Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 3 is currently closed near Brightwell Road north of Bulls due to a truck fire.
Emergency services were notified just after 1:15pm.
No injuries have been reported.
Traffic is being diverted via State Highway 1. Motorists are advised to expect delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Green Party
The Green Party is calling for an urgent select committee inquiry into the closure of Heinz Watties, Greggs, and McCain food processing facilities.
Green Party spokesperson for agriculture Steve Abel, a Member of the Primary Production Select Committee, has written to the Committee expressing serious concern at the closure of long-standing food production facilities. “Understanding the extent of the impact and risks is a matter of urgency that the Primary Production Select Committee should open an inquiry into,” says Steve Abel.
“The closures of Heinz Watties, Greggs, and McCain food manufacturing sites have implications for New Zealand’s food resilience and security, will cause significant job losses, and threaten the viability of local vegetable growers.”
“The closures, if they go ahead, will reduce local vegetable processing capacity and compromise New Zealand’s ability to feed itself with local produce.”
“For a lot of families, frozen vegetables are how they get affordable, nutritious food on the table. We need to understand what losing this processing capacity means for them.”
“There is little public information about what led to these factories closing. If the regulatory environment, energy costs, foreign-owner indifference to New Zealand interests, or anti-competitive behaviour from supermarkets is the problem, the public have a right to know.”
“We’re heading towards greater dependency on imported food, and that puts our food security, food sovereignty, and resilience at real risk.”
“I am calling on all parties in Parliament to support this urgent inquiry as a matter of national significance for New Zealand’s food system,” says Abel.
The letter is available here.
Source: New Zealand Government
The latest Oriental fruit fly detection controls in Papatoetoe have been lifted from today thanks to a swift biosecurity response, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.
“No further evidence of this pest has been found since the discovery of three male Oriental fruit flies in early March, which is welcome news.”
“An infestation could devastate our production and export market if it ever became established in the country.
“I’m proud of our rigorous biosecurity system, which includes the treatment of fruit before it arrives in New Zealand, checks at the border at both airports and import facilities, and surveillance trapping to catch any flies that slip through with passengers or on imported goods. Its thoroughness and the professionalism of our Biosecurity New Zealand staff help keep our industries safe every day.”
Mr Hoggard says the successful eradication of this pest wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation and support of the local community, local businesses, and sector groups.
“I commend local efforts to follow the restrictions, which has gone a long way towards protecting our horticultural sector and our home gardens.”
Biosecurity New Zealand has now successfully handled 16 fruit fly responses over the past 30 years.
While the response is now concluding, the national fruit fly surveillance programme remains in place. This includes nearly 8000 traps set nationwide during the peak fruit fly season and checked regularly.
Source: New Zealand Government
Fourteen outstanding students from across the country have been named recipients of the 2026 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards,” Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair Erica Stanford says.
“The Awards honour the legacy of the 28th (Māori) Battalion and support the next generation of Māori leaders. It is a privilege to recognise these New Zealanders for their leadership, resilience and academic excellence,” Ms Stanford says.
“This year’s recipients reflect the dedication, talent and aspirations these awards seek to celebrate. They demonstrate the values that carry forward the extraordinary legacy of the 28th (Māori) Battalion.”
The 2026 scholarship and award recipients include include two doctoral candidates, two master’s students, three undergraduate students, and three vocational education and training students. The winners of the 2025 Ngarimu Video Competition and the Ngarimu Waiata Competition have also been recognised.
This week, members of Ngā Rongo Toa ā Ngarimu, the alumni network for former scholarship recipients, came together to advance plans that will see more mentoring and support to the next generation of Ngarimu scholars. This will strengthen connections across past and present recipients.
“Building the alumni network will help enable scholarship recipients, both past and present, to continue inspire and support one another,” Ms Stanford says.
“I want to acknowledge the inaugural members of the Alumni, for their leadership and dedication in bringing this project to life, and I wish the recipients this year the absolute best in their next endeavours.”
