Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Alistair Hill, Hamilton City CIB: 

Hamilton Police are appealing for information following a road-rage assault that has left a person in serious condition, today.

Police were called around 9am with a report that a person had been assaulted at the intersection of Massey Street and Korimako Street, before the offenders had fled in a vehicle.

The victim was transported to hospital, by ambulance, in a serious condition.

Initial enquiries suggest that this assault appears to be a road-rage incident, that is believed to have started on Higgins Road and made its way to the intersection where the assault occurred.

Police know there were at least two offenders but are yet to identify them or their vehicle and are now asking the public for their help.

If you witnessed the road-rage incident or assault, have any information about the incident, or travelled through the area and have dashcam footage, please get in touch.

You can provide information by heading online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or by calling 105.

Please reference file number 260227/4370.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council’s plan for the year ahead is out for consultation now – and Aucklanders are encouraged to check it out.

Every year the council consults with the community on its annual plan and, until 29 March 2026, Aucklanders are encouraged to give their feedback.

Mayor Wayne Brown says the 2026-2027 budget is about continuing to do things better, faster, cheaper to minimise the impact on ratepayers and continue boosting performance across the council.

“My expectation is simple: deliver smarter services, maintain what we have, and get more from every asset. A major focus for the coming year is transport reform. There will be a new public transport service provider, with all other transport functions brought into the council so decisions are simpler, faster, making us more accountable,” says Mayor Brown.

“We are also progressing with other CCO reform, including a more commercial approach to urban regeneration, better property management, and stronger economic development.

“We said we would fix Auckland by being disciplined with money, finishing what we started, and getting better value from every dollar. My expectation is that we keep working on doing everything to bring our costs down to avoid further burden on ratepayers, while providing appropriate and accessible support for those experiencing financial hardship.”

Prioritising infrastructure and communities
The Annual Plan 2026/2027 continues the council’s focus on strengthening Auckland’s physical and financial resilience – prioritising transport, water and enabling local boards to respond to their communities’ needs.

2026/2027 will see the council invest $3.9 billion into new capital infrastructure projects across Auckland – helping deliver a region with the physical assets it needs to thrive and grow. The council will also invest $5.3 billion into continuing essential services Aucklanders rely on such as pools, libraries, animal management, public transport and waste collection.

Through the consultation, the council also wants to understand Aucklanders’ priorities for the region’s long-term future – to inform our upcoming work on plans such as regional transport plans, water service strategies, Auckland’s spatial plan and our Long-term Plan 2027-2037.

City Rail Link launch
The City Rail Link (CRL) launch is a major highlight for the year ahead, as a service expected to transform Aucklanders’ ability to move around the region by delivering more trains and quicker, easier journeys. It will also bring economic and environmental benefits.

The council is planning an overall rates increase of 7.9 per cent (for the average value residential property) for 2026/2027, as previously agreed in the Long-term Plan 2024-2034.

As a key investment for Auckland in 2026, the CRL is the main driver for the rates increase, as the council manages additional CRL costs (ownership and operational costs) in its budget. From 2027/2028, the average rates increase is forecast to be no more than 3.5 per cent for the rest of the Long-term Plan 2024-2034.

The CRL will deliver more frequent trains across the network, new routes across town on a single train and more direct journeys into the city centre. Aucklanders living further from rail lines will have improved service connections between trains and buses. It will be transformational for the Auckland region, and as a key part of the integrated transport system, it will deliver benefits to the whole region, whether or not people have a local train station. It will also remove parking and travel stress for those attending events and shows in the city.

Continued focus on savings
Savings and increased efficiency across the council have helped reduce what could have been an even higher rates rise. This includes a savings target of $106 million for the 2026/2027 year – an additional $20 million on the existing target. The $106 million equates to 3.5 per cent of rates.

For the average household, annual rates are proposed to increase by around $320 next year – from $4055 in 2025/2026 to $4375 in 2026/2027. This is a total weekly rates cost of around $84, or $6.16 more a week (based on an average $1.28m capital value residential property).

Ratepayers can find out estimated rates for their property in 2026/2027, see the online rates guide.

Regional and local planning

Auckland Council group chief financial officer Ross Tucker says the annual plan outlines priorities both at a regional level and locally through all 21 local boards – enabling Aucklanders to see exactly what is planned in their area, for the year ahead.

“Our annual plan captures the big region-wide projects being delivered in the next year, such as the CRL, the Central Interceptor, and continuing urban regeneration in locations across Auckland,” says Mr Tucker.

“It also includes the plans for each local board, setting out the key activities and services planned for their local area. These might include improvements within libraries; developing local sports parks or initiatives to protect their local environment.”

Local boards are responsible for the local services that strengthen Auckland’s communities, including parks, environmental initiatives, libraries, pools, recreation centres, community halls, programmes and local events, as well as support for local community groups.

Targeted rates
Individual properties may also see some changes to targeted rates this year. These include the future of the Waitākere Rural Sewerage Scheme; a proposed new local services targeted rate for Mangere-Otahuhu and the Ōtara-Papatoetoe local boards; and two business improvement district (BID) changes.

Among proposed fee updates is the residential parking permit operated by Auckland Transport. The residential permit fee has not been amended since 2013 and is no longer recovering the full cost of administering the permit system. The annual $70 fee is proposed to increase to $114 per year, to better recover the cost of administering and managing this process.

The Governing Body and local boards will consider public feedback before councillors agree the final plan that will be underway from 1 July.

We want to know what Aucklanders think about the plan – visit akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan now. Consultation closes 29 March 2026.

 

Get involved during March

Webinar – Learn more about the 2026/2027 plan:
Want to learn more about the proposals in the Annual Plan 2026/2027? Join an online information session where you will be able to learn more about the consultation topics and will have the opportunity to ask questions of subject matter experts.

Date: Thursday 5 March, 6.30pm
Register now or head to akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan

Events
There are a range of events happening across the region where you can talk to some of the Auckland Council team in person. Head to akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan to find an event that works for you.

 

Supporting information 

Annual Plan 2026/2027: key things to know
The Annual Plan sets out Auckland Council’s services, activities and investments for the year ahead and how it intends to pay for and deliver them. That includes rates and any changes ratepayers can expect.

City Rail Link launch
The City Rail Link (CRL) builds on transport investments made by the council and government across the region to ensure we have the roads, railways and public transport services Auckland needs for the future. The CRL will double the number of people who’ll experience a 30 minute or less commute time by public transport, into the city.  

 City Rail Link: Auckland’s new network in 2026

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CRL to help improve transport region-wide
The CRL means there will be more frequent trains across the rail network, giving more choice of ways to travel locally. There will be new routes across town on a single train, making it possible to go between West Auckland and Sylvia Park, or Manukau without changing trains.

For example, post-CRL those travelling from Henderson peak morning to midtown Auckland will save 24 minutes in travel time. CRL will also provide the ability to travel directly to the south.

For many people living away from rail lines, there will be improved connections between trains and buses on the network. Alongside CRL, we have been rolling out improvements to services like more frequent bus services, new electric buses and new ferries.

Those living on the North Shore will be able to make an easy change – hopping off a Northern Busway bus at upgraded stops on Wellesley Street and heading underground to the train at Te Waihorotiu Station, with connections across the region. In the Eastern suburbs, buses on the Eastern Busway will link to Panmure station, with an easy train trip into the city centre, and onwards on the same train to west Auckland.

Rates will change
Not everyone will pay exactly 7.9 per cent more (that is for the average residential property valued $1.28 million). To find out estimated rates for a property during 2026/2027, see the online rates guide.

Rates vary based on the capital value of each property, its classification (residential, business farm or short-term accommodation) and location (urban or rural). Individual properties might also be subject to specific targeted rates that are different to those paid by a typical residential property.

Local board plans
All of Auckland’s 21 local boards share their plans for 2026/2027 – setting out priorities for their local community and where funds will be invested. Each plan is included for feedback in the Annual Plan consultation.

Water
Fundamental infrastructure investment continues across the region – the Central Interceptor that will reduce wastewater overflows into Central Auckland continues toward having its second half into service.

A $500 million water and wastewater renewals programme to replace ageing pipes and treatment plant infrastructure across Auckland continues. 2026/2027 also sees continued work on Wellsford’s wastewater treatment plant upgrade and Snells Beach/ Warkworth’s $450 million wastewater programme that will transform wastewater services in those areas.

Urban development
The programme will maintain momentum on current urban development programmes, including Drury, while reassessing priority locations such as Northcote, Henderson, Avondale, and Manukau.

City centre regeneration programmes will continue to progress, including completion of public spaces around CRL stations and further development of High Streets and Te Toangaroa. 

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council’s six-month results show sustained progress with infrastructure investment, transport improvements and enhanced community services.

Released today, the Interim Report (covering the six months to 31 December 2025) highlighted the council’s consistent progress on its Long-term Plan 2024-2034 and the year two priorities (2025/2026).  

Mayor Wayne Brown said the long-term plan is more than just a budget; it is a contract with the community.

“This Interim Report shows that we are keeping our side of the agreement, and the plan is working. We are operating in a challenging economic environment. While inflation has stabilised and interest rates have been falling faster than we initially forecast, we aren’t out of the woods yet,” said Mayor Brown.

“Costs for core services remain high. This is why our focus remains on the ‘nuts and bolts’ of running a great city – delivering smarter services and more value.

“The focus on delivering for Aucklanders continues. We’ve invested heavily into the hard infrastructure that keeps Auckland moving and functioning – our roads, pipes and transport networks. This reflects our commitment to fixing Auckland’s infrastructure ‘pinch points’ and building a region that is truly resilient to climate events and is prepared for population growth.”

Priorities are the focus

In the six months to December 2025, the council prioritised transport, water and enabling local boards to respond to community needs.

$1.8 billion capital investment was undertaken over those six months – $654 million into transport, $564 million into three waters assets, $480 into regional council services and $69 million into other assets. This builds on the $3.9 million invested into capital projects in the last full financial year (2024/2025).

Chief executive Phil Wilson said he’s proud of the council group’s delivery, which is investing to support increased demand on infrastructure and services, building resilience against severe weather, and delivering activities and services for communities.

“A current priority is the City Rail Link (CRL), which will transform Auckland’s public transport, significantly cut travel times and improve connections across the region. We look forward to the economic and environmental benefits it will bring Auckland,” said Mr Wilson.

“We’re focused on getting the whole transport network humming and we’re seeing real momentum – from the new Maioro Street dynamic bus lane to the flyover linking Pakuranga Road to Pakuranga Highway, and the reopening of Scenic Drive in Titirangi after storm damage. These improvements make a difference in people’s everyday lives.”

Community investment

Improving the places where communities connect has also been a key focus. 

“That’s everything from renewing local playgrounds and sport courts, to repairing the Glen Innes library roof and installing solar panels at the leisure centre in Papatoetoe, which supports our shift toward more climate‑friendly infrastructure.”

Future-proofing water networks has made great progress, with Wellsford’s Wastewater Treatment Plant’s expansion a real highlight and outfall tunnelling at Clarks Beach now complete too – a key part of infrastructure to support growth in south-west Auckland. 

A number of flood resilience initiatives are progressing well such as the Te Ararata Creek project, which will strengthen the stormwater network to better handle future storms.

Property buy-outs for the most at-risk homes are on track to be mostly complete by June 2026, with grants for properties where risk can be reduced through on-site improvements expected to be completed by December 2026.

Finances on track

Financially, revenue and capital investment are on track and debt levels remain well managed and within financial guidelines. Watercare’s financial independence enables greater investment in the infrastructure that a growing Auckland region needs.

During the period, the Auckland Future Fund Board appointed Vontobel as its global investment manager to oversee $1.3 billion of funds on Auckland Council’s behalf. Investment activity has now begun and implementation is progressing as planned. 

Read the full Auckland Council Interim Report on the main Auckland Council website.

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is delivering its strongest rehabilitation performance in over a decade and getting New Zealanders back to work and independence faster, Minister for ACC Scott Simpson says.

“For too long, New Zealanders have been languishing on ACC and not getting the support they need. That is teachers, nurses and farmers that are stuck on the scheme and not able to get back to doing what they love.”

That is why ACC were asked to improve their performance in a recent Letter of Expectations, and put rehabilitation back at the heart of what they do. 

In response, the board produced a Turnaround Plan to return the organisation to its best ever performance. 

“I was pleased to see the Turnaround Plan built around the priorities set out in the Letter of Expectations: putting clients first with care that supports lasting recovery, helping New Zealanders return to work and independence, and resetting ACC by getting the organisation back to basics.” 

Today, the first signs of progress were published in ACC’s first public-facing monthly turnaround report. The report shows the growth rate of the Long-Term Claims Pool has reduced to 1.8 percent – the first time since 2014 it has been less than 2%.

“When National left office in 2017, growth in the long-term claims pool was 3 percent and trending downward. Under Labour, this increased to more than 14 percent, equating to almost 200 additional people each month spending over a year on the scheme.

“That level of growth was unacceptable, which is why we have taken action to improve performance and support better outcomes for claimants.”

The January Turnaround Plan report also shows return-to-work rates lifted across all timeframes, with more clients regaining independence sooner.

“Faster rehabilitation means injured people are returning to work faster, supporting their families and being active in their communities,” Mr Simpson says.

The first report shows a huge performance improvement for ACC, but more importantly, better results for injured New Zealanders.   

“There’s plenty more work ahead. But today’s results are a strong indication New Zealanders will get the support they’d expect from ACC when they need it most.

“It’s just one way this Government is fixing the basics and building the future.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

KiwiRail continues to lift its performance in line with our long-term performance expectations, Rail Minister Winston Peters said today.

“We make no apologies for bothering to fix New Zealand’s rail system after decades of mismanagement and malaise, and we are seeing the benefit of the taxpayer’s investment,” Mr Peters says.

“The half-year result of a $73.4 million operating surplus and a 7 percent lift in volumes is evidence that our no-nonsense commercial discipline is paying off, and is a credit to the hardworking ops, track gangs, crews and wider team at KiwiRail.

“Schedule reliability drives customers and volumes and the steady improvement in reliability is thanks to the firm focus on this metric by every worker combined with vastly better locomotives, shunts, wagons and carriages funded when we were last responsible for rail.

“New Zealand’s freight rolling stock will shortly be the youngest in the world – brand new wagons have rolled off the assembly line in the rebuilt Dunedin Hillside Workshops, yard operations have benefited from new shunts, and soon the old South Island locomotive fleet will be entirely replaced by state-of-the-art Stadler locomotives.

“The network is also improving because we changed the law in 2020 to fund rail like we fund roads, but with an emphasis on maintaining infrastructure better and replacing old assets. The two major storms in the last month saw just one washout, whereas a decade ago it was normal to have days of shutdowns to fix slips, washouts and clear floodwaters.

“The Infrastructure Commission recommended last week that 60 cents of every infrastructure dollar go to maintenance and renewals, but we already do that in rail and the ten-year forecasts show this will rise to 75 cents.

“Interislander has also performed well, with 100 percent reliability over the busiest Christmas and New Year period while moving more than 52,000 passengers and 14,000 vehicles to cap off the half-year.

“Freight is a tough business, but with a firm focus on reliability, cost control, a strategy set years ago with a healthy dose of experience and commonsense, the hard work does pay off.

“We extend our thanks to Chair Suzanne Tindal and her entire team,” Mr Peters says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Applications have opened for the first round of the Government’s Flexible Fund, paving the way for up to 770 new social homes and affordable rentals for New Zealanders in high housing need, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.

“Our Government believes in social housing. For families and individuals who are struggling to find a stable, secure place to live, we’re focused on turning housing need into real homes,” Mr Bishop says.

“Last year we established the Flexible Fund to replace the confusing patchwork of social and affordable housing programmes with a single, contestable fund focused on delivering the right homes, in the right places for the people who need them most. 

“The new system uses detailed data and local insights to identify where housing need is highest and which types of homes are required. This allows providers to bring forward solutions that best meet local demand. Instead of forcing good ideas into rigid categories, we can support interventions that target need and offer strong value for money.

“Opening the Flexible Fund for applications today marks the next phase of our targeted investment in social housing and affordable rentals.

“Affordable rentals allow people to pay less than the market rent in a region. They are a missing link in the social housing system. There should be an intermediate option between traditional social housing, where people usually pay 25 per cent of their income, and market rentals.

“That targeted investment is underpinned by our Housing Investment Plan, released last year, which provides a clear blueprint for where funding will go and how it will achieve the greatest impact. The Flexible Fund is a key part of making sure that happens.

“The focus is on value for money, strong housing delivery partners, and ensuring public investment provides homes for as many people as possible.

“The Flexible Fund will support delivery in priority locations including the Far North, South Auckland, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne–Tairāwhiti, Hastings, and key main centres such as Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch.

“The Flexible Fund is part of a wider push to boost social housing and get better results from every dollar spent. Through Budgets 2024 and 2025 we are already delivering more than 2,000 additional homes, including more one-bedroom and accessible homes where they are needed most. We have sharply reduced the number of families stuck in emergency housing motels, and Kāinga Ora is focused on renewing and maintaining its existing stock as part of its turnaround plan.

“At the same time, we are fixing the wider housing system through our Going for Housing Growth reforms so the market can build more homes overall. The Flexible Fund ensures that alongside those system changes, we are continuing to invest in targeted support for New Zealanders who need it most.”

“The Flexible Fund will support social housing and affordable rentals delivered by community housing providers, iwi Māori providers and other capable organisations. Applicants will need to demonstrate delivery capability, financial strength, alignment with local housing need, and value for money,” says Mr Potaka. 

“This is about disciplined investment. We want warm, dry, safe homes that meet local need and can be delivered on time and within budget. 

“For many whānau, housing security is the foundation for better health, education and employment outcomes. Iwi providers are often best placed to respond to that need because they understand their communities and the pressures they face. The Flexible Fund gives them a clear pathway to partner with the Government to deliver warm, safe homes that support long-term stability for whānau.

“Stage one applications open today and close on 24 April 2026.”

Note to editor:

Further details are available on the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development website www.hud.govt.nz and on Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS).

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Kāpiti Mana Area Commander, Inspector Renée Perkins: 

Police investigating an assault in Cannons Creek last week, have arrested and charged a man.

On Friday 20 February, Police were called to Dido Place after reports of a firearm being discharged. One person was transported to hospital with moderate injuries.

Following enquiries, Police arrested a 22-year-old man yesterday in relation to the incident.

The man is due to appear in Porirua District Court today, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm with a firearm, and unlawfully possessing a firearm.

Police would like to reassure the public that they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Willis Street, Wellington, is blocked around the Lambton Quay and Mercer Street areas following a crash this morning.

Police were notified of the crash, involving a bus and a pedestrian, around 10am.

Initial indicators are that the pedestrian has moderate injuries.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible, and expect delays.

ENDS

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  27 February 2026

The track, a historic route linking Wānaka and Arrowtown and crossing private land, is part of the Te Araroa Trail and is popular with hikers and trail runners.

DOC Operations Manager Charlie Sklenar says a recent routine assessment of the 400 m slip, between Highland Creek Hut and Roses Hut, found it was at risk of becoming larger during storm events.

We’ve been monitoring the slow-moving slip for a number of years. Safety is our highest priority, so when a recent reassessment found it was at risk of further movement, potentially damaging the track, we made the call to close this section and reroute it to a safer location, Charlie says.

DOC staff had been working with the landowner to identify a new path, and a team of rangers was deployed to the remote spot to complete the work last week.

The track was rerouted 350 m, across 180 m of elevation. Marker posts have been moved to the new section, vegetation planted across old entrance points, and directional signs at each end of the re-route are in place to ensure users can easily follow the new route.

“Judging by the amount of foot traffic while staff were undertaking the work, it won’t be long before this new section is well and truly worn in,” says Charlie.

“It’s great to have the new route in place for people out naturing in this iconic Central Otago spot.”

Contact

Source: Auckland Council