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White Island plume rises 3km above sea level, visible from mainland

Source: Radio New Zealand

A steam and gas plume from White Island rose to about 3km above sea level. Supplied/GeoNet

A steam and gas plume from Whakaari/White Island has been visible from the mainland, but the volcano remains at Volcanic Alert Level Three.

The aviation colour warning for the island remains at ‘orange’ to tell aircraft that a volcanic eruption is underway, but little or no ash is being produced.

GeoNet duty volcanologist Paul Jarvis said a steam and gas plume rose about 3km above sea level, and was visible from the Bay of Plenty coast at about 11.30am Friday.

“Webcam and satellite observations show that the volcanic ash content was minor, and the likelihood of volcanic ash reaching the mainland is very low,” he said.

GeoNet said analysis of webcam images and satellite imagery from MetServic suggested the likelihood of significant volcanic ash in the plume was minor.

After about 30 minutes, the plume returned to a more typical altitude of about 1km or less.

“While the plume was highly visible from afar, this does not reflect a significant change of activity at the volcano,” Jarvis said.

“The height that a volcanic plume can reach is determined by a combination of the volcanic activity and atmospheric conditions.”

Bay of Plenty currently has a severe thunderstorm watch, which affects how easily volcanic plumes rise through the atmosphere.

“Given the current atmospheric conditions and the volcanic activity level over recent weeks, it is possible further visibly impressive plumes may be observed,” Jarvis said.

If wind blows the plume towards the Bay of Plenty coast, residents may smell sulphur odours.

“However, at the current level of activity, there is a very low likelihood of ash falling to the ground at the coast,” Jervis said. “The level of volcanic activity would have to escalate significantly for this likelihood to increase.”

GeoNet monitors the island by remote cameras, satellite imagery and periodic observation, and gas flights.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Esk Valley resident pleads for automated river warning system at Cyclone Gabrielle inquest

Source: Radio New Zealand

An Eskdale house where a family was rescued from their ceiling cavity. Alexa Cook / RNZ

A witness at the inquest into 13 deaths linked to Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke’s Bay has warned the coroner that more people will be harmed, unless local councils set alert levels for rivers, so everyone knows when an evacuation is needed.

The second phase of the coronial inquiry ended on Friday at the Hastings District Court, where Coroner Erin Woolley is looking at how and why hundreds of people were not evacuated during the 2023 weather event.

Daniel Gale’s family owns the Eskdale Holiday Park, where an early warning system has been in place for more than 30 years.

Because of that alert system, he evacuated the campground more than 24 hours before the valley filled with raging floodwaters and killed two people.

More than 30 witnesses were giving evidence in this part of the inquest, and Gale was the first person not employed by a local council, MetService or emergency services during the cyclone to take the stand.

He told the coroner no-one was any safer today than they were during Cyclone Gabrielle, because local authorities still had not set ‘trigger levels’ for Hawke’s Bay’s rivers, where if the water reaches a certain point, people are evacuated.

“Without a plan, everyone is going to fail again and again, and someone else will be harmed,” Gale said.

The coroner asked: “So a plan for those in the control room, as such, setting out to them what river levels mean, but also for residents?”

“Yes,” Gale replied. “I’d go as far as saying it needs to be automated to a certain point – ‘at this level, you do this’. Then there is no human error.”

Dane Gale of Eskdale Holiday Park. RNZ / REECE BAKER

Gale said his own early warning system had been tested many times by varying sized floods and it had never failed to work.

The system has a float valve, which measured the river’s level and set off an alarm in his home, when the Esk River reached 3.6m high, with another alarm sounded at 4.6m.

“People shouldn’t be caught out by a flood,” Gale said. “It takes hours for it to flood, but no-one can do anything about it, if they don’t have a trigger point.”

He addressed the coroner directly, voicing concern about future flood risks, saying nothing had changed since the deadly cyclone, when hundreds of people weren’t evacuated in time.

“I don’t think anyone in Hawke’s Bay is any safer in a Gabrielle event than before, because you can’t get harmed in a flood, if you’re not in it – just like you can’t get harmed in a car crash, if you don’t hop in a car,” Gale said.

A report after the 2018 Eskdale flood recommended a text alert system for residents and had been discussed several times throughout the inquest.

“Pretty much everyone agreed that that was a good idea,” Gale said.

He told the court there was an expectation the regional council could implement such a system, but that still hadn’t happened.

Daniel Gale’s ‘early warning system’ was dug out of the silt after Cyclone Gabrielle. It has a float valve which alerts him when it is triggered by set river levels. Alexa Cook / RNZ

Gale highlighted the alert systems used in the United States in Florida, where millions of people were evacuated before major storms.

Coroner Woolley nodded, telling him she had experienced that system firsthand.

“In the States, you get sent messages based on your location on Google Maps. I recently was in the States and got an alert – I think they have good systems.

“It’s probably a worthwhile thing to think about.”

Woolley thanked Gale for giving evidence.

“It’s very valuable for me to hear from people who were on the ground, so thank you very much.”

‘It was so obvious what was coming’

During the coronial inquiry, the court has heard from local council and civil defence staff.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council hydrologist Craig Goodier was the flood forecaster during the cyclone and, in his evidence said it was “unlikely” they could have forecast the magnitude of flooding.

However, Gale said it was clear the flooding would be as bad as in 2018, when about 90 properties were inundated.

When Gale saw the Esk River rising on Monday, 13 February, and an updated MetService forecast of 250-350mm rainfall in the ranges, he knew from past experience the valley would flood up to the railway line, as it had seven years previously.

At about 6.30pm, the second alarm went off on his early warning system, telling him the river had reached 4.6m.

“I was getting frustrated that no action had been taken by anybody and yet here we are, watching a cyclone coming… it was so obvious what was coming,” he said.

Carnage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in Esk Valley. Alexa Cook / RNZ

Gale said he rang and texted Esk Valley residents he knew could be in harm’s way, and then contacted Civil Defence to ensure it was aware of the flood risk.

“I’m thinking, ‘Why is nobody coming out and telling these people?’ I’m ringing these people and they haven’t heard anything, so I rang Civil Defence on the radio, as I knew I’d get straight to them.

“I’m trying to say, ‘Hey, the river is really cranking up now’. I said, ‘The river is rising really rapidly’ and the single response was, ‘We’ll pass it on’.”

He then logged into Facebook, planning to post a warning message in his local community group, but saw a social media post from Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence saying they were monitoring the situation and there was no need to evacuate.

“I saw that and thought, ‘Oh well, these guys are doing their job, they’re going to tell people to leave’, and as we know, they didn’t.”

Gale’s voice shook as he talked about how hard it was reflecting back on his decision not to post his own evacuation warning in the community Facebook group.

“Had I told our community, perhaps it would have changed things.”

The coronial inquest will continue in March next year, with more than 15 witnesses still to give evidence.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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NRL: Warriors to host Cowboys at new Christchurch stadium

Source: Radio New Zealand

Warriors fans are at fever pitch. NRL Photos/Photosport

NZ Warriors will create history, when they host North Queensland Cowboys at Christchurch’s new indoor stadium, which opens next year.

The Warriors’ other landmark home fixture outside Auckland will see them host the Dolphins on Anzac Day in Wellington.

The Warriors’ opponents for the two big games were confirmed on Friday, with the release of the 2026 National Rugby League draw – the club’s 32nd season in the competition.

After hosting Canberra and Newcastle in the first two years of their partnership with Christchurch, the Warriors will create history with the first NRL match in the city’s One New Zealand Stadium.

Following home-based Anzac Day fixtures against Gold Coast Titans in Auckland in 2024 and the Knights in Christchurch this year, the Warriors take the occasion to the capital’s Sky Stadium.

The Warriors launch their season with back-to-back Friday night home games against top eight opponents at Go Media Stadium, the first against the Sydney Roosters on 6 March and the second against NRL minor premiers Canberra Raiders on 13 March.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George said they were excited to build on three seasons of outstanding fan support.

“This is a great chance for us all to get together again, pack the place out and give the team the best possible start to the year.

“We’re especially excited about playing the Dolphins on such an important day in our first Anzac Day match in Wellington and the first NRL game at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch is going to be a fantastic occasion for everyone.”

After three years of sustained sellout crowds in New Zealand, more are anticipated, as the Warriors head into a campaign that brings some of the NRL’s leading sides to Go Media Stadium.

As well as the Roosters and the Raiders in the opening two rounds, the Warriors host Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers in Auckland.

The draw has handed the Warriors a challenging opening phase to the season, as they take on four of 2025’s top eight sides in the opening four rounds, with back-to-back away trips to meet the Sharks and then Melbourne Storm.

Home start for Warriors women

A round one standalone home game in Hamilton is a key feature of the NZ Warriors’ draw for the 2026 NRLW season.

The schedule sees the Warriors kickstarting their season on 5 July against Canterbury Bulldogs at FMG Stadium Waikato, the team’s home away from home.

In three visits to the venue, the Warriors attracted the biggest crowds seen for standalone NRLW games, peaking with more than 7000 for their encounter with ultimate premiership-winning Brisbane Broncos.

The Warriors women will play three matches at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Tongariro National Park fire pānui #3

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  14 November 2025

The Fire and Emergency drone team are conducting regular thermal imaging flights to determine if the fire is fully controlled. No new hot spots have been identified today.

No ground staff are currently attending the fire, but DOC is using the time to assess damage and plan for potential reopening.

Closures and rāhui remain in place, updates can be expected on Sunday 16 November.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Police officer jumps in sea to save woman stranded near Auckland’s Castor Bay

Source: Radio New Zealand

Castor Bay on Auckland’s North Shore. RNZ / Emma Stanford

A police officer has jumped into the sea to help save a woman stranded on rocks near Auckland’s Castor Bay.

Police were called to the scene just after 1.30pm Friday by a woman who said she was trapped on rocks between Castor Bay Beach and Kennedy Park.

“She was getting battered by waves and an incoming tide,” Waitematā East area response manager Senior Sergeant CJ Miles said.

“Officers were able to provide some re-assurance, until the Auckland police maritime unit arrived and threw her a lifejacket.”

A police officer then jumped into the water to help the woman onto the maritime unit’s vessel.

The woman was taken for a medical assessment.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Infringements issued to commercial vehicles in Operation Triangle

Source: New Zealand Police

Central North Island Police have issued 141 infringements after inspecting 910 vehicles in a targeted and pointed approach on heavy vehicles and trailers.

Operation Triangle was carried out from the 3 November to the 6 November 2025.

The objective is to improve the compliance of drivers and heavy vehicle standards to reduce the risk of crashes on our roads.

The operation involved the Commercial Vehicle Safety Team, working with New Zealand Transport Agency Vehicle Inspectors, setting up checkpoints and inspecting vehicles at three major sites in the Central North Island.

These sites, situated on State Highway 5 at Iwitahi on the Napier-Taupo Road, State Highway 1 at Turangi, and State Highway 3 at Te Kuiti were operated over 24-hour periods and included the use of two Roller Brake Testing Machines.

“What we’re asking for is simple,” says Senior Sergeant Lex Soepnel, Waikato West Area Manager, Commercial Vehicle Safety Team.

“We have rules in place to keep all road users safe, and we’re asking heavy vehicle operators to meet those standards.”

“Our staff see first-hand the damage and destruction that takes place on New Zealand roads. It’s basic physics that large vehicles travelling at high speeds can result in severe crashes.”

“We need everyone to ensure that their vehicles are maintained to a safe and compliant standard and that drivers are well rested and not fatigued.”

“We are focussed on preventing road trauma and not picking up the pieces after a crash.”

There were 482 Commercial Vehicle Inspection Reports completed with 211 offences detected. A total of 165 vehicle defects were identified in the 910 vehicles which were inspected.  This indicates over eighteen percent of the vehicles inspected had a defect.

The Roller Brake Test Machines, located in Turangi and Te Kuiti, indicated that out of 58 vehicles tested, 15 or twenty six percent had faulty brakes.

“Nobody wants a heavy motor vehicle, often weighing over 50000kgs coming towards you with defective brakes.”

The top five offences detected during the operation were:

  1. 1. Not up to Certificate of Fitness Standard
  2. 2. Road User Charges compliance
  3. 3. Speeding
  4. 4. Worktime/Logbook
  5. 5. Insecure loading.

A number of these were simple faults easily rectified by daily walk around checks, such as faulty lights, brakes, and wheels needing attention.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Name release – fatal cycling crash, Carterton

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who died in a fatal cycling crash on Kokotau Road, Carterton, on Saturday 8 November.

He was Raymond Allan Putt, 70, of Masterton.

Police extend their sympathies to his loved ones.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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MetService issues thunderstorm warning for Central North Island

Source: Radio New Zealand

Thunderstorm building near Wairoa. Supplied

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for central Hawke’s Bay, Hastings and Wairoa, with torrential rain and flooding possible.

MetService said its weather radar has detected severe thunderstorms near Tiniroto, Hangaroa, Te Reinga, Ruakituri, Tahunga, Tikokino, Bridge Pa, Maraekakaho, Pakipaki, Te Hauke, Pukehou, Poukawa and Gwava.

The weather is moving towards the southeast and expected to hit just before 3pm, with torrential rain that could cause surface and flash flooding.

Someone working near Te Reinga said thunderstorm clouds were building and thunder had been rumbling loudly for several minutes.

“These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain and hail,” MetService posted on X. “Hail can cause damage to crops, orchards and vines, and may make driving conditions hazardous.”

National Emergency Management Agency’s advice

  • Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows
  • Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside
  • Get back to land, if outdoors on the water
  • Move cars under cover or away from trees
  • Secure any loose objects around your property
  • Check that drains and gutters are clear
  • Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving

During and after the storm, you should also:

  • Beware of fallen trees and power lines
  • Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding

    • Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Gisborne and the wider Hawke’s Bay area remain under a severe thunderstorm watch.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Auckland-based wing graduates with 37 new constables for the frontline

Source: New Zealand Police

The first wing to graduate from the RNZPC’s Auckland campus has been congratulated on their achievement and will soon be boosting the frontline in Northland and across Tāmaki Makaurau.

The campus was opened earlier this year to cater for both senior police courses and recruit courses, and the 37 graduates of Wing 390 have successfully led the way for the next wing to start training at the campus in February 2026.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Police Minister Mark Mitchell, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello, members of the police executive and wing patron, the Rt Hon Sir John Key, marked this milestone moment today while families and friends proudly watched as the newly attested police officers marched out at Barfoot and Thompson Stadium, Auckland.

In his speech at the graduation, Commissioner Chambers remembered that on their first day of training most wing members indicated the Auckland-based training had made it possible for them to join Police.

“I’m delighted that we have allowed you to be police officers by allowing you to train here in Auckland,” he said.

The top award winner for Wing 390 is Constable Samuel Treasure, who will be working in Counties Manukau District. Samuel first joined Police several years ago as a Communicator in Police’s Northern Communications Centre, and is excited to be taking his Police career in a new direction. 

He has previously completed a degree in criminology and philosophy, and a post-graduate degree in psychology, and says his strong interest in criminal psychology has led to him joining the frontline and aiming for the CIB in the future.

“Training in Auckland was the best option for me, being able to go home at the end of the day. The training facilities were great and wing was incredibly supportive of each other.

“I particularly enjoyed putting the theory we were learning in class into practice during scenarios, and I’m really looking forward to continuing the learning on the frontline.”

Like Samuel, Constable Mariam Arif was well acquainted with working for Police. Mariam was an Ethnic Liaison Officer and has also worked in the Northern Communications Centre.

She speaks Arabic and te reo Māori, and has a degree in communication and a post-graduate diploma in interpreting.

“I joined the Police eight years ago not with the intention of becoming constabulary but with a desire to bring a unique perspective and skillset to this organisation in the hopes of achieving better outcomes for communities.

“I found purpose and pride in my non-constabulary role, and did make notable strides in getting those better outcomes by trying different things and building new bridges. But over the years, some colleagues and leaders saw something and encouraged me to consider the blue uniform – to go further and reach higher.”

Now that she’s wearing a Police uniform Mariam says it feels like “a blue wave of opportunity for me to add value and make a difference… it’s like wearing the cape to make good things happen.”

Mariam is posted to Waitematā District.

Leadership award winner, Constable Yon Jarvis says the course has been an amazing experience and is full of praise for the training staff.

“They have made the training feel seamless and really pulled through for us to make it work as the first wing to train at the RNZPC’s Auckland campus.”

Yon has a degree in archaeology and has previously worked as a ceramicist in her own business. In the past she has used her creative skills as a volunteer, such as running workshops to help women who have been in violent relationships talk about their experiences while creating artworks.

“This made me feel like I needed to do something more in my community, so I decided to throw my hat in the ring for Police, and here I am. With one of my three children still at home, being able to train in Auckland just made sense.”

Yon says she likes a challenge and particularly enjoyed getting hands on during the training scenarios. She is hoping for a future career in Youth Aid as she feels passionate about supporting children to lead fulfilling lives.

Yon is looking forward to working in Waitematā District.

Second in wing is Constable Lance Thompson (Ngāti Paoa). Lance says he has thought about joining Police almost his entire life, so this graduation is the fulfilment of a long-held goal.

Lance has previously worked in a range of roles including as a butcher, personal trainer and Corrections Officer.

“Police has always been something I’ve been passionate about, as I like doing the right thing for people, helping people through things. I can communicate well and as a police officer I want to be able to give people the time to tell me what they need and want.”

On the day Lance applied for the Auckland wing, his second child was born.

“Training in Auckland meant I could go home at the end of the day and be with my family. They kept me centred and grounded, and were a reminder of why I had taken on the training – I’m doing it for them as well as to serve the community.”

Lance is posted to Waitematā District.

Deployment:

The new constables will start their first day of duty in their Police districts on the week beginning Monday 24 November 2025 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.

Northland 6, Tāmaki Makaurau 31, including Auckland City 7, Waitematā 11, Counties Manukau 13.

All Awards: 

Minister’s Award recognising top student: Constable Samuel Treasure, posted to Counties Manukau District.

Commissioner’s Award for Leadership and the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Yon Jarvis, posted to Waitematā District.

Patron’s Award for second top student: Constable Lance Thompson, posted to Waitematā District.

Firearms Award: Constable Bjorn Haycock, posted to Waitematā District.

Driver Training and Road Policing Award: Constable Stephen Graves, posted to Auckland City District.

Demographics:

29.7 percent are female, 70.3 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 51.4 percent of the wing, with Māori 13.5 percent, Pasifika 2.7 percent, Asian 27 percent, LAAM 5.4 percent.

Wing Patron:

Wing Patron, the Right Honourable Sir John Key, was the 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2008 to December 2016, successfully leading the National Party to three election victories before retiring from politics at the end of 2016.

He led the country through the aftermath of the global financial crisis and a series of devastating earthquakes in Christchurch.

Sir John entered politics after a successful career in investment banking. In 2017 he was made a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, which brings with it the title of Sir John.

He was also recognised by the Australian Government and has been appointed an Honorary Companion in the Order of Australia.

The University of Canterbury awarded Sir John an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce in 2017. He graduated from the university in 1983 with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accountancy.

Sir John contributes to several boards, he chairs the Board of Oritain Global (NZ) and the Advisory Board for Bolt Group (Australia), and he is an advisor to a range of organisations. 

Watch out for our Ten One story coming soon with more images and stories.

If you’re interested in joining police check out newcops.govt.nz

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Posted on

Climate Change Minister heads to COP30

Source: New Zealand Government

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will attend the 30th annual United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, next week.

“New Zealand needs all countries to take meaningful climate action, in line with rules we all agree to. This is critical for our economy and the Pacific region,” Mr Watts says.

COP30 brings governments together, alongside the private sector and civil society, to make decisions about how the Paris Agreement – the international treaty on climate change – continues to be implemented.

“The Government is committed to its climate change obligations, including the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement is our best shot at limiting the impacts of climate change and New Zealand is at the COP to help make it work effectively,” Mr Watts says.

“The global shift to a low-emissions economy offers opportunities for growth. At the Summit, I will be focused on deepening cooperation to support New Zealand’s own transition to a low-emission, climate-resilient economy through innovation, technology and investment.”

As well as taking part in the Summit’s formal agenda, Mr Watts will meet with key Ministerial counterparts from around the globe, and with New Zealanders who are travelling to Belém.

“I will also be talking closely with my counterparts from Australia and the Pacific, hopefully to lock in Australia’s bid to host a Pacific-focused COP next year,” Mr Watts says.

En route to COP, Mr Watts will also visit São Paulo, where he will be promoting New Zealand companies selling clean-tech and sustainability focused products into the Latin America market.

Mr Watts departs New Zealand on Sunday 16 November and returns on Friday 21 November. He will be travelling with Labour’s spokesperson for Climate Change Deborah Russell.