Source: New Zealand Police
Arapaepae Road / State Highway 57 in Levin is blocked following a two-vehicle crash.
The crash was reported to emergency services around 2.30am.
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.
The road is expected to be closed until at least 9am, and motorists are advised to allocate extra time for diversions if travelling the route this morning.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
50 seconds ago
Jordon Lima (Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāpuhi) took to the stage twice at EIT Tairāwhiti’s graduation ceremony on Friday – first to address the graduates as guest speaker, then to join her fellow graduates to receive her New Zealand Diploma in Te Reo Māori.
The 28-year-old completed the Level 5 Rumaki (full-immersion) Diploma at EIT while simultaneously finishing a PhD in Biomedical Sciences through Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka (the University of Otago).
Jordon said being asked to speak at the ceremony came as a surprise but was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on her journey.
EIT graduate and guest speaker Jordon Lima with her grandparents Tangi and Pete Kelleher.
In her address, she encouraged graduates to pursue further study no matter what stage of life, drawing on the statistic that the average age for Māori students completing a doctorate is 48.
“At the time I heard that, when I was starting my doctorate, I was not even half of that age! Studying for me was about curiosity and pursuing a passion – something anyone can do at any age.”
Jordon graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with Honours at the University of Otago in 2020. Last month, she defended her PhD in Biochemistry and Māori Studies at the Mātai Medical Research Institute in Gisborne.
Her doctoral research examined how circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) – cancer-specific DNA detectable in the blood – could improve cancer screening and outcomes for Tairāwhiti communities.
Using a Kaupapa Māori approach to Biomedical Sciences, the project required close partnership with the communities her research was designed to benefit.
Her research is deeply personal, having lost several whānau members to cancer over the years, including her Aunty Hariata Green, who passed away in 2022 and before then, her Nanny Pōrua and Papa Joseph Green, who were all reo Māori teachers in Gisborne.
Jordon Lima addressed the crowd at EIT Tairāwhiti’s graduation ceremony on Friday.
“Aunty had been complaining of pain for ages before she was even diagnosed, and when she was, it was stage four. That was my turning point to design technologies that are actually going to be used by our people. I wanted to focus on empowerment in healthcare and do something with te reo to whakamana the people that we lost.”
Born in Tairāwhiti and raised in Christchurch, Jordon returned to her birthplace during the latter stages of her PhD to deepen her understanding of the tikanga, reo and kawa of the region.
“It felt wrong to write about it from anywhere else but here.”
Having not grown up with te reo Māori, Jordon turned to Te Whatukura at EIT, where she said the kōkā Barbie and kōkā Ange’s knowledge of her whakapapa made it feel like a place she belonged.
“As soon as I moved home and started learning our histories and mātauranga, I actually felt safe. They knew a lot about my whakapapa that I wanted to know. It was a beautiful space to be in.”
Jordon said studying at EIT alongside her PhD was one of the most rewarding parts of her academic journey. She described the rumaki environment as transformative – learning through stories, waiata and games in a way that reminded her of what it would have been like if she had gone to kōhanga reo.
She submitted her thesis midway through last year, returning for the second half of the programme able to fully immerse herself in her reo studies.
“It was hectic. I would start early in the morning, do work on my PhD, go to class from nine until three, and then stay on campus writing my thesis until I was basically kicked out when the building closed.”
Jordon said the kōkā at Te Whatukura were instrumental in her journey, not only as teachers but as connectors to her whakapapa. Kōkā Barbie, who is connected to Jordon’s whakapapa, gifted her a whakapapa booklet that contributed to an entire rewrite of her doctoral thesis.
The rumaki environment also helped her build confidence in te reo Māori, which she had never had before.
“It was super fulfilling to learn about the tikanga, reo and kawa of Tairāwhiti. When I first moved home, I didn’t understand anything that was being said on the paepae, but towards the end of my reo classes, I realised that I’ve actually learned heaps of reo just from being spoken to all day.”
She said that confidence is now central to her work. “It’s still quite rare to see scientists who can also kōrero Māori. Being able to go into the community and talk about science in reo is something I’m really excited about.”
Since completing her PhD, Jordon has been awarded the 2025 Otago Health Sciences Māori Postdoctoral Fellowship, through which she is establishing a molecular biology laboratory in Tairāwhiti capable of conducting blood-based cancer detection tests.
Jordon will formally graduate with her PhD in May this year. And she hasn’t ruled out one day completing the Bachelor of Arts (Māori) at EIT.
“I don’t know where I would find the time right now. But I’d love to do that one day.”
Tairāwhiti Campus Executive Director Tracey Tangihaere said: “I suggested Jordon as guest speaker due to her academic achievement, but also her desire to succeed in Māori health outcomes while being culturally grounded”.
“Having the life experience and stronger cultural skills, such as te reo, helps in communities like ours. Jordon has significant drive and passion. She’s a wonderful role model for us all.”
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
2 days ago
Taste of Cultures Day brought students and staff together at the EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus this week, as food and performances highlighted the diversity of the community.
Ten cuisines were on offer, from French and Nepalese to Māori, Pacifica and Sri Lankan.
Students, staff and whānau attended a Taste of Cultures Day at EIT’s Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale on Wednesday.
Flags from around the world lined the campus, while cultural performances added to the atmosphere.
International Student Support Officer Song Sim said the event was a valuable way to bring people together.
“It is a really good opportunity to learn about the diversity of many cultures on campus. The best way of doing this is through food and performances.”
EIT Student Support Services Manager Sonya Aifai said the event also fostered a strong sense of connection.
“The Taste of Cultures Day is an event that brings everyone together on the Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale in a fun way to experience the different cultures that make up EIT,” she said.
Joy Capila with Jeremy Nacar and Anne Margarette Zausa Nacar.
“It has an amazing atmosphere, sharing food, dance and collegiality.”
Among those taking part was Master of Nursing Science student Anne Margarette Zausa Nacar, who moved to New Zealand from the Philippines in July last year with her husband Jeremy.
Anne said it was her first time participating in the event and described the experience as rewarding.
“It’s a good opportunity and experience. I’m really happy that we get to share our delicacies with different cultures. It’s lovely seeing people enjoying the food.”
Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine student Khageswori Budapal also took part for the first time, serving momos inspired by her Nepalese background.
Te Ūranga Waka performed kapa haka at EIT’s Taste of Cultures Day.
Having started at EIT in 2023, Khageswori said she wanted to make the most of her final year.
“This is my last year, and I want to participate in every event so I can make memories.”
Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died after a single-vehicle crash on Galatea Road, Waiohau.
Police were called to the scene about 5.15pm, and the sole occupant was found deceased.
The road is closed while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene.
Diversions are in place, and motorists should avoid the area.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
Fishery officers throughout New Zealand did almost 13,000 recreational catch inspections over summer and found most people followed the rules, with compliance at about 94% across the country.
In the Auckland region, fishery officers did 5,806 inspections between December and the end of February, finding 361 instances of non-compliance with the rules. Many fishers received warnings and more than 85 infringements were issued. Fishery officers are still making enquiries into more than 25 cases.
Fisheries New Zealand director of fisheries compliance, Steve Ham says most problems people ran into with the rules – such as undersize or excess fish – when minor breaches were found, education was provided.
“In saying that we will prosecute when required. For example, we recently prosecuted an Auckland man for selling recreational fish. This man was banned by the court from all fishing for 3 years.”
Mr Ham says set nets remain a focus for fishery officers.
“We are confiscating illegal set nets regularly. Recently we found 3 set nets tied together, covering 160 metres in length.
“Some fishers are just blatantly breaking the rules and while most people will face a $250 fine, in more serious situations, the courts can issue more severe fines.”
Fishery officers also find nets without markings or buoys displaying contact details, which are also a hazard to other water users.
Some of the seizures by fishery officers included finding a car battery being used as an anchor for a set net, which is environmentally irresponsible, a decoy duck used to hide a set net, and staked set nets leaving fish dead and out of the water.
In the Wellington region, 2,435 recreational inspections were done, with 192 instances of non-compliance. Most problems occurred with people taking too much or undersize pāua and crayfish. While a number of cases are still under enquiry, fishery officers also issued about 100 infringement notices.
“While compliance was generally good, our fishery officers are still catching people breaking particularly the pāua rules. While our officers do a lot of education work with people on the rules, in some cases, where people are deliberately taking too much pāua, they can expect a fine. Or, if it’s more serious, such as selling it, we will put the matter before the court,” Mr Ham says.
In the South Island, fishery officers did 4,488 recreational inspections during summer, recording 261 instances of non-compliance. Many of these resulted in warnings, and 93 infringements were issued. Fishery officers are still making enquiries into about 25 cases.
“Fishery officers worked extremely hard throughout summer and while they provided education to a lot of people on rules, they still found too many people with too much pāua, crayfish, and undersize blue cod or blue cod being landed in an illegal state,” Mr Ham says.
“Blue cod should always be landed whole or gutted, or in some areas headed and gutted, and it should never be used as bait, which we have found is still the case in both Southland and Otago from time to time. This behaviour threatens the sustainability of the blue cod fisheries.
“There is plenty of information available so that everyone can easily familiarise themselves with the rules.
“One of the best things you can do before going fishing is to download the free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app because it will provide you with the latest rules for the area you intend to fish – including closures and gear restrictions. This should be as essential to your fishing kit as your physical gear,” Mr Ham says.
Everything recreational fishers need to know about set netting regulations can be found here:
Set Net – Code of Practice [PDF, 22 MB]
We encourage people to report any suspected illegal activity through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ 0800 4 POACHER line (0800 476 224).
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
New Zealand Food Safety is sharing some simple guidance to prevent people getting a rare but life-threatening foodborne illness.
“Although listeriosis is rare in New Zealand, vulnerable people die of this preventable disease every year, so we want to share some practical steps people can take at home to avoid getting sick,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.
Listeriosis is caused by eating or drinking food that has high levels of Listeria, a bacterium that is widespread in the environment. Listeria is invisible, has no odour and, unlike most bacteria, can continue to grow when food is refrigerated.
“The most recent Annual report concerning Foodborne Diseases in New Zealand shows that there was a single death from listeria in 2024, down from 6 in 2022 and 7 in 2023.
Annual report concerning Foodborne Diseases in New Zealand [PDF, 2.6 MB]
“But even one death is one too many, so that’s why we are continuing our efforts to get those most at risk – pregnant women and older people – to better understand the dangers of listeriosis and what to do to decrease them.”
Infections in healthy adults are unlikely to be severe, but listeriosis during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, premature labour, stillbirth, or disease in the newborn baby.
As you age – and particularly over 65 – your immune system gets weaker. This means foods you safely ate in the past may no longer be safe for you to eat.
“Some people may not be aware of this. So, we’re highlighting higher-risk foods while sharing some food-safety advice on how to make them safe to eat,” says Mr Arbuckle.
Higher-risk foods include:
For a fuller list see our webpage:
Listeria infection: symptoms and advice
To lower the risk of getting listeriosis, you can:
“New Zealand Food Safety requires food businesses to manage Listeria in the processing environment and to have strict measures in place to eliminate its presence in products,” says Mr Arbuckle.
“If something goes wrong, we support food businesses with their consumer-level food recalls. In 2024, there were 4 consumer recalls due to the possible presence of Listeria.
“But there’s also something you can do to protect yourself and others. If you make or buy food for vulnerable people, or are vulnerable yourself, please sign up to our food recall alerts.
“Also look out for our current awareness campaign so you can share it with people who may not know the life-threatening risks. Let’s work together to not lose another person to listeriosis.”
Food safety advice for over-65s
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
A Christchurch-licenced fish receiver and fish processing factory has been fined $30,000 for biosecurity breaches of a shellfish contained zone.
Ikana New Zealand Limited was sentenced on 9 charges under the Biosecurity Act it pleaded guilty to in the Christchurch District Court, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (13 March 2026). The company exports live seafood products, including green lipped mussels.
“Ikana New Zealand Limited arranged the movement of live green lipped mussels from the Upper South Contained Zone, which regulations prohibit them from doing. This was because Ikana did not have a permit to receive this seafood for processing and the company supplying the shellfish also did not have a permit to supply it,” says MPI director of investigations and compliance support, Gary Orr.
“Our investigation found Ikana received 27 consignments of more than 239,000 kg of live green lipped mussels illegally. Ikana’s action was in breach of the Bonamia Ostreae Controlled Area Notice – implemented to prevent the spread of the unwanted organism Bonamia Ostreae,” Mr Orr says.
This controlled area notice has been in place across areas of the South Island since 2015 to prevent the spread of the disease that has seriously affected the flat oyster fishery.
“These green lipped mussel shellfish were for export, and the unlawful movement of this shellfish had potential to cause serious reputational harm to the New Zealand shellfish industry,” says Mr Orr.
In October 2024, a biosecurity inspector discovered the green lipped mussels were being moved illegally by both seafood producers and processors as they did not hold permits.
The aquaculture companies that supplied the shellfish to the Christchurch company are also facing charges under the Biosecurity Act and are still before the court, along with several other associated companies.
“The vast majority of people who work in the commercial fishing industry are responsible and do the right thing by following all rules and regulations. Ikana’s action was negligent and the unlawful shellfish had the potential to cause serious harm to the reputation of our country’s multi-million-dollar export and domestic shellfish industry. When we find evidence of offending – we take action,” Mr Orr says.
We encourage people to report any suspected illegal activity through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ 0800 4 POACHER line (0800 476 224).
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Goodfood Group Limited in its recall of a specific batch of Emborg Emmentaler cheese (200g) due to the possible presence of Listeria.
“The concern with this product is that it may contain Listeria, a foodborne bacterium that could make you sick,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.
“These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw it out.”
Emborg Emmentaler 200g with a best before 05.11.26 is affected by this recall.
The affected product was imported from Germany and sold at supermarkets nationwide.
Visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page for up-to-date information and photographs of the affected product.
“Listeriosis infection can be serious among vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems,” says Mr Arbuckle.
“Listeria differs to other harmful bacteria in that it can grow at refrigerator temperatures, so you have to be very careful about the foods you eat, or provide to others, if you or they are in a vulnerable group.
“It is particularly dangerous during pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage, premature labour or stillbirth, and infection in the new-born baby.”
Listeriosis infection in healthy adults is unlikely to be severe, at most causing mild diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms within a few days of eating contaminated food. For those in the vulnerable groups, it usually takes 2 to 3 weeks – or even longer – before symptoms appear.
If you have consumed any of this product and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.
New Zealand Food Safety has not received any notifications of associated illness.
The products have been removed from store shelves and have not been re-exported.
The products under recall were identified through routine testing, and New Zealand Food Safety has not received any reports of associated illness.
“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Goodfood Group Limited to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence,” says Mr Arbuckle.
The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the New Zealand Food Safety food recall page.
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from the northern side of Banks Peninsula due to the risk of paralytic shellfish toxins causing illness, says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle.
The warning extends from New Brighton to the northern side of Hickory Bay. As the weather changes, this bloom could spread wider.
“Do not gather and eat shellfish from this area because anyone doing so could get sick. Affected shellfish include bivalve shellfish such as mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles and scallops, as well as pūpū (cat’s eyes) and Cook’s turban.
“It’s important to know that cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin, so shellfish from this area should not be eaten.”
A visible bloom at the head of Port Levy has extremely high numbers of paralytic shellfish toxin producing algae.
“We are monitoring this algal bloom in Port Levy and the wider area. This algae, called Alexandrium pacificum, produces a dangerous toxin and when shellfish filter-feed, these toxins can accumulate in their gut and flesh. Generally, the more algae there are in the water, the more toxic the shellfish get.”
Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning usually appear within 10 minutes to 3 hours of eating and may include:
“Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.
“Finfish are not affected by this public health warning, but we advise gutting the fish and discarding the liver before cooking,” says Mr Arbuckle.
New Zealand Food Safety has had no notifications of associated illness.
Anyone who becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued should phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately. Please also contact your nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.
“New Zealand Food Safety is monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation,” says Mr Arbuckle.
Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by New Zealand Food Safety to ensure they are safe to eat.
Find out more
Shellfish biotoxin alert webpage
Subscribe to shellfish biotoxins to receive email alerts
See signage in the affected area
Podcast about shellfish contamination
Collecting Shellfish and Keeping Them Safe [PDF, 3.2 MB]
Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died after the single vehicle crash on SH43 / Forgotten World Highway in Stratford this morning.
The crash was reported to Police at 11.30am.
The road remains closed and motorists should continue to avoid the area.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.