Source: Press Release Service
Headline: Kiwi Web Design Helps Launch the Mount Albert Business Association
Kiwi Web Design partners with local leaders to launch the Mount Albert Business Association website — empowering small businesses across Auckland to connect and grow online.
The post Kiwi Web Design Helps Launch the Mount Albert Business Association first appeared on PR.co.nz.
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 12 November 2025
The Vile family, who live in Waitara and have had the classic two-bedroom fibreboard bach at Urenui for about five years, are now watching as the nesting pair of birds raise a chick.
“The previous owners told us penguins nested here, and we’ve been quite used to them,” dad Scott Vile says. “The penguins have always come and gone. We’ve watched them come across the beach at night, like little drunken sailors!”
The family’s bach is about 30 metres from the beach. Before the bach replacement project started in October, Scott checked to see if there any penguins beneath the house – but saw none. But just a few days into the demolition, he checked again and discovered the penguins under another area of floor.
“I got I actually got a bit of a fright,” Scott says. “They had a burrow down one side of the house, and had made a tunnel to their nest.”
Although there were two chicks discovered initially, sadly one has not survived. However, the surviving chick seems to be doing well: “I’m not a bird person, but they’re cute!” says Scott. “They’re really blue, a beautiful colour.”
Scott says his wife Natalie and their children Bentley and Jordan have been thrilled by the penguins: “We’ve been amazed by how fast the chick has grown,” he says. “It’s been pretty cool to watch them grow.”
The penguin family hasn’t been perturbed by the human family, and Scott says once the penguins are done, the bach project will resume.
“It’s just one of those things – we’ll still come up here sometimes. We just want to be respectful of the birds,” he says. “We’ll just see what happens, and let them do their thing. They’ll get a new bach as well, hopefully!”
Anne-Maree McKay, Pou Taiao for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga, says the penguin chick has been fitted with a microchip as part of a Ngāti Mutunga- Ngā Motu Marine Reserve Society project.
The joint project allows for individual penguins to tracked, and their movements and feeding habits better understood. Several whānau and dozens of volunteers are involved in checking and monitoring the penguins at three locations along the Taranaki coastline.
Anne-Maree says the Urenui penguins are very familiar with people, particularly given the influx of summer holidaymakers every year.
The microchipping of the Urenui chick means it could be monitored for several years – and possibly its entire life – particularly if it takes up residence in the area, as his parents have.
“The kororā come back to the same nesting boxes, we try to get GPS trackers on at least a couple each year so we can find out how far out they’re going for foraging,” Anne-Maree says.
Anne-Maree acknowledges Scott and his family for “being such good sports, and happily letting the kororā stay”.
DOC Taranaki Principal Operations Advisor Kelby Clements says the Vile family’s decision to pause their project for the penguins’ benefit is “naturing at its best”.
“This is a great example of how small acts of naturing make a difference to protecting our precious native species. By pausing their project, Scott and his family have made a real difference to this little family of kororā, and that will contribute to our understanding of the species’ local population.”
Kororā or little blue penguins are the world’s smallest penguin species. Their populations have been declining where they are not protected from predators. Threats to the birds increase where there is human development in coastal areas.
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Government
Associate Education Minister David Seymour is welcoming the passing of the Education Training Amendment Bill (No 2) at third reading. The Bill makes attendance management plans mandatory from Term 1 next year.
“When the Government takes education seriously, so do parents, students, and schools. School attendance matters for the future of this country, and we are fixing it,” Mr Seymour says.
“STAR means no child is left behind. Every student, parent, teacher and school has a role to play. Each school will develop their own STAR system to suit their community and school, based on a standard framework.
“STAR stands for Stepped Attendance Response. It means there are escalating responses for declining attendance. For example, different responses could kick in at 90 per cent, 80 per cent and 70 per cent attendance.
“Many schools have already implemented their own attendance management plan, aligned with the STAR. The response to the STAR system has been positive. Educators have been in touch to express their support, which tells me we’re establishing a culture where school attendance is essential.
“The Education Review Office’s attendance attitude report is further proof that we are creating a culture where attending school is important. The report showed that parent and student attitudes to school attendance have improved under this Government.
“What we are doing is working. Data shows rising attendance under this Government. In Term 2 2025 58.4 per cent of students attended school regularly, compared to 39.6 per cent in Term 2 of 2022.
“As our attendance action plan continues to roll out, I expect attendance rates to continue to improve.
“At the start of next year frontline attendance services will be more accountable, better at effectively managing cases, and data-driven in their responses. To achieve this, they will soon have access to a new case management system and better data monitoring, and their contracts will be more closely monitored.
Budget 2025 included $140 million of additional funding package to improve attendance over the next four years.”
Under the new model, attendance services will:
“Attending school is the first step towards achieving positive educational outcomes. Positive educational outcomes lead to better health, higher incomes, better job stability and greater participation within communities. These are opportunities that every student deserves,” Mr Seymour says.
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government’s ensuring schools have a sharpened focus on lifting student achievement and attendance, education workforce governance is fit-for-purpose, and freedom of expression is upheld in universities, with the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2) passing its third reading in Parliament.
“Student achievement is at the heart of the education reforms we are introducing that are grounded in evidence and ambitious for our young people. This legislation is about ensuring our education system is responsive, well-governed, and focused on delivering better outcomes for our young people,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
Key changes in the Act are:
“Attendance management plans based on the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) are mandatory from Term 1 next year,” Mr Seymour says.
“STAR means Stepped Attendance Response Scheme. It means there are escalating responses for declining school attendance, focused on getting kids back in school. There are stronger and stronger responses at 90 per cent, 80 per cent and 70 per cent attendance.
“Each school will develop their own STAR system to suit their community and school, based on a standard framework. Every student, parent, teacher and school has a role to play at each step.”
Dr Reti says the legislation will make a positive difference to New Zealand universities by shining a light on the value of freedom of expression and academic freedom.
“Universities should be a place where diverse perspectives are welcomed, debate is encouraged, and students are empowered to think critically,” says Dr Reti.
“These new requirements set up important processes to ensure that our universities remain vibrant spaces for learning, discovery, and democratic engagement.”
Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Police Commissioner Richard Chambers:
The findings of the IPCA review into the Police handling of complaints against Jevon McSkimming show inexcusable conduct by former senior leaders of NZ Police.
The events and findings set out in the IPCA report made for appalling reading and showed a total lack of leadership and integrity at the highest levels of Police.
I was shocked by the report’s account of departures in 2023 and 2024 from the expected processes for dealing both with sexual assault complaints and with investigations into police officers.
The usual integrity checks and balances were bypassed, there was interference from the highest levels, and the ambitions of a senior police officer were put above the interests of a vulnerable woman.
I am apologising to the woman at the centre of this for the repeated early failures in following the proper processes for investigating this matter by those at such a senior level of Police. She was ignored and badly let down. That was unacceptable.
It was not until late 2024 that an investigation was set up to properly investigate those claims. That should have happened from the start.
I want to acknowledge those senior police staff who did stand up and challenge what was happening here. I thank them for the courage, leadership, and integrity they showed in doing so.
The events in the report are a kick in the guts for the 15,000 women and men of NZ Police who turn up to work every day and night to serve New Zealanders and keep them safe.
That has angered me. It was not those staff who were found wanting here. It was a failing of leadership.
The actions and attitudes set out in the report are inexcusable and show a disrespect and disregard for what NZ Police stands for.
The report is thorough and convincing, and I accept the recommendations and intent of them. My leadership team will meet to develop a plan to address those recommendations.
The processes for complaints against senior Police leaders were too easily ignored or bypassed here, despite attempts by some staff to ensure they were adhered to. That is of concern and I agree extra safeguards are needed.
I welcome the IPCA’s recommendations and government decisions to achieve that.
Most of those involved in the report are no longer staff of NZ Police.
I have appointed an independent King’s Counsel to undertake employment investigations where required.
The report’s other recommendations are relevant to other work I already have underway to strengthen integrity.
I am currently undertaking an extensive refresh of the Police Executive and wider leadership, including the appointment of two statutory deputy commissioners and new assistant commissioners.
The IPCA recommendations to strengthen the role of the Integrity and Conduct Unit will form part of that refresh.
I have started revising the Police Code of Conduct, aimed at strengthening accountability.
I recently ordered an immediate uplift to the Police National Integrity Unit, adding six investigators. That unit handles investigations into police staff.
Earlier this year, I also invited the Public Service Commission to conduct a Performance Improvement Review into NZ Police, focusing on integrity and conduct. It is the first such review of NZ Police since 2012 and is aimed at positioning Police for the future.
The absolute worst outcome of this would be if anyone did not feel safe in reporting sexual assault to Police, or did not think Police would listen and investigate thoroughly.
I want to reassure you that is not the case. What happened here will dismay and anger the dedicated specialist investigators around the country who put everything into their work trying to hold perpetrators of sexual violence to account and keep people safe.
I know some people will question whether Police have learned the lessons of the past after reading this report.
Over many years, Police has put a lot of resource and effort into developing and implementing very robust processes for dealing with sexual violence complaints. Our specialist adult sexual assault teams are highly trained and dedicated.
One of the most disappointing things about this report was that a small group of senior leaders at that time elected to depart from those processes.
The attitudes on display here are not attitudes I have experienced among specialist investigation team staff, nor are they attitudes acceptable to me.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is taking steps to establish the strongest possible oversight of the New Zealand Police following a damning report into the Police handling of complaints against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
“The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has conducted a wide-ranging and comprehensive review, and its findings are extremely concerning and disappointing,” Public Service Minister Judith Collins says.
“It has found serious issues within the former Police executive, which is why the Government is acting decisively to install the strongest statutory oversight mechanism available to it – an Inspector-General of Police.”
Police Minister Mark Mitchell says he expects Police to uphold the highest levels of integrity, transparency and accountability.
“The report highlights significant flaws in the decision making, judgement and actions of a group of individuals, including those at the top of the previous Police executive. Their actions have raised serious concerns about integrity and culture within the then executive,” he says.
“At the centre of this is a woman who has been let down by the former Police executive and the system. I cannot express how frustrated and disappointed I have been since becoming aware of the situation.”
The report raises questions around whether there is sufficient independent oversight of the Police to prevent these issues happening again.
It also raises questions about probity checking of McSkimming by the Public Service Commission (PSC) when he was appointed Deputy Police Commissioner in 2023. Ultimately the matter was picked up during the Police Commissioner recruitment process in 2024, and McSkimming was suspended and then resigned.
“New Zealanders will understandably have questions around how McSkimming was able to be considered for roles at the highest level of Police given what has come to light. The PSC is taking these concerns very seriously,” Ms Collins says.
The IPCA makes 13 recommendations for Police and a further two for the Government regarding Police oversight. All have been accepted.
“The report recommends strengthening the IPCA, but it is imperative New Zealanders have confidence in our Police. That is why we are choosing the most robust level of oversight available to the Government, which is to appoint an Inspector-General to give the highest level of independent oversight of Police,” Ms Collins says.
“As well, the Public Service Commission has moved to strengthen its recruiting processes by proactively conducting an independent review on the reference and probity checks undertaken on McSkimming in 2022-2023 prior to his appointment as Deputy Police Commissioner.
“The review found the PSC’s appointment processes overall were sound, well-considered and well-managed but recommended ways they could be improved, and these have now been implemented. This includes guidance on how to probe personal and sensitive matters.”
“Police have accepted all the recommendations in the report which includes strengthening integrity and conduct processes, amending the code of conduct to provide for mandatory reporting, and refreshing integrity training,” Mr Mitchell says.
“All those in the Executive who were involved in the case at the time have now left the Police.
Mr Mitchell says it is important to emphasise the report findings should not be seen as a reflection on our police service as a whole.
“I commend the staff highlighted in the review as having showed exceptional moral courage. They have done themselves, their colleagues and their organisation proud.
“There are more than 15,000 police officers nationwide who serve and protect our communities with distinction and bravery. It is imperative New Zealanders have trust and confidence in the Police. That’s why the Government is taking these findings extremely seriously.”
Source: New Zealand Government
The Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament, marking a major step forward in tackling congestion and improving travel times on New Zealand’s busiest roads, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“Sitting in traffic wastes time, costs money, and drags down productivity,” Mr Bishop says.
“Travel times in our major cities are up to 30 per cent longer than in comparable Australian cities, with Auckland congestion alone estimated to cost up to $2.6 billion by next year.
“Time-of-use charging is a common-sense tool that encourages people to travel at off-peak times or by other modes. It’s about keeping our cities moving – whether you’re a parent on the school run, a tradie heading to a job, or a truckie delivering exports to port.
“Time of use charging has been talked about in New Zealand for years and now we’re getting on with it. I am really pleased that the legislation to allow the establishment of time-of-use charging schemes passed Parliament unanimously. After years of discussion, it is great to see that all of Parliament is up for reducing congestion and improving productivity.
“The legislation passed today allows local authorities to partner with New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) on targeted time-of-use schemes that ease gridlock, improve freight flow, and support economic growth.
“The Government has signalled that Auckland Council will be the first local authority the government will look to partner with, given the importance of Auckland to the national economy. Work by Council and government officials is already underway.
“We know time of use charging works. For example, the Manhattan congestion-pricing scheme in New York City, which I visited earlier this year, has delivered measurable results. Since the congestion pricing scheme launched in January 2025, traffic delays within the Congestion Relief Zone are reported to be down by around 25 per cent, average speeds during peak hours have reportedly improved by roughly 5–10 per cent, and travel times by about 20–30 per cent on key corridors. Meanwhile, projected net revenue for the programme is on track to hit about US $500 million for 2025, supporting major investment in public transport infrastructure.
“I want to thank everyone who took the time to share their views during the Select Committee phase. Their feedback helped strengthen the Bill and will ensure local authorities and NZTA are well equipped to develop robust and effective schemes.
“The legislation delivers a National-ACT coalition commitment and is a key milestone in the Government’s 2025 Q4 Action Plan.”
Notes to editors
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 11 November 2025
The fire broke out on Saturday 8 November, prompting a joint response from Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) and DOC involving both ground and aerial operations.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fire in Tongariro National Park, including iwi, local communities, visitors, and the dedicated teams who are working tirelessly to bring it under control,” says DOC Central North Island Operations Director Damian Coutts.
“It’s a distressing time for many. Our priority right now is people’s safety and supporting the fire response.
“The burn area is a massive 2,935 hectares at the country’s first National Park and Dual UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“We’re asking people to please stay away from the Whakapapa side of Tongariro National Park while the fire response continues. Your support in this will help us make sure this incredible place can be open to you sooner.
“Although Fire and Emergency NZ and Police have reopened roads, it’s not a time for sightseeing. We don’t want to see people operating drones or driving through just to look at the damage. The best way you can support Tongariro National Park is to stay away from the fire area until we say it’s clear and safe for visitors.”
Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro have placed a rāhui over Tongariro maunga from Sunday 9 November to Monday 17 November. All tracks in and out of Whakapapa Village are subject to rāhui, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro Northern Circuit, Tama Lakes and nearby walks, and we ask this is respected. Signage and information are in place.
DOC staff and hapū representatives will assess the conservation and cultural infrastructure when safe to do so, to understand the scale of the damage.
Anyone with bookings for huts or campsites during this period have been informed and their cost refunded. The Whakapapa Visitor Centre will remain closed until at least Monday 17 November with staff available remotely.
“We know how special this area is to iwi, locals, and visitors, and we share everyone’s concern for the land, wildlife, and places we all treasure,” says Damian.
“It’s still too early to speak to the long-term effects to ecosystems, flora and fauna, but with a fire of this magnitude, we expect significant damage to biodiversity. It will take weeks to understand the severity.”
Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro has placed a second rāhui over the immediate burn area, which will remain in place for 10 years. This will allow DOC to work alongside hapū to assess and restore this important alpine ecosystem.
DOC and FENZ teams remain on the ground to contain the fire and protect important structures like Mangatepopo Hut and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailhead.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Interested in what’s happening along State Highway 1 Cambridge to Piarere? Join us for a community information day to learn about this key transport project – and other state highway and local projects.
The community information day is a chance to connect directly with the teams behind:
“We’re looking forward to sharing updates and talking with the community,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Darryl Coalter.
“Over the past 3 years a lot has happened. The project has been identified as a Road of National Significance, and we’ve got resource consents and confirmed the route.
“This is part of the nationally strategic transport corridor for New Zealand, connecting the Auckland region to the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, and linking to the central and southern North Island,” Mr Coalter says.
“We’ve been working hard to get ready for when funding is available. We’re also continuing to acquire property, permits, authorities, advancing the design and preparing for ‘enabling’ works.”
We are aiming to begin construction in late 2026, subject to funding, and construction is expected to take 5 to 6 years.
Before construction can start, we have to do some early work to prepare for it,” says Mr Coalter.
“We expect to start these works early next year and they may include relocating lizards, installing bat roosts, removing trees and installing noise walls. Undertaking these works ahead of the main construction works will assist the contractor once appointed.
C2P is a 16km long 4-lane expressway, which will extend the southern end of the Waikato Expressway through to the recently completed SH1/SH29 roundabout at Piarere. It will be designed for 110km/h speed limit, with median separation, side barriers and wide shoulders, similar to the other sections of the Waikato Expressway.
There are 3 main components:
Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply interested in the future of this expressway extension, we’d love to see you there.
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Detective Inspector Craig Farrant:
Police are following good lines of enquiry in relation to a shooting in Wainoni last night.
Officers remain at the scene on Shortland Street, and in the general area as our enquiries continue.
Initial enquiries suggest this was gang-related.
This is a concerning incident, and Police have an increased presence in and around Christchurch as officers carry out reassurance patrols.
The victim remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre