Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now release the name of the man who died in a fatal cycling crash on Kokotau Road, Carterton, on Saturday 8 November.
He was Raymond Allan Putt, 70, of Masterton.
Police extend their sympathies to his loved ones.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Central North Island Police have issued 141 infringements after inspecting 910 vehicles in a targeted and pointed approach on heavy vehicles and trailers.
Operation Triangle was carried out from the 3 November to the 6 November 2025.
The objective is to improve the compliance of drivers and heavy vehicle standards to reduce the risk of crashes on our roads.
The operation involved the Commercial Vehicle Safety Team, working with New Zealand Transport Agency Vehicle Inspectors, setting up checkpoints and inspecting vehicles at three major sites in the Central North Island.
These sites, situated on State Highway 5 at Iwitahi on the Napier-Taupo Road, State Highway 1 at Turangi, and State Highway 3 at Te Kuiti were operated over 24-hour periods and included the use of two Roller Brake Testing Machines.
“What we’re asking for is simple,” says Senior Sergeant Lex Soepnel, Waikato West Area Manager, Commercial Vehicle Safety Team.
“We have rules in place to keep all road users safe, and we’re asking heavy vehicle operators to meet those standards.”
“Our staff see first-hand the damage and destruction that takes place on New Zealand roads. It’s basic physics that large vehicles travelling at high speeds can result in severe crashes.”
“We need everyone to ensure that their vehicles are maintained to a safe and compliant standard and that drivers are well rested and not fatigued.”
“We are focussed on preventing road trauma and not picking up the pieces after a crash.”
There were 482 Commercial Vehicle Inspection Reports completed with 211 offences detected. A total of 165 vehicle defects were identified in the 910 vehicles which were inspected. This indicates over eighteen percent of the vehicles inspected had a defect.
The Roller Brake Test Machines, located in Turangi and Te Kuiti, indicated that out of 58 vehicles tested, 15 or twenty six percent had faulty brakes.
“Nobody wants a heavy motor vehicle, often weighing over 50000kgs coming towards you with defective brakes.”
The top five offences detected during the operation were:
A number of these were simple faults easily rectified by daily walk around checks, such as faulty lights, brakes, and wheels needing attention.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
The first wing to graduate from the RNZPC’s Auckland campus has been congratulated on their achievement and will soon be boosting the frontline in Northland and across Tāmaki Makaurau.
The campus was opened earlier this year to cater for both senior police courses and recruit courses, and the 37 graduates of Wing 390 have successfully led the way for the next wing to start training at the campus in February 2026.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Police Minister Mark Mitchell, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello, members of the police executive and wing patron, the Rt Hon Sir John Key, marked this milestone moment today while families and friends proudly watched as the newly attested police officers marched out at Barfoot and Thompson Stadium, Auckland.
In his speech at the graduation, Commissioner Chambers remembered that on their first day of training most wing members indicated the Auckland-based training had made it possible for them to join Police.
“I’m delighted that we have allowed you to be police officers by allowing you to train here in Auckland,” he said.
The top award winner for Wing 390 is Constable Samuel Treasure, who will be working in Counties Manukau District. Samuel first joined Police several years ago as a Communicator in Police’s Northern Communications Centre, and is excited to be taking his Police career in a new direction.
He has previously completed a degree in criminology and philosophy, and a post-graduate degree in psychology, and says his strong interest in criminal psychology has led to him joining the frontline and aiming for the CIB in the future.
“Training in Auckland was the best option for me, being able to go home at the end of the day. The training facilities were great and wing was incredibly supportive of each other.
“I particularly enjoyed putting the theory we were learning in class into practice during scenarios, and I’m really looking forward to continuing the learning on the frontline.”
Like Samuel, Constable Mariam Arif was well acquainted with working for Police. Mariam was an Ethnic Liaison Officer and has also worked in the Northern Communications Centre.
She speaks Arabic and te reo Māori, and has a degree in communication and a post-graduate diploma in interpreting.
“I joined the Police eight years ago not with the intention of becoming constabulary but with a desire to bring a unique perspective and skillset to this organisation in the hopes of achieving better outcomes for communities.
“I found purpose and pride in my non-constabulary role, and did make notable strides in getting those better outcomes by trying different things and building new bridges. But over the years, some colleagues and leaders saw something and encouraged me to consider the blue uniform – to go further and reach higher.”
Now that she’s wearing a Police uniform Mariam says it feels like “a blue wave of opportunity for me to add value and make a difference… it’s like wearing the cape to make good things happen.”
Mariam is posted to Waitematā District.
Leadership award winner, Constable Yon Jarvis says the course has been an amazing experience and is full of praise for the training staff.
“They have made the training feel seamless and really pulled through for us to make it work as the first wing to train at the RNZPC’s Auckland campus.”
Yon has a degree in archaeology and has previously worked as a ceramicist in her own business. In the past she has used her creative skills as a volunteer, such as running workshops to help women who have been in violent relationships talk about their experiences while creating artworks.
“This made me feel like I needed to do something more in my community, so I decided to throw my hat in the ring for Police, and here I am. With one of my three children still at home, being able to train in Auckland just made sense.”
Yon says she likes a challenge and particularly enjoyed getting hands on during the training scenarios. She is hoping for a future career in Youth Aid as she feels passionate about supporting children to lead fulfilling lives.
Yon is looking forward to working in Waitematā District.
Second in wing is Constable Lance Thompson (Ngāti Paoa). Lance says he has thought about joining Police almost his entire life, so this graduation is the fulfilment of a long-held goal.
Lance has previously worked in a range of roles including as a butcher, personal trainer and Corrections Officer.
“Police has always been something I’ve been passionate about, as I like doing the right thing for people, helping people through things. I can communicate well and as a police officer I want to be able to give people the time to tell me what they need and want.”
On the day Lance applied for the Auckland wing, his second child was born.
“Training in Auckland meant I could go home at the end of the day and be with my family. They kept me centred and grounded, and were a reminder of why I had taken on the training – I’m doing it for them as well as to serve the community.”
Lance is posted to Waitematā District.
Deployment:
The new constables will start their first day of duty in their Police districts on the week beginning Monday 24 November 2025 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.
Northland 6, Tāmaki Makaurau 31, including Auckland City 7, Waitematā 11, Counties Manukau 13.
All Awards:
Minister’s Award recognising top student: Constable Samuel Treasure, posted to Counties Manukau District.
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership and the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Yon Jarvis, posted to Waitematā District.
Patron’s Award for second top student: Constable Lance Thompson, posted to Waitematā District.
Firearms Award: Constable Bjorn Haycock, posted to Waitematā District.
Driver Training and Road Policing Award: Constable Stephen Graves, posted to Auckland City District.
Demographics:
29.7 percent are female, 70.3 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 51.4 percent of the wing, with Māori 13.5 percent, Pasifika 2.7 percent, Asian 27 percent, LAAM 5.4 percent.
Wing Patron:
Wing Patron, the Right Honourable Sir John Key, was the 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2008 to December 2016, successfully leading the National Party to three election victories before retiring from politics at the end of 2016.
He led the country through the aftermath of the global financial crisis and a series of devastating earthquakes in Christchurch.
Sir John entered politics after a successful career in investment banking. In 2017 he was made a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, which brings with it the title of Sir John.
He was also recognised by the Australian Government and has been appointed an Honorary Companion in the Order of Australia.
The University of Canterbury awarded Sir John an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce in 2017. He graduated from the university in 1983 with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accountancy.
Sir John contributes to several boards, he chairs the Board of Oritain Global (NZ) and the Advisory Board for Bolt Group (Australia), and he is an advisor to a range of organisations.
Watch out for our Ten One story coming soon with more images and stories.
If you’re interested in joining police check out newcops.govt.nz
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will attend the 30th annual United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, next week.
“New Zealand needs all countries to take meaningful climate action, in line with rules we all agree to. This is critical for our economy and the Pacific region,” Mr Watts says.
COP30 brings governments together, alongside the private sector and civil society, to make decisions about how the Paris Agreement – the international treaty on climate change – continues to be implemented.
“The Government is committed to its climate change obligations, including the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement is our best shot at limiting the impacts of climate change and New Zealand is at the COP to help make it work effectively,” Mr Watts says.
“The global shift to a low-emissions economy offers opportunities for growth. At the Summit, I will be focused on deepening cooperation to support New Zealand’s own transition to a low-emission, climate-resilient economy through innovation, technology and investment.”
As well as taking part in the Summit’s formal agenda, Mr Watts will meet with key Ministerial counterparts from around the globe, and with New Zealanders who are travelling to Belém.
“I will also be talking closely with my counterparts from Australia and the Pacific, hopefully to lock in Australia’s bid to host a Pacific-focused COP next year,” Mr Watts says.
En route to COP, Mr Watts will also visit São Paulo, where he will be promoting New Zealand companies selling clean-tech and sustainability focused products into the Latin America market.
Mr Watts departs New Zealand on Sunday 16 November and returns on Friday 21 November. He will be travelling with Labour’s spokesperson for Climate Change Deborah Russell.
Source: New Zealand Government
With the Health and Safety reforms underway, a change has been made to how WorkSafe New Zealand’s funding is managed that adds increased accountability, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden confirmed today.
“Moving WorkSafe’s funding into a multi-category appropriation allows for greater visibility of spending and performance meaning WorkSafe will be more accountable for its activities and results, says Ms van Velden.
“While it has been pleasing to see improvements in WorkSafe’s financial management under its new operating model, this change will further focus its financial management,” says Ms van Velden.
“WorkSafe has faced challenges in clearly demonstrating the cost and effectiveness of its activities, which has made it harder to fully assess their value or consider requests for additional funding.
“This change, informed by the SageBush independent review and past financial management challenges, is designed to improve transparency around WorkSafe’s resource allocation and performance. It’s important to note that total funding for WorkSafe remains unchanged.
The SageBush review also noted that there was an absence of a clear framework to guide resource allocation decisions.
“These changes give me confidence in how WorkSafe is allocating resources and that its activities are delivering measurable results. This gives me assurance that WorkSafe can fulfil its role as an effective health and safety regulator.
To address this, the Minister confirmed that the Government will split WorkSafe’s appropriation into five new categories:
“This marks a significant shift in WorkSafe’s funding priorities towards support, engagement and guidance functions which are closely aligned with the goals of the Health and Safety System reforms.
Notes to editors:
| Category | Scope |
| Engaging to Support Best Practice in Work Health and Safety | Limited to the provision of guidance, information, and support to duty holders in the work health and safety system. |
| Enforcing Work Health and Safety Compliance | Limited to the delivery of enforcement activities to ensure compliance with work health and safety legislation. |
| Authorising and Monitoring Work Health and Safety Activities | Limited to the issuing of licenses, authorisations, and exemptions to third parties, and the monitoring of these. |
| Energy Safety | Limited to the delivery of WorkSafe’s legislated Energy Safety function. |
| Major Hazard Facilities | Limited to guidance, investigation, enforcement, and notifications regarding major hazard facilities. |
Source: New Zealand Police
A woman stuck on the rocks at Castor Bay had a lucky scape thanks to a charged mobile phone and quick Police work.
Just after 1.30pm, Police received a call from a woman stating she was trapped on rocks between Castor Bay Beach and Kennedy Park.
Waitematā East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant CJ Miles, says a unit arrived quickly, with one officer scaling rocks around the bay until locating the woman.
“She was getting battered by waves and an incoming tide.
“Officers were able to provide some reassurance until the Auckland Police Maritime Unit arrived and threw her a lifejacket.”
The constable jumped into the water to assist the woman’s extraction onto the Maritime Unit’s vessel.
Senior Sergeant Miles says the woman was transported back to Mechanic’s Bay for a medical assessment.
“This was a team effort and a great example of our resources and staff working together to achieve great outcomes.
“This rescue also highlights the importance of a working mobile phone, and to contact emergency services if you need help.
“If you get into trouble, please call 111 as soon as possible, as this will enable an emergency response at the earliest opportunity.”
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Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is investing $2 million to extend the Dunedin Tunnels Trail and transform Dunedin into a premier cycling destination, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced today.
“By investing in the Dunedin Tunnels Trail, we will attract more visitors to the Otago region, helping to unlock the region’s full tourism potential,” Louise Upston says.
“This trail not only showcases New Zealand’s stunning landscapes but also supports local businesses, creates jobs and offers unforgettable experiences for visitors and locals alike.”
The Government is investing in stages 2 and 3 of the project, extending the trail to Fairfield, Abbotsford, and Green Island. Stages 4 and 5 will take the trail to Kaikorai Valley and through the Caversham Tunnel into Dunedin City.
Once complete, the trail will span 15 kilometres between Mosgiel and Dunedin, featuring two historic railway tunnels, the Chain Hills Tunnel at Wingatui and the Caversham Tunnel at Burnside/Kaikorai.
The Dunedin Tunnels Trail will also connect to Otago’s wider network of Great Rides, including the Otago Central Rail Trail, Clutha Gold Trail, Lake Dunstan Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail, and Queenstown Trails.
This investment is part of the Government’s recently announced Major Events and Tourism Package.
“We are proud to support projects that deliver real economic impact and can get underway immediately. I’m looking forward to seeing this one take shape,” Louise Upston says.
“There’s a real sense of momentum building across our cycling network and tourism sector. It’s great to see rising visitor numbers and regional spending but there’s still more to do to get our tourism sector cranking.”
The project is being co-funded by Dunedin City Council and construction of stages 2 and 3 are expected to be completed by mid-2027.
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 14 November 2025
Most of the damage has occurred in the DOC Greymouth District, and rangers have been diverted from other routine maintenance work to clear the windfalls.
Work to reopen tracks has included engineers checking bridges, windfall clearance by chainsaw operators, and blasting to remove large rocks.
In the Greymouth District, repair work has been completed on the Point Elizabeth Walkway, Velenski Walk at Moana, Arnold Dam Walk, Paparoa Track – Porarari gorge section, Pike29 Memorial Track, Lake Daniell Track, and Murray Creek Track in Reefton.
DOC Principal Ranger Sam Symonds says although the crews are making good progress on track clearances, more reports of damage are coming in, with the most recent being Waitahu Track, just north of Reefton, where Sam says “nature ate our track.
“We’ve closed the four-wheel drive road and the track up the Waitahu River as there are multiple windfalls, slips, and erosion of the track by the river, making the track dangerous for use,” Sam says.
“Unfortunately, this type of damage is increasing as severe weather events become more frequent.
“We are looking at options to reopen access to the wider track network up the Waitahu River, but the damage is extensive, and the repairs are not straightforward.
“We know people are keen to get out and about naturing, so please let us know about any further damage by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) to report it.
“Even if there are no updates or alerts on our website, I urge visitors to exercise caution and be prepared to turn back if necessary,” Sam says.
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
24 seconds ago
EIT is launching a new hands-on training pathway designed to prepare aspiring landscapers and horticulture workers for careers in New Zealand’s fast-growing green industries.
Beginning in February 2026, learners can start with the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) – Gardening: Foundations for Landscape Work. From there, in July, they can progress to the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3) – Landscaping Skills: Build the Outdoors.
EIT tutor Aaron Williams is leading the new landscaping pathway, designed to prepare students for careers in the growing green industry.
Delivered three days per week at EIT’s Taradale campus, the two programmes offer a clear route into landscaping, horticulture and other land-based sectors focused on creating, maintaining and managing outdoor environments.
Tutor Aaron Williams, an experienced landscaper, says the courses are all about developing practical skills and confidence.
“Students start with the basics at Level 2, including plant care, soils, tools and teamwork, and when they reach Level 3, they’re ready to take on more responsibility, operate machinery safely and work effectively on real projects,” he says.
“It’s about learning by doing and developing the skills employers are really looking for.”
With strong demand for skilled workers in landscaping, horticulture and the wider primary industries sector, these programmes offer a supportive, job-ready pathway into a thriving and sustainable industry.
Lisa Turnbull, Assistant Head of School – Primary Industries, says: “this new landscaping pathway is an exciting addition to our Primary Industries offerings and reflects EIT’s commitment to meeting industry needs while creating opportunities for learners.
“It provides a clear, practical route into the green sector, which is experiencing strong growth and offers sustainable career opportunities. By combining foundational skills at Level 2 with advanced operational skills at Level 3, students will graduate job-ready and confident to contribute to landscaping and horticulture projects.
“These programmes deliver a strong foundation and hands-on experience, ensuring graduates are prepared for roles in landscaping, horticulture, and other green sectors. We’re proud to support students in building meaningful, sustainable careers that make a real impact on our environment.”
Applications are now open for the February 2026 intake. Graduates can move into entry-level roles in the primary industries or progress to further study, such as Environmental Studies.
Source: New Zealand Government
A key milestone has been reached in the redevelopment of Whangārei Hospital, with the sod turning for a major on-grade car parking extension to enable construction of the new acute services building, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Car parks are a vital part of hospital infrastructure and are essential for patients, staff, and visitors as we continue the transformation of Whangārei Hospital,” Mr Brown says.
Construction of Car Park 14 will deliver 583 new spaces, supporting and enabling progress on the wider hospital redevelopment, including the new acute services building and child health centre.
“Importantly, the new car park will be completed and operational by the end of May 2026, before more than 480 existing spaces become temporarily unavailable due to construction. This will ensure uninterrupted access to hospital services for patients, visitors, and staff.
“Further, it is critical to commencing construction of the new acute services building while maintaining, and ultimately increasing, the number of car parks available on site.
“Once the child health centre is completed, total hospital parking capacity will increase from 1,415 to 1,977, delivering a significant long-term improvement for the Whangārei community.
“The new car park will include clear wayfinding and user-friendly infrastructure to ensure a smooth experience for patients and visitors.”
Mr Brown acknowledged the advocacy and support of Whangārei MP Hon Dr Shane Reti, who joined the sod-turning ceremony.
“We know parking is a real issue for the community. This project not only offsets the temporary loss of spaces but also increases overall capacity. It’s another practical step forward in ensuring people can get the care they need, when they need it.”
“The redevelopment of Whangārei Hospital is about delivering a modern, accessible hospital that Northlanders can rely on. I look forward to seeing continued progress across the campus in the months ahead.”