Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Great South will receive $393,000 to launch a campaign putting the Southern Way and the region’s authentic hospitality firmly on the map for international visitors, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced today.

“I’m delighted to see Great South and its partners working together to highlight the unique experiences of the lower South Island and help build lasting connections with international travellers,” Louise Upston says.

“This investment will help the region reach new audiences and invite more visitors to discover the wild beauty, rich flavours, and warm hospitality that make the south so special. 

“It’s fantastic to see a campaign that encourages travellers to look beyond the usual destinations and experience the true heart of southern New Zealand.”

The $393,000 campaign, led by Great South with regional partners, will encourage Australian travellers, especially from the Gold Coast, to explore the Southern Way with a focus on itineraries, regional events, and Southern hospitality.

This journey takes in highlights from the iconic Milford Sound in Fiordland, to the wild Catlins coastline and Dunedin’s vibrant city life, all renowned for their stunning scenery, local events, and genuine southern hospitality. 

Funding comes from the Regional Tourism Boost (Round 2), part of the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. It builds on a similar initiative earlier this year to now include hospitality offerings as part of the campaigns.  

“By backing the Southern Way, we’re not just promoting a destination, we’re inviting visitors to experience the spirit and stories of the south,” Louise Upston says. 

Source: New Zealand Government

WellingtonNZ and partner regions have received a major tourism and hospitality boost, putting the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail firmly in the international spotlight.

“I’m delighted to see WellingtonNZ and its regional partners championing the Classic NZ Wine Trail, weaving together some of our country’s most celebrated wine regions,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“The investment we’re announcing today will help Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, and Marlborough reach new audiences and invite more visitors to savour their world-class wine, food, and stargazing. Wairarapa’s recent spotlight in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ list for its Dark Sky Reserve shows the region is already turning heads globally. 

“It’s fantastic to see a campaign encouraging travellers to slow down, explore beyond the usual hotspots, and discover the rich flavours and experiences which make this trail so special.”

The $991,000 campaign, led by WellingtonNZ with regional partners, will promote Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, and Marlborough to Australian visitors.

“By backing this campaign, we’re not just promoting great wine, we’re inviting visitors to experience the heart and soul of our regions,” Louise Upston says. 

Funding comes from the Regional Tourism Boost (Round 2), part of the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. It builds on a similar initiative earlier this year to now include hospitality offerings as part of the campaigns.  

Source: New Zealand Government

RotoruaNZ will receive more than $4.5 million to launch two campaigns inviting international visitors to soak up everything Rotorua and the wider North Island have to offer, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced today.

“I’m delighted to see RotoruaNZ leading the way with two innovative campaigns showcasing the region’s geothermal wonders, rich Māori culture, and renowned hospitality,” Louise Upston says.

“This investment will help Rotorua and its North Island partners reach new audiences, from independent travellers across Asia to Australians looking for fresh adventures. It’s been great to see strong collaboration and creative thinking encouraging visitors to go beyond the usual hotspots and discover the unique experiences that make this part of New Zealand truly unforgettable.”

The $2,025,000 “North Island x Ctrip” campaign to attract travellers from China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, in partnership with Ctrip and North Island regional tourism organisations.

The $2,500,000 “Kiwi North” campaign will focus on attracting people from Australia’s eastern seaboard in partnership with 14 North Island regional tourism organisations and major airlines.

“From bubbling mud pools and worldclass mountain biking in Rotorua, to beaches, vineyards, and vibrant cities across the North Island, there is something for every traveller to discover,” Louise Upston says. 

“Together, these campaigns aim to bring a fresh wave of international visitors, support local businesses, and reinforce Rotorua’s and the North Island’s reputation as must-visit destinations.”

Funding comes from the Regional Tourism Boost (Round 2), part of the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. It builds on a similar initiative earlier this year to now include hospitality offerings as part of the campaigns.  

“By backing these campaigns, we are not just promoting destinations, we are inviting visitors to experience the warmth, adventure, and spirit of the North Island.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

More international visitors will be exploring regional New Zealand next year, thanks to a $5.9 million investment from stage one of 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, support our regions to grow their visitor economies and build lasting connections with international travellers,” Louise Upston says.

“Whether it’s stargazing under Wairarapa’s dark skies, soaking up Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, sipping wine in Hawke’s Bay, or discovering the wild south, there’s so much for visitors to enjoy. This funding means regions can highlight special deals on travel and accommodation and promote the hospitality making each one stand out.

“Three Regional Tourism Organisations will launch four campaigns to inspire travellers from Australia and East Asia to explore, stay, and dine in their regions from January 2026. 

“The regions will be connecting directly with travellers. RotoruaNZ’s partnership with Ctrip, for example, puts tailored offers in front of Asian travellers, while Australians will see fresh itineraries and limited-time deals encouraging them to go beyond the expected.”

The successful campaigns are:

• RotoruaNZ’s “North Island x Ctrip” campaign ($2,025,000): 
  to attract travellers from China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, in partnership with Ctrip and North Island regional tourism organisations.
• RotoruaNZ’s “Kiwi North” campaign ($2,500,000):
  to target people travelling from Australia’s eastern seaboard, in partnership with 14 North Island regional tourism organisations and major airlines.
• WellingtonNZ’s “Classic NZ Wine Trail” campaign ($991,000): 
  to promote wine, food, and stargazing across Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, and Marlborough to Australian visitors.
• Great South’s “Southern Way” campaign ($393,000):
  to encourage Australians from the Gold Coast to explore the lower South Island, with a focus on itineraries, regional events, and Southern hospitality.

The second round of the Regional Tourism Boost is part of the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package and builds on a similar initiative earlier this year to include hospitality offerings as part of the campaigns.  

Louise Upston says there will be more to come. 

“Our Government will proudly keep backing both hospitality and tourism, promoting New Zealand experiences to overseas visitors, and building on the buzz around the Michelin Guide due to arrive next year. 

“But these campaigns are about more than promotion – they’re about helping visitors feel welcome, stay longer, and explore further.”

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Intensive efforts are continuing on Auckland’s North Shore to track down yellow-legged hornets, says Biosecurity New Zealand.

“This week we introduced additional teams to methodically check common nesting areas close to where hornets have been detected in Glenfield and Birkdale,” says Mike Inglis, North Commissioner, Biosecurity New Zealand.

“We are stepping up our numbers on the ground to widen the search as required, and have more than 20 focused on enhanced searches and more than 100 staff across MPI involved in this response.”

In addition to ground searches, the response includes:

• Setting more than 180 traps in targeted areas where females have been found. Every trap is checked daily. No hornets have been found in traps to date. Additional traps are being added in areas where queen hornets are found, so the number of traps will continue to increase.
• Introducing protein bait traps alongside existing traps. 
• Establishing a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of independent scientific experts with expertise in the biology, ecology, and management of social wasps. The TAG has been considering options for ongoing work.
• Encouraging public surveillance, including sending staff into the community to raise awareness. This weekend, staff will again be at local markets to share information about the hornet.

Biosecurity New Zealand is also working with industry groups to plan joint response activities for summer. The plan is being informed by advice from the recently formed TAG.

Mr Inglis says since 17 October, there have been seven confirmed queen hornets found (based on collected specimens) in the North Shore. Five of these showed evidence of nesting. All detected hornets and nests have been safely removed.

“The public response has been fantastic in looking out for these hornets and continued reporting from the public remains the best way to track them down.”

Members of the public are urged to report suspected hornets or nests, but only if they have a specimen, a clear photo, or have located a possible nest.

Reports can be made:

• at report.mpi.govt.nz 
• by calling Biosecurity New Zealand’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.

For further information and regular updates on hornet finds, visit Yellow-legged hornet sightings in Auckland in 2025

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz 

For media enquiries, email BiosecurityNZ_media@mpi.govt.nz

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

9 hours ago

The spirit of contemporary Māori art is taking centre stage at Auckland Museum this month, with a new exhibition showcasing works by postgraduate students from EIT’s Toihoukura School of Māori Visual Arts in Tairāwhiti.

Presented by Hokohoko Auckland Museum Store, Mataora: The Living Face opened on November 1 in the Museum’s Te Ao Mārama South Atrium, marking the first time for some Toihoukura students to exhibit in Auckland.  Lead tutors, Associate Professor, Steve Gibbs and Ngaire Tuhua have mentored the students over the past four years.

The exhibition features painting, print, sculpture, glass, and mixed media pieces that reflect the living culture of Māori art and identity today. The works, on display until November 22 are also available for purchase through the Hokohoko Museum Store.

EIT Tairāwhiti Executive Director Tracey Tangihaere said the showcase represents a major milestone for both Toihoukura and its students.

“This is the first commercial opportunity for some of our students, and a rare chance to work directly with one of Aotearoa’s most respected museums,” she said.

 “They’ve been working all year towards this, developing works for sale and gaining valuable experience with professional exhibition processes, from commissions and contracts to public presentations.”

Eleven students studying Toihoukura’s Bachelor of Professional Creative Practice (Honours) and Master of Professional Creative Practice are taking part. Among them are three Auckland-based artists Janine Williams, Mike Tupaea , and Charles Williams.

Vicky Thomas, Product Retail Manager at the Auckland Museum Store said the Museum Store aims to foster connections between creative practice and the Museum’s collections.

“We  aim to create meaningful opportunities for artists to share their stories and for visitors to engage with contemporary practitioners and their stories Mataora: The Living Face showcases exceptional mahi toi by Toihoukura postgraduate students, and we are honoured to be sharing their work through the Auckland  Museum Store.’

Tracey said the collaboration has created opportunities for connection between East Coast artists and those working in Auckland.

“It’s been a wonderful example of partnership in action, bringing together students and practising artists from across the motu to celebrate the vitality of toi Māori,” she said.

‘Mataora: The Living Face’ runs until November 22, 2025, in the Special Exhibition Store, Te Ao Mārama South Atrium, Auckland Museum.

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Inspector Martin James, Eastern District Manager – Criminal Investigations:

Police investigating the unexplained death of a Hastings woman last month are now treating her death as a homicide.

Emergency services were called to an address in Kotuku Street, Camberley, on 29 October, where a 37-year-old woman was found deceased.

An investigation immediately commenced to establish how she had died.

We continue to provide support to her family at this extremely difficult time. 

A committed team of detectives has been assigned to the investigation, including additional staff from other districts.

We believe there are people in our community who have vital information about this matter and the people involved.

We urge them to come forward and speak to us.

If you can help, please use our 105 service and reference Operation KNELL, file 251029/3817.

You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A 38-year-old man is before the courts after a thorough investigation into damage of tourists’ vehicles in the Canterbury District.

Police were notified on 22 October of a campervan that was broken into at Castle Hill. This led Police to make further enquiries into similar reports.

Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker, Canterbury Rural Prevention Manager, said that after a detailed investigation into these incidents, the Canterbury Rural Tactical Crime Unit, Field Intelligence, and other district staff identified the alleged offender believed to be responsible.

On 12 November Police executed a search warrant in the Selwyn area, where the alleged offender was located and taken into custody. He has been charged with theft over $1000 from a vehicle and has been remanded in custody until 3 December.

In addition to the charges in relation to this matter, the offender was found to have outstanding victim reparation fines, totalling $28,000. As a result, the courts have seized the offender’s motor vehicle to assist in recovering these reparations.

“This arrest sends a clear message; if you target tourists or any member of our community with theft, we will hold you to account so that our Canterbury community remains safe and enjoyable for everyone,” says Senior Sergeant Walker.

“We encourage anyone with information about suspicious or illicit activity at tourist sites, and any public place, to contact Police immediately with as much information as they can safely gather.

“Canterbury Police are committed to the security of our region’s visitors and their property.”

Information can be provided through 111, or in non-emergencies or after the fact through our 105 services.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers through 0800 555 111.

We cannot do this alone. Together we can keep Canterbury safe for residents and tourists alike.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious two-vehicle crash on Devon Road (SH3), Sentry Hill, New Plymouth. 

Police were called about 5.05pm. 

Initial reports suggest there have been serious injuries. 

The road is closed, with diversions in place. 

Motorists should avoid the area if possible.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Detective Inspector Matt Cranshaw, Field Crime Manager:

Police have made 10 arrests and dismantled clan labs across the upper North Island following a series of coordinated search warrants targeting the sale and supply of methamphetamine.

Operation Leaf was terminated yesterday,  this investigation focussed on the supply of methamphetamine in Waikato.

Ten search warrants were executed across Waikato, Counties Manukau, and Northland. They follow on from the execution of earlier search warrants linked to a prominent Black Power gang leader on 22 October.

Yesterday four clandestine laboratory sites were identified, and equipment and chemicals were seized.

Police also located methamphetamine, a loaded pistol, cash, and electronic devices.

As a result, ten people have been arrested for offences including manufacturing and supplying methamphetamine, participating in an organised crime group, conspiring to supply Fantasy and MDMA, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

A 43-year-old woman appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Wednesday. 

The remaining defendants appeared in the Hamilton District Court yesterday and were remanded to reappear at a later date.

Detective Inspector Matt Cranshaw says these arrests follow a five-month long investigation, with support from frontline police staff across the three districts.

“Operation Leaf has involved Police teams including the Organised Crime Squad, Investigations, National Organised Crime Group, Asset Recovery Unit, the Armed Offenders Squad and covert personnel across three Police districts.”

“Police will continue to target organised criminal offending and drug production, which causes significant harm in our communities.”

If you have any information about those involved in the importation or supply of harmful and illicit drugs, please contact Police via 105 online or by phone.

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

As the matter is before the Court, Police are not able to comment further at this time.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre