Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Rail passengers in Auckland and Wellington can look forward to more reliable commuter train services with funding confirmed for critical overdue upgrade programmes, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Both cities’ metro rail networks have been underfunded over the years, and the resulting backlog of overdue work has caused ongoing service disruptions for commuters,” Mr Bishop says.

“Getting to and from work should be painless, but that hasn’t been the case for thousands of people each day.

“The Minister for Rail and I announced $143.6 million for critical metro rail upgrades as part of Budget 2025. Today I’m pleased to confirm that $94.2 million will be invested in long-overdue maintenance and renewals in the Wellington metro rail network, and $49.4 million of this funding will be invested in much-needed upgrades across the Auckland metro rail network.

“This investment in both cities’ metro rail networks will address the most critical overdue renewals and help get services up to the standard that commuters deserve. 

“Metro rail investment in Auckland and Wellington will improve the level of service for passengers by addressing overdue and critical renewals work. 

“In Wellington, the renewals work will include replacing rail, sleepers and crucial track infrastructure like turnouts, which allow trains to switch between tracks, particularly on the Hutt Valley and Kapiti Lines. It will also include refurbishing bridges, improving drainage and upgrading culverts, and slope stabilisation work to reduce the risk of disruption during weather events.

“The Auckland overdue renewals work will help prepare the Auckland network for the opening on City Rail Link (CRL) in 2026, improving network resilience and reliability needed to deliver more frequent trains across the city when CRL opens. 

“The upgrade work in Auckland will include replacing several ageing turnouts, particularly on the Southern and Western Lines, and track and track foundation upgrades in the Parnell Tunnel. There will also be culvert and drainage improvements, rail and sleeper replacements, and slope stabilisation work across the network.

“This funding builds on investments we made into metro rail in last year’s Budget, including $48.8 million for critical renewals in the Auckland metro and $159 million funding to complete Auckland’s Rail Network Rebuild, along with $52.9 million for critical renewals in the Wellington metro network.  

“The renewals work is underway now and will ramp up heading into the warmer summer months. I look forward to seeing the completion of works that will ensure a better experience for commuters.”

Source: Privacy Commissioner

We all have a role in protecting children and their personal information. 

The Privacy Act applies to everyone regardless of their age. Understanding how to protect and respect a child or young person’s personal information and implementing good privacy practices will help ensure all children have positive privacy experiences throughout their journey to adulthood.

Guidance and best practice guides

We have guidance to help lift understanding of children’s privacy rights across the children’s sector. That includes:

Further guidance is being developed, including on the wellbeing and safety of children and young people, and detailed privacy guidance for the education sector.

Online privacy

Children and young people are connected to the online world more than ever before and it’s essential to take steps to protect their online privacy,

We have developed posters about protecting children and young people’s privacy online for educators and parents to help keep children and their information safe.

Resources and help for schools

Detailed privacy guidance for the education sector is coming in March next year, but there are also a range of general privacy information for schools, including:

We also have answers to over 600 privacy questions in AskUs, which includes:

Children’s Privacy Project

Children and young people’s privacy is a priority area for OPC. The Children’s Privacy Project focuses on protecting children’s privacy and whether the rules are working well for children’s privacy.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Coalition Government has broadened the scope and terms of a $200 million commercial co-investment fund designed to boost New Zealand’s constrained gas supply and reduce perceptions of sovereign risk, Resources Minister Shane Jones and Associate Finance Minister Chris Bishop say.

The fund was initially intended to support new gas field developments, which can take up to 10 years to bring on online. Now, the Gas Security Fund will enable a diverse range of investments that will accelerate or increase the volume of gas to market in the short-, medium- and long-term. This will provide the flexibility needed to respond to New Zealand’s energy security challenges as they change. 

“As our gas reserves dwindle, a growing gap is emerging in our energy system, driving up electricity prices for households and threatening the viability of gas-dependent industrial and commercial businesses. The outlook has worsened even in the time since I announced this funding commitment in May. New investment in exploration and development is urgently needed,” Mr Jones says.

“While developing new fields remains essential, we can’t wait for those to come online while watching the de-industrialisation of our regions. We’re looking for a portfolio of investments to back incremental increases in supply now, while building the reserves we’ll need in the future.

“Short-term projects could include additional drilling in existing fields and production facility upgrades. Medium-term projects could involve exploration and appraisal drilling. Long-term projects could include greenfield exploration beyond Taranaki.”

The Gas Security Fund will also support gas storage projects, recognising their strategic role in stabilising supply and managing seasonal demand. 

Mr Bishop says a major barrier is a still significant perception of risk associated with investing in New Zealand’s petroleum sector following the previous Government’s ban on new petroleum exploration outside onshore Taranaki.

“The fund will offer a range of commercial investment structures which will be worked through with potential partners as proposals are considered. Cabinet has agreed that each proposal will be considered alongside expert and legal advice on potential risks and compliance with our international obligations,” Mr Bishop says.

“This is a pragmatic approach to supporting the petroleum sector to deliver the gas we need to keep energy affordable and reliable as we transition to lower-emission alternatives.” 

The Gas Security Fund will actively encourage the use of regional procurement and the local labour market wherever possible. Investment decisions will be made jointly by the Minister for Resources and the Associate Minister of Finance, supported by an independent advisory panel with in-depth knowledge of the gas sector.

The fund will be administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment through Kānoa, the Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit.

Kānoa will call for expressions of interest later this month, with Ministers aiming to move quickly to support investment-ready projects.

“We are standing alongside our gas sector to deliver the energy New Zealand needs, We urge our colleagues across the political spectrum, for the sake of energy affordability and security, to be pragmatic about the role of natural gas and support these efforts,” the Ministers say.

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/31524-business-case-commercial-co-investment-to-bring-new-gas-to-market-minute-of-decision-proactiverelease-pdf

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/31523-business-case-commercial-co-investment-to-bring-new-gas-to-market-proactiverelease-pdf

Source: New Zealand Government

Rev. Murray Edridge and Hon Jo Goodhew have been appointed to join Chair Dr Ang Jury on the Board of the Independent Children’s Monitor.

The Monitor is one of three statutory bodies having oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, along with the Children’s Commissioner and the Ombudsman.

“Together, the three Board members have a breadth and depth of expertise to provide strong governance for an agency tasked with independently monitoring the Oranga Tamariki system, helping ensure the safety of children,” Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says.

“Rev. Edridge is Wellington City Missioner. He is an experienced senior leader in both the public and NGO sectors, including eight years as Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand, with a wealth of accountability and assurance expertise.

“Ms Goodhew has held a range of health and community sector governance roles, including a current role as Chair of Presbyterian Support South Canterbury. She is an experienced senior leader, including five years as a Minister holding diverse portfolios.

“The legislative changes I took through Parliament earlier this year have enabled these appointments, reflecting commitments in the National-ACT coalition agreement to create a truly independent monitoring and oversight agency for Oranga Tamariki.”

“These appointments mark a significant step in our Government’s commitment to protect and support vulnerable children,” Louise Upston says.

The Monitor Board’s Chair, Dr Ang Jury, ONZM was appointed from 1 August 2025.

Murray Edridge and Jo Goodhew take up their positions from 10 November 2025.

Source: New Zealand Police

There will be an increased presence of Police in Wairoa today as officers take part in a training exercise.

Police will be training around Summerville Street and Awamate Road through the day.

During this time, people may see officers in tactical uniforms carrying training firearms and there may also be some noise.

There is no cause for concern and exercises like this are a vital part of making sure emergency services are able to respond to any situation.

These types of exercises could not happen without the support of our local communities, and we want to thank them for their cooperation and support.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand is welcoming the Michelin Guide for the first time, showcasing our country’s incredible food and wine to an international audience, as well as boosting visitor numbers and economic growth, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“The Michelin Guide’s arrival in New Zealand marks its first expansion into Oceania after 125 years and we are thrilled to welcome these culinary experts to our shores. 

“With the first selections and potential ‘star ratings’ due out next year, Michelin Guide inspectors are already on the ground, dining anonymously in some of our very best restaurants.

“Receiving selection into the Michelin Guide is a prestigious accolade, with its strong international following.

“Tourism New Zealand data estimates Michelin’s arrival to bring in up to 36,000 more international visitors.  

“That’s reinforced by TNZ research which rates ‘trying local cuisine’ as the #1 audience interest among people actively considering New Zealand for their next holiday (cited by 87 per cent of respondents).

“Michelin represents an incredible opportunity for the food and beverage industry in four of our key culinary centres, demonstrating excellence and showcasing New Zealand on a world stage.

“This announcement aligns with the hospitality industry’s recommendation that the Government explore the potential for the Michelin Guide to come to New Zealand in their 2024 Hospitality Summit report. 

“Today’s announcement reinforces that we will champion the hospitality sector and support it to grow.

The inaugural New Zealand edition of the Michelin Guide will be revealed in mid-2026, covering four key destinations: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. 

“We know our country has a rich and diverse culinary scene. It’s exciting to be able to share New Zealand’s unique flavours and talent with the rest of world,” Louise Upston says.

“Today’s announcement not only celebrates our talented hospitality teams, but marks New Zealand as a go-to destination for international visitors.

“Michelin describes New Zealand as an exciting gastronomic destination, with exceptional restaurants.

“Its presence here will mean more visitors dining in those restaurants and enjoying all New Zealand’s hospitality has to offer – supporting small businesses, supporting jobs and supporting local economies in the process.” 

Source: New Zealand Police

Two people have died following a crash on State Highway 2, Karangahake last night.

Police were alerted to the crash between Jackson Road and Rahu Road at 11.40pm.

A car collided with a power pole and tragically both the driver and passenger were killed.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way. 
 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has confirmed the locations for 17 sets of average speed safety cameras.

Subject to final testing, the first set is expected to start enforcing speeds from 1 December at Matakana Road in Warkworth. 

Average speed cameras work by calculating a vehicle’s average speed along a length of road between two cameras(external link). They measure the time the vehicle takes to travel between the cameras and calculate the average speed. Drivers are only ticketed if their average travel speed between two cameras is over the limit. 

“Average speed safety cameras are widely used overseas, and they are proven to reduce deaths and serious injuries,” says Tara Macmillan, NZTA Head of Regulatory Strategic Programmes. 

“We’ve previously announced 11 locations for average speed safety cameras, all in the upper half of the North Island. We’ve now identified a further six locations for average speed safety cameras across the rest of the country.” 

The new locations are: 

• Southland – SH6 Kingston to SH97 Five Rivers  
• Canterbury – SH8 Lake Tekapo to Twizel  
• Otago – SH1 Allanton to Waihola 
• Wellington – SH2 Te Mārua to Brown Owl 
• Hawke’s Bay – SH2 Te Hauke to Pakipaki 
• Manawatū-Whanganui – SH1 Sanson to Foxton  

Construction on these six new camera sites is expected to start between later this month (Otago and Southland) and mid-2026. A full list of all 17 average speed safety camera locations is included in the table further below. 

Ms Macmillan says the locations for average speed safety cameras have been determined by analysing crash patterns, traffic volumes and the percentage of drivers exceeding the posted speed limits. 

“All of this evidence tells us that there is a serious risk of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes on these stretches of road. 

“The risk of crashes is significantly reduced if more people drive to the speed limit. By installing average speed safety cameras, we are reducing that risk and making these roads safer for everyone who uses them,” Ms Macmillan says. 

“Safety cameras reduce speeding, making crashes less likely to occur, and ensure that if crashes do happen, the people involved are far more likely to walk away unharmed. 

“Speeding drivers can cause serious and irreparable harm on the roads, including deaths and serious injuries. Evidence shows that we can reduce the chance of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes if drivers travel within speed limits, and that is why we have safety cameras.

“Not only are speeding drivers putting themselves and others at risk, they also make our roads less efficient and hinder productivity. Crashes can close a road for hours at a time. Fewer crashes mean fewer road closures, and more consistent and reliable travel times for everyone.” 

NZTA will install ‘average speed camera area’ signs before each camera area. On longer stretches of road (corridors), drivers will see extra ‘average speed camera area’ signs along the way. These signs are a reminder to drivers to check their speed and slow down if needed.

The rollout of average speed safety cameras supports the focus on enforcement of high-risk behaviour, including speed, as part of the strategic safety priority in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 (GPS).  

NZTA does not receive any incentives or funds from tickets issued. Safety camera infringement fees go into the Government Consolidated Fund. 

From 1 July 2025, NZTA has been responsible for the operation of all safety cameras, and NZ Police no longer operate their mobile safety camera vans. 

Police officers will continue to issue notices for the offences they detect.

Editor’s note: 

NZTA will install signage and confirm ‘go live’ enforcement dates before the average speed safety cameras listed below begin operating. 

See the below factsheet on average speed cameras and a national map of confirmed average speed camera locations.  

Average speed safety camera factsheet [PDF, 3.3 MB]

Average speed camera locations map  [PNG, 990 KB]

Camera locations	Percentage speeding during speed survey	Speed limit(s)*	Expected enforcement timeframe
Kaitaia-Awaroa Rd*	75%	60 and 80 km/h	Mid to late 2026
Matakana Rd*	12%	80 km/h	1 Dec 2025
East Coast Rd*	18%	80 km/h	Mid 2026
Kahikatea Flat Road*	27%	80 km/h	Early to mid 2026
Glenbrook Road (East)*	13%	80 km/h	Early to mid 2026
Glenbrook Road (West)*	24%	80 km/h	Mid 2026
Whitford Road*	55%	80 km/h	Early to mid 2026
Pine Valley Road*	74%	80 km/h	Early to mid 2026
SH 2 Matata*	45%	100 km/h	Early to mid 2026
SH5 Tumunui*	47%	100 km/h	Early to mid 2026
SH2 Pōkeno to Mangatāwhiri*	28%	90 km/h	Early to mid 2026
SH2 Upper Hutt – Te Mārua to Brown Owl	81%	80km/h and 70 km/h	Mid 2026
SH6 Kingston to SH 97 Five Rivers Intersection	26%	100 km/h and 80 km/h	Mid 2026
SH8 Lake Tekapo to Twizel	19%	100 km/h	Mid 2026
SH1 Allanton to Waihola	21%	100 km/h and 50 km/h	Mid 2026
SH1 Sanson to Foxton	15%	100 km/h and 70 km/h	Mid to late 2026
SH2 Te Hauke to Pakipaki	16%	100 km/h	Mid to late 2026

* These locations have previously been announced. 

More details on these cameras

Source: New Zealand Police

The Lincoln Road on-ramp to State Highway 16, city bound, is closed following a crash this evening.

Police were called to the single-vehicle crash, where a truck has tipped on its side, at around 8:10pm.

Thankfully, there have been no injuries reported.

The on-ramp will be closed for some time while the truck is being removed.

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

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

The House has today agreed to High Court Judge Hon Justice Timothy Brewer ONZM ED being appointed as the next Inspector-General of Defence and barrister Natalie Pierce being appointed as the inaugural Deputy, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“Justice Brewer has served on the High Court bench since 2010 and is a former Brigadier in the Territorial Force of the New Zealand Army.  He has also served as a Judge of the Court Martial of New Zealand and the Court Martial Appeal Court.  I am delighted to have someone with Justice Brewer’s acumen and experience take on this important role.”

Justice Brewer will retire from the Bench on 15 November and will start the IGD role on 1 December.

“Ms Pierce is a barrister practising in domestic and international criminal law, human rights, and national defence and security. She has specialist experience in Royal Commissions and public inquiries, and has worked for the Crown Law Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Independent Police Conduct Authority,” Mr Goldsmith says.

Ms Pierce will take up her appointment on 10 November.

“I would also like to acknowledge the services of Brendan Horsley who has held the IGD role concurrently with his role as Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security until these longer-term appointments could be confirmed,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“Mr Horsley has provided expert oversight for the role of IGD and invaluable assistance in establishing the office.” 

The functions of the Inspector-General are to investigate incidents that occur in the course of activities of the Defence Force, and to assess and identify potential improvements to Defence Force policies and procedures.