Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

NZ Police and Health New Zealand have commenced implementation of Phase Three of the Mental Health Response Change Programme, following the successful rollout of Phases One and Two.

The change programme aims to see an increased health-led response to mental health, enabling Police more time to do the work that only Police can and which the community expects them to do.  

Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson says Health NZ and Police are committed to working together to safely introduce the changes in a way that ensures those in mental distress receive appropriate care, and staff delivering it are kept safe.

“We are determined to get this right and have been taking the time to ensure the plan for Phase Three and its implementation will be safe and clear. The Phase Three changes are being rolled out nationally across all Police and Health NZ districts.”

Police and Health NZ have taken on feedback from district teams and worked together to create a more streamlined process for submitting and processing non-emergency requests from Health NZ and updated the Police response threshold for managing them, Assistant Commissioner Johnson says.     

“Under Phase Three, any non-emergency requests for assistance and missing person reports from mental health services will be assessed against updated guidance that considers the immediate safety risk and if there is a risk of significant future harm that Police powers or capabilities are required to prevent.”

Health NZ Director of Specialist Mental Health and Addiction Karla Bergquist says the safety and well-being of patients and staff delivering their care is paramount.

“The detailed planning work for Phase Three identified a range of scenarios which cannot be managed by health practitioners alone, or where there may be a need for Police assistance in a coordinated, planned way.

“We therefore needed to take these situations into account to ensure the changes could be implemented in a safe way that works for both agencies, so have developed new procedures with clinical input and created training materials for staff to support them through this change.”

Assistant Commissioner Johnson says the updated threshold and new procedures ensure compliance with the agencies’ respective legislative responsibilities, while still aligning with the goal to free up Police to be redeployed to do work only they can do.

“Police will continue to be involved if there is offending, of a level that we would normally attend, or an immediate risk to life or safety – as has always been the case.” 

Ms Bergquist says the changes are aimed at creating a system that supports everyone’s mental wellbeing, so people are supported to stay well, and have access to help that works for them.

“The public can be assured there is a range of services to help people in mental distress or those who are concerned about the mental health of whānau.”

If a person is in serious mental distress or crisis, support is available from their local crisis team. If it’s a life-threatening situation or someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, emergency services should be called on 111.

ENDS

Note to editors

The Phase Three changes are:

• Requests for assistance from health practitioners – Non-emergency mental health-related requests will be assessed against updated guidance to determine if Police assistance is required. This includes requests for assistance under legislation, requests for assistance in inpatient mental health units, and other requests from mental health services to Police.   
• Missing persons from health facilities and services – Reports of missing persons with mental health concerns will be assessed against updated guidance to determine the appropriate police involvement. This covers people missing from Health NZ mental health facilities and services, and people with mental health concerns missing from emergency departments.

Contact numbers for local crisis teams are available online via the following link. Please consider including it in online articles: info.health.nz/mental-health/crisis-assessment-teams

Police media contact: media@police.govt.nz

Health NZ media contact: hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is introducing new legal protections so banks, telecommunications providers and digital platforms can act faster to block suspected online scams, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson says.

“Too many Kiwis are being ripped off by scams that spread through fake websites, texts and social media,” Mr Simpson says.

This new legal protection, known as a safe harbour, is for online service providers that take reasonable, good faith steps to disrupt suspected scams.

“Entities tell us they want to pull these scams down earlier, but they worry about being prosecuted if they accidentally take down a legitimate customer or website. These changes give them more confidence to act when something looks wrong.”

“This is about fast, decisive action to combat scammers. If a bank wants to pause a suspicious payment, or a telco wants to block a fake website link in a text campaign, we want them to be able to do that promptly without looking over their shoulder.” 

The safe harbour will include conditions to protect legitimate customers and businesses. It will only apply where:

• The provider has reasonable grounds to think the activity or website is a scam.
• The action taken is reasonable and proportionate to the risk.
• Any disruption to legitimate customers or businesses is corrected as soon as it is discovered.

The work supports the New Zealand Anti Scam Alliance, a cross-sector group bringing together government agencies, banks, telecommunications providers, digital platforms and consumer representatives to prevent, detect and disrupt scams.

To complement the safe harbour, the Alliance is also exploring a “trusted flagger” system. Under this model, regulators and law enforcement could provide reliable information about suspected scams to online providers, helping them distinguish scams from legitimate activity and act with greater confidence.

In the last year alone, Payments NZ has reported gross scam losses of around 265 million dollars through New Zealand bank accounts.

“Those numbers are too high,” Mr Simpson says. “We need a prevention first approach, where scams are blocked as early as possible.”

Today the New Zealand Banking Association has also announced a new fraud intelligence tool that will help stop scammers using “mule” accounts to move stolen money through the banking system.

The system will help banks:

• Identify and share information about suspected mule accounts more quickly.
• Freeze funds before they are moved on.
• From 30 November, meet their commitment to warn customers if they are about to send money to a high risk account.

“This technology will help banks move faster when money is at risk, and it fits well with the Government’s push to give providers more confidence to intervene early,” Mr Simpson says.

“Scams are constantly evolving, and no single organisation can tackle them on their own,” Mr Simpson says. “These changes are about backing the providers who see scams first, and giving them the tools and confidence to shut them down faster.”

Further information on the work done by the Anti Scam Alliance will be shared in the coming months.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  17 November 2025

The Pou Taiao of Ngāti Koata, Neil Deans, says Lake Moawhitu was once an important kainga and mahinga kai site and used as a tuna (eel) fishery by generations of tangata whenua.

But after a century of farming in the Lake Moawhitu catchment, it now suffers from high nutrient levels, poor water quality and algal blooms.

“Restoring Lake Moawhitu and its surrounding catchment and downstream wetland is critical for Ngāti Koata,” Neil says.

DOC Senior Science Advisor Katie Collins says historic use of fertiliser, as well as erosion following deforestation, has resulted in a legacy of high phosphorus levels in lake sediments, which fuels growth of algae.

“Lake Moawhitu is ‘super-trophic’, meaning high levels of nutrients and low water clarity. Algal blooms can occur over summer, limiting native aquatic plant and animal growth, so the lake is in a perpetual state of poor health.”

An operation to lower phosphorus levels and restore the lake took place at the end September, involving application by helicopter of alum (aluminium sulphate) over deeper parts of the lake.

Areas of Lake Moawhitu were treated with alum, which binds with phosphorus and deactivates it before settling to the lakebed, creating an inactive layer that won’t fuel algal growth.

Project Manager of the Moawhitu restoration work, Dan Moore, says better water quality will help native aquatic plants grow, improving long term lake health and opportunities for wildlife and fish to thrive in the lake.

“The project team worked with researchers from the Cawthron Institute, NIWA and the University of Waikato to consider phosphorus management options and saw evidence that ‘alum’ operations work well to bind phosphorus and control algal blooms.

“Ongoing monitoring will determine the alum application’s success this summer, when algal blooms often occur. We hope to see a major improvement in water clarity.”

As well as alum dosing, Ngāti Koata, with DOC, Marlborough District Council, private funders and many supporters, have planted nearly 150,000 trees in the lake’s catchment over more than a decade.

Katie says communities need to work together to make a difference to help lakes with poor water quality like Moawhitu.

“Think about how you can help to our waterways when you’re out naturing – that can be anything from joining your local stream care group to checking, cleaning and drying your gear before you head to the water.”

For Ngāti Koata, the ultimate objective is getting healthy catches of tuna from the lake and renewing the relationship of rangatahi (young people) as future lake custodians.

Background information

Alum (aluminium sulphate) is a type of salt derived from metals. It’s used for lake treatments internationally and around the Rotorua lakes in New Zealand. For this operation, we ensured it was applied in a way to minimise any impact on fish.

Lake Moawhitu, the adjacent wetland and surrounding catchment were purchased in 2005 and added to the adjacent reserve and recognised in the Ngāti Koata Deed of Settlement. Since then, restoration work has including destocking, replanting and raising water levels in the adjacent wetland.

Lake Moawhitu is part of DOC’s Arawai Kākāriki wetland restoration programme. Work to improve the lake involves DOC, Ngāti Koata and Marlborough District Council with funding from multiple sources.

Visit He reo nō te puehu – Discover Lake Moawhitu, hosted by Our Lakes Our Future, for the lake’s history and a vision for the future.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can advise a person has died at Takapuna Beach this afternoon.

At midday, Police were advised a person was seen unresponsive in the water and had been pulled onto the beach.

Police staff on scene provided immediate medical assistance to the man.

Despite best efforts by Police and other emergency services in attendance, sadly we can confirm the man has since died.

His death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

A 42-year-old man previously sought for escaping custody has been arrested.

He will appear in North Shore District Court today charged with escapes custody.

Police would like to thank those members of the public who contacted us and provided information.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Nurse practitioners can now prescribe a wider range of medicines, helping New Zealanders get faster access to the medicines they need and improving continuity of care, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This change will be transformative for patients. By enabling nurse practitioners to work at the top of their scope, we are providing faster, more effective care and improving health outcomes,” Mr Brown says.

The Medicines Amendment Bill, which passed last week, modernises New Zealand’s medicines legislation to make it easier for qualified health professionals to prescribe and supply medicines safely and efficiently.

“Previously, prescribers such as nurse practitioners faced unnecessary restrictions that created delays for patients. This Bill removes those barriers so people can get the right medicine, from the right clinician, at the right time.

“These changes mean that when a nurse practitioner identifies a suitable treatment, in their area of practice, they will be able to provide that care directly without needing to refer the patient elsewhere. It’s a common-sense update that recognises their advanced skills and experience.”

Nurse practitioners are highly qualified health professionals who assess, diagnose, and manage patients’ health conditions across a range of settings – including primary care, aged residential care, and rural communities. They often serve as the lead clinician for patients and families.

“I want to acknowledge the nurse practitioners who have been calling for this change for years. They are a vital part of our health system and play an increasingly important role in meeting patient needs, particularly in communities where access to doctors can be limited.

“This is a practical change that will make it easier for people to get the care they need, when they need it, while supporting nurse practitioners to do what they do best.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham will speak with media this afternoon about the fatal house fire incident at the weekend.

A stand-up will be held at 2.30pm in Palmerston North.

Media are asked to RSVP to media@police.govt.nz, and further details will be provided.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police on the beat have launched into action, nabbing a group of alleged burglars who broke into a convenience store in the city late last night.

Just before 11.30pm, Police received a report of a break in at the shop on the corner of Karangahape Road and Day Street.

Acting Inspector Dave Plunkett, Auckland Central Area Prevention Manager, says the alleged offenders smashed the front doors before taking a number of items including cigarettes and cash.

“Police Camera Operators quickly reviewed footage and managed to track a person matching the description provided heading down Pitt Street to the corner of Hopetoun Street.

“The man has attempted to run from officers but was quickly taken into custody near the motorway.”

Acting Inspector Plunkett says another two people were also arrested nearby.

“This is another good example of frontline Police resources working together to keep the city safe and respond to any incidents that may occur.

“A search of the area by officers has also located the stolen items, which have since been returned to the owner.”

Two men, aged 39 and 37, and a 34-year-old woman will appear in Auckland District Court today charged with burglary.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing for information from the public following a serious assault in Edendale on the weekend.

At around 10.55pm on Saturday (15 November), a woman knocked on the victim’s door, saying she had a flat tyre and needed help.

The victim – a man in his 50s – walked with the woman to the corner of Melvin Street and Turner Street, where he was accosted by a man and assaulted. 

During the assault, the offender also attempted to restrain the victim by tying his hands behind his back.

The victim suffered serious injuries in the assault, including a fractured eye socket and broken nose. 

Enquiries are under way to establish the identity of the man and woman involved in this incident and we’re hoping Edendale residents can help.

Following the assault, the victim saw an SUV leaving the area at speed, and we believe it is likely the man and woman were in this SUV.

To help us locate this vehicle, we would like to hear from any residents who have street-facing security cameras on Turner Street, Melvin Street, Seawood Road or Ferry Road, and who may have captured footage of the vehicle on Saturday night.

We would also like to speak to anyone who saw an SUV in the Edendale township between 10pm and midnight, or anyone with other information which could assist our enquiries.

If you can help, please contact Police via 105, quoting file number 251116/4977.  Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

A search for a missing fisherman off the coast of Pataua South has resumed this morning, with assistance from the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Police, including the National Dive Squad, Search and Rescue crews and the Royal New Zealand Navy headed back out on the water earlier this morning.

The man was one of two people onboard a boat that was reported overdue on Friday night.

Detective Sergeant Paul Overton says the 17-foot runabout was meant to return at 7pm on Friday, and the alarm was raised at 9pm.

“On Saturday morning the boat was found drifting with no-one aboard, and shortly after a body of one of the two fishermen was found.

“This is a really tough time for the families of those fisherman, and for our community as a whole.”

Detective Sergeant Overton says search crews remain focused on bringing the missing man home to his whānau.

“A large-scale search by sea and air is ongoing, along with searches of the shoreline.

“The Royal New Zealand Navy has also kindly offered to assist in the search today, and we are grateful to have their expertise to assist.

“I would also like to like extend my thanks to all the other agencies involved in the search, as well as those members of the public who have been nothing short of generous with their time and support.”

Police continue to ask the public to contact us on 111 if you see anything unusual in the water.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police