The Ngarimu scholarships were established in 1945 to honour the courage and sacrifices of the Māori Battalion including Victoria Cross recipient Second Lieutenant Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu. More than 300 students have been recognised since the fund began, contributing as leaders across Aotearoa, New Zealand and internationally.
Media contact: Michael van der Kwast +64 21 875 347
Notes for editor:
The 2025/2026 recipients of the Ngarimu VC and 28 (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards are:
The inaugural members of Ngā Rongo Toa a Ngarimu | Ngarimu Alumni Group are:
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 30 March 2026
Department of Conservation’s Maniapoto Operations Manager Graham Kimber says the bird was filmed by a trail camera set up as part of a non-toxic trial to test a new sausage bait being developed to control introduced predators.
A time stamp on the footage shows the bird was filmed at about 4 am on 25 February, on a camera located in the southern part of the Waipapa Block.
The kiwi is thought to be a western brown kiwi, and it’s the first live member of its species identified in northern Pureora since 2000.
Graham says the appearance of the bird is a welcome surprise – and a reward for the hard work of the DOC team who manage species and predator control in the forest.
“We did not expect to have this bird crop up on a camera,” Graham says.
“Any native birds in Pureora forest face ongoing threats from stoats and ferrets, and ground-dwelling birds like kiwi can also be attacked and killed by dogs.”
Expert DOC staff who have assessed the video believe it is a young bird that has now reached more than 1 kg – meaning it’s probably large enough to fend off a stoat. Without capturing and examining the bird, its gender remains unknown.
“To have this bird emerge is very encouraging for our team and the volunteer groups also contributing to conservation in Pureora,” Graham says.
“We’re rapt our ongoing efforts, including the use of 1080 to control predators, appear to be working. We’re taking this bird as a promising sign we need to keep the pressure on these predators to protect our taonga species.”
Anyone naturing in Pureora Forest Park – including those in the Pureora Hunting Competition – is urged to report any kiwi sightings to DOC, by calling 0800 DOC HOT. Video and photographs are valuable, as are GPS co-ordinates of where the bird is found or a description of its location.
Hunters taking dogs into the forest should ensure they are trained to avoid kiwi.
The trial in Pureora is part of DOC’s research work to develop a 18 g meat sausage for targeting stoats and feral cats. 50 trail cameras were in place to monitor introduced predator and non-target species’ interactions with the non-toxic bait. Previous studies have shown the sausages are highly attractive to feral cats and stoats but not to most native species like kiwi, nor to deer.
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: Worksafe New Zealand
As fuel prices rise, WorkSafe New Zealand is reminding businesses that petrol is extremely hazardous, and improper petrol storage puts workers, property and the public at serious risk. Petrol vapours can ignite from heat, sparks, static, running engines or electrical equipment.
Workplaces must only store what they can safely and legally manage.
Petrol gives off flammable vapours that can ignite easily. Vapour exposure can cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, loss of coordination, and in high concentrations, unconsciousness or death. Improper storage – such as in enclosed areas or non-approved containers – can quickly turn a workplace into an ignition zone.
Even small quantities stored incorrectly or in the wrong place can create a fire and potentially cause life-threatening conditions.
WorkSafe guidance requires petrol to be stored only in approved containers, with portable containers limited to 25 litres, filled to no more than 95%.
A location compliance certificate must be held to store more than 50 litres of petrol. You must engage a compliance certifier who will assess whether the site meets the requirements in the regulations before issuing a certificate.
Register of compliance certifiers(external link)
Approved containers must be kept away from ignition sources, protected from direct sunlight, and never stored in vehicles or enclosed spaces where vapours can accumulate.
These requirements aren’t optional, they exist to keep people safe.
Workplaces should avoid storing petrol in spaces not designed or ventilated for flammable liquids, such as garages, back rooms, or shipping containers. Everyday electronics can create sparks capable of igniting vapour.
Source: New Zealand Police
Emergency services are attending a serious crash on State Highway 12, Taheke this morning.
The single vehicle crash was reported to Police at around 9.15am.
Early indications suggest one person has been seriously injured.
SH12 is closed between Horeke Road and Rakauwahia Road.
Motorists are advised to expect delays and avoid the area if possible.
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.
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Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Media are invited to the official opening of the new custody training facility at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC).
The new custody training facility is equipped with all the features of a real custody unit including cells, CCTV cameras, monitors and a custody van to enable staff to run through full scenarios from arrest, to transport, to the custodial environment.
The opening ceremony will be attended by Police Minister Hon Mark Mitchell, Assistant Commissioner Capability and Infrastructure Sam Hoyle and Assistant Commissioner Deployment Jeanette Park.
The opening will include a scenario demonstration.
Where: Royal New Zealand Police College
When: Tuesday 31 March 8:30am
How: RSVP the Police Media Centre if you’re attending: media@police.govt.nz (Map for where to go at the college to be provided)
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Football fans will get the chance to see global stars in action at home this year, as New Zealand confirms the ‘International Football Festival,’ with support from the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package.
Today’s opening announcement around the tour showcases Tottenham Hotspur taking on Auckland FC on Sunday 26 July at Eden Park.
“It’s fantastic to welcome a top team like Spurs to New Zealand, giving football fans the chance to see them in action thanks to the Government’s investment into attracting showstopper events,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
The Eden Park clash will be the first time an English top-flight men’s club has played in New Zealand since 2014.
“This is an outstanding opportunity for fans and helps build the momentum of football in New Zealand as our most popular team participation sport,” Louise Upston says.
“The inaugural New Zealand International Football Festival will bring world-class football directly to fans across New Zealand.
“The excitement doesn’t stop with the Eden Park clash being announced today: fans can also look forward to a full week of immersive football experiences, including a confirmed Spurs Open Training session, and a variety of additional events designed to bring the global game to life.
“Today’s announcement is also a win for our tourism industry – we expect international visitors following the beautiful game to stay on and explore the many attractions our beautiful country has to offer.
“A showcase like this gives New Zealand an economic boost by supporting hospitality and tourism businesses, creating more jobs and strengthening our economy.
“Given the international appeal of premier league football, there’ll also be a global broadcast in place, showcasing New Zealand as a world-class destination for sport, culture and entertainment,” Louise Upston says.
Notes to Editor
Source: New Zealand Government
A major new interchange in Pāpāmoa East is now complete and will open to traffic in time for Easter, improving access to the Tauranga Eastern Link and supporting thousands of new homes, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“The new interchange provides a direct connection between Pāpāmoa East and the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, making it easier for people to get where they need to go,” Mr Bishop says.
“It provides an essential connection to support development in Golden Sands, Wairākei and Te Tumu, where the population is expected to reach 40,000 residents by 2043.
“This is a major milestone for the region, unlocking land for thousands of new homes and providing the transport capacity to support local jobs and businesses.
“It will reduce congestion on local roads, improve travel times, and strengthen the wider network by providing a second route in and out of Pāpāmoa East.
“By improving access to the motorway and easing pressure on residential streets, we’re making daily travel safer for locals and more efficient for freight and commuters.
“Construction began in April 2022. The eastbound off-ramp opened early in August 2025, and the interchange will fully open to traffic in time for Easter.
“The $98 million project has been co-funded by the National Land Transport Fund and future Tauranga City Council development contributions, supported by a 10-year interest-free Housing Infrastructure Fund loan.
“It’s a value-for-money investment that supports growth where it’s happening and ensures those who benefit contribute to the cost.
“Thank you to Tauranga City Council, NZTA, iwi partners, developers, and the community for working together to deliver this project. I also want to acknowledge Tom Rutherford for his continued advocacy and for representing the Government at this morning’s celebration to mark the completion of the interchange.”
Notes to editor: