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New Zealand ‘reluctantly’ extends pause in Cook Islands funding

Source: Radio New Zealand

NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced the pause after Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown signed a partnership with China. RNZ/Pacific Islands Forum/123RF

New Zealand has extended its pause on direct payments to the Cook Islands government, after it signed partnership agreements with China earlier this year.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said the total amount of paused funding was NZ$29.8 million and covered two financial years.

“We took this step reluctantly and after careful consideration.

“Direct funding to another government relies on a high degree of trust. The Cook Islands government breached New Zealand’s trust through a series of actions that are well known.”

The spokesperson said New Zealand’s concerns about the Cook Islands actions “need to be addressed and trust restored, before we can release this funding”.

“Significant development assistance to the Cook Islands continues, including in areas such as health, education, governance, security and humanitarian support. This is being delivered through New Zealand agencies and regional programmes.

“New Zealand remains deeply committed to the Cook Islands and its people. We share a unique constitutional relationship and the people of the Cook Islands are New Zealand citizens.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters informed the Cook Islands government of the initial decision to pause funding in early June.

The Cook Islands operates in free association with New Zealand. It governs its own affairs, but New Zealand provides assistance with foreign affairs (upon request), disaster relief, and defence.

The 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration signed between the two nations requires them to consult each other on defence and security, which Peters said had not been lived up to.

In February, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with China.

New Zealand reviewed its development programme in the Cook Islands as a result, and in early June informed Brown the funding would be paused.

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

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Police car crashes on way to earlier crash in Upper Hutt

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Two crashes – including one involving a police car on its way to the earlier smash – have closed SH2 River Road in Upper Hutt.

Police said motorists should expect delays in the area.

Emergency services were called to River Road, Clouston Park, between Fergusson Drive and Totara Park Road, about 5.50pm Sunday, after reports of a two-vehicle crash.

Police said moderate injuries were reported.

A police car driving to the crash “under urgent duty” was also involved in a three-vehicle crash on River Road, near Gibbons Street.

While no serious injuries were reported, the road was closed for a scene examination.

Diversions were in place.

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

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Road closed following crashes, SH2 River Road, Upper Hutt

Source: New Zealand Police

Motorists should expect delays in Upper Hutt this evening, with two crashes having occurred on SH2 River Road.

Emergency services were called to River Road, Clouston Park, between Fergusson Drive and Totara Park Road, about 5.50pm after a two-vehicle crash.

Fortunately, there have been only moderate injuries reported.

While travelling under urgent duty driving to the crash, a Police unit was also involved in a three-vehicle crash on River Road near Gibbons Street.

There have been no serious injuries, however a scene examination will be carried out, necessitating road closures.

Diversions are in place.

Motorists should avoid the area if possible, and expect delays, and your patience is appreciated.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Highway closed, power lost, after truck hit powerpole near Invercargill

Source: Radio New Zealand

State Highway One between Longbush and Kennington near Invercargill was closed. RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon

State Highway One between Longbush and Kennington, near Invercargill, was closed and the power was out for 62 properties, after a truck hit a powerpole.

Emergency services were called to the crash at 2.30pm Sunday.

There were no reports of injuries and detours were in place.

NZTA said road users should expect delays in the area.

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

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One new case with no links may indicate undetected measles

Source: Radio New Zealand

One new measles case has been found in Nelson with no links to others that have had the disease. Supplied/ US CDC

Health New Zealand says one new measles case has been found in Nelson with no links to others that have had the disease.

There have now been 18 confirmed cases in the outbreak of measles — 17 of them are no longer infectious.

The latest case was not linked to any previous cases, which may indicate undetected measles circulating in the community.

Health NZ said anyone who lived in Nelson or had been there between 1 -7 November should check the Health New Zealand locations-of-interest page over the next few days.

The agency anticipated more cases, as the outbreak continued.

“New Zealand continues to remain at high risk from measles.”

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

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Disrupting organised criminals and taking their money to fight meth

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is using money seized from criminals to fund a nationwide campaign against methamphetamine use and is moving to make it easier to strip gangs of their illegal profits, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.

“Meth tears families apart, fuels violence, and wrecks communities. This campaign will send a clear message: meth destroys lives, it’s not worth it, and there is help available to get off it and rebuild,” Mrs McKee says.

“$5.9 million from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, money taken from criminals, will fund this four-year campaign led by Health New Zealand.

“In March, I announced that this fund had been reworked with new criteria to focus on supporting initiatives that will reduce violent crime, contributing to the Government’s target of 20,000 fewer victims by December 2029.

“This new campaign against meth is part of a wider push to hit organised crime from every angle – cutting off their profits, reducing meth use, ultimately making people feel safer in their communities, businesses and homes.

“We’re also taking the next step by tightening the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act, making it easier to hit gangs where it hurts most: their wallets. If they’ve built their empire on misery, we’re coming for it.

“When gangs and organised crime groups make big money from breaking the law, it only drives more offending. We’re determined to end that business model once and for all.

“This builds on my work to reform the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime. Those changes are about cutting red tape for honest businesses while turning up the heat on criminals who use our financial system to hide dirty cash.

“Gone are the days when money seized from gang members was funnelled back into projects for their benefit.

“We’re fixing what matters so people who work hard, respect the rights of others, and obey the law can get ahead with the knowledge they and their property are safe.”

Notes to editor:

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Millions of dollars allocated to tackle increased methamphetamine use

Source: Radio New Zealand

There had been an increase of 266 percent in meth seized in New Zealand and offshore over the past 5 years. Supplied / NZ Customs

The government has unveiled a plan to combat methamphetamine harm in New Zealand, strengthening border security, and increasing addiction services and maritime operations to disrupt organised crime networks.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the drug was an increasing issue in New Zealand.

“Meth is a scourge on our society,” he said. “Consumption doubled last year and, ultimately, increased meth use fuels organised crime and destroys lives.

“This government’s primary justice target is to reduce the number of victims of crime,”

Wastewater testing indicated a doubling of meth consumption from 732kg in 2023 to 1434kg in 2024.

There has also been an increase of 266 percent in meth seized in New Zealand and offshore over the past five years.

In 2024, the estimated social harm cost to New Zealand was $1.5 billion.

“Significant action is already underway, including investment in Customs, reviewing maritime security powers, police recruitment, establishing the Ministerial Advisory Group on Organised Crime and Border Security Bill amendments,” Goldsmith said.

“However, there is more we can do to disrupt international supply, sharpen enforcement and reduce demand.”

The actions announced include a four-year media campaign to raise public awareness about meth-related harm, funded out of the proceeds of crime fund.

About $30 million over four years would be allocated to increase the services available to communities hardest hit by meth, within the ‘Vote Health’ mental health and addiction budget.

A series of maritime operations would be conducted to disrupt organised crime networks operating across the Pacific Ocean and police enforcement abilities would also be increased, including being able to intercept communications and search evidence stored electronically.

Police could also reclaim ill-gotten gains from organised crime groups, and officials would also consult the maritime sector on a suite of proposals to strengthen border security and shut down opportunities for organised criminals to operate through the country’s ports.

The government has also agreed to an additional $23.1 million of funding to establish offshore liaison positions, as well as an additional money-laundering team, and fund the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities work programme until December 2026.

Drug Foundation welcomes announcement

New Zealand Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm said the organisation welcomed the announcement.

“It is good to see an emphasis on health approaches in the government’s announcement,” she said. “It’s clear to everyone that we can’t arrest our way out of this issue.”

Funding for increased support and services was sorely needed, Helm said.

“Methamphetamine use has surged to unprecedented levels over the last 18 months and with it, we’ve seen increased harm in the community. This has landed on a sector that has been significantly underfunded for many years.

“By helping people, communities and families to address substance use disorder, we can both reduce demand and make a dent in supply, because people with long-term addiction often have to turn to selling the drug to help them pay for their own.”

Treatment and harm-reduction were better uses of taxpayer money than criminalising people, as long-term, they helped prevent costs to the health and justice systems, and other social costs, she said.

“It is good to see more investment in community-level support, because people shouldn’t have to wait until they are experiencing the worst harms, before they can access support.”

The campaign would need to focus on destigmatising and encouraging people to seek help, Helm said.

“The communities experiencing the worst methamphetamine harms already know the negative impact it is having. A campaign that is grounded in what they’re experiencing, and helps people get information and support quickly will be the most useful.”

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

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Action plan to combat methamphetamine harm

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has agreed to a bold and comprehensive action plan to combat methamphetamine harm in New Zealand, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“Meth is a scourge on our society. Consumption doubled last year and ultimately, increased meth use fuels organised crime, and destroys lives. This Government’s primary justice target is to reduce the number of victims of crime.

“The Prime Minister tasked the Ministerial team to find effective ways to address this growing issue. Today we’re delivering. I’d like to thank my colleagues Minister Mitchell, Minister Doocey, Minister Costello, Minister McKee and Minister Chhour for all their hard work.

“Significant action is already underway, including investment in Customs, reviewing maritime security powers, police recruitment, establishing the Ministerial Advisory Group on Organised Crime, and Border Security Bill amendments.

“However, there is more we can do to disrupt international supply, sharpen enforcement and reduce demand.

“The Government has agreed to a suite of actions it can promptly take, and has directed officials to begin working on them immediately.”

These include:

  • A hard-hitting nationwide media campaign over four years, to deliver a consistent message and raise public awareness about meth-related harm, funded out of the proceeds of crime fund.
  • Allocating $30 million over four years to increase the services available to communities hardest hit by meth, within the Vote Health mental health and addiction budget.
  • Directing Customs, the Defence Force and GCSB to undertake a series of maritime operations to disrupt organised crime networks operating across the Pacific Ocean.
  • Increasing Police enforcement abilities, including being able to intercept communications and search evidence stored electronically.
  • Enabling police to reclaim ill-gotten gains from organised crime groups as quickly and effectively as possible.
  • Consult the maritime sector on a suite of proposals to strengthen border security and shut down opportunities for organised criminals to operate through our ports,  such as strengthening background checks.

The Government has also agreed to an additional $23.1 million of funding to:

  • Establish new offshore liaison positions and increase collaboration with international partners focused on disrupting and preventing drug exports to New Zealand and the Pacific at their source.
  • Establish an additional money laundering team to increase Police’s ability to disrupt organised crime groups.
  • Fundingthe Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities work programme until December next year, which combats the harms of meth and organised crime through community-led responses to the harms and drivers of organised crime.
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Severe thunderstorm watch for Auckland, Northland

Source: Radio New Zealand

There are also risks of heavy showers and thunderstorms in Bay of Plenty. Unsplash / Daoudi Aissa

A severe thunderstorm watch remains in place for Auckland and Northland, with intense rainfall possible.

MetService said rising temperatures were likely to cause heavy showers and thunderstorms, with the watch in place until 9pm Sunday.

Localised downpours of 25-40 mm/h were possible.

The forecaster said surface and flash flooding were also possible in areas around streams, rivers and narrow valleys.

There are risks of heavy showers and thunderstorms in Bay of Plenty, while the ranges of the Westland District in the South Island are under a heavy rain watch until Monday night.

MetService said the watch had a moderate chance of being upgraded to a warning.

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

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Road blocked, State Highway 1, Longbush

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 1 between Longbush and Kennington near Invercargill is closed following a truck hitting an electric power pole on the highway.

No injuries are reported, but ambulance services were called as a precaution.

The road will remain closed while contractors repair the electrical damage.

Motorists should expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre