Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash in Blockhouse Bay this afternoon.

The single vehicle crash, on Blockhouse Bay Road, was reported to Police just after 12.30pm.

One person has been transported to hospital in a serious condition.

Motorists are being advised the southbound lane has been closed and diversions are in place.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are in attendance at a building fire on Pakuranga Road.

The fire, at the McDonald’s restaurant, was reported to Police at about 3pm.

At this stage there are no reports of injury.

Pakuranga Road has been closed in both directions and road users are advised to avoid the area.

People are being evacuated from buildings in the immediate area as a precaution.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police and emergency services are attending a crash involving at least four vehicles on Bluff Highway between Awarua Siding Road and Stanley Township Road. 

The crash occurred at approximately 8.10am today.

One vehicle is currently blocking both lanes, so motorists are asked to avoid the area.

Towing vehicles have been called, but will take time to get to the scene.

We have no reports of injury currently.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Team

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are currently assisting with road closures at a building fire on Pakowhai Road, Frimley, Hastings which was reported about 9.30 this morning.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand are at the scene and the road is closed between Duke Street and Frederick Street.

Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area if possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Tokanui Gorge Road Highway near Fortrose is blocked currently due to a crash where a truck has rolled. 

Emergency services were called to the single-vehicle crash about 7.45am. 

Fortunately the driver was not seriously injured, however the road is completely blocked. 

It is expected to be closed for some time while the scene is cleared. 

Motorists should avoid the area, or expect delays.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Following significant engagement over the last month, the first in-person round of negotiations towards a comprehensive India New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will take place in India this week.
This follows the highly successful visit to India last year by Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters and the formal launch of negotiations by Minster for Trade and Investment, Todd McClay and Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal during the Prime Minister’s large trade mission to New Delhi in April.
“This is an important step in our trade relationship with India and signals the two Governments’ intent to deliver a high quality outcome that benefits both countries,” Mr McClay says.
“With a population of 1.4 billion and a GDP estimated to grow to USD $5.2 trillion by 2030, India offers significant opportunity for New Zealand exporters,” Mr McClay says.
“Strengthening ties with India across the board is a key part of the Government’s broader strategy to diversify and grow New Zealand’s export markets and double trade by value in 10 years.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

New investment in advanced technology research will boost high-tech exports, strengthen connections between research and industry and generate high value jobs, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today. 
“Advanced technology research leads to life-changing innovation,” says Dr Reti. 
“The breakthroughs that can be achieved through areas like cryogenic and quantum science are hugely significant. 
“From developing portable MRI machines, to building smaller and faster engines, this investment will enable innovation that has the potential to improve our daily lives, while boosting economic growth in sectors like health, transport, energy and our space industry.” 
The Government is investing $71 million over seven years into a new advanced technology science platform hosted by the Robinson Research Institute, who are based out of Victoria University of Wellington. 
Dr Reti says this funding will not only support innovation that can be turned into economic gains but also maintain critical staff and develop young scientists into world-class innovators.
“Through this new science platform, the Government is investing in the materials and engineering expertise needed to achieve technological breakthroughs and turn innovative ideas into real-world products and services right here in New Zealand,” says Dr Reti. 
“This research platform aims to grow New Zealand’s hi-tech exports based on cryogenics, superconductors, magnets and processed materials.
“Robinson Research Institute are known for world-leading expertise in superconductors, magnets and materials technologies and proven experience in commercialisation.
“The team will develop workforce capability through internships and postgraduate study and encourage early career researchers to take their ideas beyond the laboratory. 
“Projects from the platform will also enhance local and international research and commercial partnerships and encourage international investment into the New Zealand research and development sector.
“I look forward to the contribution this platform will make to growing and diversifying our economy, supporting the development of world-class scientists and innovators and the creation of high-quality jobs for people in New Zealand.”  
This investment is part of the Government’s work to drive economic growth by reforming and refocusing New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology system for the future. It is the first step in establishing the new Advanced Technology Public Research Organisation. 

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Now is the time for Kiwis to give New Zealand Sign Language a go as we take a week to celebrate the language, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says.
This week is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) week. The theme is that “anyone can sign anywhere”.
“NZSL is an official language of this country, used by almost 25,000 people and the primary language for many Deaf New Zealanders.
“The Government, through the NZSL Board, invests $1.25 million each year to support initiatives promoting and maintaining NZSL. Included in that investment is the NZSL dictionary which is a great resource for learning new words,” Louise Upston says.
“This Government is committed to better public services, delivering services and support that meet the needs of the Deaf community.
“The NZSL Board is now consulting on a draft NZSL strategy which will drive its work for the next five years and I am encouraging all New Zealanders with an interest to submit on the strategy and have their say.
“I encourage New Zealanders to learn some everyday signs this week, such as ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’ or ‘thank you’.”
There are resources and activities on the New Zealand Sign Week website to inspire everyone to learn the language.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The early entry into force of the New Zealand–European Union Trade Agreement (FTA) is paying off, with Kiwi goods exports to the EU surging by 28 per cent during the first year. 
“In the last 12 months our goods exports to the EU surged from $3.8 billion to over $4.8 billion,” Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.
“This is good news for all New Zealanders, especially our sheep farmers, kiwifruit growers and machinery exporters. Sheep meat was up 29 per cent adding an additional $216 million, kiwifruit has increased by 69 per cent contributing a further $316 million, and machinery was up an impressive 104 per cent providing $173 million more compared to the previous year.
“Strengthening ties with trading partners is crucial to growing the New Zealand economy and driving up incomes for Kiwis. Better market access, lower costs, and fewer trade barriers with the EU are key to delivering the Government’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of New Zealand’s exports in 10 years.”
The NZ-EU FTA removed 91 per cent of duties on New Zealand exports immediately, climbing to 97 per cent after seven years. Wine, seafood, and a range of other products are also benefiting from significant tariff reductions.
“Our growing network of trade agreements means exporters now have more choices about where to sell their world-class products,” Mr McClay says.

Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  05 May 2025

DOC Coromandel Senior Ranger Matt Flynn says the conifers are invasive weeds that threaten to permanently alter the unique landscapes only found in New Zealand.

Conifers were introduced to New Zealand in the 1880s. Since then they have spread across the country from forests, shelterbelts and erosion plantings.

Matt says there are five large wilding conifers dotted across Mautohe Cathedral Cove to be removed, and if left unchecked they are likely to spread the invasive species further across the reserve.

“Removing the wilding conifers supports our weed management and biodiversity restoration goals – enabling native flora and fauna to regenerate at Mautohe Cathedral Cove,” he says.

Contract arborists will be conducting the work, which will focus on areas above the rock archway and near the beach, on 8 and 9 May weather permitting.

The closure of the track is to ensure public safety, and visitors should stay out of the reserve while the arborists carry out their work.

People are discouraged from landing on the beach when the conifer removal is underway, and any visitors will be guided by contractors to a safe area away from the worksite.

The walking track is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, 10 May 2025.

Invasive species, over-exploitation, habitat loss, pollution and climate change are putting immense pressure on our ecosystems.

What we do makes a difference. We have proven in many parts of the country that when we remove or manage the threats, restore habitats or modify how we use or interact with nature, it comes back.

Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Garbrielle. DOC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.

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