Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

12 November 2025

On 6 November 2025, WorkSafe was informed that batches of coloured/kinetic sand used at educational facilities in Australia have been found to contain two types of asbestos – tremolite and chrysotile. This sand product is allegedly imported from China and can be used in classroom activities, as well as other decorative and craft uses at home.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  12 November 2025

The hard work of Fire and Emergency and DOC staff assessing the fireground over the past few days has allowed this transition to occur.  

Two DOC fire crews (13 personnel) were deployed today seeking hotspots, and no new hot spots were identified. 

Due to difficult terrain, ground crews were unable to access all areas of the fire impacted land. The Fire and Emergency specialist drone team will continue thermal imaging flights to determine if the fire is fully controlled. 

DOC has made several closures for the safety of visitors, and to facilitate work crew access to fire affected areas. These are: 

• Tongariro Alpine Crossing 
• Mangatepopo Track 
• Tongariro Northern Circuit north of Waihohonu. 

In addition, the 7-day rāhui enacted by Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro remains over a larger area including Whakapapa Village walks and the Bruce Road.  

DOC is asking visitors to respect rāhui and track closures and give work crews space to respond to the fire and its aftermath in Tongariro National Park. 

State Highway 47 is open with speed restrictions.  

Supporting Fire and Emergency investigation: 

• Fire and Emergency would like to hear from anyone with a dashcam who was on State Highway 47 on Saturday 8 November between 1 and 4pm. 
• Of interest is State Highway 47 from the intersection with State Highway 4 to the intersection with State Highway 46. 
• Contact the investigation team: tongarirofirephotos2025@fireandemergency.nz  

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has been kept out of the community, after being arrested following a series of violent assaults in Henderson on Tuesday night.

At around 5.24pm, frontline officers in Henderson responded to a series of calls from the public about assaults taking place on Railside Avenue.

“It was reported a man was walking through the area, allegedly assaulting multiple members of the public he came across,” Waitematā West Area Commander, Inspector Simon Walker says.

“Sadly, several people have sustained injuries as a result.”

Police were on scene within minutes, arresting the 30-year-old offender on Railside Avenue.

“The behaviour is unacceptable and does not reflect the standards and values of our Henderson community,” Inspector Walker says.

“The incident last night was an isolated act by one individual who is now being held to account.”      

A 30-year-old man appeared in the Waitākere District Court today. He faces 13 charges for serious offending including:

– 5x Assault with intent to injure
– 2x Injures with intent to injure
– Common assault
– 2x Resist Police
– 2x Obstruct Police
– Theft

Police have successfully opposed the man’s bail, and he is remanded in custody to reappear on 11 December 2025.

Police acknowledge the quick-thinking of the public nearby.

Inspector Walker says they quickly assisted and ensured the safety of others until staff were on scene.

“Their actions demonstrate the strength and resilience of our community, and we commend their courage while reminding everyone that the safest course of action is always to contact Police immediately.”

The Henderson Beat Team continues to play a vital role in keeping the community safe.

Inspector Walker says, “the dedicated team of officers is highly visible in the Henderson area, building relationships and strengthening connections with residents and businesses”.

The Beat Team has made numerous arrests since its launch in September.

“Our team’s proactive presence reflects our commitment to being present, engaged, and responsive in the Henderson community,” Inspector Walker says.

“Together, we can ensure Henderson remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”

If you witnessed the incident or have further information, please update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 251112/0152.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Sergeant Tracy Haggart, Queenstown Acting Response Manager,

A youth has been remanded in custody following a commercial burglary in Remarkables Park earlier this week.

At around 2.15am, Police were called to the intersection of Tex Smith Lane and Hawthorne Drive where a vehicle was used to unlawfully gain entry to a commercial premises.

The alleged offenders fled the area, where the vehicle was located abandoned and submerged in Lake Whakatipu.

Police enquiries into the burglary continue as we work to identify and locate the remaining offenders.

As part of our enquiries the stolen vehicle used has been removed from Lake Whakatipu today.

Police would like to thank the members of the public who have provided us with valuable information.

This information has assisted us in our investigation, and we continue to appeal to anyone who may be able to assist in our enquiries.

We will continue to have an active presence in Queenstown commercial areas while enquiries are ongoing

Today, the youth appeared in Queenstown Youth Court charged with burglary and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. They were remanded in custody and are due to reappear at a later date.

If you have any information, CCTV, or dashcam footage that may assist in our enquiries, please contact us online through 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number 251110/5502.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant David Thompson, Manawatu Area Investigations Manager,

An 18-year-old Palmerston North man has been arrested and charged following a building fire in Palmerston North.

On Thursday 30 November Police were called to a building on Fergusson Street, formally the Fitzherbert Bar, at around 5.20pm.

After initial enquiries the fire was deemed suspicious and a scene examination was completed.

Today, Police arrested and charged an 18-year-old man in relation to the fire.

Our investigation has identified a number of individuals who had been in the building during the afternoon of the incident, and they have been spoken to as part of our enquiries.

Further action against these individuals over the coming days is likely.

Thanks to observations from members of the public, and surrounding CCTV, we have been able to identify and locate a person believed to be responsible for this incident.

While thankfully no one was hurt, the fire caused the destruction of an iconic Palmerston North location.

We are pleased to hold someone to account for this incident and continue to make enquiries into the matter.

The 18-year-old man is due to appear in Palmerston North District Court on Tuesday 18 November, charged with Arson.

As the matter is before the courts, Police are unable to comment further.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a serious crash in Whitianga this morning.

Emergency services were called to the two vehicle crash at the intersection of Tairua Whitianga Road and Moewai Road just after 10am.

Sadly, despite best efforts of emergency services, one person died at the scene.

One other person received minor injuries.

The road is closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination.

Motorist are advised to avoid the area or delay travel as there are no diversions in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  12 November 2025

DOC South Marlborough Operations Manager Stacey Wren says a large whale disentanglement team of DOC staff and trained volunteers on two boats disentangled the whale as safely as possible this morning.

“The entangled whale was reported to us on Tuesday afternoon. We sent the large whale disentanglement team out at the time, but they couldn’t locate the whale. They were back on the water this morning and successfully freed it.

“The whale was entangled for more than 18 hours and will be extremely tired but appears to be otherwise healthy. We ask that any boats in the area give it space so it can rest and recover.

“We want to thank the wildlife watching tour operators who helped by reporting the whale’s location to us.

“We also appreciate the support we’ve received from Ngāti Kurī, who have a strong connection and relationship with the whales in the area.”

Stacey says people should never attempt to disentangle a whale themselves as it’s very dangerous. Large whale disentanglement can only be done safely with specialised equipment and training.

“Do not approach an entangled whale or attempt to cut any lines entangling it if you see one while out naturing on the water.

“Instead, please report it immediately to our 24-hour hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). If you can do so safely, monitor the whale from a distance and advise our disentanglement teams exactly where it is.”

Craypot line entanglements mainly involve humpback whales, which are inquisitive, have a large tail and flippers, and often roll so are more vulnerable to getting caught up, Stacey says.

“People setting cray pots can reduce the risk by minimising floating slack in the line, allowing just enough for tidal movements. Not setting pots during June and July, when most humpbacks are migrating along our coasts, would also reduce the risk.

“The procedure for cutting whales free can take several hours. It follows internationally-accepted best practice and is designed to minimise risks to both people and the animal.”

DOC administers the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 and is responsible for leading the management of marine mammal incidents.

Contact

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  12 November 2025 Source:  Department of Conservation and Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro

The fires began Saturday 8 November and burned nearly 3,000 hectares, severely impacting the landscape of the park, which is a listed Dual World Heritage site.

On Sunday 9 November Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro announced two rāhui. The first, announced for 7 days, and extending to Monday 17 November, applies to the fire ground and Whakapapa area walks. This immediate rāhui allows time for the land to settle, and for Fire and Emergency New Zealand, DOC, and partners to assess the burnt areas.

Central North Island Operations Director Damian Coutts says the time allows teams to focus on safety and recovery.

“That means our staff aren’t worrying about visitors coming into the tracks or the visitor centre – they can fully focus on ensuring the fire is out and assessing damage.”

The second rāhui announced is a restorative rāhui set to last ten years, over the fire ground itself, and is causing some confusion.

Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro spokesperson Te Ngaehe Wanikau says the ten-year rāhui is about maunga ora (wellbeing of the mountain).

He clarified, “It’s not about keeping people out. It’s about restoration, it’s about the spiritual, emotional, and physical wellbeing of Tongariro.

“We’re being very strategic in placing this rāhui. Our biggest fear is two weeks, two months down the track everyone forgets about the fire, and we’re left with a landscape of weeds.

“Instead, we’re reinforcing a focus on restoring Tongariro. It’s a rāhui for people to come together, pool resources, and heal.

“We’re still expecting people to walk on tracks, but we’re looking to a future where people will come here just to be a part of the healing of the maunga. We’ll be sharing this opportunity with Aotearoa and the world.”

Damian says DOC supports the restorative rāhui.

“We encourage people to take the time to understand and respect the concept of rāhui.”

“We look forward to welcoming people to help with the recovery of this special place alongside Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro and DOC.”

“In the meantime, we are appealing for people to stay away from the fire area at least until Monday 17 November. You can still enjoy naturing in the parts of the park which aren’t subject to the short-term rāhui.”

Visitors are reminded to check the DOC website for updates on track closures.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

From 1 February 2026, New Zealanders will be able to receive 12-month prescriptions for their medicines, delivering savings and greater convenience for people on long-term treatments, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister David Seymour say.

“We are focused on reducing costs and making it simpler and more convenient for patients to access the medicines they need,” Mr Brown says.

“This common-sense change, announced in Budget 2025, will allow people with long-term, stable conditions to receive prescriptions of up to 12 months from their prescriber. It gives patients greater certainty and frees up GPs’ time by reducing the number of appointments needed to renew routine prescriptions.”

Patients will continue to collect their repeats from the pharmacy as usual but will no longer need to return to their doctor each time for a new script. This could save patients up to $105 per year in reduced GP fees.

“This will make a real difference for people managing long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure. It will also free up valuable time for GPs, pharmacists, and other health professionals to focus on patients with more complex needs.”

Health New Zealand is working with the primary care and community pharmacy sectors to support implementation.

The Government is also progressing practical changes to strengthen the pharmacy workforce by removing ownership restrictions that may limit pharmacists from becoming prescribers.

“Current legislation prevents any prescriber from owning or holding an interest in a pharmacy without an exemption. This is an unnecessary barrier for pharmacists who want to take on prescribing responsibilities.

“The Medicines Amendment Bill, which passed today, will remove this restriction so pharmacists can become prescribers while continuing to invest in or own pharmacies. This will support more flexible models of care, encourage innovation, and make better use of skilled professionals.”

Around 100 pharmacist prescribers currently work in GP clinics, hospices, and hospitals, but none in community pharmacies due to these limits.

“Pharmacists are a highly skilled and accessible workforce, and we want to enable them to do more for their communities. Allowing pharmacist prescribers to work in community pharmacies will mean patients have more access to some prescription medicines.”

Mr Seymour says the changes are about cutting red tape so New Zealanders can get timely access to the medicines they need.

“Extending prescription lengths and removing ownership barriers for pharmacists makes life easier for patients. It’s a common-sense approach that makes getting healthcare easier and more affordable,” Mr Seymour says.

“When people can access their medicines easily, they stay healthier for longer. This means they can live more fulfilling lives. It also reduces pressure on other parts of the health system.

“We’re making the system work better for the people it serves. This is another step in our plan to ensure can New Zealanders get the right care, in the right place, when they need it.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Acting Detective Inspector James Keene:

Police investigating the murder of Bill Maangi in Gisborne are seeking the public’s help in identifying two people believed to be directly linked to the incident. 

Police reviewing CCTV from around the area at the time show two men wearing sweatshirts with their hoodies on. One was seen running from Forrester House over the Ormond Road bridge onto Riperata Street. Another was captured walking from Forrester House on Ormond Road towards town, across Mary Street and continued on Ormond Road.

The two people sought are also believed to be involved with the theft of a Hyundai Sonata vehicle reported missing from Forrester House, Ormond Road sometime between 7:30pm and midnight on 28 September, recovered by Police on 20 October.

If anyone recognises these people or knows who they could be, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online. Please reference Operation Bushman, or the file number 250929/9035.

Police have also set up an online portal to submit information Operation Bushman (link is external).

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

Sadly, Mr Maangi died after being shot in the early hours of Monday 29 September, and the investigation team continue to piece together the events that led up to the death.

Police have previously asked the public for assistance for dashcam footage, witnesses to the incident and movements of a vehicle of interest.

Police are grateful for community’s help and thank the members of the public that have helped so far. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre