NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Hawke’s Bay Police are investigating a series of rural burglaries in the Twyford area and are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying a possible vehicle or person of interest.

Three incidents have occurred in close proximity over consecutive nights.

Police believe these incidents may be linked and are seeking any information that could help identify a vehicle of interest or suspicious activity in the area during these times.

What we’re asking from the public:
• If you live in or travel through the Twyford area and have CCTV, dashcam footage, or noticed any unusual vehicles or persons between 30 October and 1 November, please contact Police.
• In particular, we are interested in any footage or sightings near Ormond Road, Raupare Road, and Evenden Road during the early morning hours.

If you have information that may assist, please contact Police via 105 quoting file number 251031/8604, or report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Labour market statistics released today highlight the importance of the Government’s ongoing work to rebuild the economy and deliver more job opportunities for Kiwis, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

The data released by Stats NZ shows unemployment increased from 5.2 per cent to 5.3 per cent in the September quarter and is broadly in line with pre-election and more recent forecasts.

“Our Government is determined that New Zealanders who are seeking work can find it. That‘s why we’re so focused on strengthening the foundations from which local businesses can grow and create new jobs.

“Since being elected we have worked hard to fix the damage done to our economy during a period of reckless government spending, sky-high inflation and rising interest rates. 

“We’ve successfully fixed the foundations. Taxes have been reduced. Inflation is back in band. Interest rates have fallen. Recovery is underway. 

“There is more to do to accelerate New Zealand’s economic recovery. We are working to ensure more Kiwi employers can be confident about starting, expanding and creating new jobs. That’s why we are driving our going for growth plan.  

“We’ve delivered the Investment Boost tax incentive for businesses, accelerated $7 billion of major public infrastructure projects pre-Christmas, fast-tracked consents for job-rich privately funded projects, opened new markets for our exporters, welcomed in new investment from around the world, reduced red tape for businesses and championed growth policies in sectors from agriculture through to our space industry and the film sector.

“New Zealanders have worked incredibly hard for economic recovery. Now is not the time for expansive new taxes, or a return to reckless fiscal management. Now is the time for our Government’s plan to back aspiration, effort and job-creation.”

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand is set to benefit from the renewed global interest in gold and other metals and minerals, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.

Mr Jones says a mining permit granted today to extract one of the country’s most significant gold discoveries in decades represents a multibillion-dollar opportunity for Central Otago.

New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals has granted Matakanui Gold Limited, a subsidiary of Santana Minerals, a 30-year mining permit for the Rise and Shine prospect, part of the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project in the Dunstan Mountains.

“This is a major milestone for the progression of a project that will deliver well-paid employment, infrastructure investment, and economic resilience in Central Otago,” Mr Jones says.

“The proposed mine will directly employ 357 people and support an additional 500 jobs annually through indirect employment, with a strong focus on hiring locally. The average annual salary is expected to be $140,300, more than double the Central Otago average. 

“It’s not just localised benefits either. Every New Zealander is set to gain from this development as the Crown collects hundreds of millions of dollars in projected royalties in the first 14 years of operation. The company forecasts it will pay an additional $800 million in taxes. That will go towards meeting our future healthcare, education and infrastructure needs.

“This is also an important project for training our next generation of miners. The operation is proposed to utilise opencast mining initially, and underground mining in later stages which is great news for the sector as these specialised skills are needed to support the growing pipeline of new mining projects across New Zealand over the coming decades.

“This Coalition Government is committed to using the wealth beneath our feet to create regional opportunities, deliver productive jobs that develop skilled workers, bolster trade and exports, and contribute to the prosperity of our people, now and into the future.”

As a listed fast-track project under Schedule 2 of the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024, Matakanui Gold can access an expedited consenting pathway for the remainder of the permissions needed before mining can begin. 

“It’s projects like Bendigo-Ophir that demonstrate the untapped potential of our minerals estate, even in areas thought to be exhausted by historical mining. I want to congratulate Matakanui Gold on its mining permit and I’m delighted to see it has also submitted a substantive application through Fast-track.”

Mr Jones also today welcomed news from Endura Mining, formerly Federation Mining, that it has raised close to NZ$172 million to finance the development of the Snowy River Gold Mine on the West Coast.

“That’s money flowing straight into the local economy, the pockets of workers, businesses and the Crown,” Mr Jones says.

The former Provincial Growth Fund provided a $15m loan to Federation, as Endura was called in 2019, to help develop the Snowy River mining project near Reefton.

“That investment is proving its worth now with AustralianSuper, Endura’s largest shareholder, among the latest investors backing the project. Orion Resource Partners, a multibillion-dollar global investment firm, is another.

“Orion has a long history of investment in metals and minerals. I am delighted to see New Zealand taking its rightful place at the forefront of new investment in mining,” Mr Jones says.

Source: New Zealand Police

Puketaha Road and Taylor Road are closed near the intersection following a seirous crash this afternoon.

Police were called to the two-vehicle crash at around 1pm.

Initial indicators are that there has been critical injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit have been advised and the roads will remain blocked while emergecny services work at the scene.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will invest more than $80 million in research projects starting this year, for projects that have transformative potential for New Zealand’s economy, health, and environment, says Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti.

“107 Marsden Fund projects will be funded over the next three years, supporting both established research leaders and the next generation of emerging scientists,” Dr Reti says.

“The Marsden Fund invests in investigator-led, innovative research to foster breakthrough discoveries with the potential to deliver lasting benefits for our economy, environment, and wellbeing.

“The Government is committed to investing in blue skies research that sparks innovative thinking, drives the development of new skills, and generates transformative knowledge for New Zealand’s future.

“As we introduce a new science funding system to better support our scientists, industry, and economy, we will continue to champion a diverse portfolio of research activities – including blue skies, strategic, mission-led, applied, commercialisation, and industry-focused projects.”

The latest funding round includes 37 Fast-Start grants for emerging scientists, 68 Standard grants, and two Marsden Fund Council Awards supporting large interdisciplinary projects. 

Funded projects span from biomedical breakthroughs and climate resilience to mathematical innovation and advanced technology. Examples include:

Improving cancer treatment through advanced cell therapies (Malaghan Institute of Medical Research)
Turning geothermal waste heat into electricity for cleaner, more efficient industry (Earth Sciences New Zealand)
Tackling drug-resistant tuberculosis, especially in high risk Māori and Pasifika communities (University of Otago)
Harnessing native plant microbiomes to boost crop resilience (Bioeconomy Science Institute)

“These projects show the breadth and ambition of New Zealand’s research community, and the Government’s commitment to supporting ideas that will shape our future,” Dr Reti says. 

The full list of funded projects and further information is available on the Royal Society Te Apārangi website: https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/what-we-do/funds-and-opportunities/marsden/awarded-grants/marsden-fund-awards-2025

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Biosecurity New Zealand is asking Aucklanders to remain vigilant for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) on the North Shore.

“We’ve had a fantastic response so far from the public to our request for help with surveillance. To date, we’ve received more than 1,000 notifications via email and phone with no new confirmed finds since the weekend,” says Mike Inglis, North commissioner, Biosecurity New Zealand.

Since 17 October, Biosecurity New Zealand has found 4 confirmed queen hornets and safely removed their nests. Three were detected in Glenfield and one in Birkdale, about 1.3 km from the initial detection in Glenfield. 

“To support surveillance, Biosecurity New Zealand is laying traps in a measured way in areas where females have been found. By the end of today, we will have 120 traps in the field.

“This is the first time we’ve found yellow-legged hornets in New Zealand. We responded quickly to this threat, but we continue to need the public’s help to eliminate any further risk,” Mr Inglis says.

“Many countries throughout Europe and Asia have yellow-legged hornet and manage it. However, we don’t want it here and that is why we’re tracking it down.”

Yellow-legged hornets pose a biosecurity risk because of their potential impact on honeybee and wild bee populations.

Members of the public are asked to report any sightings of suspected hornets or nests, but only if they have a specimen, a clear photo of the suspected hornet, or have found a possible hornet nest.

Reports can be made through report.mpi.govt.nz or by calling Biosecurity New Zealand’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.

Report pests online

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328

Further information and images

Look out for hornets – Pamphlet [PDF, 637 KB]

Yellow-legged hornet sightings in Auckland in 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Crown has settled 14 years of negotiations with Ngāti Paoa following legislation passing its final reading in Parliament today, Treaty for Waitangi Negotiations Paul Goldsmith says. 

“This is a historic day for which Ngāti Pāoa has waited far too long. The Crown has acknowledged the cumulative effect of its actions and omissions, including raupatu, the operation and impact of the native land laws and continued Crown purchasing.

“These left Ngāti Pāoa virtually landless and undermined the economic, social and cultural development of the iwi, breaching the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles. 

“The Crown also acknowledged it breached the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles when it invaded the Waikato, attacked Ngāti Pāoa and shelled the unfortified village of Pūkorokoro in 1863 causing the death of iwi members.  

“Ngāti Pāoa have been very engaged in the legislative process for this Bill. Over 350 submissions were received by the Committee, the majority of which were from Ngāti Pāoa iwi members. Iwi representatives have also attended both the first and second readings. It was my pleasure to welcome Ngāti Pāoa back into the House today for the final reading.

“My hope is this settlement provides a platform to create a thriving future for Ngāti Pāoa and their generations to come, helping to renew and strengthen the relationship between Ngāti Paoa and the Crown.”

The Treaty settlement legislation provides:

• A Crown apology, including an agreed historical account.
• Crown acknowledgements of its historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Breaches of war and raupatu and promoting laws and policies that left Ngāti Pāoa virtually landless.
• Financial and commercial redress of $23.5 million.
• Cultural redress including 12 sites of traditional, historical and cultural significance to them.
• Agreements with a range of Crown agencies. 

Source: NZCTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on the Government to act in response to new data released by Stats NZ today which shows unemployment has reached a nine year high.

“The labour market took another turn for the worse today, with unemployment growing, underemployment growing, fewer hours being worked, and wages are not keeping up with inflation. This data is another sign that the Government’s economic plan is not working,” said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney.

“Unemployment is particularly acute for young people – with 15,500 more 15–24-year-olds unemployed than at the election.

“Māori unemployment is 10.5%, and Pasifika unemployment is 12.1%. A record 406,000 people are underutilised – meaning that they want more work, or access to work, but can’t get it.

“Wages increased at their lowest rate for 5 years, with the Labour Cost Index showing wage inflation of 2.1% – well below actual consumer price inflation of 3%. 44% of workers saw no pay increase at all this year and 68% saw a pay increase below inflation. Both public and private sector wages are growing at less than inflation.

“Unemployment in New Zealand is now well above the OECD average (4.9%) and comparable countries. 39,000 fewer people are in full-time work. 160,000 people are unemployed – the highest number since March 1994,” said Renney.

“This data should be a wake-up call. Youth unemployment is soaring at the same time the Government is removing benefits from 18- & 19-year-olds. Our future will be bleak if we fail to support young people into good work,” said NZCTU President Sandra Grey.

“Wages are falling behind the cost of living, and yet the Government’s response is to ask our essential workers including doctors, nurses, teachers, and fire fighters to take an effective pay cut.

“The Government is dangerously out of touch with the reality in the labour market right now. It promised to get the economy back on track and tackle the cost of living. On both of those measures it’s failing.

“Workers and their families are doing it tough. Poverty and homelessness are rising. Many workers are taking up multiple jobs just to make ends meet. We need a new approach,” said Grey.

Source: New Zealand Government

More services, made possible thanks to increased funding achieved under this government, have had a positive impact on the lives of high support needs young people and their families. 

Minister for Children Karen Chhour has confirmed that over the past year, Oranga Tamariki supported an extra 59 placements for children and young people with high support needs, including disability, across 11 accredited community care providers.

“The services provided to these young people include everyday support with routines like sleeping, eating, personal carers, communication, access to school and learning, and communication with peers, whānau, and community inclusion. 

They also include everyday activities, like attendance at sports and other extracurricular activities, and wider family contact are also included and are of huge benefit for these young people.

These service providers utilise trauma/healing informed care and many provide specialist disability related support, which may include visual timetables, social stories, and communication tools, to help the young person manage and avoid triggers.” 

Oranga Tamariki received $99.784 million over four years to fund services for children and young people with high support needs, including disability, through Budget 2024. 

“This funding has ensured that they and their families are able to receive the right support at the right time. It is just one example of my commitment to fixing what matters for these young people and their families,” says Minister Chhour.  

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand is making progress in the fight against anti-microbial resistance, with sales of veterinary and horticultural antibiotics falling for the seventh consecutive year, says New Zealand Food Safety’s deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.  

“Antibiotics are essential for the treatment of bacterial infections in humans, animals and plants. If they are not used carefully, and in the prescribed amounts, we run the risk that bacteria will develop resistance to the drugs, which could have devastating effects on our health and economy.” 

The latest antibiotics sales figures for plants and animals, released today in New Zealand Food Safety’s annual Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis report, are a clear sign that antibiotics are being more carefully used, Mr Arbuckle says.

New Zealand Food Safety’s annual Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis report [PDF, 1.1 MB]

“The falling sales are a result of a concerted effort by veterinarians, farmers, industry and New Zealand Food Safety to ensure these life-saving medicines are used appropriately so they work as intended.”

The report evaluated 18 classes of antibiotics sold during 2024 for use for farm animals, pets, and horticulture. 

“Since a 2017 peak of 71,361kg, total antibiotic sales have dropped to 37,858kg in 2024. That’s an impressive 47% decrease,” says Mr Arbuckle. “Additionally, results show a 4% drop since 2023.”

As part of ongoing work to ensure the continued effectiveness of antibiotics, New Zealand Food Safety is reviewing the regulatory oversight of antibiotics used on plants and animals. 

“This extensive piece of work, which involves reassessing and reclassifying hundreds of antibiotic products, has been divided into 4 tranches. Tranche one has been completed with tranche 2 in progress.”

You can read about the tranche one results here:

Tranche One Changes to Cephalosporin, Macrolide, and Penicillin-Based Veterinary Medicines Post-Reassessment  [PDF, 462 KB]

“We also work closely with the Ministry of Health and international regulators in an effort to manage AMR,” says Mr Arbuckle.

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Find out more

Read more about the New Zealand Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan which has been jointly developed by Ministry of Health, New Zealand Food Safety and representatives from across the human health, animal health and agriculture sectors. 

New Zealand Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan – Ministry of Health

New Zealand Food Safety published the New Zealand Plant and Animal Sectors’ AMR Implementation Plan last year to underpin the national initiative. 

New Zealand Plant and Animal Sectors’ AMR Implementation Plan [PDF, 552 KB]

Read more about antimicrobial resistance: Controlling and preventing antimicrobial resistance

Total antibiotic sales quantities by class in kg – Infographic [PNG, 32 KB]