Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has since died following a crash in Belfast, Christchurch last week.

Police were called to the two-vehicle crash on Main North Road just after 1.30pm on Thursday 26 March.

Five people were transported to hospital by ambulance with injuries ranging from moderate to serious.

Sadly, one person died in hospital last night.

Another person remains in hospital in a stable condition, while the other three people were discharged at an earlier date.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 1 / Tīrau Road near the service station is blocked in both directions following a three-car crash.

Emergency services were called to the incident about 5.40pm.

Two people have sustained serious injuries and are being provided medical assistance by ambulance services.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

Motorists should plan extra time into their journey as diversions are in place while emergency services work at the scene.

Southbound traffic is being diverted at Victoria Road, Cambridge.

Northbound traffic is being diverted at Maungatautari Road, Horahora.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Superannuitants, working families, students and beneficiaries are among the New Zealanders who will receive additional support from 1 April, as conflict in the Middle East continues to impact Kiwi wallets, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“The global fuel-price surge is hitting hard at home, causing a cost-of-living headache for many New Zealanders. While the Government can’t afford to ease all the pain, we are determined to keep progressing sensible, measured changes that provide some relief. 

On 1 April this week, policy changes and annual adjustments will increase financial support for more than a million New Zealanders. 

• Around 960,000 Kiwis receiving NZ Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension will get increased payments. NZ Superannuation for a married couple who both qualify will lift more than $50 to $1,708 a fortnight, an increase of over $180 since the 2023 election.
• Around 280,000 low-to-middle-income families will receive an increase in the family tax credit. Eligible families with one child will receive an extra $400 a year, rising to $720 for families with two children and $1,050 with three.
• As announced last week, an increase to the in-work tax credit will result in 143,000 working families receiving a further $50 boost per week for up to a year, as part of the Government’s temporary, targeted support to help with fuel costs. A further 14,000 families will receive up to $50 per week.
• In addition, Budget 2025 changes to the Working for Families abatement threshold come into effect from 1 April, and will support around 142,000 families with a boost of $14 per fortnight on average.
• Around 52,000 students will receive additional assistance. A single person over 24 receiving the Student Allowance will gain an additional $22 a fortnight.
• Over 435,000 working age beneficiaries will get increased support. A single person over 25 years old on Jobseeker Support will receive an additional $22 a fortnight. A couple with children will receive an additional $40 a fortnight (on top of the family tax credit increase).

“These changes from 1 April build on existing cost-of-living support.

“Over 86,000 families have received the FamilyBoost childcare tax credit and FamilyBoost will continue to support eligible low-to-middle-income families with up to $120 per week towards their childcare costs.

“And tax relief delivered in July 2024 will continue to benefit around 1.9 million households by $60 a week on average.

“The Government is acutely conscious that the conflict in the Middle East is causing pain for Kiwis at the pump, and is leading to increased costs for businesses, goods and services across our economy.  We have been upfront in acknowledging that the fall-out from these global events is likely to drive New Zealand’s inflation rate higher and our growth rate lower than previously forecast.

“We know that responding with large, untargeted government spending programmes could make things worse for Kiwis by adding even more pressure to inflation and debt. We are making careful choices in order to protect New Zealand’s economic future. 

Nicola Willis says that April 1 also marks the start of changes to KiwiSaver to support Kiwis to save more for their first home and retirement.

“Default employee and employer contribution rates will increase from 3 per cent to 3.5 per cent. This means Kiwis who choose to contribute more will be matched by their employers and able to grow their savings further.

“We recognise that many Kiwis will not feel able to make that choice right now. We have safeguarded their flexibility by ensuring KiwiSavers will be able to opt back down to the current 3 per cent contribution rate, if they choose.

“These KiwiSaver changes are all about lifting savings and helping Kiwis become more financially secure in the longer run,” Nicola Willis says. 

“Every choice we make now carries longer-term consequences. The Government will continue to be disciplined with every decision we make.

“While we can’t control global oil prices or overseas conflicts, we can take steps to ease the pressure on working families with targeted, responsible support.

“Sticking to our careful economic plan is how we can best get New Zealand and New Zealanders through this latest global shock while protecting New Zealand’s future.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are disappointed with the behaviour of some casual spectators at Beach Hop in Whangamatā this weekend.

Police made a number of arrests and infringements were also issued.

Eastern Waikato Area Commander, Inspector Mike Henwood said tens of thousands of people flocked to Whangamatā this weekend for the annual Beach Hop event.

“This is an enjoyable event which is so important for the local economy, and it was run really well with participants and attendees having a great time and mostly behaving themselves.

“Unfortunately, some of the people attracted to the event caused some issues for Police later in the night,” Inspector Henwood says.

Police arrested 30 people in relation to fighting in a public place and disorderly behaviour, and issued approximately 40 liquor ban infringement notices.

“While the amount of people blatantly ignoring the longstanding liquor ban in the area is similar to recent years – the number of arrests is considerably higher.

“It is extremely disappointing that the behaviour of some people required us to make arrests, issue tickets, and deal with drink drivers – however it was anticipated, which is why there was an increased Police presence carrying out foot patrols and checkpoints in the area.

“We encourage those attending these types of events to have fun, but in a safe and lawful manner,” says Inspector Henwood.

Police breath tested over 3000 drivers on roads in the area during the weekend. 11 drivers presented with excess beath alcohol.

The public is encouraged to report any unlawful or antisocial behaviour to Police by calling 111 if it is happening now. Non-urgent reports can be made through 105, either online or over the phone.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances of the disorder incident in Mt Albert on Friday night.

Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill says the behaviour of some in attendance that night is clearly unacceptable.

“This behaviour won’t be tolerated in our community, and investigators are working diligently to identify those responsible and hold them to account for their actions.”

He says while Police understand the community frustration and concern, the incident as a whole does appear isolated.

“I want to reassure people that we are working as hard as we can to get to the bottom of what happened,” he says.

Police and partner agencies are supporting those that were injured in the incident. At least one of the young people seriously injured in Friday night’s events remains in hospital following surgery.

Detective Senior Sergeant Darvill is asking anyone who has information that could help Police, such as cellphone footage, who has not yet spoken to officers to come forward.

If you have any information you believe could be helpful, please contact Police on the 105 phone service or via 105 online, referencing file number 260328/8294.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or Crime Stoppers New Zealand

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Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a serious crash at an event in Waldronville, Dunedin, last night.

Police were notified of the two-vehicle crash, which occurred on private property, around 7.10pm.

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

The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination and WorkSafe was to be advised.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash and may have footage of the incident – you can contact Police through 105, either online or over the phone, and reference file number 260329/1456.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Regulation Minister David Seymour is urging businesses, fuel users, freight operators, and the wider public to report any regulatory barriers that might be hindering our response to global fuel uncertainty. 

Submissions should be made to the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline (the Tipline). Submissions can be made here.

“New Zealand’s fuel supply is stable. We’re focussed on keeping it that way. This Government has responded well to the potential of conflict in the Middle East leading to shortages,” Mr Seymour says. 

“We can’t control what happens in the Middle East. We can control how we get fuel flowing through New Zealand pumps. If red tape is getting in the way of that goal, we want to hear it.” 

Earlier this week the Government set out updates to the National Fuel Plan to make sure New Zealand is prepared if international disruption puts pressure on fuel supply. 

“The Government’s first responsibility is to keep the economy moving and ensure essential services, freight, and families aren’t disrupted any more than necessary,” Mr Seymour says. 

“While the Government’s response has been strong, we don’t want a repeat of the Covid-19 lockdowns, and we don’t want to miss something which could lead to negative effects down the line. That’s why we want to hear from people affected by edicts from Wellington; what regulatory barriers do you see getting in the way of fuel supply?

“This Government listens to the people in tough times. Taiwan took a similar approach during the COVID outbreak. Through public feedback they were able to develop tools that improved their response. 

“In a disruption every unnecessary delay matters. If there are regulations that make it harder to import, store, distribute, or use fuel efficiently, they need to be identified now. Not when the pressure is at its peak.

“Examples of things which people might submit to the Tipline are regulations that could be reviewed, suspended, simplified, or better coordinated to support New Zealand’s fuel resilience. This could include barriers affecting fuel transport, storage, distribution, local delivery, freight movements, business operations, or the ability of firms to adapt quickly to changing supply conditions. 

“Not all issues identified will fall within the scope of regulation. Where submissions are non-regulatory they will be referred to the appropriate authority or organisation best placed to address them.

“The Tipline has already fixed many things that matter to Kiwis. It’s fixed dumb rules to allow Kiwis to build sheds on their property, allow home based baking businesses to get on with business, and got rid of draconian rules preventing medical conferences taking place in New Zealand. 

“We are particularly interested in hearing from businesses on the front line. Fuel companies, freight operators, contractors, primary producers, retailers, and others whose day-to-day experience tells them where the bottlenecks are.”

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

30 seconds ago

Anna-Marie Robison (Ngāti Porou) is in the final year of her Bachelor of Business Studies after returning to study last year, having first completed a New Zealand Diploma in Business in 2014.

She has also just been awarded the Te Waiu o Aotearoa Trust Scholarship.

“It’s more than just the financial support,” she says of the scholarship. “Getting it represents self-belief. I’ve been through so much that I didn’t think I would get it, but it shows me the value of persistence and gives me confidence to keep moving forward.”

Anna-Marie first began studying at EIT in 2013, completing her diploma while her father, John, was also studying a farming course.

“He ended up passing away that year. After I completed the diploma in 2014, I needed to take some time away, so I stepped back from study.”

In the years that followed, she worked in a range of community roles before spending five years as the primary caregiver for her grandmother, Josephine, from 2018 to 2023.

After a conversation with her mother, Lizz, the 32-year-old decided she was ready to return to study.

Thanks to cross-credits from her earlier diploma, Anna-Marie was able to enter directly into the second year of the Bachelor of Business Studies, with graduation set for next year.

“I was kind of worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up because I know things would have changed between the last time I studied and this time. But I thought no, I’ll come back and I’ll finish what I started.”

The year has not been without its challenges, but Anna-Marie credits the support of her immediate whānau and EIT’s teaching staff with keeping her motivated.

“The tutors are committed to their students. They’re passionate about what they’re teaching, so it’s really enjoyable studying at EIT.”
Business runs in Anna-Marie’s family. Her mother completed her own Bachelor of Business Studies at EIT, and her youngest sister, Aria, is now in her first year of the same programme.

Her motivation to study business stems from being raised in a family dedicated to service; her grandparents Tom and Josephine are Pastors, and she has long understood the impact of helping others. This influence was further reinforced during COVID-19, when her grandfather and mother founded Gisborne’s only Men’s shelter.

“From a very young age, I’ve been surrounded by community support and helping people who are facing challenges or going through a hard time.”

After graduating, she hopes to continue this “family legacy”.

“I aspire to one day build my own business – one that makes a meaningful difference by supporting and uplifting others.”

EIT Senior Lecturer Russell Booth says Anna-Marie is one of those people who always offers encouragement and support in not only her words but definitely her actions.

“Her role in the community is one about making a difference through these actions, so for her to be recognised through this scholarship is incredible. It shows clearly that others have the belief and faith in her to make that difference.

“At EIT, we are very proud of Anna-Marie and her achievements not only with winning this scholarship but also how she conducts herself on a daily basis with whānau and in the community.”

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

2 days ago

EIT’s Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) programme has produced its first school principal, with graduate Grace Ropitini appointed to lead one of Hawke’s Bay’s oldest schools.

Grace (Ngāti Kahungunu, Palawa), who graduated from EIT in 2019, was appointed Acting Principal of Te Kura o Mangateretere at the beginning of the year.

“Being a principal, for me, is about service to our tamariki, our whānau, and our wider community. It’s about creating a kura where our kids feel seen, valued, and proud of who they are, every single day.

“Being the first principal to come through the EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) programme means a lot. It speaks to the strength of that pathway and what’s possible, and I’m proud to carry that with me and open the door a bit wider for those coming next.”

She began studying at EIT in 2017 while raising two children and balancing multiple jobs, graduating two years later before moving straight into a teaching role.

“EIT was really supportive, and for me, the real learning was being in schools. Being able to go into a range of schools two days a week and build relationships across the education community while studying was huge.”

Her passion for teaching began while at Camberley School, where she says the principal and teachers went well beyond their roles to invest in the children and families, even helping Grace secure a scholarship to Woodford House.

“They really invested in growing really cool humans. From there, I just became really passionate about learning. I love seeing the lights turn on in other people.”

After graduating, she spent five years in the classroom, where she developed a passion not only for teaching but for mentoring and leadership.

Keen to give back to the programme that shaped her, Grace encouraged her school to partner with EIT, mentoring student teachers and helping to create pathways into employment.

“I really loved the programme, so I pushed my school to become a partnership school. We ended up employing two of them, which was really cool. It felt like a full-circle moment.”

Alongside her teaching career she took on leadership development opportunities, including being mentored by former Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazelhurst through the Huia Kaimanawa Programme and joining Te Akatea, the Māori Principals Association.

Last year, she was awarded a year of study leave and returned to EIT to study the NZ Diploma in Te Reo Māori (Immersion) (Level 5).

She had not previously learned te reo Māori before enrolling in night classes through EIT, an experience that sparked a deeper commitment to reconnecting with her language.

“I had all the tools, but the inner stuff to activate it and be able to stand strong in who I am, my identity and my language – that came from Te Ūranga Waka.”

She is now working towards the Bachelor of Arts (Māori) at EIT.

Now 29, Grace has taken on the challenge of leading Mangateretere Kura, which currently has about 35 students and strong ties to the surrounding community.

Her connection to the kura runs generations deep.

“My grandmother went here, her name is on the honours board, and many of our whānau have come through this school. It sits in the centre of all four marae of this community, so it means a lot to be here.”

The school, established in 1903, has faced uncertainty about its future, but Grace says the response from students, whānau and the wider community has been overwhelmingly positive.

“From week one, we’ve seen such a shift. The kids are settled, they’re engaged, and the community is really getting behind the school.”

A key focus for her is strengthening those connections and ensuring students see themselves reflected in their learning environment.

“It’s about bringing in people from here, who know our kids and our community, and can pour into them.”

Grace credits both her teaching degree and her te reo Māori study at EIT with preparing her for the role.

“The teaching degree gave me the tools to go into the classroom. But the te reo Māori programme helped me step into who I am and gave me that inner confidence to lead.”

Programme Co-ordinator Kirsty Jones says the EIT team is immensely proud to celebrate Grace’s appointment as the first BTP (Primary) graduate to become a school principal.

“Grace’s journey is a testament to her incredible resilience, having successfully navigated the rigours of academic study while raising a young family and balancing multiple commitments. She is a wahine toa who stands as a powerful role model, proving that with dedication, the path from student to educational leader is achievable.”

Kirsty says EIT is privileged to have provided a unique study pathway where the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and Bachelor of Arts (Māori) degrees complemented one another, offering Grace a robust double foundation.

“This education allowed her to develop essential pedagogical skills while also deepening her cultural identity. By applying these skills directly within her local community, Grace has grown into an exemplary leader who now performs with excellence alongside her fellow Hawke’s Bay principals, ensuring a bright future for the next generation of tamariki.”

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

2 days ago

A Wairoa teenager who completed two carpentry courses at EIT has landed his first job in the trade just months after finishing his studies.

Toby Colquhoun (Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Kahungunu) completed the NZ Certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trades Skills at Level 2 and Level 3 in Wairoa last year.

He says the programme gave him the foundation he needed to step into the industry.

“I wanted to get into carpentry, so it was good to have some courses under my belt to go forward in my career.”

He is now working for PGC Constructors and is currently completing a job on a subdivision.

Toby finished high school at Wairoa College in 2024, before starting study at EIT last year. He was drawn to EIT’s Wairoa-based programme because it meant he could study close to home.

“It was good to just travel 10 minutes to where my course was.”

Now 19, Toby says one of the highlights of the course was the hands-on learning environment.

“It was quite hands-on and fun. We got to use a range of tools like nail guns, drills and saws, which is helping me in my job now.”

He said having access to experienced tutors was key to building his confidence with more advanced equipment.

“Some of the tools you need proper guidance for, so having a good tutor made a big difference.”

Now just a month into his role, Toby says he is enjoying the work and gaining valuable on-site experience.

Looking ahead, he hopes to complete a carpentry apprenticeship and eventually start his own business.

“I really want to finish a carpentry apprenticeship and start my own business in carpentry, or maybe concrete.”

For others considering a similar path, Toby’s advice is straightforward.

“If you have no experience and you want to get into carpentry or a trade, I think it would be a good thing to take a fresh step into one of EIT’s courses.”

Todd Rogers, Head of School Trades and Technology, says it is great to see their graduates pathway into employment.

“The carpentry programmes delivered in Wairoa are an excellent connection point for EIT and our regional communities.”