Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council has welcomed the government’s announcement of a ‘comprehensive review’ of the ageing Dog Control Act 1996 and urges that this progress with urgency, and a firm timeline, given the significant issues many regions are facing.

The council’s Director of Community Rachel Kelleher says Minister Watts’ letter to mayors, chairs and chief executives this morning is a welcome step in the right direction. In particular it acknowledges that the Dog Control Act is not fit for purpose, signals the potential for a much-needed overhaul of the legislation and highlights work on enforcement, guidelines and existing tools – that Auckland Council is already throwing all available resources at.

“In the last year alone Auckland Council has invested an additional $10m in region-wide initiatives to tackle our burgeoning dog problem in Tāmaki Makaurau.

“Every cent collected from responsible dog owners’ licence fees along with infringement fees and anything else we can appropriately allocate, has gone back into trying to make our streets safe places for children, families, older Aucklanders, visitors, dog owners and their pets. But we need more.

“The current legislation is not enabling us to get on top of the increasing number of dogs roaming our streets or to take action in circumstances where we know a dog poses a risk to public safety.

“Mayor Wayne Brown, Councillor Josephine Bartley the Chair of our Regulatory and Safety Committee (whose own dog was attacked this week by an aggressive roaming dog) and all of our councillors have supported us to do everything we can to bolster council’s Animal Management services, under the powers currently available to us.

“They have added their voices, on behalf of their communities, to our appeals to government to strengthen those powers – I expect that we will continue to make our voices heard to ensure that this commitment doesn’t get forgotten,” says Kelleher.

What can we do to help?

In frequent correspondence with policy makers and Ministers, Auckland Council has signalled its commitment to add its knowledge, expertise and resources to a review of the Act.

“We have already carried out an extensive review of the legislation in our efforts to see what more we could do to address the challenges Auckland is facing.  We have reached out to our counterparts in government, at other councils and in the local government sector’s professional bodies to share what we have been doing, how our work to date might be used to inform change, and have offered to take on a leadership role in a review process. 

“Thorough work takes resource and momentum. We don’t want either of those things to stand in the way of our ability to keep our communities safe, so we’ve made it clear that we will do all we can to help the government and the sector do this work and would like to see this progressed with urgency and clear timeframes.” 

Our commitment to Aucklanders

In its announcement today the government emphasised its expectation that councils must use all powers available to them under the current Act.

“Ministers have made a fair point about councils ensuring they’re already using all tools available to them. Auckland Council’s Policy on Dogs was last reviewed in 2025 and strengthens every lever available to us. 

“We agree that council policies must include tools like requiring menacing breeds be desexed – ours does,” says Kelleher.

Auckland Council’s additional $10m funding has increased capacity at shelters, including through the introduction of a new dog adoption centre; enhanced all of our existing programmes and enforcement capabilities, including recruiting more Animal Management Officers and veterinary staff; and delivered new hard-hitting campaigns to try to make this problem resonate with more dog owners.  

“We have established an in-house dog desexing clinic, where we will desex around 2,000 dogs this year from high-risk areas ourselves, expanded our shelters and run campaigns to appeal to irresponsible dog owners to step up and be better citizens.  

“We have also stepped up our own game, by coming down hard on enforcement. Infringement actions have increased from 6,000 in 2024 to 17,000 in 2025 in an effort to tackle irresponsible ownership behaviours,” she says.

Where owners are repeatedly failing to meet their obligations, we pursue probationary ownership or disqualification.  This can be a lengthy process and what we frequently seeing is probationary owners continuing to infringe despite the risk of losing their dogs.  

“In 2025 we were able to disqualify 50 owners and put 123 owners on probation – these numbers don’t capture the complexity behind carrying out the lengthy disqualification process set out under the Act; nor monitoring the probationary conditions.

“We currently have 160 active cases going through our court prosecution process for attacks on people and pets.

“What remains is having stronger tools to compel owners who repeatedly ignore the rules to manage, contain and desex their dogs, to do so. Or for us to be able to do it for them.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has ordered a comprehensive review of the Dog Control Act to crack down on roaming and uncontrolled dogs, following a number of horrific attacks.

“New Zealanders are appalled by recent attacks by aggressive and out-of-control dogs. People are reporting that they are avoiding areas in their neighbourhood because they have been attacked or have reason to believe they will be,” Mr Watts says.

“Kiwis should be able to walk, run, or take their kids to the park without worrying about being harmed. 

“Dog owners must take responsibility and keep their animals under control to protect their families and visitors, as well as the wider public, wildlife and pets.”

Reviewing the Dog Control Act

“We have heard clearly from Local Government New Zealand and councils that the Dog Control Act is outdated and is preventing them from doing their jobs effectively. This is putting unnecessary strain on resources and the wider system,” Mr Watts says.

“That’s why the Government has ordered a comprehensive review of the Dog Control Act to ensure the law empowers councils to keep communities safe.” 

While the scope of the review is still being considered, it will include looking at clauses which may be imposing barriers or resource pressure on councils, as well as penalties and consequences for non-compliant dog owners, desexing obligations, and stronger powers for council officers.

“We are also updating enforcement guidelines so dog control officers have a consistent approach to their work, with clarity on how they should respond and what tools are available to them,” Mr Watts says.

“Alongside the review and updated guidelines, I have sent a letter to every council outlining my expectations around dog control and encouraging them to make full use of their powers.

“Dog control issues are best managed locally and councils already have enforcement powers under the Dog Control Act.

“As we review the Act, I want councils to be able to confidently say they are using every power available to tackle this issue.

“The letter also reinforces that the Government wants to work alongside them as we review the Act and continue to update the dog control enforcement guidelines.”

Other measures in the response 

While the review is underway, there are several measures in place to respond to dog attacks and support public safety.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell says the police will continue to work with local councils and to provide ongoing support to dog control officers where assistance is required.

“Police have a role to play in dog control when council staff have safety concerns while dealing with dangerous and high-risk dogs. Police will accompany council staff where Police-only powers are required or there are significant safety risks.”

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says on public conservation land, DOC will step up monitoring in high-risk areas and expand its professional hunter response so incidents involving feral or uncontrolled dogs can be dealt with quickly.

“This will focus on places where dogs pose a risk to people or vulnerable native wildlife, with DOC working closely with councils, iwi, landowners and communities to support early detection and coordinated action where problems arise,” Mr Potaka says.

Earlier this week the Government announced a targeted $468,000 grant to the SPCA for dog desexing. The SPCA will contribute a further $700,000 bringing the total investment to almost $1.2 million.

“Dog overpopulation is a significant problem and is often linked to irresponsible breeding. This grant funding supports a practical, preventative measure to help reduce the number of unwanted dogs,” Mr Watts says.

“The Government’s response is about backing councils to keep their communities safe and holding dog owners responsible for their animals.”

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

21 seconds ago

Fifty-seven graduates crossed the stage at the War Memorial Theatre in Gisborne today, in the first EIT Tairāwhiti graduation since the polytechnic re-established itself as a standalone institution.

The ceremony brought together graduates, whānau and community leaders from across the region to celebrate academic achievement and the journeys behind each qualification.

In total, 443 qualifications were achieved in 2025 by students who studied at EIT’s Tairāwhiti-based locations. Of those, 73 were bachelor’s degrees or diplomas, while a further 370 certificates were awarded at other ceremonies throughout the year.

The average age of graduates was 30, with students ranging in age from 16 to 76.

A total of 993 students enrolled at EIT Tairāwhiti in 2025. While not all were expected to complete their studies within the year, the completion rate for those due to finish was 86 per cent – ahead of the overall EIT completion rate of 84 per cent across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.

Of those enrolled at EIT Tairāwhiti in 2025, 69 per cent identified as Māori and 7 per cent as Pasifika.

EIT Chief Executive Lucy Laitinen delivered opening remarks at her first Tairāwhiti graduation since taking the role, while EIT Chair David Pearson offered closing comments.

Lucy said the occasion was a moment of pride for both the institute and the wider community.

“We are incredibly proud of our graduates and all they have achieved. Education is transformative. It opens doors for individuals, strengthens whānau, and builds capability and confidence across our communities.

“Having regained our independence, EIT is more determined than ever to serve Tairāwhiti and the wider region, ensuring our graduates leave with the skills, knowledge and resilience to make a real difference, both locally and beyond.”

Tairāwhiti Campus Executive Director Tracey Tangihaere said the ceremony was a special occasion for the region.

“It is always a wonderful occasion to recognise and celebrate the success of so many graduates and honour the many people who have supported their academic journey,” she said.

“This year carries added significance as we re-establish EIT as an independent institution for our region.”

She also acknowledged the passing of long-serving kaumātua Ngāti Porou leader Taina Ngārimu, and welcomed Dr Wayne Ngata, who officiated the ceremony.

“We acknowledge the legacy and contribution of Taina Ngārimu, and we are honoured to have Dr Wayne Ngata step into this role, continuing that guidance and leadership.”

Guest speaker Jordan Lima (Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāpuhi) addressed graduates, alongside valedictorian Ami Hokianga (Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi). Gisborne Deputy Mayor Aubrey Ria was also in attendance.

Tracey said the day was also a time to reflect on the values carried forward by graduates.

“I love the sentiments of ‘keep your face to the sunshine, be the change you wish to see, live life to the fullest, and spread positivity in the world’.”

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  20 March 2026

Tēnā tātou, kua tae mai te rongo, kua tau te toki o Aitua ki runga i tētehi tangata i a ia ka hikoi ki runga i Pouākai he kura tangihia, he maimai aroha ki a ia me tana whānau tonu.

Taranaki iwi has declared a rahui on the Pouākai Range in Te Papa-Kura-O-Taranaki following a fatality this afternoon.

The rahui is in effect from today, Friday 20 March, until Monday 23 March at 2 pm. It covers all of the Pouākai Range.

The rāhui acknowledges the death and expresses sympathy to the whānau of the deceased. 

It provides time for tapu (sacredness) to dissipate following the fatality allowing time for healing and recovery of the natural elements at place as well as the people – in particular, the grieving whānau. 

Visitors to Pouākai Range are asked to respect the rahui while it is in place.

Contact

Source: Auckland Council

In Auckland, we’ve seen how natural hazards like flooding, coastal erosion and landslides can impact people, homes and businesses.

We’re also seeing more Aucklanders interested in knowing about their flood risk including when they’re looking to purchase property or move into a new rental property. This includes checking the flood hazard maps on Auckland Council’s Flood Viewer or Geomaps beforehand, or by purchasing a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) report.

Here is some useful information on how and why we publish these maps, and what they mean.

Why does Auckland Council publish flood maps?

Auckland Council is required to maintain hazard information that is publicly available – including flooding. This publicly available flood information, including flood plains, flood prone areas, and overland flow paths are free to view and published online on Flood Viewer and Geomaps websites.

The maps are produced for a whole catchment, group of catchments or at a regional level to show how water moves across the landscape. They’re not site specific (based on individual property data) and don’t include flood mitigations to a building.

What else are these maps used for?

In addition to informing the public, these flood maps are underpinned by detailed hydrological and hydraulic modelling that Auckland Council uses to analyse catchments and understand how flooding occurs.

This modelling helps the council design, upgrade, and prioritise stormwater infrastructure across the region. It is also used by the transport sector when designing roads, culverts, and associated assets, ensuring they are resilient to flooding.

Property developers rely on the same information to understand stormwater requirements for new developments and to ensure their proposals appropriately manage flood risk.

Why is this information on LIM reports?

A LIM report provides a high-level summary of information we hold about a property. It’s a ‘snapshot in time’ and identifies hazard information the council holds about a property at the specified date and time – new information and reports are not created when a LIM is purchased, we compile the most recent information we hold at that time. 

For flood maps, information is taken from regional and/or catchment maps and an overlay is applied showing the boundaries of the requested property. It is not based on individual property data and does not include any mitigations that may have occurred at the property for a building or home.

Auckland Council has a legal obligation under the law (the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 section 44B) to identify natural hazards relating to a property, which are known to us, on LIM reports – this includes flooding.

How can I find out more information about the natural hazard information (like the flood maps) on a LIM?

The LIM report does not provide or replace site-specific information or property-level reports. It’s a starting point and a summary of the information we hold.

Those receiving LIMs are encouraged to use the report to further their due diligence, like ordering a copy of the council’s property file, reaching out to our technical specialists or seeking opinions and/or advice from independent third-party specialists.

What flood maps are included in LIMs?

LIMs include a map entitled ‘Natural Hazards – Flooding’, which displays information about the following potential flood hazards in relation to the site:

• Flood plains
• Flood prone areas
• Flood sensitive areas
• Overland flow paths

The absence of flooding information on the maps does not exclude the possibility of site flooding, including from local depressions or overland flow paths on nearby properties.

Also important to know is that Auckland Council does not have information on flood sensitive areas for all of Auckland. This potential hazard will only be depicted if the information exists.

What’s the difference between flood plains, flood prone areas and overland flow paths?

Flood plains:

Flood plains appear in low-lying areas and next to streams and rivers. As many historical streams have been piped, flood plains may appear in areas where you haven’t seen water before.

Flood plains are mapped from hydraulic modelling results and show the predicted flood extents during a 1 per cent annual exceedance probability (AEP) storm, assuming the stormwater system is functioning as intended and not blocked.

Flood prone areas:

Flood prone areas are topographical depressions/low lying areas where water can become trapped and pool.

In flood prone areas, water pools and gets trapped when the stormwater outlet pipe is blocked, or when the rainfall intensity exceeds the capacity of the stormwater network. Flood Prone Areas are identified by GIS techniques and not hydraulic modelling.

Overland flow paths:

Overland flow paths show the route water will take as it flows downhill through the landscape when there is no piped network or the capacity of the piped stormwater system is exceeded.

Water can move very quickly over land during heavy rain, forming temporary fast‑flowing streams. On Flood Viewer, these are shown as lines, but in reality, the water will spread more broadly across the surrounding area.

Overland Flow Paths are identified using GIS‑based terrain analysis, which connects the lowest points in the landscape (known as the thalweg) to map the route that water will take downhill. These paths are derived from topography and are not based on hydraulic modelling.

Major earthworks can alter the topography, and in some instances, developers may provide surveyed data to the council following a development which may result in changes to the flood mapping.

You can learn more about the different types of flood hazards on Auckland Council’s Flood Viewer.

What data are the flood plain maps based on?

The flood plains on LIM reports, and published on Flood Viewer, are based on an extreme weather event with a one per cent chance of occurring or being exceeded in any given year – this is also called a 1-in-a-hundred-year event.

To produce these maps, we consider things like:

• the hydraulics of water flowing through pipes, channels, and overland
• the hydrology of different rainfall events
• land‑use types and soil characteristics
• and climate change.

The data is then updated across the region at catchment scale, to reflect the best and most current information available at the time.

It uses surface topography captured through LiDAR – laser imaging, detection and ranging via aircraft like drones. The LiDAR data used for 95 per cent of our maps was flown in 2016, which means the flood‑plain map on the LIM reflects the landscape as it existed at that time.

The topography (land features like elevation, water bodies) data the models are based on is from 2016. How does the council account for this?

As the topography data used to inform the flood hazard maps is from 2016, when requested, we have provided a written acknowledgement of this to property owners. In the letter, we acknowledge that this means that the maps may not reflect changes made on the property including flood mitigation measures that may have been introduced by development.

Alongside this, we are in the process of providing a clarifying statement on all LIM reports to indicate when the data used to model the flood risk was gathered.

New models are expected soon. A new Auckland wide LiDAR survey was flown in 2024, and we are currently rebuilding all flood models using this updated data. This is detailed, technical work that must be done catchment by catchment – but it could be done more frequently in the future.

How often are the flood plains updated?

Councils are not required to update natural hazard information immediately whenever development occurs. Given the scale of construction across Auckland, it would be impracticable to continuously remodel every catchment for every change in topography as soon as earthworks are completed.

Auckland Council has followed a regular, cyclic update process since regional flood‑plain mapping began in 2012. Historically, this schedule has been appropriate, and only since the severe weather in early 2023 has public awareness of flood risk increased to the point where this timing has become more visible in the property market.

With more interest from Aucklanders, we’re looking at increasing how frequently we run this exercise including increasing the cadence.

Why can’t the information on my resource consent be used to show a property’s flood exposure – can the maps be adjusted?

We do not base flood‑plain maps on individual resource consent information. Earthworks plans provided for resource consents only analyse the immediate development site, not the full catchment.

Developments often occur in stages over several years, consents may be varied, and construction frequently changes from the original design. For these reasons, resource consent data cannot be used as a basis for catchment wide flood plain modelling.

However, in some cases, this data can be used to update flood prone areas. This is as it is a different type of hazard to flood plains and does not require modelling – so the topographical data can be more easily updated.

My property is showing as in a flood risk area – who can I talk to for more information?

In the first instance – reach out to Auckland Council. By talking to us, we can see if we can provide you with the information you’re looking for and explain what it means and why a property is impacted. 

We often find that the concerns people have with flood information are based on a misunderstanding of the data rather than the information itself. A conversation may be a simple way to avoid the expense of engaging an expert to dispute information which is unlikely to change.

For more information on addressing or updating information that appears on a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) from Auckland Council, visit our website. 

Source: Auckland Council

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Heath Jones, Hastings Criminal Investigation Branch

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone else affected by a group of people fighting at a local Hastings pub, to come forward.

The fight occurred between 1.30 and 2am on Sunday 8 March.

Police received reports of a brawl involving men and women inside the Common Room bar which is located at 227 Heretaunga Street East, Hastings. 

Several people were injured, some seriously, with one requiring hospital treatment.

Police are disappointed at the aggressive and careless behaviour on display at the Common Room that night and will be holding any offenders to account.

We are asking the public for information to help identify the offenders and anyone else who was there at the time who may have suffered injuries or witnessed the fight.

If you were there, or you know someone affected please call 105 or make a report online by clicking ‘Make a report’ referencing the file number 260308/6292.

Police are looking to identify the male in the images attached. In two photos he is seen wearing a fawn ‘Gucci’ baseball cap with a white shirt.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

We encourage anyone who witnesses illegal activity and violent behaviour to call Police immediately on 111.

END

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Auckland Council

Across Tāmaki Makaurau reading has quietly transformed. You can see it on the morning train where someone is listening to an audiobook, in a café where a student scrolls through an e magazine, at home where a parent downloads a picture book for bedtime, and during a late-night shift where someone finally gets a moment to read on their phone. The library is not only a place you visit – it’s something you carry with you.

The rise of e content has reshaped how Aucklanders connect with stories, learning, and information. As the collection continues to grow – over 800k items across three different platforms – there really is something for everyone and it’s free for all Aucklanders.

What makes this shift so powerful is how naturally it fits into the rhythm of modern life. People read when and where they can, and the digital library grows in response. As Aucklanders borrow more, the collection expands, creating a cycle of use and growth that reflects the habits of a busy, diverse city.

“We’re a city of readers and of extraordinary diversity,” says Deputy Mayor of Auckland, Desley Simpson.

“People of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities are embracing new ways to learn, explore, and connect. E content lets Aucklanders access stories and knowledge wherever they are, in the languages and formats that work for them. I think that’s just fantastic.

“Every digital checkout represents someone discovering a story, gaining knowledge, or finding joy. It shows who we are – a curious, multilingual, and connected city – and it’s something we should all be proud of,” says Deputy Mayor Simpson.

Digital borrowing has surged over the past five years, with strong, steady growth and record breaking use. Today, more than a third of all library loans in Auckland are digital – a higher share than in many comparable regions. Auckland now sits among the world’s major digital lending library systems with more than six million digital checkouts last year alone. On a global scale, we sit at number 11 for e-lending which puts us together with a small group of the very largest big city and regional library systems in the world – think Los Angeles, New York and Toronto!

In the past year alone, Aucklanders borrowed material in 36 different languages and children’s reading has climbed sharply – with a significant increase in digital checkouts over the past two years. Readers come from every Local Board area and represent at least 25 ethnic communities. The digital library has become a mirror of Auckland’s diversity, offering stories and information that speak to many cultures, ages, and experiences.

E content also removes barriers that physical libraries can’t always overcome. It supports people with vision impairments through screen reader compatibility, helps dyslexic readers with specialised fonts, and offers multilingual families access to books in their home languages. It serves roster workers who read at various hours, commuters who squeeze in a chapter on the go, and residents who live far from a physical outlet.

This shift has strengthened equity of access across the region. Aucklanders who might once have struggled to reach a library can now participate fully in reading and learning. The digital collection has become a vital part of service delivery, extending the reach of the library without the need for new buildings or physical infrastructure.
Ultimately, the rise of e content is a story about Auckland – one of the most diverse cities in the world and one whose people read widely and in many languages. Together we’re shaping a future where the library in Auckland is always open and always accessible.

Aucklanders can download the app here: https://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/en/books-movies-audio/ecollections/ebooks.html
And/or sign up for a membership if you don’t already belong to the library: https://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/en/join-the-library.html

Source: New Zealand Government

Significant new features will soon roll out on the Govt.nz app, Digitising Government and Public Service Minister Judith Collins says.

“The Govt.nz App will provide New Zealanders with easy access to government digital services such as communications and proof of digital identity,” Ms Collins says.

“By the end of this month, users will be able to see their digital wallet in the app. This will allow people to store and present accredited digital credentials issued by government or the private sector.

“At the same time, the Government Credential Issuance Platform will go live, allowing all government agencies to issue digital credentials directly into the wallet. This all-of-government solution will reduce duplication and ensure better value for money.

“Hospitality New Zealand is working with the Department of Internal Affairs to be the first accredited digital credential available in the wallet, pending changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.

“This digital credential could be used by customers to present their Kiwi Access Card on their phone at a bar or event entrance, so staff can confirm age eligibility quickly and securely without handling a physical card.

“By July 2026, secure messaging will also be available in the app, allowing New Zealanders to receive communications directly from government agencies on things like vehicle registration reminders or travel advisories.

“These new features will give New Zealanders more choice in how they access government services through an app that is robust, secure, and widely usable.

“Use of the Govt.nz app will be entirely voluntary, and existing channels will remain available.” 

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Karli Whiu:

Police are making enquiries after a man was located deceased at a construction site on Omahu Road in Hastings earlier this week.

Officers were called to the site at 7pm on Thursday 18 March. 

The man was not an employee at the site and his death is currently being treated as unexplained.

A scene guard remains in place at the site while a scene examination is completed.

Work is under way to formally identify the man and at this stage we are unable to provide any further details regarding his identity.

If anyone has information which they believe may be relevant to our enquiries, please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 260319/6453.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.