Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died following a crash at the intersection of Puketaha Road and Taylor Road this afternoon.
Police and other emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash, involving a car and a truck, around 1pm.
Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene.
Another person sustained minor injuries.
The Serious Crash Unit has completed its scene examination and the road has re-opened.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Radio New Zealand
Mid Canterbury farmer David Clark says a transition is required between the old RMA rules and the incoming new legislation. Photo: Supplied
A Mid Canterbury farmer wants the government to live up to its word and help farmers who are “wasting” large sums of money on a consent process in limbo.
It has been seven weeks since David Clark decided to go public on his frustration with the resource consent process and its “outrageous costs”.
Clark said he has since heard from many other farming families “facing the same, or worse situation than us”.
“We all know the problem. We all acknowledge the need for a solution,” Clark said.
Clark said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has repeatedly said his government backed farmers and is calling on him to “act on those words”.
The government’s planned Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms must start with an urgent pause on the enforcement of consenting rules – sentiment that was supported by Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and Act MP Andrew Hoggard on a recent visit to his farm.
“It is utter madness for farming families to be expected to continue wasting these large sums of money on a process that will be redundant, or significantly changed in the near future.
“The solution is an extension to all existing consents until the new rules are in place.”
Clark has a mixed arable, seed, and livestock operation near Ashburton that has held a consent since 2017 and was awarded an A-grade environmental audit in 2024.
He estimated he will spend about $60,000 to get to the mid-point in the process of seeking consent to continue farming, and is facing between $200,000-300,000 if his application is fully publicly notified and requires a hearing.
![Mid Canterbury farmers met with Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and Act MP Andrew Hoggard in September. [From left] Colin Hurst, Ian McKenzie, Hon Andrew Hoggard, David Clark, Hon David Seymour, Kate Ackland, David Ackland, Terry Clark and Phill Everest.](https://media.rnztools.nz/rnz/image/upload/s--PlQwtMC_--/ar_16:10,c_fill,f_auto,g_auto,q_auto,w_1050/v1762316455/4JYEP98_Seymour_farm_visit_jpg?_a=BACCd2AD)
Mid Canterbury farmers met with Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and Act MP Andrew Hoggard in September. [From left] Colin Hurst, Ian McKenzie, Andrew Hoggard, David Clark, David Seymour, Kate Ackland, David Ackland, Terry Clark and Phill Everest. Photo: Supplied
His comments follow a Federated Farmers survey released last week that showed four out of five farmers are worried about gaining or renewing consents.
Federated Farmers freshwater spokesperson Colin Hurst said the findings reveal a “damning picture of a system that’s simply not working”.
“Our survey makes for incredibly sobering reading, as it’s shown us the true scale of the consenting problems,” Hurst said.
“It was staggering to learn the average bill across the country for gaining a new consent has hit nearly $45,000 and renewal permits were averaging $28,000.
“It’s even worse for Canterbury farmers, who are forking out over $60,000.
“The whole process has become so uncertain and complex that most farmers now must rely entirely on consultants and expert advisors.”
With thousands of consents due to expire in the coming months, Hurst said the situation is urgent and requires immediate action.
“How are [farmers] supposed to have the confidence to keep investing in their businesses if they don’t even know whether they’ll be allowed to keep farming next year?”
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said the government is giving active consideration to the transition from the old RMA system to the new system.
“Mr Clark can rest assured that he and others in a similar situation are being heard,” Bishop said.
“We will have more to say in the coming weeks as the new legislation and framework is released.”
The new system is expected before Parliament by December, with plans to pass it into law by mid-2026 and take effect by 2027.
Regional councils must continue operating under current law until then.
In early October, Bishop sent a letter to regional councils requesting they use “sensible judgement” in managing consents until the new legislation was in place.
In his letter, Bishop said he expected councils to be “seeking opportunities to streamline consenting processes, reduce onerous requirements wherever possible, and ease the consenting burden”.
Environment Canterbury responded in a letter, from then chairperson Craig Pauling, deputy chair Deon Swiggs, and chief executive Stefanie Rixecker, that expressed support with the Government’s reform agenda.
ECan said it was taking practical steps to improve consenting processes while upholding its statutory duties, and welcomed a meeting with Ministers to discuss details of the transition plan.
Bishop said officials will be engaging with ECan as part of discussing and preparing for the transition.
“I don’t intend to meet with every regional council – it simply isn’t practical,” Bishop said.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 2 is blocked following a serious crash this afternoon.
Police were called to the single-vehicle crash, where a car has struck a powerpole, west of Number 1 Line around 4:30pm.
Initial indicators are that have been critical injuries.
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.
Diversions are in place and the road is expected to remain closed for some time while emergency services work at the scene.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.
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Source: New Zealand Police
Two men have had their nets, waders and other equipment seized after being caught illegally whitebaiting last night.
Police and the Department of Conservation have been running the joint Operation Īnaka, focusing on whitebaiters illegally fishing in Western Southland.
Last night, Western Southland Police ran the third enforcement night targeting anyone who was whitebaiting outside of the legal season.
“Whitebaiting season ended on 31 October, so it is disappointing that we located two men illegally fishing at the Waiau River mouth last night,” says Western Southland Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Pete Graham.
“We have seized their whitebaiting fishing equipment and will be referring the incident to the Department of Conservation to consider prosecution action.
“I encourage all whitebaiters to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations around fishing activity, in order to avoid any confusion,” Senior Sergeant Graham says.
Police urge the community to report any illegal or suspicious activity by calling 111 if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact.
You can also make a report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Information on whitebaiting is available on the Department of Conservation Whitebaiting website.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Radio New Zealand
A concept image of the service station. Plans include a cafe, truck stop and 62 car parks. Photo: Supplied/ LDR
A resource consent for a service station to be built on some of New Zealand’s most fertile soils, beside the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, has been lodged with the Hastings District Council.
Hamachek Holdings’ plans for the site on the corner of State Highway 2 and Evenden Rd, Twyford, include a truck stop, service station, retail service area, cafe and fruit shop facilities.
A public notice of the project said about 29,570m3 of earthworks would be required to build the centre.
It would have four-lanes of pumps at a truck stop, eight lanes of pumps on a service station forecourt, underground petrol and diesel tanks, EV charging stations.
It would also require a two-way combined entry and exit access from Evenden Rd, road widening and changes to the SH2 and Evenden Rd roundabout.
The plans also include 62 carparks, 12 truck parks, loading spaces and pedestrian footpaths.
A service station on the corner of Evenden Road and State Highway 2 is surrounded by horticulture. Photo: Google Maps
The land is classed as Plains Production land, a council zoning that recognises it as a place with nationally significant growing soils.
Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said everyone could now have their say before a decision was made.
“That openness is a strength of the system as it ensures people can be heard and decisions are made with a clear understanding of our community’s values,” Schollum said.
“This proposal is classed as a non-complying activity, which means it must meet a very high bar to be approved.
“The Heretaunga Plains are among the most fertile soils in the country, and our District Plan is designed to protect that while allowing fair consideration of any application under the law.”
The rear of the site was currently occupied by a residential dwelling, while the front was used for horticultural purposes.
The fuel station will include a separate cafe and shop. Photo: LDR / Supplied
Hamachek said in resource consent documents it had consulted with multiple organisations about its plans, including adjacent landowners Delegat’s Winery, which raised concerns about proximity, night-time activity, light spill, and visual impact on winery operations.
The documents also show community group Save the Plains acknowledged the value of a truck stop somewhere on the Expressway, but opposed the use of Plains Production Zone land at Hamachek’s preferred location.
Submissions to Hastings District Council on the resource consent application close at 5pm on December 3.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: NZCTU
The NZCTU Te Kauae Kamahi is strongly concerned with WorkSafe’s proposal to remove the asbestos Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and replace it with other forms of guidance.
“Workers need to be afforded the strongest protection under the law against asbestos, which remains one of the biggest workplace killers in Aotearoa New Zealand,” said NZCTU President Sandra Grey.
“Around 220 workers are killed from asbestos related deaths every year. What’s needed is stronger protections for workers.
“ACOPs have specific legal standing that other forms of guidance do not have. The form and function of ACOPs gives workers the strength to insist on their legal rights to safe work, and to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
“While it is important that materials on working with asbestos are updated and improved, this should not come at the expense of legal protections for workers.
“Given the severe impacts of asbestos, the guidance material on its management and removal needs to be clear cut. New Zealand has a shocking track record on workplace health and safety, and we must not let that get even worse,” said Grey.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police will be part of something special, supporting Central District’s Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope in support of the Special Olympic Games.
Media is invited to the Central leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, hosted by Central District Police.
What: Law Enforcement Torch Run – Central District
Where: Meet at E-Bikes carpark, Church Street, Palmerston North, then finish in The Square, Palmerston North
When: 10am on Saturday 8 November 2025
Who: District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and Police staff
RSVP: Please email media@police.govt.nz
Media are welcome to take photos, video footage and conduct interviews with athletes and Police staff.
The event will start at the Palmerston North Police Station before the torch makes its way down Church Street to The Square.
The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run started in Northland in early October and will travel all the way down to Southland. It concludes in Christchurch the week before the Special Olympics Games begin.
Known as Guardians of the Flame, Police members carry the Flame of Hope as it traverses the country.
The countdown is on:
The Special Olympics Games will be held at the new Wolfbrook Arena from Wednesday 10 December until Sunday 14 of December.
Inspector Rupert Friend from New Zealand Police says: “We are proud to take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement.
“The Torch Run has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising platforms, including Polar Plunges.
“We held two plunges in Wellington and Christchurch this year, where a total of $26,000 was raised for our New Zealand athletes.
“The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a worldwide organisation and celebrated this year raising $1 billion to support the athletes of Special Olympics.
“We encourage all Kiwis to come out and show their support at Torch Run events up and down the country from October to December leading up to the games.”
Police contact: Inspector Mark Harrison 021 1907 805
Special Olympics contact: Coen Lammers 021 730 239
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now release the name of a woman found deceased in a central Auckland apartment at the weekend.
A homicide investigation commenced after the woman was located around 7.35pm on Saturday, 1 November.
She was 38-year-old Luisa Qelesenikau Mate.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin says, “our thoughts are with Luisa’s family and her children, for the loss they have suffered, and our investigation team is continuing to support them through the process.”
A 38-year-old man has been charged with her murder.
He has been remanded in custody to reappear on 18 November in the Auckland High Court.
Detective Inspector Baldwin says Police is not seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation.
“I’m still calling for anyone who has information and has yet to speak with us to come forward,” he says.
You can get in touch with Police by contacting 105 and reference file number 251101/3740 or Operation Spring.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Hawke’s Bay Police are investigating a series of rural burglaries in the Twyford area and are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying a possible vehicle or person of interest.
Three incidents have occurred in close proximity over consecutive nights.
Police believe these incidents may be linked and are seeking any information that could help identify a vehicle of interest or suspicious activity in the area during these times.
What we’re asking from the public:
• If you live in or travel through the Twyford area and have CCTV, dashcam footage, or noticed any unusual vehicles or persons between 30 October and 1 November, please contact Police.
• In particular, we are interested in any footage or sightings near Ormond Road, Raupare Road, and Evenden Road during the early morning hours.
If you have information that may assist, please contact Police via 105 quoting file number 251031/8604, or report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealand is set to benefit from the renewed global interest in gold and other metals and minerals, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.
Mr Jones says a mining permit granted today to extract one of the country’s most significant gold discoveries in decades represents a multibillion-dollar opportunity for Central Otago.
New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals has granted Matakanui Gold Limited, a subsidiary of Santana Minerals, a 30-year mining permit for the Rise and Shine prospect, part of the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project in the Dunstan Mountains.
“This is a major milestone for the progression of a project that will deliver well-paid employment, infrastructure investment, and economic resilience in Central Otago,” Mr Jones says.
“The proposed mine will directly employ 357 people and support an additional 500 jobs annually through indirect employment, with a strong focus on hiring locally. The average annual salary is expected to be $140,300, more than double the Central Otago average.
“It’s not just localised benefits either. Every New Zealander is set to gain from this development as the Crown collects hundreds of millions of dollars in projected royalties in the first 14 years of operation. The company forecasts it will pay an additional $800 million in taxes. That will go towards meeting our future healthcare, education and infrastructure needs.
“This is also an important project for training our next generation of miners. The operation is proposed to utilise opencast mining initially, and underground mining in later stages which is great news for the sector as these specialised skills are needed to support the growing pipeline of new mining projects across New Zealand over the coming decades.
“This Coalition Government is committed to using the wealth beneath our feet to create regional opportunities, deliver productive jobs that develop skilled workers, bolster trade and exports, and contribute to the prosperity of our people, now and into the future.”
As a listed fast-track project under Schedule 2 of the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024, Matakanui Gold can access an expedited consenting pathway for the remainder of the permissions needed before mining can begin.
“It’s projects like Bendigo-Ophir that demonstrate the untapped potential of our minerals estate, even in areas thought to be exhausted by historical mining. I want to congratulate Matakanui Gold on its mining permit and I’m delighted to see it has also submitted a substantive application through Fast-track.”
Mr Jones also today welcomed news from Endura Mining, formerly Federation Mining, that it has raised close to NZ$172 million to finance the development of the Snowy River Gold Mine on the West Coast.
“That’s money flowing straight into the local economy, the pockets of workers, businesses and the Crown,” Mr Jones says.
The former Provincial Growth Fund provided a $15m loan to Federation, as Endura was called in 2019, to help develop the Snowy River mining project near Reefton.
“That investment is proving its worth now with AustralianSuper, Endura’s largest shareholder, among the latest investors backing the project. Orion Resource Partners, a multibillion-dollar global investment firm, is another.
“Orion has a long history of investment in metals and minerals. I am delighted to see New Zealand taking its rightful place at the forefront of new investment in mining,” Mr Jones says.