Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Police acknowledges the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority into a non-fatal shooting in west Auckland during September 2023.

On 27 September 2023, Police received information a stolen vehicle involved in an aggravated robbery was at a petrol station.

Police blocked the vehicle in and approached, however the driver rammed other vehicles to escape.

Units pursued this vehicle at slow speed on the Northwestern Motorway, exiting at Lincoln Road.

The driver exited the stolen vehicle carrying a long-barrelled firearm. Following this, he unsuccessfully attempted to carjack multiple vehicles.

Armed Police had arrived on scene, when the offender pointed his firearm at the first officer.

Despite being told to drop his firearm, the offender continued and opened the passenger door of a truck. He proceeded to point the firearm at the driver.

While the driver was trying to get out of the truck, the officer fired his pistol at the offender.

The offender was injured, surrendered and was taken to hospital for surgery.

An IPCA investigation found the officer was justified in shooting the offender, and that overall Police exercised appropriate command and control of the incident.

The pursuit was also carried out according to Police policy.

Superintendent Naila Hassan, Waitematā District Commander, acknowledges the report’s findings released today.

“I want to recognise the work of our frontline every day, which in many cases requires them to respond and make split-second decisions in situations unfolding rapidly to keep people safe.”

The Authority found the use of force with a firearm was reasonable and proportionate.

“It’s clear the armed offender posed an imminent threat to the safety of those around him,” Superintendent Hassan says.

“The entirety of this incident unfolded in around 10 minutes, and our staff moved forward with courage given what was taking place on the overbridge.

“I’m incredibly proud of our Police Officers on that day.”

In September this year, a 31-year-old man was convicted and sentenced at the Auckland High Court for presenting a firearm at a person.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

A livestock trader who failed to declare the movement of 513 cattle under the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Act, has been fined $10,000. 

Under the Act, all cattle or deer must be fitted with a NAIT tag and registered in the NAIT system by the time the animal is 180 days old, or before the animal is moved off farm. 

Dallas Garry Gerken (31) was today sentenced in the Ashburton District Court (10 November 25) on 2 charges he pleaded guilty to under the NAIT Act, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). 

The animals were moved to different North Island farms from Canterbury without their movements being recorded into the NAIT system. 

“This was hundreds of animals, and it only takes one animal to potentially cause a biosecurity problem, as we have learned from our experience with Mycoplasma bovis,” says MPI manager animal welfare and NAIT compliance South, Peter Hyde. 

“The NAIT tag and registration system is only as effective as the information that’s entered. If you are unsure about what you need to do, reach out to our partners at OSPRI. There is plenty of information, advice and support available.”

An audit of the animal movement history found that between December 2023 and May 2024, 121 cattle were moved to 3 North Island registered NAIT locations without that movement being recorded. 

Additionally, 392 other cattle were moved to 10 North Island registered NAIT locations without that movement being registered. 

“MPI takes non-compliance with NAIT seriously. The scheme provides a critical tool in the fight against biosecurity incursions. Put simply, when people in charge of animals disregard their NAIT obligations they put the whole agricultural sector at risk,” says Peter Hyde. 

More information on NAIT and expectations of people in charge of animals – OSPRI

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

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  11 November 2025

Led by Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP), on behalf of Te Manahuna Aoraki Project (TMAP), the pest removal combines aerial 1080 application, ground-based traps, bait stations and remote-reporting technology to remove every individual pest from the area. This work marks a major step toward protecting one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine landscapes – and a key milestone on the path to Predator Free 2050.

TMAP is a partnership between the Department of Conservation (DOC), mana whenua, high country landowners, philanthropists, and other Crown agencies, to protect and restore biodiversity across a vast 310,000-hectare area spanning the Upper Mackenzie Basin and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

This spring, the project will step up ongoing efforts to completely remove possums, rats, rabbits, hares, ferrets, stoats, hedgehogs and feral cats from over 70% of the national park, to protect and restore the unique native plants and animals that make this area so special.

TMAP Project Manager Simone Smits says the alpine environment of Aoraki has long suffered from the impact of pests.

“These pests are widespread, even high into the alpine zone, and are driving native species toward local extinction. When we remove these threats, nature bounces back. We’re already seeing kea numbers increase, and we expect to see more native birds, lizards, insects and alpine plants thriving as our work continues.

“Since alpine pest removal began in 2022, the results have been inspiring. The successful removal of predators in the Malte Brun Range has already led to a noticeable increase in kea activity – a promising sign for the future of native wildlife in the region. Building on this momentum, the project will soon complete pest removal in the Liebig Range and expand efforts to the Kirikirikatata/Mount Cook Range,” she says.

DOC Aoraki/Mount Cook Operations Manager Sally Jones says the partial closure of the upper Hooker Valley Track while a new suspension bridge is being built provides a great opportunity for ZIP to carry out the pest removal work safely, away from the public with minimal disruption to visitors.

“The project has been planning to carry out this work for some time, and the fact that the upper part of the track is currently closed while the new suspension bridge is under construction is ideal, as it provides a window to carry out this work quickly and safely, with minimal visitor disruption,” she says.

The Tasman Valley Road and Hooker Valley Track from the first suspension bridge will be closed for a few hours from early morning over six separate days, between mid-November 2025 and March 2026 (weather permitting) while aerial operations take place. Public notices will be placed in local newspapers before each operation, and warning signs will be posted in the park.

Visitors can stay informed through alerts on the DOC website and are advised to check before travelling to the area to avoid any disruption to plans.

Sally Jones says the long-term benefits will be hugely significant for the park and its wildlife inhabitants.

“Once pests are gone from this iconic area, we’ll see native species like kea, tuke/rock wren, lizards and many alpine plants thriving—a real win for nature and for everyone who visits this special place,” she says.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are investigating after a woman suffered what appears to be a serious gunshot wound in Wainoni, Christchurch.

Police and ambulance were called to a Shortland Street property about 8:45pm last night, and on arrival found the woman in critical condition.

A scene guard has remained in place overnight, and enquiries are ongoing today to locate the person responsible, who left the scene in a vehicle.

Members of the public can expect a Police presence in the area to remain while these enquiries take place.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Acting Detective Sergeant Nicholas Mead:

Police investigating the disappearance of Kapiti man Graham Russell Smith are still hopeful that he can be returned to his loved ones.

Monday 10 November marked the one-year anniversary of the 77-year-old having gone missing.

Graham was reported missing while walking in the area of Rangituhi/Colonial Knob at about 6.30pm on 10 November 2024.

Graham had been walking on the Doctors Track, near to Spicer Botanical Reserve. The area has multiple walkways and mountain bike trails, and is a very popular area for walkers, day trampers and mountain bikers.

Graham was described as around 165cm tall and was wearing a blue puffer jacket and brown corduroy pants at the time he was reported missing. He potentially suffered from dementia and had difficulty hearing.

Despite hundreds of hours searching, including search and rescue field teams, aerial work with helicopters and drones, various dog teams and CIB staff, Graham has not been located.

Police continue to hold hope that someone may have information that could assist in locating Graham or provide closure to his whānau.

If you have any information that might help our investigation, please get in touch by calling 105, referencing file number 241111/3559.

We acknowledge the tireless efforts of all agencies and volunteers involved in the search and thank the community for their support.

Police also extend our thoughts to Graham’s family at this difficult time.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Biosecurity New Zealand is continuing to ramp up its response to yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) detections on Auckland’s North Shore, says Mike Inglis, north commissioner, Biosecurity New Zealand.

“We have staff working fulltime on the response, including incursion investigators, laboratory staff, and people working in the field, engaging with the community, and carrying out surveillance alongside the public’s great efforts to date,” Mr Inglis says. “This week we’re adding to our response work on the ground to methodically track the hornet.” 

Mr Inglis says a plan of work is under way that includes: 

• 142 traps laid in targeted areas where females have been found. Every trap is checked daily. No hornets have been found in traps to date.
• Enhanced on the ground surveillance in the areas where the queen hornets have been found that involves visual inspection of common nesting areas such as trees, roof eaves, fence lines, and other potential habitats.   
• A trial will start soon using protein bait traps in addition to those already out. 
• We have also pulled together a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of independent scientific experts with expertise in the biology, ecology, and management of social wasps. The TAG will consider options for ongoing work.
• We continue to encourage public surveillance and had people at local markets over the weekend alongside our updates for industry groups.

Mr Inglis says the use of protein traps will increase over the summer months when hornet activity is expected to rise.

“We will continue to adapt our work as we gather more information about the hornet’s movements.” 

Since 17 October, Biosecurity New Zealand has confirmed and safely removed 5 queen hornets and their nests – 4 in Glenfield and one in Birkdale, around 1.3 kilometres from the first detection.

“We’ve found and confirmed one queen in the past week after a public notification,” says Mr Inglis. 

A queen and 2 males are also suspected, but not confirmed, based on photographs provided. 

Mr Inglis says Biosecurity New Zealand is aware of members of the public taking previously published photos of the hornet and posting them on social media, with claims it is a new discovery, making confirmation from photographs alone unviable.   

“We encourage people to notify us of finds and we’ll come to try collect a sample.”

Mr Inglis says staff have also been visiting local businesses that receive international cargo to provide information about the hornet. 

Reporting from the public remains the best way to track down the hornet, Mr Inglis says.

“We’ve had an incredible response from the public so far, with more than 2500 notifications. We’re asking everyone in New Zealand to keep an eye out. 

“While detections are currently limited to Auckland’s North Shore, nationwide vigilance gives us confidence these hornets are not elsewhere.”

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
• through Biosecurity New Zealand’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.

Look out for hornets – Pamphlet [PDF, 637 KB]

For further information and regularly updates on hornet, 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, contact the media team on 029 894 0328. 

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 10 November 2025
Last updated 10 November 2025

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The Career Practice Hub brings together trusted tools, insights and strategies to support career practitioners, educators, iwi, communities, employers and agencies involved in education, employment and youth development across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Career Practice Hub brings together trusted tools, insights and strategies to support career practitioners, educators, iwi, communities, employers and agencies involved in education, employment and youth development across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has released the Career Practice Hub, a new online resource designed to strengthen career education and practice across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Hub, along with the recently released Tahatū Career Navigator website, is a major step in delivering the National Careers System Strategy. Both resources make it easier to access high-quality, future-focused information and foster stronger connections across the careers system, helping ensure all New Zealanders can get the support they need.
As the leader of the Strategy, TEC is responsible for driving and coordinating its implementation. The Hub plays a key role in this work by bringing together trusted tools, activities, insights, reports and strategies to support people working in the careers field – including practitioners, educators, iwi, communities and employers. It will keep growing with new content and tools to meet evolving career needs of New Zealanders.
Together, the Career Practice Hub and Tahatū website directly support the Strategy’s goals to:

grow quality careers support by improving access to high-quality, future-focused resources
strengthen connections across the careers system
ensure equitable access to careers education, information, advice, and guidance for all New Zealanders.

We encourage you to explore the Hub and share it with your networks. You can access it at Career Practice Hub.
More information

Source: New Zealand Government

Up to $450 million of new deals and partnerships were concluded this week at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has announced.

More than 20 Memorandums of Understanding and supply agreements between New Zealand and Chinese companies were signed during his visit to CIIE. More than 80 New Zealand companies participated.

“China is an important market, and this event was a chance to showcase the broad range of premium, high quality Kiwi offerings,” Mr McClay says.

The New Zealand companies who participated represented a diverse array of sectors, including food and beverage, health care, and technology.

“This Government continues to support New Zealand exporters in market to drive value and innovation.

“The new ‘Grass-Fed’ standard is one example of this, where the Government is working with industry to promote New Zealand’s agricultural sector to drive farmgate returns.”

The visit coincided with the world’s biggest online sales event, Double Eleven.

“E-commerce and digital trade has become essential for many New Zealand exporters in China in order to keep up with fast-changing consumer demands,” Mr McClay says.

“The Chinese market remains vital as we work towards doubling the value of exports in 10 years.”   

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now name the man who died in a fatal crash on State Highway 3 near Sanson on 18 September.

He was 34-year-old Brook Paul Morgan, from Marton.

Police offer our sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.