Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Mt Wellington on 15 September.
He was David Govindasamy Chetty, 66, of Auckland.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are continuing.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now reveal further details about the assets and resources deployed during the search for Tom Phillips and his children.
In mid-December 2021 Phillips and his three children disappeared — for the second time in three months — from their farm in the small rural town of Marokopa, in Western Waikato.
The Police operation to locate them, which would later become known as Op Curly, came to an end in the early hours of Monday 8 September 2025 when Phillips shot and critically injured an officer before he himself was shot and killed by Police.
Over that period, the active investigation limited Police from disclosing the considerable measures employed during the search.
Detective Superintendent Ross McKay says while the specifics of the Police response will be subject to debriefs and reviews, some further detail can now be released.
“The vast area in which Phillips kept the children is difficult, steep terrain almost completely obscured from all angles by dense bush.
“At various times during the operation, Police specialist units such as Special Tactics Group, Armed Offenders Squad, Search and Rescue and Tactical Operations Group, were used.
“There was also support from the New Zealand Defence Force, with helicopter and ground assets.
“Other resources included geospatial imagery, thermal imagery, covert technology such as motion-activated cameras, and Airbus Flexrotor drones.”
The drones, supplied and operated by Airbus, flew for 111 hours over a period of two weeks in April this year.
“Police never stopped trying – thousands of hours were dedicated to the search,” Detective Superintendent McKay says.
“Intelligence played an important role in informing decisions and planning for possible outcomes.
“We knew Phillips had firearms and was motivated to use them.
“We also knew, based on previous actions and behavioural science analysis, that Phillips was unlikely to surrender easily and was prepared to put the children in harm’s way.
“The primary objective was locating and returning the children safely.
“Police focused on two key things to achieve that – finding a campsite or a supply route.
“The family regularly moved around and adapted their behaviour, meaning no sites were found.
“They were detected in transit on occasion but never in circumstances that allowed Police to safely intervene.
“While Operation Curly has concluded, it would not be appropriate for Police to provide further details ahead of the subsequent and ongoing investigations and reviews.
“However, I hope the information released today provides some reassurance about the lengths Police and its partner agencies went to in order to resolve this complex situation, as well as some clarity on the difficulties faced in achieving that safely.”
The children are in the guardianship of the Family Court, with Oranga Tamariki as the agent of the court.
Officer A has been discharged from hospital and his recovery is progressing.
The Police investigation into the critical incident on Monday 8 September is ongoing.
Police also continue to investigate the likelihood Phillips received outside support and are following strong lines of enquiry.
ENDS
Note for media:
NZ Police is releasing the above information following a significant number of media queries in relation to the actions taken during Op Curly, and in awareness of the public interest in having as many of those questions answered as possible.
However, due to ongoing investigations, there are still limits on the amount of detail that can provided.
Detective Superintendent Ross McKay will not be available for interviews at this point, due to those ongoing investigations and enquiries into this matter.
Source: New Zealand Government
Courts Minister Nicole McKee says the Government’s focus on faster justice is delivering real results, from resolving civil disputes sooner, to reducing family wait times for coroners’ findings.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. Every day a case drags on is another day of stress for families, victims, and businesses. That’s why we’re focused on fixing what matters and getting the courts moving again,” says Mrs McKee.
“Attention often goes straight to the criminal jurisdiction of the District Court, but progress is also being made in a number of other jurisdictions that also have a big impact on the lives of New Zealanders.
“The civil courts have focussed on completing older cases, the Disputes Tribunal is modernising with electronic case files, and associate coroners are easing the backlog in the Coroners Court. Together these changes are giving people a justice system that works better and faster.”
In the civil jurisdiction of the District Court, the active caseload decreased by 20 per cent in the 12 months to 31 July 2025 from 12,795 to 10,267, with completed cases increasing by eight per cent and new cases decreasing by seven per cent.
“This improvement in performance has been driven by targeting and managing older cases to completion along with careful judicial oversight, direction and guidance,” says Mrs Mckee.
“The average age of active civil cases has also dropped sharply. The average age of all active civil cases in the District Court decreased by 36 per cent to 211 days.
“We’re seeing the effects of a focus on completing older cases over the past year. The average active age of cases is expected to decrease even further in the coming months as more of these older cases are completed.
“Progress is also being seen in the Disputes Tribunal – one of the busiest forums in the civil justice system.
“I am pleased to say that over 900 more cases were completed in the 12 months to 31 July 2025 than in the previous year, due to targeted case management. As a result, we have seen a decrease in active cases despite an increase in new business.
“The Tribunal has really focused on completing aged active cases – cases over 180 days old. The past year saw a 21 per cent decrease in aged cases (134 fewer than in July 2024).
“I expect this to move even faster as work progresses to remove the Tribunal’s dependency on physical files by creating an electronic case document repository.
“Then there’s the Coroners Court, an area that can cause families immense pain when delays occur. In the year to 31 July 2025, active cases in the Coroners Court decreased by 15 per cent from 5,882 to 4,990.
“The introduction of associate coroners and clinical advisors has enabled cases to progress more quickly, helping to reduce the Court’s overall workload.
“I want to acknowledge the efforts of all involved in these improvements, including joint efforts from the judiciary and wider ministry, as well as court staff who help people access justice every day.
“There’s still a long way to go. But these results show that when you focus on fixing what matters, you can deliver a justice system that serves the people.”
Note to editors:
District Court (civil cases): Active caseloads have dropped by 20 per cent in the past year, and the average time cases sit in the system has fallen by 36 per cent.
Disputes Tribunal: More than 900 extra cases were completed in the past year, with aged cases (older than 180 days) down by 21 per cent.
Coroners Court: Active cases have reduced by 15 per cent, thanks to the introduction of associate coroners and clinical advisors helping families get closure sooner.
The Ministry of Justice is undertaking an evaluation to evaluate the impact of introducing the Associate Coroner and Clinical Advisor roles. The evaluation will be completed in 2025/26.
Source: New Zealand Police
A pair who allegedly stole a vehicle while the driver was collecting a food order will now face Court.
At about 12.25am, Police received a report of a vehicle stolen on Karangahape Road while the driver was busy collecting a meal order.
Senior Sergeant Tony Turner, Auckland City Police, says vigilant camera operators were able to backtrack and trace the vehicle’s movements.
“The vehicle was sighted on New North Road, Morningside and has continued through to Kingsland.
“Police units, supported by the Eagle helicopter, responded quickly and were able to block the vehicle in.”
Senior Sergeant Turner says two occupants were taken into custody.
“This is a great example of staff working hard to hold those responsible to account for this type of crime in our communities.
“It also serves as a reminder that Police and our partner agencies will continue to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, and we will respond accordingly.”
A 41-year-old woman will appear in Auckland District Court today charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and driving with excess breath alcohol.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
An eagle-eyed neighbour who spotted suspicious activity at the property next door has aided in the arrest of two burglars in Hillpark overnight.
Just after 2am this morning, Police received a report of a suspected burglary taking place at a property in David Avenue.
A raft of Police resources, including the Police Eagle helicopter, arrived quickly at the scene.
“Two people were located at the address and taken into custody without incident,” Counties Manukau Central Area Commander, Inspector Adam Pyne, says.
“Police actively target burglary offenders every single day, and we continue to ask members of the public to report any suspicious activity.
“I would like to acknowledge the member of the public who acted quickly and called Police straight away.
“I also want to commend our Police staff who flooded the property quickly in order to locate these alleged offenders.”
Anyone who sees any unlawful or suspicious activity should contact Police on 111 immediately.
To report after the fact or in non-emergencies, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.
Two men, aged 35 and 41, will appear in Manukau District Court today charged with burglary.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
54 minutes ago
Sarah Elliott has long been connected with EIT’s Bachelor of Social Work in Tairāwhiti and has now returned as a tutor, bringing extensive practice experience and close links to the Gisborne community.
As a fully qualified social worker, she previously taught on the programme from 2018 to 2022 before stepping back into practice in Tairāwhiti. She returned at the beginning of this year and is confirmed to continue in 2026.
“It’s so great to be back. I love lecturing and being with students. They bring fresh energy and passion, and they’re all really eager to get out there and support our community.”
While working in management positions in the community, Sarah supervised EIT students on placement and supported new graduates stepping into their first roles.
“I’ve been able to see the whole cycle. From teaching students, to supporting them on placement, to taking them on in their first social work roles. That’s pretty special.”
Some of the students Sarah taught previously are now nearing the end of their degree, which she says has been “beautiful” to witness. “It’s been special to see their growth and transition over the years, alongside welcoming a new group of students as well.”
She also remained on the Community Services board, which helps develop the degree and ensure knowledge stays aligned with workforce needs.
“I’ve always stayed involved because I love to see these students growing and because I really value the EIT degree and what our students come out with.”
Sarah originally studied politics and human rights at university, but it was while managing human rights organisations in New Zealand that she became drawn to a career in social work.
She went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master’s degree in Social Work. She has worked and managed services and teams across health, community services, intellectual disability and children’s trauma services, including a role as practice leader at Oranga Tamariki.
She and her husband moved to Gisborne more than a decade ago and are raising their two young children in Tairāwhiti.
Sarah says the Bachelor of Social Work is highly valued in the region because it reflects the needs of the community.
“Each community is different, and here we have unique needs. Having students study in Gisborne, taught by people who are based here, means their learning connects directly to the realities of our region. That makes the degree really meaningful and highly regarded.”
Zac Anderson, Head of School, Education and Social Science, says: “Having Sarah back in the team is incredibly important for the success of our ākonga and the programme as a whole”.
“Her connections and relationships in the Tairāwhiti community are second to none. Sarah brings with her an abundance of experience and passion for our emerging social workers, and I know her teaching will inspire a whole new generation of social work learners at EIT.
“I feel completely confident anyone wishing to become a social worker will have the best possible kaiako in front of them, supporting them all the way!”
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
15 hours ago
After completing the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) at EIT Hawke’s Bay in 2024, graduate Nane Araia has brought her passion for health and fitness back to her community with a new POD in Camberley.
The POD initiative provides free community exercise classes from a portable shipping container and was first launched in Maraenui by EIT masters graduate and tutor Levi Armstrong (Ngāti Kahungunu).
For Nane, establishing a POD just metres from where she grew up is deeply personal.
“This is home. It means everything to be able to give back to a community that has given so much to me.”
Nane left school at 14 and spent close to two decades in factory work before enrolling at EIT at the age of 45. Now 46-years-old, the proud Cook Island woman says completing the qualification was a turning point.
“Graduating felt like I’d won the lottery. I never thought I would be a personal trainer, but EIT gave me the tools and belief to follow my passion.”
She says the support of her tutors made all the difference.
“They broke things down in a way I could understand and always encouraged us to believe in ourselves.”
Nane completed her studies alongside her brother, Drae, with the pair encouraging each other through the 17-week programme.
She has since created her own personal training business Nesian Fit and operates out of City Fitness Hastings. But she says the Camberley POD is about creating safe and welcoming classes for people of all ages and abilities.
“It’s not about numbers. Whether it’s one person or twenty, the goal is for people to feel supported and leave stronger,” she said.
EIT’s Level 2 and 3 exercise students currently train at the Maraenui POD, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to community health.
Nane says reconnecting with Levi Armstrong during her study helped make the opportunity possible.
“Levi was part of my journey right back when I started out in fitness. To now be working alongside him again, this time giving back to Camberley, feels really special.”
For Nane, the focus will always remain on people.
She hopes the POD will inspire whānau across generations, including her mokopuna, to build healthy habits through movement and connection.
“If I hadn’t gone back to study, this wouldn’t be happening. EIT made all the difference. The POD is about giving people a safe, supportive space to move, grow stronger, and create healthier habits for themselves and their whānau.”
Kris Arnold, Programme Coordinator New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4), said: “Nane, a confident mana wahine and one of our more mature students, gave 100% to her level 4 journey”.
“She has taken the knowledge and skills gained through the programme and now proudly wears many hats – leading group training, delivering community-based sessions, and working as an individual personal trainer. Nane is also collaborating with community initiatives to help her people thrive, a true reflection of the programme’s purpose in action.
“Our level 4 exercise programme equips learners with the knowledge and practical experience needed to become confident and capable personal trainers. With a strong focus on face-to-face delivery, students gain hands-on experience in a supportive learning environment, developing both technical expertise and people skills.”
Source: New Zealand Government
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced more support for early-stage game studios and startups, to boost New Zealand’s fast-growing game development sector.
From 2026, the Government will provide an additional $2.75 million a year to the Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE) – twice their current funding. This will support more prototype, production, and travel grants for emerging game developers.
“New Zealand’s game developers are creating world-class products and jobs while generating hundreds of millions in export earnings,” Dr Reti says.
“CODE’s support for our gaming sector is highly successful. Typically, for every 1,000 pitches to publishers, in recent years only 1.6 per cent are securing signing deals. On the other hand, studios supported by CODE have an incredibly success rate of 40 per cent.
“CODE’s programmes currently receive twice as many applications as they can fund. By doubling funding for CODE we’re backing our innovators to grow faster and reach global markets.”
The industry earned $513 million in 2024 and is projected to surpass $750 million in 2025, with revenue on track to hit $1 billion by 2027 – mostly from overseas sales.
Employment grew 29% last year – creating 321 more jobs – with studios like Grinding Gear Games and PikPok leading the way.
“This is about more than games – it’s about high-tech jobs, export growth and putting New Zealand creativity on the world stage,” Dr Reti says.
Source: New Zealand Government
Sexual harassment complainants in the public service will be treated with dignity and better supported under strengthened standards released today, Public Service Minister Judith Collins says.
“Your Complaint, Your Rights makes it clear that complainants have rights, and outlines what their rights are and the support they will get from their agency when they make a harassment complaint,” Ms Collins says.
“We need to improve the way complaints of sexual harassment and other harassment, bullying and discrimination are handled across the public service.
“We asked the Commissioner to look at how we can better support people who come forward with complaints of sexual harassment, and this new resource and the strengthened Speaking Up model standards are the result of that work.
“The improvements will ensure that anyone who raises a complaint is treated with the dignity, respect and fairness that they deserve.”
The standards draw on feedback from complainants to the Public Service Commission and the results of the recent Public Service Census, which found12 percent of public servants said they had experienced harassment or bullying in the past 12 months in their current workplace.
Improvements include:
Clearer expectations for regular communication, with complainants being updated at agreed intervals but at least monthly, even if there is no substantive update.
Legal support in specific circumstances, with agencies expected to consider providing legal support when there is a power imbalance or the complaint is particularly serious or complex.
Stronger escalation pathways, with complainants having clearer options to raise concerns outside their agency.
“The changes reflect best practice and reinforce the public service’s zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, and discrimination,” Ms Collins says.
“Everyone has a right to feel safe and supported when they speak up.”
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
2 days ago
New Zealand Fashion Week gave five EIT Bachelor of Creative Practice (Fashion) students a first-hand taste of the industry and the chance to see top designers in action.
Lily Wixx (19), Candice D’Acre (Ngāti Porou, 33), Emma Bodley (21), Zoe Bower (24) and Lani Cunningham (20) joined hundreds of volunteers backstage and front of house, helping bring some of the country’s leading fashion shows to life.
Candice and Zoe worked as dressers, liaising with designers to dress models ready for the runway.
EIT Bachelor of Creative Practice (Fashion) students Zoe Bower, Emma Bodley, Lilith Wixx, Candice D’Acre and Lani Cunningham (right) with NZ Fashion Week Board Member and Showroom 22 Director Murray Bevan at the opening show of NZFW ‘Into The Archives: Two Decades of New Zealand style’.
“It was really fun to see how everything works backstage,” Candice said. “It was organised chaos with everyone running around, make-up touch-ups happening while we were trying to dress models, and then quick changes where you had to get them out of one outfit and into the next in seconds. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the production side of fashion.”
Emma, Lily and Lani were stationed as ushers, guiding guests, checking tickets, and catching glimpses of rehearsals and shows from the front of house.
Lily said she enjoyed seeing what people were wearing not only on the runway but in the crowd.
“It was inspiring, the outfits, the way people carried themselves, and the different vibes of each show.”
Emma added: “It was amazing to see the professionalism when the lights came up and the music started.”
The students experienced shows by leading designers including Karen Walker, Zambesi, Catherine Wilson, Claudia Li and Adrian Atelier, as well as the Future of Fashion showcase, which highlighted emerging talent.
For Candice, the experience was validating.
“It made me realise this is something I can really do. I want to be a fashion designer and seeing that you do not necessarily need a big factory or team, some designers did it all themselves, reinforced that it is possible.”
Emma hopes to apply her skills to upholstery and eventually run her own boutique, while Lily is considering pursuing both design and modelling.
IDEAschool Fashion Lecturer Christina Rhodes said she was proud of the students and the positive feedback they received.
“They really worked hard, and the organisers spoke highly of them. For me, it was amazing to watch their work ethic and how they threw themselves into it. Opportunities like this are invaluable.”
She said the experience complemented the practical, hands-on approach of the Bachelor of Creative Practice (Fashion), which prepares students for careers across the fashion industry.
Candice agreed.
“I am an EIT fan girl through and through. The person I was when I started to the person I am now is so different.”
She added that the programme offered more than she expected.
“If you like fashion at all, then you should be doing this course at EIT. The opportunities are bigger than you think. It is not just about being a fashion designer. You gain skills that open doors to styling, marketing, upholstery, modelling, PR, event coordination and more.”
The students agree that the experience gave them insights not only into how Fashion Week operates, but also into how they might run their own future shows.
“It highlighted what is really important to get right, from lighting and staging to organisation backstage,” Candice said. “We can take that forward into our own end-of-year runway show at EIT.”
Emma added that the best part was connecting with others in the industry.
“We met so many people, made contacts, and got to see the industry up close. I would definitely do it again.”