Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died after a water-related incident in Tauriko this afternoon.
Emergency services were called about 2.55pm to a location off Poripori Road, where a person had been pulled from the water.
CPR was commenced, however they sadly died at the scene.
The death will be referred to the Coroner.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are continuing the investigation into the shooting of a man at a Palmerston North car park yesterday.
Detective Senior Sergeant David Thompson says emergency services were called to Marriner Street by a member of the public after gunshots were heard, about 3.15pm on Monday 13 January.
“The victim was located with gunshot-related injuries.
“He was taken to Palmerston North Hospital in a very serious condition and underwent surgery. Due to his injuries, he has been flown to Wellington Hospital where he is in intensive care, awaiting further treatment.
“As part of the investigation, Police are making enquiries into a car fire on Karere Road to determine whether the two incidents are linked. The car fire was reported a short time after the shooting.”
CCTV sought
Detective Senior Sergeant Thompson says Police are looking to identify vehicles that arrived and then left around the time of the shooting in Marriner Street and the car fire in Karere Road.
“We ask members of the public who live in the area and have CCTV cameras to contact us. The manner of driving following these incidents would have attracted attention, and if you saw any vehicle driving at speed or erratically, please let us know.”
The proximity of the shooting to a playground was also worrying, Detective Senior Sergeant Thompson says.
“This area is very public, but it is especially concerning to see it happen so close to a children’s playground.
“Violence like this is unacceptable and we need the community’s help to locate those involved. What members of the public have witnessed will be the key to identifying who is responsible and why it happened.
“CCTV around Marriner Street and Karere Road is vitally important to this investigation. If you have cameras that may record movement of vehicles on the road please make contact with us as soon as possible.”
How you can help
Anyone with information can make a report to Police via 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260112/5190.
Information can also be supplied anonymously through Crime Stoppers, on 0800 555 111.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now names of the two men who died following a water related incident on Ripirō Beach between Mahuta Gap and Glinks Gully on 3 January.
They were Johnathan Brian Webster, 54, of Dargaville and Joseph Wiremu Webster, 43, of Tauranga.
Police extends our condolences to their whānau and friends during this difficult time.
Enquiries into the matter are ongoing and the deaths have been referred to the Coroner.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
Citizenship wait times have reached a new low under this Government, with continued focus on efficient application processing, Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden announced today.
“Despite a comparable number of applications over the last three years, wait times for outcomes on citizenship applications has dropped by 72 per cent since Labour was last in Government. The Department has cut average turnaround times to 51 days, down from 180 days in October 2023,” says Ms van Velden.
“In 2025, we had 51,396 applications for citizenship. There were 51,702 applications in 2024 and 51,803 applications in 2023.
“People applying for citizenship by grant have already spent a minimum of five years in New Zealand and have already taken steps to build their lives here.
“It is important that the Government delivers good service and functions efficiently. That is what all people expect when engaging with our Departments and agencies. These numbers show we are focused on fixing what matters.
“Reducing wait times means people can plan their futures with confidence. It’s about removing stress and adding certainty,” says Ms van Velden
“I want to thank the citizenship processing teams at the Department for their continued efforts and fantastic service,” says Ms van Velden.
You can apply for citizenship either online or via the post. For the checklist of everything you need please refer to: Apply for NZ citizenship | New Zealand Government.
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 13 January 2026
During annual checks of islands in Dusky Sound and Preservation Inlet – areas managed to remain deer-free – three deer were removed: one from Indian Island and two from Anchor Island.
These checks also included surrounding islets, ensuring these islands continue to provide safe, intact habitats for native plants and wildlife.
Anchor Island is one of Fiordland’s most treasured islands, with lush forests that support rare species including the critically endangered kākāpō and kākāriki karaka. Protecting vegetation is critical to maintaining these ecosystems. Anchor Island achieved a wild deer-free status in 2007.
Monty Williams, DOC Project Lead Biodiversity, says, “If left unchecked, even a few deer can quickly rebuild a population – potentially undoing decades of conservation gains”.
“Acting now prevents a far bigger and costlier problem later. This investment secures the islands’ long-term ecological health and ensures Fiordland’s unique biodiversity continues to thrive.”
Removing deer from such remote and rugged locations is hard and expensive work. Anchor and Indian Islands sit deep in Fiordland, accessible only by boat or helicopter. DOC contractors used a combination of aerial hunting with thermal technology and ground hunting to locate and remove the animals. Every step required precision planning to avoid disturbing sensitive habitats and ensure staff safety.
“But the cost of inaction would be far greater – both ecologically and financially. By stepping in early, we’ve avoided repopulation to two of New Zealand’s most important sanctuaries,” says Monty.
“We prioritise keeping areas such as Coal Island, Chalky Island, Anchor Island, Indian Island, Secretary Island, and the Cleddau Valley catchment near Milford Sound wild deer-free as part of our wild animal management within Fiordland National Park.
“New Zealand’s island sanctuaries are internationally recognised as models for species recovery and ecosystem protection. Maintaining a wild deer-free status doesn’t just safeguard wildlife – it demonstrates how targeted, science-led action can contribute to biodiversity protection worldwide.”
A great start to the year for nature – thanks to this effort, Anchor and Indian Islands remain safe havens for native plants and wildlife. It’s a reminder that protecting our wild places takes commitment and timely action.
Want to get involved with some naturing this year? We’ve made it easy for you to find small ways to make a big difference. Do your bit for nature.
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: New Zealand Government
A new pilot programme will help small businesses overcome barriers in accessing artificial intelligence tools that boost productivity and unlock growth, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk has announced.
“Artificial intelligence is becoming part of how Kiwis work every day across many industries. It can quickly sort information, answer simple customer questions at any hour, draft and check documents and handle repetitive digital tasks that normally eat into the day,” Mr Penk says.
“AI has enormous potential to drive economic growth and increase productivity. New Zealand’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence estimates adopting generative AI alone could add a staggering $76 billion to the New Zealand economy by 2038, which equates to 15 percent of national GDP,” Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Dr Shane Reti says.
“Small business owners tell me they want to use AI to clear space in their busy schedules, so they can focus on the parts of their business they enjoy, but many are unsure where to start or how to use these tools in a safe and practical way,” Mr Penk says.
“That’s why the Government is launching the AI Advisory Pilot. This pilot programme will give small business owners practical support from trusted experts so they can confidently use AI tools that lift productivity and help them stay competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“Eligible businesses will receive co-funding of up to 50 percent, capped at $15,000, to develop an AI plan tailored to the needs of their business, workers and customers. With support from experienced specialists, they can then put that plan into action.
“The pilot programme will run for at least six months through the Regional Business Partner Network for existing RBP customers, ensuring it is well targeted. Participants will be invited to take part from late January.
“The Regional Business Partner Network is already making a real difference for small-and-medium business owners, whether they’re seeking to strengthen management skills, develop a long-term growth strategy or access funding to support innovation.
“The network consists of 15 regional service providers around the country with advisors who connect thousands of New Zealand businesses to the right advice, people and resources to help them grow and innovate.
“Expanding into AI support is a natural next step for the Regional Business Partner Network. The support provided will be able to provide clear guidance on privacy, data management and responsible use, which can feel challenging to navigate with AI still being such a new tool.
“The pilot will help the Government test whether targeted expert support and step-by-step guidance can accelerate digital adoption and deliver measurable productivity gains, allowing us to understand what success could look like on a larger scale.
“The Government is committed to creating the right environment and providing the right backing for businesses to thrive, create jobs and lift wages, because when business do well, Kiwis do well.”
“Through our AI strategy, the Government is also investing up to $70 million over seven years through the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology to support innovative AI research and applications, develop world-class expertise, and sharpen New Zealand’s competitive edge,” Dr Reti says.
Notes to editor:
$765,000 has been initially allocated to the AI Advisory Pilot from within existing MBIE appropriations.
The pilot will run from 19 January 2026 to at least 30 June 2026 and is expected to include a minimum of 51 small-and-medium enterprises.
New Zealand’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (2025) can be found here.
Source: New Zealand Government
Energy Minister Simon Watts says the Government is taking decisive action to ensure Kiwis get a fair deal on electricity by strengthening the Electricity Authority.
“Kiwis are feeling the pressure of high power bills. The Government is moving quickly to fix this by strengthening the Electricity Authority, which oversees the electricity market and makes sure power companies play by the rules,” Mr Watts says.
“The Government has agreed to amend the Electricity Industry Act to give the Electricity Authority real teeth, providing it with the tools it needs to maintain a fair and competitive market.”
The changes will:
Higher penalties will be in place in 2027, with the new infringement system starting in 2026. These tools match what the Commerce Commission already uses.
“These changes will mean power companies will face real consequences if they try to take advantage of customers or distort the market,” Mr Watts says.
“New Zealanders struggling with high power bills deserve an electricity market that works for them, not against them.
“A stronger, more effective regulator will help keep prices fair, encourage competition, and give families and businesses more confidence that they’re not being overcharged.”
The changes come at a crucial time for the energy system as the Government works to tackle high power prices, manage dry-year risk, and ensure the country has a reliable energy supply.
Since announcing the Energy Package in October, the Government has:
“These steps are about making sure New Zealand has the affordable, abundant, reliable energy our economy needs,” Mr Watts says.
“It’s critical to have strong leadership at the Electricity Authority to ensure it can support the market to deliver abundant and affordable energy.”
The Government has agreed to the appointment of new members to the Electricity Authority Board including:
“These appointments bring significant experience across energy markets and industry reform. They will help ensure the Electricity Authority is well equipped to deliver better outcomes for consumers,” Mr Watts says.
“I’d also like to acknowledge and thank the outgoing Chair, Anna Kominik, and outgoing members Lana Stockman and Dr Cristiano Marantes for their service.
“With a stronger regulator, clearer rules, and more investment in energy security, we are laying the foundation for lower prices, more competition, and a more reliable electricity system.
“Our focus is simple: making sure the energy system works for New Zealand households, businesses, and industry.”
Source: Press Release Service
Headline: Top Auckland Web Design Agencies 2026 Review
Kiwi Web Design has released its updated Top Web Design Agencies in Auckland guide for 2026. The independently reviewed list evaluates leading Auckland agencies based on recent work, market activity, and suitability for small and medium-sized businesses. The guide is not sponsored and is intended to help business owners compare web design options more confidently.
The post Top Auckland Web Design Agencies 2026 Review first appeared on PR.co.nz.
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
Fisheries New Zealand is warning poachers that we will prosecute anyone stealing from our shared resources.
This follows action taken by fishery officers in the Eastern Bay of Plenty who’ve caught several people over summer with hundreds of green lipped mussels, some of them taken from a closed area.
In November 2024, a 2-year closure was placed over an area of Ōhiwa Harbour to the harvest of mussels. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa requested the closure, Te rāhui kuku ki tua o Kanawa, to provide support for their traditional rāhui and boost an area of the harbour where mussel beds have been reseeded.
Minister’s decision on the closure for harvesting mussels, Ōhiwa Harbour, Bay of Plenty
Fisheries New Zealand district manager Gisborne/Whakatāne Jordan Cooper says it’s disappointing to find people taking green lipped mussels from an area that was closed to rebuild mussel beds.
“People who disregard and break these rules are slowing this progress and we will continue to closely patrol the area and take action. Over the past month fishery officers in Whakatāne stopped a person who had 779 green lipped mussels – taken from the closed part of Ōhiwa Harbour.
Map on the temporary mussel (kuku) closure Ohiwa Harbour [PDF, 958 KB]
“Other people who had their catch inspected were found with 92 green lipped mussels taken from the closed area and another person with 154 green lipped mussels taken from an open area. It’s likely some of these people will be prosecuted.”
For green lipped mussels in open areas, the daily limit per person is 50.
In addition to the green lipped mussel offending, another group of fishers who had their catch inspected were found with 2,771 pipi they had taken from an open area of Ōhiwa Harbour. The daily limit for harvesting pipi is 150 per person.
“We seized their fishing vessel and prosecution is likely. When we find evidence of fishing rules being deliberately broken – we will take action,” says Jordan Cooper.
Anyone planning to go recreational fishing should download the free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app. Once downloaded, it will work in areas without mobile coverage and provide the latest rules, including closures and gear restrictions for all areas.
We encourage people to report any suspected illegal activity through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ 0800 4 POACHER line (0800 476 224).
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are appealing to the public for information following a spate of robberies in the Hutt Valley.
About 1.30am on Saturday 10 January, Police were notified of an incident at a bar in King Street, Upper Hutt.
Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Todd, of Hutt Valley Police, says two people brandishing weapons approached bar staff.
“Thankfully, staff were uninjured, but this incident was understandably unsettling for everyone involved.
“After making various demands the offenders fled in a vehicle belonging to a staff member. The vehicle was found abandoned on Sinclair Street in Upper Hutt.
“We are now appealing to anyone who witnessed anything in these areas at the time to please contact Police.”
Police are keen for any footage that shows the movement of people or vehicles near King and Sinclair Streets between 11pm on Friday 9 January and 2.30 am on Saturday 10 January.
One man was wearing a black beanie, a dark coloured sweatshirt and long pants, and had a blue cloth over his entire face.
Another man wore a beanie, a ‘Nike Academy’ sweatshirt with distinctive white stripes and dark coloured long pants. He also wore a cloth over his face.
“We are making use of some CCTV footage and would appreciate any further information or accounts.”
Since 10 December, 2025 a total of three Hutt Valley bars have been targeted in similar ways where an offender, or offenders, have used various weapons and demanded money and other items.
The other aggravated robberies include a bar in Evans Street Stokes Valley about 10pm on Thursday 1 January, and a bar in Ward Street Upper Hutt just after midnight on Wednesday 10 December 2025.
Detective Senior Sergeant Todd says inquiries are continuing to ascertain if these robberies are linked.
“There are some similarities and the investigation team is working to establish if these have all been committed by the same offender or offenders.”
Police will be contacting bar owners in the Hutt Valley and wider Wellington District this week to offer support and talk to them around staff safety procedures. Police advise that if anyone is confronted by a person with a weapon to remain calm and to do what is required to avoid an unnecessary escalation.
If you recognise anyone in these images, or have CCTV images, footage or information, please contact Police at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260110/6662, or make a report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre