Raumanga arson: Police seek sightings of vehicle

Source: New Zealand Police

Northland Police investigating a suspicious fire are now seeking information about a vehicle seen in the area.

Police were called to the address on Raumanga Valley Road in Raumanga, about 6.20am on Wednesday. All five occupants were asleep when a couch on the front deck was deliberately set alight, but thankfully they were able to evacuate safely.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB, says witnesses described seeing a white or silver-coloured vehicle around the time of the fire.

“We are interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen this white or silver-coloured car around Raumanga Valley Road or Mahana Place, between 5.45am and 6.15am on Wednesday.

“If you saw a vehicle matching the description, please contact us. Even the smallest piece of information could be valuable to the investigation.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer said Police still wanted to hear from anyone who might have seen any suspicious activity before or after the fire, including anyone with dashcam footage.

Please update Police online now or call 105, using the reference number 250924/3224.

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

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Mount Victoria tunnel closed

Source: New Zealand Police

Mount Victoria tunnel is closed following a three-vehicle crash.

The crash was reported to emergency services about 8:45am.

There are no reported injuries.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area and take alternative routes.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

New Zealand’s space sector on show in Sydney

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s rapidly growing space and advanced aviation sectors will be on show at the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney next week, Space Minister Judith Collins says.

“The world’s space community will descend on Sydney, and the New Zealand Space Agency will be in the thick of it, promoting New Zealand’s innovation in space research and development, manufacturing, launch services and satellite technologies,” Ms Collins says. 

“Some of New Zealand’s most exciting space companies will be joining me at the IAC as part of the New Zealand delegation.

“In 2024, our space sector supported 17,000 jobs, with total estimated revenue of $2.68 billion – a 53 percent increase across five years.

“The space sector offers huge potential to grow our economy and improve the lives of New Zealanders, and we have set an ambitious target of doubling the size of both sectors by 2030.”

While in Sydney Ms Collins will speak at the International Astronautical Federation’s Ministers and Members of Parliament meeting in the New South Wales Parliament and at an Australasian Space Innovation Institute event. 

She will also undertake a variety of defence engagements in Sydney, including visiting Defence personnel at the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Base East. 

“The IAC in Sydney will be closely followed by New Zealand’s largest aerospace conference, the New Zealand Aerospace Summit 2025, being held in Christchurch on 8 October.

“Having two major industry events hosted right here in Australasia underscores just how pivotal this region has become in shaping the future of space.

“Those attending the New Zealand Aerospace Summit will see why New Zealand is an ideal location for innovation in space and advanced aviation. I’m confident they’ll come away impressed by the talent, ambition, and momentum driving these sectors,” Ms Collins says. 

Ms Collins is in Sydney from 27 September to October 2.

Have you seen Marley?

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are seeking the public’s help to locate 17-year-old Marley.

Marley was last seen in Opawa about 3pm on Friday 26 September. The vehicle he was driving was located in the Sumner area, but he could be anywhere in the city.

He is thought to be wearing black track pants and a dark-coloured hooded jersey.

If you see Marley please call Police via 111, quoting the reference number 250927/3331. Information after the fact can be made via 105, using the same reference number. 

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Missing person Sumner Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police are looking for 17 year old Marley PURDUE. Marley was last seen at around 3.00 pm today (25/09/25) and has made no contact since. The vehicle Marley was driving was located in the Sumner area, but he could be anywhere in the city. Thought to be wearing black track pants and a dark coloured hooded jersey. If you see Marley please phone Police by calling 111 for assistance, quoting Police event P063937115

Funding mechanisms and delegations

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Here are links to funding mechanisms (also known as 419s) and letters of delegation issued under the Education and Training Act 2020 by the responsible Minister(s).
Here are links to funding mechanisms (also known as 419s) and letters of delegation issued under the Education and Training Act 2020 by the responsible Minister(s).

Serious crash, Flagstaff

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Petersburg Drive and Karl Michael Crescent, Flagstaff.

Police were called about 5.50pm.

Initial indications suggest there have been serious injuries.

Traffic management is in place, and motorists should avoid the area if possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police seek information on Dinsdale robberies

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Detective Sergeant Matt Lee:

Hamilton Police are appealing for information from the public in relation to a series of aggravated robberies.

Over the last few days, a male has committed three aggravated robberies at food premises within the Dinsdale Shopping Centre.

The male arrived on a black e-scooter and entered the store demanding money whilst brandishing a knife. On 24 September, he robbed one shop, on 25 September, he robbed two shops before fleeing the scenes on the e-scooter. During the second robbery, a victim was assaulted by the male.

Police believe the male has committed all three robberies and are actively seeking information to assist the investigation.

The community can expect to see an increase in safety patrols in the area over the coming days.

If you have any information that could help Police in their enquiries including any sightings of this male recently, please contact 105 by quoting file number 250924/6144.

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

ENDS

Strengthening outdoor education safety in kura

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

An Auckland kura is leading a push to improve outdoor education risk management in Māori immersion schools, in response to a river rescue involving tamariki.

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Puau te Moananui-ā-Kiwa took about a dozen children floating down the Waikato River using pool noodles and floatie toys in December 2023. Most of those taking part were not wearing life jackets. The group encountered strong currents and risked life-threatening injuries.

A WorkSafe investigation found the kura board had inadequate policies, planning, supervision, and emergency procedures in place for the activity, and should not have let it go ahead.

The board has accepted responsibility for the breach, and applied for an enforceable undertaking (EU), which is a legally binding agreement to fund and action a range of health and safety initiatives. WorkSafe has accepted the EU, which includes:

  • Partnering with Education Outdoors NZ to develop a Te Ao Māori Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) toolkit primarily for kura, but also bilingual for all schools and communities nationwide.
  • Engagement with the national body for kura kaupapa, Te Rūnanga Nui o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori, and the Ministry of Education to distribute the toolkit.
  • Professional development for kura staff and board members, including outdoor education training for the new principal.
  • Training and support for staff and ākonga (students) in safe water activities.
  • Ongoing support for the victims, including a return haerenga (journey) to the Waikato River.

“Effective risk management is a non-negotiable part of outdoor education. The toolkit will reach up to 72 kura, and will more generally be useful for all schools by providing improved resources for managing the risks of EOTC,” says WorkSafe’s spokesperson, Anaru Pewhairangi.

“An enforceable undertaking is a serious commitment to improving health and safety. We commend the kura for taking responsibility and committing to meaningful change.”

Enforceable Undertakings are a way for WorkSafe to hold organisations accountable for health and safety breaches, without going through prosecution. WorkSafe monitors progress on the agreed commitments and can seek a court order enforcing them if required. WorkSafe’s role is to influence organisations to meet their responsibilities to keep people healthy and safe.

Statement from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Puau te Moananui-ā-Kiwa tumuaki (principal) Debbie Cotterill

Kia tupu ngā tamariki hei kaitiaki i ngā painga huhua o te whenua, o te moana, o ngā ngahere. Kia mau hoki ki ngā ture tuku iho a ngā matua tupuna, e pā ana ki te moana, ki te whenua, ki ngā ngahere.

The EU project offers a critical opportunity, not just to respond to an incident but to build a proactive and culturally grounded solution. It also allows the Board and kura to work closely with our partners to strengthen our policies, provide intense and robust training and develop resources that will benefit not only our kura but other Kura Kaupapa Māori, kaupapa Māori kura as well as other Māori organisations and community groups across Aotearoa. More importantly it allows the kura to confidently meet our health and safety obligations while aligning with Te Aho Matua, Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The Board of Trustees takes responsibility and accountability for what occurred on 7 December 2023 during our river float haerenga on the Waikato River. As kaitiaki of the kura, we acknowledge the seriousness of what has occurred as well as the harm caused as a result, not only on our tamariki, kaiako and kaimahi but also on the whānau and the wider community.

The Board’s priority and responsibility is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all tauira, kaiako, kaimahi, whānau and whānau whānui within all environments (taiao) of learning. This includes within and outside the kura environment. The Board acknowledges that the river incident could have been avoided with strong policies, planning, supervision, and emergency procedure for the activity. The failure to have these exposed the kaiako and tauira that participated in the river float activity to serious danger and for this, the Board is deeply remorseful. The Board is committed to learning from this incident and taking every step necessary to ensure our kura is a safe and nurturing environment for all and to also ensure that this will never happen again. We are committed to a restorative process with all the tauira and kaiako that this incident has affected.

Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua.

Sport diplomacy to grow NZ’s global ties

Source: New Zealand Government

Sport will play a bigger role in strengthening New Zealand’s international ties, boosting trade, and showcasing our country to the world under a new Government strategy launched today, Associate Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Sport is a universal language. It opens doors, builds trust, and connects people in ways traditional diplomacy can’t. We’ve all seen how a game of rugby, cricket, or hockey can create bonds between nations that go well beyond sport itself.

“New Zealanders are rightly proud of our Kiwi athletes and teams who perform so brilliantly on the world stage. Now we’re backing our country’s sporting strengths to advance New Zealand’s interests overseas.

“The Sport Diplomacy Strategy, released today, will use our proud sporting reputation to grow international connections, support our goal of doubling exports over the next decade, and develop ties with countries across the world.

“The Strategy’s initial focus is on India, the Pacific, and the United States. These are markets where we can deliver strong diplomatic, and economic results – and where sport can make a real difference as we grow these relationships and open up new opportunities for New Zealand exporters and businesses.

“This work builds on successes such as the Prime Minister’s trade mission to India earlier this year, where sport played a central role. That visit saw the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in Sports between Sport New Zealand and India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

“In 2026 we’ll mark 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand with a series of major events and tours. Cricket, hockey, and other sports will bring Kiwi and Indian communities together to celebrate our shared history and future.

“The centenary celebration with India will be far more than a series of sporting events; it will be a nationwide programme of sport, culture, business, and diplomacy.

“New Zealanders know that sport isn’t just about what happens on the field – it’s about the friendships, trust, and connections that last long after the final whistle.

“By working together across government, the Sport Diplomacy Strategy will deliver for our athletes and sporting bodies, while also boosting trade, tourism, education, and investment.

“It’s about using sport to strengthen New Zealand’s place in the world and build a more prosperous future.

Note to editor:

 The New Zealand Government Sport Diplomacy Strategy 2025–2030 is available on the Sport NZ website.

 The New Zealand Sport Diplomacy Strategy 2025–2030 brings together nine agencies, led by Sport New Zealand, to coordinate efforts and make the most of our global sporting reputation. It complements MBIE’s Major Events Strategy and focuses resources where they can have the greatest impact.

 The government agencies committed to The New Zealand Government Sport Diplomacy Strategy 2025–2030 include Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), Invest New Zealand (Invest NZ), Tourism New Zealand (Tourism NZ), Education New Zealand (Education NZ), New Zealand Story (NZ Story), Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Major Events, Ministry of Culture and Heritage (MCH) and Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa (Sport NZ)