Source:
Police are working to locate Amiria Wall, who has a warrant for her arrest and is wanted by Police.
Wall, 43, is wanted for fraud offending and is believed to be in the wider Auckland region.
If you have seen Wall or have any information that may assist in locating her, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 240813/5477.
ENDS
Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police
Source:
Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Jin Zhong, 38, who has a Warrant to Arrest and is wanted by Police.
Zhong is wanted for fraud offending and Police believe someone may have information on his whereabouts.
Anyone with information is urged to call 111 immediately and quote file number 250428/7526.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source:
Motorists may experience delays on James Fletcher Drive, Favona, this afternoon after a tree fell onto a ute.
The westbound lane was initially blocked heading towards Mangere at around 3.15pm.
The driver got out of the vehicle unassisted and no injuries were reported.
Fire and Emergency have since cleared the scene, however Police advise that there may be traffic backlogs in the area.
ENDS.
Nicole Bremner/NZ Police
Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey is pleased to be in Wairoa today as part of the Rural Health Roadshow across the country.
“I was pleased to begin the roadshow in Levin recently where I had the opportunity to hear from the local community and people working in rural health about their access to health care, what’s working well and what’s not. I look forward to continuing momentum by hearing from those living in Wairoa today,” Mr Doocey says.
“All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health and mental health outcomes, particularly for the one in five living in our rural communities.
“The Rural Health Strategy was published in 2023 and sets the direction for improving the health of people who live in rural communities. I now want to hear today from the public and those working in rural health in Wairoa on how well the strategy is being implemented.
“As Minister for Mental Health, I also committed to sustainably fund the Mana Ake school-based mental wellbeing programme to ensure its roll out to all of Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti’s primary and intermediate schools, including those in Wairoa.
“Early intervention and prevention are one of my priorities. I’ve committed to it in my mental health targets as we know it’s one of the best ways to increase access and encourage better mental wellbeing for young New Zealanders, both rural and urban.
“I have been heartened to hear positive feedback so far on the roadshow from many people who appreciate the opportunity for the voices of our rural communities to be heard.”
Note for editors:
Join your local community roadshow event to ensure your voice is heard. To register, please visit the Ministry of Health’s website
The remaining Rural Health Roadshow locations and dates:
Wairoa – 1 May
Wānaka – 1 July
Oamaru – 2 July
Hanmer Springs – 7 July
Gore – 8 July
Tūrangi – 6 August
Kaitaia – 7 August
Hāwera – 23 September
Te Kuiti – 24 September
Greymouth – 30 September
Thames – 1 October
Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets
New data released today shows steady improvements in childhood immunisation rates across the country, highlighting the Government’s commitment to ensuring every child gets the best start in life, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Improving childhood immunisation rates is a priority for our Government. The latest quarterly figures show immunisation coverage has improved across nearly all age milestones, with particularly strong gains at six, 12, and 24 months,” Mr Brown says.
“Overall, 24-month coverage for the second quarter of 2024/25 is up 2.1 per cent compared to the previous quarter. It’s encouraging to see our targeted approach, made possible by our Government’s record $16.68 billion health investment over three Budgets, is delivering real results.
“We’re seeing some standout improvements across the country. In Tairāwhiti, coverage at 24 months is up 12.7 per cent. The West Coast also saw a 12.7 per cent increase, with Taranaki up 5.4 per cent and Auckland up 4.5 per cent.”
The improvements reflect the Government’s health targets in action, which is focussing the health system on improving outcomes for Kiwis.
“Our Government is focused on delivering access to timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders. By investing in community-based services and growing our frontline workforce, we are enabling our health system to protect our most vulnerable.
“These results are a step in the right direction, and our focus remains on meeting our target of 95 per cent of children being fully vaccinated by 24 months of age.”
Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets
The 123 Youth Members of Parliament and 20 Youth Press Gallery members officially announced for 2025 represent the best of New Zealand, Youth Minister James Meager says.
“Our Youth MPs come from a wide range of backgrounds, and each have their own unique story, bringing diverse points of view to Parliament and a fresh way of looking at the biggest challenges we face,” Mr Meager says.
“Youth MPs will now engage with other young people in their community to gather their ideas and bring those views to Parliament, while Youth Press Gallery members will be drawing attention to the issues the Youth MPs are working on and helping generate interest around what happens.
“They will then take part in the Youth Parliament on 1 – 2 July in the Parliamentary precinct in Wellington, experiencing first-hand what it’s like to be at the highest decision-making table in the country.”
Among the 123 Youth MPs selected by MPs to participate this year are Maevi Fleming (17) from Roncalli College in Timaru who has been nominated by Mr Meager as his own Rangitata Youth MP.
Mr Meager says Maevi was someone who grew up in a similar background as he did, and who is now an advocate for a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Other talented young people taking part include Abby Plom (17) from Auckland, selected by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and representing Botany.
Through her roles as School Student Representative and Chairperson of the Howick Youth Council, Abby says she’s realised how important it is for youth to be represented and heard, and how much work still needs to be done to create a fairer, more inclusive community.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has chosen Ryan Grant-Derepa (17) from Upper Hutt as his Remutaka Youth MP.
Ryan wants to advocate for better pathways into employment so every young person, no matter their background, has the chance to build a future they can be proud of.
Youth Parliament also has its own Youth Press Gallery. Korus MacDonald (16) from Havelock North is the youngest Youth Press Gallery member selected for 2025.
Korus says the role of the Press Gallery within our democratic Parliament is a key interest of his, and he’s excited for the insights and learning experiences this opportunity will bring.
“Young people are our future, and it is fantastic we have youth who are passionate about causes that affect us all, both in and out of politics – and who have an interest in working to help make a difference. I encourage them to give their absolute best in every area,” Mr Meager says.
“I also want to acknowledge the members of the Multi-Party Reference Group in Parliament who’ve supported me in guiding Youth Parliament 2025, as well as the work of the previous Minister for Youth Matt Doocey for his advocacy in continuing Youth Parliament this year. I can’t wait to see what our young people deliver at Youth Parliament 2025.”
Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets
The Government is moving swiftly to ensure Kiwis will be able to benefit from open banking by Christmas this year, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson.
“Recently our Government passed the Customer and Product Data Act – one of the items in our Quarter 1 Action Plan to improve competition in banking, energy, and other key sectors that touch the daily lives of Kiwis.
“I’m pleased to announce that Cabinet has now agreed to designate banking as the first sector under the Act. This sets out the rules for how open banking will work in practice in New Zealand.”
Open banking allows third parties such as fintech (financial technology) companies to access data held by banks on behalf of a customer, with the customer’s consent. Fintechs use that data to develop innovative products and services that traditional banks might not offer, such as faster payments, speedier mortgage comparisons, and money-saving apps.
“The big four banks – ANZ, ASB, BNZ, and Westpac – will need to make sure their open banking systems meet the new requirements by 1 December. Kiwibank will need to be ready by June 2026.
“Our Government is absolutely committed to boosting competition in the banking sector to provide greater choice and lower costs to Kiwis, and that’s why we’ve acted promptly to bring open banking another crucial step closer to reality. We are leaving no stone unturned to boost competition across our economy, and I expect the banks to be fully prepared so their customers can take advantage of open banking from day one.
“Designating the banking sector is necessary to speed up the uptake of open banking in New Zealand. It will ensure the major banks are not creating unnecessary barriers for fintechs and smaller players.
“There are many examples overseas of open banking in action, and I can’t wait to see similar success stories in New Zealand. For example in Australia, open banking has helped speed up home loan applications as customers can share their banking data with brokers much faster than before.
“I’ve also seen innovative apps that help consumers find and cancel forgotten or unwanted subscription services, which would otherwise be quietly siphoning their hard-earned money.
“I’m hoping this Christmas will be an extra joyous one for Kiwi consumers, with better competition among our banks and greater choice on the horizon.”
Note to editors:
A fact sheet with further information is attached.
Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets
Trade, Investment and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has wrapped up a successful programme hosting Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, His Excellency Eng Abdulrahman A. AlFadley, in Auckland this week for the 9th New Zealand–Saudi Arabia Joint Ministerial Commission.
“This visit builds on growing momentum in our trade relationship with Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region following the conclusion of the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement,” Mr McClay said.
“With Saudi Arabia being our largest export market in the Gulf and the GCC trade deal soon to be signed, we’re opening new doors for Kiwi exporters —particularly in agriculture, agri-tech, food innovation and fintech.”
The delegation of 37 Saudi officials and business leaders engaged in a packed programme, highlighting New Zealand’s strengths across food security, innovation, and primary production.
Businesses and organisations visited included:
Auckland Business Chamber
Vessev (Electric hydrofoil vessel)
Westbury Stud Farm
University of Auckland (Space Institute and satellite testing)
Moana Seafood
Fonterra
The FoodBowl-NZ Food Innovation Auckland
“From dairy and seafood to clean tech and research partnerships, the opportunities for collaboration are real and growing. The GCC trade agreement will deliver duty-free access for 99% of our exports over time and ensure New Zealand businesses are well-positioned in one of the world’s most dynamic regions,” Mr McClay says.
“The Government is focused on unlocking export growth and backing New Zealand’s exporters to succeed globally.”
Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house
Date: 01 May 2025
Invasive predators like rats, stoats, and possums are putting pressure on nature, and are part of the reason New Zealand has one of the highest rates of threatened species in the world.
With the support of the Department of Conservation (DOC), Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) is presenting the Level 3 unit Predator Trapping Methods at the DOC Simmonds Rd workshop.
DOC Community Ranger Garry Davis says there are 12 spots still available, and DOC Whanganui will fund a limited number of people to attend free of charge.
“We’re looking to sponsor people who will be willing to share their skills further, whether it be to their neighbours or with other parts of the community.”
The in-person workshop allows participants to develop understanding and practical skills in a supportive environment.
“The course is aimed at anyone interested in predator control and will benefit those who would like to trap predators on their property or in the community,” says Garry.
DOC Kaitohu Matua Treaty Partner Relationships Moira Rihia is a Taumarunui local, and thinks the time is right for the trapping workshop.
“We are passionate team for the taiao here in Taumarunui, and unsurprisingly we’re seeing growing community interest in trapping and other ways to protect nature.
“We know DOC can’t do it alone. There’s nature everywhere in our communities, it’s not just wrapped up in conservation land. All of us can contribute to make a real difference to the places we love – and predator trapping is one way to help.”
For more information or to register your interest, email gdavis@doc.govt.nz.
Course information is on the NMIT website, but sponsored positions are only available by contacting DOC.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines
A final piece of Watercare’s $115 million new watermain carrying water to west and central Auckland was slotted into place recently after a six-year construction effort spanning seven suburbs.
The 914mm-diameter Huia 1 watermain begins at the Titirangi reservoirs and carries water all the way to Gillies Ave in Epsom, supplying communities along its 15.5-kilometre route.
Watercare head of water Sharon Danks was there to see the final four-metre section of pipe lowered into the ground in Heaphy St, Blockhouse Bay.
“It’s really exciting to have our new Huia 1 watermain about to go into service.
“It replaces an old pipeline built in the 1940s that was nearing the end of its life, and also adds capacity to our water network to support new housing.
Watercare head of water Sharon Danks and Watercare capital delivery general manager Suzanne Lucas.
“To start with it will carry on average 30 million litres of water a day – water that originated in the western dams and we’ve treated at our Huia Water Treatment Plant. But we’ve futureproofed the Huia 1 pipeline to accommodate population growth.”
Watercare capital delivery general manager Suzanne Lucas says the project had an approved budget of $143.5m but will be delivered for considerably less.
“We’re thrilled to be delivering this project safely and significantly under budget. It’s tracking at $115m – almost a $30m saving on the budgeted cost.
“We found efficiencies by involving our contractor in the planning and design of the later stages of the project, and by working closely with Auckland Transport to optimise our traffic management arrangements.”
Crews installed the pipe in stages, and not in a linear fashion. Most of the watermain is within the roading network.
A final section of the Huia 1 replacement pipeline is lowered in.
“We’ve brought parts of the pipe into service along the way, so communities have already been seeing the benefit of this new watermain, though they may not have known it!
“We recognise this project was disruptive to communities and commuters along the route, and we’d really like to thank everyone for their patience while we built this critical watermain.
“It goes a long way to improving the resilience of our water network in these areas and will supply drinking water to western and central communities for generations to come.”
Renewing and upgrading ageing infrastructure forms a major part of Watercare’s 10-year Business Plan, which the company released last month.
About half of the $13.8 billion investment planned for the next decade will be spent on projects that replace or upgrade existing infrastructure, improving the reliability of Auckland’s water and wastewater services.
“Reliability and growth are at the heart of our Business Plan – and this project delivers on both accounts,” Lucas says.