Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  11 March 2026

DOC Northern North Island Regional Director Sue Reed-Thomas says the renovation at Kauri Walks will allow improved access to the Four Sisters and open previously inaccessible parts of Waipoua, including unique kauri gumland wetlands.

“Forest health is our top priority, and we are focused on delivering a memorable experience so visitors who come naturing here walk away and want to be part of protecting this incredible taonga for future generations,” Sue says. “Partnership is the key element of the Rākau Rangatira kaupapa. We work alongside Te Roroa to share this significant milestone of getting work underway.”

Piripi Moore, Te Roroa representative, says the renovation works mark an important step forward within the wider Rākau Rangatira kaupapa, which began in earnest with the completion of the new Tāne Mahuta infrastructure and enhanced visitor experience in 2024.

“This phase is also about more than new infrastructure,” Piripi says. “When people come to understand the cultural and ecological significance of Waipoua, they become part of its protection. Our hope is that every manuhiri leaves not only inspired by the majesty of these rākau rangatira, but with a deeper awareness of their responsibility to uphold the mauri of the ngahere.

“For Te Roroa, this is an expression of kaitiakitanga responsibilities in action. We are proud that our kaimahi will be actively involved throughout construction, visibly upholding our role as mana whenua and our intergenerational commitment to safeguard this taonga for ngā uri whakatipu, while helping shape a world-class visitor experience grounded in respect, conservation and kotahitanga.”

Sue says main contractor Keir Projects specialises in this type of construction, with many of the team being multi-disciplined tradespeople who are highly qualified to work in remote areas and sensitive areas.

The new boardwalk will be 1.5 km long. All work will be carried out under robust biosecurity controls approved and monitored by Kauri Ora, DOC, and Tiakina Kauri.

Kauri Walks (Te Matua Ngahere) and the Four Sisters are expected to re-open for visitors in October 2026.

The Four Sisters has been closed since 2019 due to the biosecurity threat posed by the plant pathogen that causes kauri dieback disease.

Tāne Mahuta will remain open for naturing during the upgrade of Kauri Walks.

Background Information

What is kauri Dieback Disease?

Phytophthora agathidicida (PA) is a fungus-type pathogen that damages the tree’s root system, reducing its ability to take water and nutrients from the soil. This causes the condition known as kauri disease, which eventually starves and kills the tree.
PA has devastating effects on New Zealand’s kauri forests and is spread easily through soil movements, for example, when soil is carried on dirty footwear, animals, equipment and vehicles.

Te Matua Ngahere

Te Matua Ngahere is the oldest out of the two largest living kauri trees and is estimated to exceed 2,000 years. He was discovered by Nicholas Yakas in 1928 when he and other men were working to build the road that is now known as SH12.

Measurements:

• trunk girth: 16.41 m
• trunk height: 10.21 m
• total height: 29.9 m
• trunk volume: 208.1 m³

Learn more

DOC and Te Iwi O Te Roroa are working closely with stakeholders, visitor groups and the community on this project, and everyone can play a role in supporting kauri protection. Find out more by visiting Rākau Rangatira project.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are attending a serious crash on William Souter Street, Forrest Hill.

Police were called at around 8.55am following reports of a single-vehicle crash where a car has impacted a building.

One person has been transported to hospital in a critical condition.

Two people have suffered moderate injuries and have been transported to hospital.

William Souter Street is closed between East Coast Road and Morton Avenue.

The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance.

ENDS.

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police

Source: Privacy Commissioner

11 Mar 2026, 10:00

New privacy guidance, launched today, will give people working in the education sector a better understand about how to use and protect personal information, the Privacy Commissioner says. 

 

“Privacy, especially when it relates to children and young people, can be a complex area.

 

“Our new guidance focuses on the specific needs of those working within the education sector and uses a range of real-world scenarios to help them make good privacy decisions with confidence,” Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says.

 

Topics include the rights of children and young people, education technology, and health and learning support information. Other areas covered are managing information requests, keeping learner information safe, unique identifiers, and managing privacy incidents.

 

The use of digital technologies is one key area explored, including the use of online learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and parent communication tools. There is also a checklist providing a list of questions to ask when undertaking due diligence on these digital tools.

 

Special topic chapters focus on the relevant areas of the Privacy Act and the applicable privacy principles, including how these can be applied across the lifecycle of information, from collection through to deletion.

 

“One of our aims is to raise awareness of the various privacy risks children face. Protecting children is also a major area of interest for the public, with our most recent privacy survey recording the highest level of concern (67%) for children’s privacy, says Mr Webster.

 

“Whether you’re a teacher, a principal, an administrator, a member of a school board, a speech language therapist, a guidance counsellor, a music teacher, operate an ECE service, or are a service provider with services for learners, this guidance has been created for you.”

 

This guidance follows on from recent guidance on information sharing, photographing and filming of children and young people, best practice when responding to requests for a child or young person’s personal information, and how to help children, young people and their parents protect their privacy while exploring the online world.

 

Read the full guidance here.

Source: New Zealand Government

One of Auckland’s largest new housing developments, the Sunfield Masterplanned Community has been approved through Fast-track says Regional Development Minister Shane Jones.  

Winton Land Limited submitted its application on 3 April 2025 to develop the ‘Masterplanned’ community to provide around 3,854 new homes, a 7.5‑hectare town centre, retail and healthcare services, three retirement villages, and extensive parks, reserves and green links.

“The Sunfield development is projected to be deliver up to $3.2 billion to the economy, support approximately 24,700 jobs during the 10–15‑year build‑out period, and around 9,800 permanent jobs once the community is fully established.” Mr Jones says.

Approval for this project has taken 10 months following the commencement of the expert panel process which included approximately four months of suspension.

“Applicants can request a suspension from the expert panel to do things such as collate information required for the panel’s process, this demonstrates the flexibility built into the Fast-track system.” Mr Jones says.  

Concerns were raised about whether existing infrastructure like roads, water supply and sewage systems would be able to support the new homes this project would deliver. The expert panel found those concerns could be addressed through development design and by meeting the conditions of consent. 

“These conditions ensure that growth pays for growth by ensuring the future development pays for its own infrastructure needs,” Mr Jones says. 

“This is a major win for housing supply, jobs and growth in Auckland. Fast-track is doing exactly what it was set up to do, getting big projects moving sooner.” Mr Jones says.

This is the seventh housing project to be approved through Fast‑track and the fourth approval in the Auckland region.

Notes to editor:

For more information about the project: Sunfield

Fast-track by the numbers:

• 12 projects approved by expert panels.
• 19 projects with expert panels appointed.
• 149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
• 47 projects currently progressing through the Fast-track process.
• 32 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure.
• On average, it has taken 128 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope.

Fast-track projects approved by expert panels:

• Sunfield [Housing/Land]
• Arataki [Housing/Land]
• Homestead Bay [Housing/Land]
• Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
• Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land]
• Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying]
• Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying]
• Maitahi Village [Housing/Land]
• Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land]
• Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]
• Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
• Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying]

Expert panels have been appointed for:

• Ashbourne
• Ayrburn Screen Hub
• Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project
• Green Steel
• Haldon Solar Farm
• Hananui Aquaculture Project
• Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme
• Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works
• Mahinerangi Wind Farm
• Pound Road Industrial Development
• Ryans Road Industrial Development
• Southland Wind Farm Project
• Stella Passage Development
• Takitimu North Link – Stage 2
• The Point Mission Bay
• The Point Solar Farm
• Waitaha Hydro
• Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project
• Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating a burglary in Middle Valley, Mackenzie are appealing for information from the public.

On Sunday 8 March, Police received a report of a theft from a church on Middle Valley Road, which occurred sometime between 19 February and 4 March.

Stolen from the church was a large brass Eagle lectern.

If anyone has seen this lectern, or has information that could assist Police’s investigations, please get in contact with us.

Police can be contacted via 105, either over the phone, or online. Please reference the file number 260309/9096.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm two people have died following a serious crash in Isla Bank, Southland.

The two-car crash was reported to emergency services around 8.40am, at the intersection of Fairfax-Isla Bank Road and Isla Bank-Flints Bush Road.

Despite emergency services best efforts, two people sadly died at the scene.

The road has since reopened following a scene examination by the Serious Crash Unit. 

Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are asking for the public’s help finding 10-year-old Neriah, who has been reported missing from the Ōtāhuhu area.

Neriah was last see yesterday at about 7.30am on Church Street, Ōtāhuhu.

He is described as about 133cms tall with brown eyes and black hair and was wearing a blue singlet with a white Nike logo and blue shorts.

Police and Neriah’s family have concerns for his welfare and would like to find him as soon as possible.

If you have seen Neriah, or have any information that could help us find him, please call 111 and reference file number 260310/3413.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police acknowledge the sentence handed down to Keith Wicks-Cairns in the High Court at Dunedin today.

Wicks-Cairns was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of seven years and three months.

Detective Sergeant Reece Munro says this is a positive outcome for the victims and our community.

“We are glad to see action taken against this offender, who caused harm to not only his victims, but the wider community.

“We also want to congratulate the tireless commitment in the wider North Dunedin area by our partners, led by University of Otago proctor Dave Scott.

“It is satisfying to know that individuals such as the proctor are tirelessly advocating for their community.”

Police have and will continue to undertake prevention activity in the wider Dunedin area to prevent such offences.

“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners, including the Dunedin City Council, to build on our community’s crime prevention and deterrence CCTV networks.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing for sightings of Rhonda Hurley, who has been reported missing in Ōtorohanga.

Rhonda, aged 75, went for a walk at around 9.30pm yesterday and has not returned home as expected.

She has health conditions and there are concerns for her welfare.

If you think you may have seen Rhonda since last night, or have information which might help us locate her, please call 111.

Please quote file number 260310/3946.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Media are invited to the 393 Keven Mealamu MNZM recruit wing graduation.

What:              Graduation of the New Zealand Police 393 Recruit Wing.

Who:               For families and friends to celebrate with the newly attested police officers.

Why:               Completion and graduation from their initial training course.

Where:            Royal New Zealand Police College – Parade Ground, Porirua.

When:             Thursday 12 March at 2pm – media will need to be in place by 1.45pm.

How:               RSVP the Police Media Centre if you’re attending: media@police.govt.nz

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and the Associate Minister of Police Honourable Casey Costello will attend the ceremony with Wing Patron, Keven Mealamu – MNZM.

The 393 Wing Patron:

Keven Mealamu is a proud man of faith and family. A former All Black with over 100 test caps, he brings the values of teamwork, resilience, and discipline from rugby into business, governance, and community leadership. Keven has built and led ventures in health, wellbeing, and creative industries, while serving on boards and advisory groups that navigate complex strategic and cultural challenges.

As owner and director of FIT60HQ Gym and Protect For Life Insurance Brokers, he is passionate about helping whānau and businesses safeguard their futures, focusing on legacy, prosperity, and socially responsible decision-making.

Keven is committed to strengthening people, organisations, and communities across Aotearoa.

Keven was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2016 for services to rugby.

More details about statistics, prize winners and other recruits will be shared after graduation on Thursday and a follow up Ten One story will be published later this month. 

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre