Louise Upston says.

“We’re investing in five campaigns to help our regions shine, support local businesses, and encourage visitors to explore beyond the usual hotspots. By highlighting time-limited travel and accommodation deals, and regionally distinctive hospitality experiences, we’re making it easier for international travellers to enjoy New Zealand during the quieter autumn and early winter months.

“Tourism across the country stands to gain from these campaigns. They will encourage visitors to venture further, discover new places, and share the benefits across New Zealand. Tourism is a powerhouse for our economy, supporting jobs, businesses, and vibrant communities. This funding is about growth, building for the future and making sure all our regions benefit from international tourism.”

The latest round of the Regional Tourism Boost is supporting five new initiatives:

A $1.2 million national campaign will encourage visitors from the USA and Canada to discover all corners of New Zealand, coordinated by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
 
A $1 million campaign to attract Australians from the eastern seaboard to our alpine and coastal regions within the central South Island, led by ChristchurchNZ.
 
A $600,000 cycling initiative will encourage more Australian holidaymakers to experience New Zealand’s Great Rides, led by Destination Great Lake Taupō.
 
A $459,000 project will entice Australians from the Gold Coast to explore the lower South Island, delivered by Great South and seven associated Regional Tourism Organisations.
 
A $459,000 initiative will welcome Australians from Sydney and the Gold Coast to the heart of the North Island via direct flights to Hamilton Airport, led by Hamilton & Waikato Tourism.

Source: New Zealand Government

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced more than $450,000 in funding for a new international tourism campaign, helping boost the Waikato economy as autumn approaches.

The funding will support new seasonal travel deals and itineraries designed to attract international visitors, particularly from Australia, to experience the heart of the North Island during the cooler months via direct flights to Hamilton Airport.

“I’m excited visitors will be able to experience the best the Waikato region has to offer from the moment their flight touches down,” Louise Upston says.

“This campaign celebrates everything that makes this region unique. From cycling the Waikato River Trails and exploring the Hobbiton Movie Set, to marvelling at the glowworm caves of Waitomo or visiting the Len Lye centre in New Plymouth, there is something for every traveller. Autumn brings a vibrant new perspective to our landscapes, our farmers’ markets are in full swing, and our hospitality is always warm.”

Funded at $459,250, the One Flight campaign will be delivered through a regional collaboration led by Hamilton & Waikato Tourism, with Destination Great Lake Taupō, Visit Ruapehu, and Venture Taranaki. Together, these organisations are making it easier for visitors to explore the best of the central North Island, with new travel deals and themed itineraries designed for the autumn season.

“Seasonal deals and new itineraries will help support local businesses, create jobs, and share in the pride that locals feel for their home. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the spirit of the heart of the North Island,” Louise Upston says.

The One Flight campaign is one of five initiatives supported in the second stage of the Regional Tourism Boost (Round 2 ) which totals $3.69 million and aims to bring more international visitors to regional New Zealand during autumn and early winter 2026.