Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Inspector Simon Walker, Waitematā West Area Commander:

Police enquiries are underway after a man was located with serious injuries in Henderson this afternoon.

Police were called to Edsel Street at 2.40pm.

The victim has been taken to Auckland City Hospital and is in a serious but stable condition.

Police are currently in the Henderson area making enquiries to locate the offender involved.

I’d like to reassure the Henderson community that it’s believed the offender and victim are both known to each other.

There is no cause for any ongoing concern.

Police will continue to be visible in the Henderson CBD over the coming days, including regular patrolling by the Henderson Beat Team.

Anyone with information on today’s incident can contact Police on 105 using the reference number P064587277.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now confirm one person has sadly died following a two-truck collision on State Highway 2, near Maramarua earlier today.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 11.42am.

One other person was treated for minor injuries. 

State Highway 2 remains closed between Monument Road and Heaven Road with diversions in place.

The Serious Crash Unit are examining the scene and enquiries into the circumstances are underway.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are continuing to search for a man wanted in relation to a Pahiatua woman’s death last month.

On the afternoon of 15 October, Karen Gilbert-Palmer, 74, was found deceased at her Arthur Street home by a friend who had been unable to contact her. A homicide investigation was launched, and 52-year-old Jeremy Robertson was identified as a suspect.

The victim’s vehicle was located in at the Blue and Green lakes lookout in Rotorua the following morning, and Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson, Area Investigations Manager, says Police believe Robertson is likely still in that area.

“We have been making a lot of enquiries to locate Jeremy, and we are planning further Police activity in that area in the coming weeks.

“I want to thank the members of the public who came forward with information in the early days of the investigation, including the call that led us to the car within hours of it being parked up.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Thompson said work to find Robertson had not stopped.

“Our focus remains on seeing justice served for Mrs Gilbert-Palmer, and finding Jeremy is key to that.”

Anyone who sees Robertson should not approach him. Call 111 immediately and advise Police.

Non-urgent information can be passed to Police via 105. Please quote file number 251015/6286.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Roadworks and traffic plans have been revised, and it is confirmed that State Highway 1 Transmission Gully will be closed to southbound traffic this weekend.

The southbound closure will be in place from 10 am, Friday 28 November, until 4:30 am, Monday 1 December, weather permitting. There will also be a northbound lane closure on the motorway, which is expected to cause delays for northbound traffic.

Southbound traffic will need to detour via State Highway 59 while the closure is in place.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South, says people need to prepare for long queues and travel delays, and should try to avoid the peak congestion times expected on Sunday afternoon.

“Travel will be affected by these works, and also by Kāpiti Line bus replacements, as well as various events happening on the Kāpiti Coast.”

“These are major works on a key part of our state highway network. An impact on traffic is unavoidable, and it is essential that drivers are prepared for it,” Mr Owen says.

He says it is critical that people drive to the conditions and respect other road users.

“Merge like a zip and let other vehicles in at points where the motorway is reduced to a single lane, as this really helps the flow of traffic.”

We have identified problems, such as pinch points on the SH59 detour route, and we have taken steps to address them.”

“We will have extra staff on duty to manage traffic, and we will close off the SH59 Link Road, which we saw added to congestion for traffic trying to use the detour route,” Mr Owen says.

He acknowledges this is a busy time of the year but says it is the best time to get the repairs done.

“This must be done during the warmer summer weather. It cannot be done during winter, as the repairs would not work. We also want to get the drainage work completed so the motorway can be open to traffic during the busier Christmas/New Year holiday period.”

Mr Owen also warns there are other factors this weekend that will affect traffic that people must consider if they are travelling between Wellington and the Kāpiti Coast.

“There are Metlink bus replacements all day on Saturday and Sunday, and a number of events in Wellington city, and out of town.

“Think carefully about your travel plans this weekend. If possible, avoid travelling between Kāpiti and Wellington. At the very least, try to avoid busy periods like late afternoon and early evening on Saturday and Sunday,” Mr Owen says.

Contractors will be carrying out drainage works this weekend. The width of the southbound lanes will be excavated, meaning traffic cannot pass through these sites. It takes 24 hours for concrete to cure at the drainage sites. Traffic management must remain in place to protect the concrete, which is why drivers may see areas under traffic management but with no contractors on site.

Travel improvements and driver advice

There were a number of pinch points where congestion was particularly bad on the SH59 detour route, and improvements have been made to reduce the impact on drivers:

• SH59 Link Road (the road between Mackays Crossing Interchange and Paekākāriki Interchange) will be closed during the closure. It means drivers will not have to give way to traffic coming from Link Road.
• There will be more traffic controllers situated on the network to be able to respond to any incidents or issues on the network.
• Traffic lights will be optimised to help reduce traffic congestion.
• People should avoid travelling during busier times if possible. The busiest periods are expected to be between 4 pm and 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Delays of up to one hour are possible on Sunday afternoon. Drivers should travel earlier or later to avoid this if they can.
• We have ensured there will be no roadworks on SH59. This will make travel on the detour more efficient.

Upcoming work

Work at the first site to undergo pavement reconstruction will run from Monday 1 December through until mid-December.

Drainage works during the day will  continue during the week. All works between Monday morning and Friday morning are under lane closures in both directions, so drivers can expect to see congestion at busy times in both the northbound and southbound directions on Transmission Gully.

Pavement reconstruction works are planned for southbound lanes just north of the SH58 interchange. This is a site where drainage works have recently been completed and, once the pavement reconstruction is complete this will mean this section of the road is complete.

For the northbound lanes, contractors will be working at just before SH58 interchange to complete the drainage works on the northbound side of the road.

Drivers can expect to see lane closures operating for the motorways northbound and southbound lanes 24/7 until mid-February – except between 15 December – 5 January, when the motorway will be fully open for holiday traffic.

Source: New Zealand Government

A global-first advanced aviation rule will slash red-tape and enable innovators to quickly bring new ideas to market, Space Minister Judith Collins and Associate Transport Minister James Meager say.

“As part of our world-class regulatory system, we’ve introduced a new rule allowing regulatory sandboxes – controlled environments where technology can be tested freely and safely,” Ms Collins says. 

“Researchers and businesses can now rapidly develop products without needing approval for small changes from the Civil Aviation Authority. This will provide clearer pathways for the sector to test, trial, and grow, while ensuring strong safeguards remain in place.

“The change will directly benefit Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre, which was granted permanent Special Use Airspace earlier this year, alongside $5.85 million in operational funding. 

“The advanced aviation sector is no longer emerging. It is here, and it is central to New Zealand’s economic and high-tech future. Our approach will attract global interest from those keen to take advantage of a safe and responsive regulatory environment.”

Associate Transport Minister James Meager has also confirmed updates to current drone rules, which also reflect New Zealand’s commitment to growth and innovation, while balancing safety with efficiency.

“These changes cut through red tape, reduce paperwork and make it much clearer when drones and other aviation technologies can be used and when they can’t. 

“More specifically, they clarify that drones can be used for low-risk work like surveying and mapping without certification, and they provide clarity and certainty for technical and higher-risk activities like agricultural spraying and top dressing.

“This is about backing our farmers and rural communities by reducing unnecessary regulatory burden, being clear about what’s allowed, and making sure new technology can be put to work safely and quickly.”

The rules come into effect on 22 December 2025.

Notes to Editor:

Summary of Rule Changes:

Parts 101 and 102 (Existing Rules):

• Uncrewed aircraft are regulated through two rule parts: Part 101, which provides prescriptive rules that capture lower-risk operations in aircraft under 25kg, and Part 102, which is a risk-based certification framework that regulates complex and higher-risk operations.
• Most drone users in New Zealand operate under Part 101. A certificate is not required to operate under Part 101, and no approval from the CAA is needed.
• Some technical details have been transferred out of Part 101 and into a new Transport Instrument. This will make updates to regulation faster and more responsive to technology and sector growth.
• Some activities that previously required approval under Part 102 have now been transferred to Part 101, including some night operations and beyond-visual-line-of-sight flights in enclosed spaces.

• Part 101 now explicitly prohibits agricultural spraying, topdressing, and vertebrate toxic agent application. These have never been allowed under Part 101, but the rule change makes this clear. Surveying and mapping can still be conducted under Part 101. 

Part 107 (New Rule):

• Allows approved research organisations to rapidly develop and test emerging aviation technologies within pre-defined areas.
• Removes regulatory burden on participants by no longer requiring regulatory approval every time an iteration is made, unless the operation changes substantially.
• Is technology agnostic, allowing for research and development on all aviation systems and ancillary systems.

Source: New Zealand Government

Kiwi families and businesses will be heartened by the Reserve Bank’s positive outlook for 2026 on the back of another reduction in the Official Cash Rate, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. 

As expected, the Reserve Bank today reduced the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 25 basis points to 2.25 per cent, the ninth reduction since rates peaked at 5.5 per cent in July 2024. 

“It is clear previous reductions in the OCR are flowing through into stronger economic activity,” Nicola Willis says.

“The bank is forecasting falling inflation and rising growth. Its forecasts support the widespread consensus that the economy is strengthening.

“For many households, lower interest rates mean more choice.

“Reserve Bank data shows that 80 per cent of mortgage lending has come up for renewal since the bank began reducing the OCR in August last year. 

“That means more money in Kiwi pockets. In addition, thousands of Kiwis are taking the opportunity presented by lower rates to buy their first homes. 

“In the 12 months to September, 23,600 households bought their first home, the most since 2021. 

“New Zealanders have had a tough few years, but things are looking up.” 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police acknowledge the sentence handed down to Hakyung Lee, after she murdered her two young children in 2018.

Counties Manukau CIB commenced Operation Curb three years ago, after remains were discovered in suitcases on 11 August 2022 in Weymouth.

Police would later confirm they were Lee’s eight-year-old daughter Yuna Jo and six-year-old son Minu Jo.

“I want to acknowledge the investigation team for what was a challenging investigation after the remains of two young children were discovered,” Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua says.

“They worked diligently to bring about justice for these innocent young children.”

Today at the Auckland High Court, 45-year-old Lee was handed down a sentence of life imprisonment, with a minimum term of imprisonment of 17 years.

Adding to the complexities was that Lee had left New Zealand after murdering her children and relocated to South Korea.

Police applied to have Lee extradited back to New Zealand in 2022, Detective Inspector Va’aelua says.

“We acknowledge the assistance provided in our investigation by the South Korean Ministry of Justice, South Korean Prosecution Service, the Korean National Police Agency, and our own New Zealand Police Interpol staff.

“Their cooperation has been vital in helping to secure these convictions.”

Yuna and Minu would have been 16 and 13 today.

“Our thoughts are with the wider family today for the tragic loss of these two young children,” Detective Inspector Va’aelua says.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 2 near Maramarua is blocked following a two-truck crash.

Police were called to the scene around 11.42am.

Two people have sustained serious injuries and are being assisted by emergency services.

The Serious Crash Unit have been notified.

Diversions are in place from Monument Road to Heaven Road. Motorists should expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac is proposing to fund nitisinone for people with the rare disorders – tyrosinemia type 1 and alkaptonuria.

Nitisinone is currently funded through Pharmac’s Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessment (NPPA) pathway. Under this proposal, it would be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule, making it easier for clinicians to prescribe and for people to access treatment.

If approved following the public consultation, approximately 10 people with these rare disorders would benefit from access to the medicine in the first year of funding.

 “This proposal would make it easier for people living with these rare conditions to access nitisinone,” says Pharmac’s Acting Manager of Pharmaceutical Funding, Claire Pouwels.

“It would also make it easier for clinicians to prescribe this treatment, without needing to apply through NPPA each time.”

Tyrosinemia type 1 and alkaptonuria are lifelong conditions that affect how the body breaks down tyrosine, an amino acid. Without treatment, harmful substances can build up and cause serious health problems. Nitisinone, alongside a special diet, can help prevent or reduce these effects.

People currently receiving nitisinone through NPPA would continue to get their treatment as usual but may need to change to the LogixX Pharma brand from 1 February 2026. If people experience issues with the new brand, there are pathways in place within the Exceptional Circumstances framework to access an alternative if clinically necessary.

Pharmac wants to hear from clinicians, consumer advocacy groups, and others about how this proposal could work in practice. Feedback can be provided through Pharmac’s website until 5pm Friday 12 December.

Following public consultation, Pharmac will make a decision on the funding proposal. If approved, it would be funded from 1 February 2026.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is progressing its suite of reforms aimed at improving how infrastructure is funded and financed to support housing and urban growth across New Zealand, Housing Minister Chris Bishop, Local Government Minister Simon Watts, and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson say. 

“The Government’s changes will create a flexible funding and financing system to match a new, flexible, planning system. Our Going for Housing Growth programme focuses on fixing the fundamentals of our housing crisis: land supply, infrastructure, and incentives for growth,” Mr Bishop says.

Going for Housing Growth is split into three pillars:

• Pillar 1: Freeing up land for development and removing unnecessary planning barriers,
• Pillar 2: Improving infrastructure funding and financing to support urban growth, and
• Pillar 3: Providing incentives for communities and councils to support growth.

“Today I am pleased to announce that under Pillar 2, the Government has:

• Introduced the Infrastructure Funding and Financing (IFF) Amendment Bill to Parliament
• Opened public consultation on an exposure draft of the Local Government (Infrastructure Funding) Amendment Bill, to replace development contributions with a development levies system, and
• Agreed, in principle, to the Commerce Commission becoming the regulator for development levies – subject to further work to develop the details of this approach.

“These reforms are about enabling more housing to be built, faster. We know that freeing up land for development is only part of the solution – we also need better tools to fund the infrastructure that makes new housing possible.

“Public feedback is essential to ensure we get this right and the proposed legislation is fit for purpose.

Infrastructure Funding and Financing (IFF) Amendment Bill

“The IFF Amendment Bill will make it easier to use the Act by removing unnecessary barriers, simplifying the levy approval process, and broadening the scope of eligible infrastructure projects,” Mr Bishop says. 

“This includes transport projects delivered by the New Zealand Transport Agency or KiwiRail, and water services infrastructure delivered under new water organisations.

“Only two IFF Act levies have only been set up to date – and both times the levies were proposed by councils, not developers. We’re making the Act more viable and flexible so councils and developers can get on with building the infrastructure our growing communities need.”

Public consultation on the exposure draft of the Local Government (Infrastructure Funding) Amendment Bill

“We’re also releasing an exposure draft of parts of the Local Government (Infrastructure Funding) Amendment Bill, which will replace development contributions with a new development levies system,” Mr Watts says.

“This system will give councils greater flexibility to recover infrastructure costs and ensure consistency across the country.

Key features of the development levies system include: 

• Separate levies that are ring-fenced for each specific infrastructure service such as water supply, wastewater, and transport;
• Specific ‘levy areas’, which are expected to cover pre-defined areas that are larger than most current development contributions catchments;
• Discretion for councils to impose additional charges on top of base levies in specific locations that are particularly high-cost to service;
• Developing a prescribed methodology that councils and infrastructure providers must follow to determine aggregate growth costs and standardised growth units; and
• Consideration of different models of infrastructure delivery including support for first-mover developers and recovering council costs for infrastructure owned by another entity.

The consultation on the development levies system explains the underlying policy for the exposure draft bill and also seeks feedback on potential content for regulations.

“This is a generational shift in how New Zealand funds infrastructure and enables urban growth,” says Mr Bishop. 

“We want to hear from councils, developers, iwi and the public to make sure the system is fair, workable, and supports the housing growth New Zealand needs. 
Public consultation begins today and runs through to February 2026. The Government intends to introduce further legislation in mid-2026, following the consultation period and feedback from the sector.

Regulatory oversight of development levies

In-principle decisions have also been made by Cabinet for the Commerce Commission to be the independent regulator for councils charging development levies, subject to further work.

“The Commerce Commission is already an established, independent economic regulator, and is well-placed to take on these new responsibilities,” Mr Simpson says.

“The Commerce Commission has recently adopted regulatory duties in providing economic regulation for water services, covering similar regulated parties to the bodies that will charge development levies (councils and water organisations).

“This will help promote transparency and fairness in how levies are applied,” Mr Watts says.

“As a package, these changes will provide councils and developers with a flexible funding and financing toolkit to respond to growth pressures and deliver infrastructure to land zoned for housing development,” Mr Bishop says.

Notes to editor: