Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  07 August 2025

DOC Director of Heritage and Visitors, Catherine Wilson says all submissions have been reviewed, from iwi, stakeholders, businesses, concessionaires and the community across the two sites of Dolomite Point/Punakaiki and Franz Josef/Waiau.

“The outcome is a pricing proposal which we think is fair and reasonable.

“The pricing proposal aims to answer submitters’ calls for an initial free period, special consideration for locals, and a reasonable price for visitors. It is designed to be simple and easy to understand and provide different fee options tailored to different users of the car parks,” says Catherine.

The details of the pricing proposal are: 

• Free parking period for 20 minutes to allow for drop-offs/pick-ups or short stops 
• Hourly rate of $5 per hour 
• Daily rate of $20 per day 
• Annual pass for locals (within district boundaries) of $10 per year, which allows for unlimited access during the year 
• Annual pass for other regular visitors for $60 per year  
• Concession-holding tourism operators will be able to apply for a parking fee exemption during the pilot, allowing DOC time to assess how parking and the coming access charges at some sites align with Crown activity fees.  

The paid parking pilot is planned to start in October 2025 and continue for nine months until the end of June 2026.  Paid parking is also planned to be introduced at White Horse Hill, Aoraki/Mount Cook in December 2025.   

Payment machines will be installed at the sites and cameras will record the entry and exit of vehicles. The company providing paid parking hardware will issue breach notices to vehicles for non-payment.  

The introduction of paid parking means visitors can contribute to the facilities and nature they enjoy. DOC’s estimated combined revenue from the Dolomite Point and Franz Josef paid parking pilots is between $1 million and $1.3 million over the nine-month pilot period (October 2025 to June 2026).  

“Legislation allows us to charge people fair and reasonable fees to use our facilities, which include campsites, huts and car parks,” says Catherine.

“This is standard practice at many national parks overseas. Most international visitors accept this as a necessary contribution to support the amazing nature they come to New Zealand to enjoy.”  

Once the pilot is complete and the outcomes have been reviewed, a decision will be made whether to continue with paid parking at the three sites, and if it should be extended to other busy sites.  

For more information visit DOC’s website: Paid parking pilot programme

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

Unnecessary costs and frustrations throughout the economy are caused by complex and outdated labelling regulations. Minister for Regulation David Seymour and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson have today announced the Ministry for Regulation will conduct a sector review into product labelling to address this. 

“The Ministry for Regulation is in a unique position to take on regulatory costs that make it harder for Kiwis to get affordable goods. Because these regulations are imposed by so many departments, it takes one ministry with a mandate for cutting red tape,” says Mr Seymour.

“New Zealand product labelling requirements are made up of over 30 different codes, standards, and regulations. This leads to high costs for businesses to label their products to comply with New Zealand standards. 

“New Zealand’s labelling regime drives up prices and limits wage growth. Exporters face extra compliance costs preparing products for overseas markets, while consumers miss out on global goods because importers face differences in labelling requirements. Many countries are also shifting to QR codes that link to online labels, easily tailored for different markets and changing needs.

“Complex labelling rules hit businesses at every level. From small exporters navigating conflicting overseas standards, to pharmacies putting medicines on their shelves. Businesses are forced to print multiple versions of essentially the same label. It’s also building products and agricultural sprays; the list goes on. Those costs ultimately get passed on to consumers at the checkout.

“The price of groceries is a major concern for Kiwis. Current settings mean products packaged for Australia might not be able to be sold in New Zealand. This forces businesses to waste time and money repackaging,” says Mr Seymour.

“If we want new international retailers to come here, we need to show them we welcome business investment. The best way to do that is to get out of their way when it comes to annoying compliance that isn’t benefiting anyone. 

“Businesses like Chemist Warehouse have been a game-changer for Kiwis purchasing cheaper pharmaceutical products. However, they’re also tied up by excessive labelling requirements adding costs to their operations.”

“This is a step towards lower compliance costs for businesses and increased global competitiveness for Kiwi goods on the world stage,” says Mr Simpson. 

“This Government is working with businesses, industry groups, and consumer advocates to identify pain points and gather input to shape the review’s terms of reference.  

“In a time when households are feeling the pinch, every unnecessary cost we can remove from the system is a win for families and businesses.”

The review is expected to be complete by December 2025.

Source: New Zealand Police

SH45 is closed following a single vehicle crash in Rahotu this morning.

Police were alerted to the crash at around 7.50am, near Maungahoki Stream.

One person is reported to have injuries and is being assessed by Ambulance.

The road is expected to be closed for a significant period of time.

Diversions are in place and motorists are advised to expect delays.

ENDS

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

7 August 2025

Our guidance on leptospirosis was recently updated to make it more accessible and user-friendly.

Online learning modules were created, as well as a printable one-page info sheet with key points for workers.

The updated guidance is for those working in close contact with animals and anyone visiting rural/farming areas.

We received positive feedback from businesses in the agriculture sector who are using the modules in their worker training.

“This learning module is a great addition to the education we provide to our staff.”
– Aliesha Mitchell, Health and Recovery Lead at Silver Fern Farms

“The WorkSafe learning modules for preventing and managing leptospirosis are great. We are incorporating these into our training programs for our farm-based staff.”
– Angela White, Health Safety and Wellbeing Lead at DairyNZ

Leptospirosis is the most common work-related infectious disease in New Zealand. People usually catch it from exposure to the urine of infected animals.

Sickness usually starts with flu-like symptoms, and if not treated quickly the disease can be severe and result in hospitalisation, long-term illness or even death.   

Those who come into close contact with animals and are exposed to their urine, body fluids or flesh – especially in wet environments – are most at-risk.

Providing this guidance aligns with our strategy, with our target to influence agriculture as a priority sector, with serious known risks from animals on farms.

Heavy rain and flooding have been identified as an increasing risk in the spreading of the disease, and information about this is in the updated guidance.

“The update to our leptospirosis guidance and providing the learning modules is part of our work to bring our guidance up to date and make it more accessible,” says Guidance Content Advisor Matt Stewart.

This guidance replaced the previous leptospirosis good practice guide and nine fact sheets that were about specific jobs or animal species.

Read more:

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey, and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson are in Kaitaia today for the next stop on the rural health roadshow happening across the country.

“This roadshow is about listening to the rural community.  It’s a chance for me to connect directly with the public and health professionals working on the frontline in rural areas to hear what’s working, where the gaps are, and how the Rural Health Strategy is being received on the ground,” Mr Doocey says.

Since launching the roadshow in Levin, the Minister has met with rural communities in Wairoa, Wānaka, Oamaru, Gore, Hanmer Springs and Tūrangi. Now, he’s in Kaitaia ready to hear from locals and health workers.

“I’m looking forward to meeting with people in Kaitaia and hearing firsthand about their experiences with healthcare in their community. It’s important we understand both the challenges and the opportunities so we can work together to improve access and outcomes in the rural setting,” Mr Patterson says.

The roadshow builds on the Government’s broader plan to strengthen rural health care. Budget 2025 committed $164 million over four years to improve access to urgent and after-hours care, meaning 98 per cent of Kiwis will be able to access these services within one hour’s drive of their home.

“Milestones like the first total knee replacement surgery completed in Kaitaia in May this year represented a major step forward in expanding advanced surgical care closer to home,” Mr Doocey says.

“Mental health support is a key focus for this Government. A recent $3 million investment over four years will expand access to primary and specialist mental health services in rural areas. The Rural Wellbeing Fund is also being doubled to $4 million, ensuring more communities receive the support they need.

“All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health and mental health outcomes, including for the one in five living in our rural communities.

“The level of engagement we’ve seen at each stop has been fantastic, and I’m looking forward to hearing directly from the Kaitaia community today on how we can keep strengthening rural health care together.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Members of the public are asked to avoid Scott Ave, Ōwhata due to a Police operation.

The operation is pre-planned, and there is not believed to be any risk to public safety.

Cordons are in place, and some staff are armed as a precaution.

Access to the nearby school is unaffected.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Wellington District Police’s Wairarapa Child Protection Team have arrested and charged a man in relation to a baby who was critically injured in Wairarapa in July.

Police were first notified after a baby was admitted to Masterton Hospital with critical injuries on 25 July, and was shortly afterwards moved to Starship Hospital in Auckland.

A 22-year-old man arrested in Hawke’s Bay yesterday (6 August) has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and contravening a protection order.

Detective Inspector Haley Ryan says the arrest is welcome news, and an indicator of how seriously Police take reports of this nature.

“While nothing will undo this awful act of unnecessary violence towards a defenceless baby, we hope that these charges can bring a small amount of closure to the baby’s family and loved ones,” she says.

The charges come following news this week that a 23-year-old man has been charged for injuring a young baby in the Hutt Valley on 14 June.

Detective Inspector Ryan says Police will continue to relentlessly pursue anyone who commits these heinous acts on vulnerable people.

“These charges represent our commitment to holding violent criminals to account, and getting justice for the victims and their loved ones.”

The man is due to appear in the Hastings District Court today (7 August).

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are seeking witnesses to a serious crash in Kaikohe this afternoon, which has resulted in the death of a child.

Emergency services responded to the two-car crash at the intersection of Hillcrest and Orrs Roads just after midday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Christan Fouhy, from Far North CIB, says a family was travelling in one of the vehicles at the time.

“In that vehicle multiple occupants were injured and sadly, a child has lost her life as a result of this crash,” Detective Senior Sergeant Christan Fouhy says.

“I’m unable to confirm further details about the girl at this very early stage.

“This is a devastating incident for the whānau involved.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Fouhy says the two occupants of the second vehicle involved fled on foot from the crash scene.

“Attending Police staff located who they believe to be the driver, in the nearby area, shortly afterward. The second male was located soon after this.”

Far North CIB are seeking information from the public about this afternoon’s crash.

“Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash, or any movements of the vehicles in the lead up to the crash,” Detective Senior Sergeant Fouhy says.

“We are particularly interested in sightings of a white Toyota Mark X being driven erratically on Orrs Road, or the wider Kaikohe area prior to the crash.”

If you have information, please update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250806/2057.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are continuing enquiries into a man’s death at a Mt Wellington reserve early this morning.

We are continuing to conduct enquiries on behalf of the Coroner.

A post-mortem examination will now place tomorrow, which will inform any next steps in our enquiries.

Today, Police also completed a scene examination at Sir Woolf Fisher Reserve where the man was located.

Police enquiries into a nearby burglary at a hardware retail store on Ellerslie-Panmure Highway remain ongoing.

Police will provide a further update once we are in a position to do so.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Inspector Darryl Smith:

Two men have appeared in Hamilton District Court today charged with the murder of Tyreece Te Pairi in Hamilton CBD on 20 July.

The pair, both aged 19, were arrested at addresses in Hamilton and South Auckland last evening (Tuesday).

They have been remanded in custody without plea to reappear on 26 August.

Tyreece, 20, was fatally wounded during an altercation on Alexandra Street shortly after midnight on 20 July.

The court has ordered name suppression of the two charged, as well as all suppression of all facts and circumstances relating to this case.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre