NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Nelson families will benefit from faster, more modern emergency care with the opening of the expanded Nelson Hospital’s emergency department, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This marks a major milestone in the emergency department expansion project. With treatment spaces increasing from 23 to 29, Nelsonians will be seen more quickly, and staff will have a safer, better-equipped environment to work in,” Mr Brown says.

The new wing is the largest and most significant stage of the expansion, adding more clinical space to treat patients, including:

• Four new observation bays and one observation room
• Two new isolation rooms
• A dedicated triage room and expanded medication area
• Improved staff facilities including write-up spaces, bathrooms, and utility rooms

“The expanded emergency department has been designed to deliver a modern, efficient, and patient-centred environment. The layout supports faster treatment and improved safety, while new isolation facilities and a state-of-the-art negative pressure pod significantly strengthen infection control.

“These upgrades will make a real difference for patients and support our frontline teams to reduce wait times and deliver timely, quality care.”

Mr Brown says the expanded emergency department will play a key role in achieving the Government’s shorter stays in ED target.

“Between April and June, patients in Nelson spent less time in the emergency department compared to the same period last year. With these additional treatment spaces now in place, we expect to see even greater improvements.”

The $10.6 million emergency department expansion builds on the Government’s $1 billion nationwide investment in hospital infrastructure announced in Budget 2025, which includes the redevelopment of Nelson Hospital.

“For too long, Nelson has had outdated facilities and too few beds. Our Government is delivering the modern hospital this region needs to meet the demands of a growing and ageing population, with enabling works now well under way on the full redevelopment.

“Nelson will also be one of five hospitals to receive a new temporary inpatient ward under the Government’s rapid-build hospital capacity programme. The ward will allow services to move while seismic strengthening work is carried out and provide extra beds to improve patient flow until the new inpatient tower is built. 

“Nelson’s new ward will be built locally in Nelson off-site, creating work for local contractors and supporting the regional economy, while contributing to the wider redevelopment of Nelson Hospital. Construction remains on track to meet the timeframe announced earlier this year.

“With the new emergency department wing now open, and the full expansion due for completion in April 2026, patients, families, and staff will benefit from faster, safer, and more modern emergency care – and this is just the start of delivering a hospital that meets Nelson’s future needs.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has acknowledged the contribution of Dr Allan Freeth, following the announcement of his resignation as Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), effective 30 June 2026.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank Dr Allan Freeth for his decade of service as Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

“Under his leadership, the EPA has progressed several important improvements, including initiating the implementation of new risk assessment models to support greater transparency and investing in additional scientific expertise to increase capacity. This work has contributed to reductions in application queues and improved timeframes for decision-making.

“During Allan’s tenure, the EPA has also been involved in setting up the new Fast-track process, in which expert panels consider approvals as a single application package. The EPA’s contribution has been part of this Government’s focus to enable timely, well-informed decisions to support New Zealand’s growth.

“Allan brought a wide range of experience to his role from across New Zealand’s business, public, and not-for-profit sectors, and this has been reflected in his leadership of the EPA. I am particularly grateful for his commitment and professionalism throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 period.

“I thank Allan for his contribution and wish him every success in his future endeavours. His leadership has set the EPA on a strong path to deliver timely, transparent, and reliable assessments that benefit both New Zealanders and our environment.”

The EPA Board will commence the process to appoint a new Chief Executive.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The morning commute will feel a lot smoother for people travelling on SH25 along the Thames Coast from this Wednesday 5 November. The road will be ready to welcome road trippers and locals alike as it reopens from 5am after a 7-day closure at Boundary Creek.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Darryl Coalter says crews worked extended hours during the 7-day road closure over the past week to install a new bridge deck.

“After 2 weeks of work beneath the bridge repairing and strengthening the bridge supports (abutments), the road was closed early last Wednesday so the old deck could be removed and a new one installed.

“By late Sunday night the new bridge deck was in place and its topcoat of asphalt laid.

“Not only are we very pleased to get the job done within the timeframe – with the weather on our side, we were able to complete more work than planned.

“In addition to installing the new bridge deck, we’ve been able to carry out additional works, meaning less disruption for traffic once the bridge reopens” says Mr Coalter.

Bridge expansion joints, crash barriers, and road marking are now in the process of being completed.

The road will reopen initially as a single lane under stop/go and by Monday 10 November, both lanes will be open to traffic, and the passing bay to the south of the bridge back in use.

NZTA is also reminding people of upcoming daytime closures required on SH25A Kōpū-Hikuai from next Monday 10 November.

SH25A will be closed between 8am and 5pm Monday to Saturday. The road will open to traffic under single lane and stop/go each evening from 5pm and on Sunday 16 November. If you’re on SH25A before 8am, you’ll be able to get through the work zone. Delays can be expected with only a single lane open.

NZTA thanks motorists for their patience while we complete this essential work to keep the Coromandel state highway network safe, accessible and resilient.

Source: New Zealand Government

A $1.2 million Government–industry investment through AgriZeroNZ into a breakthrough technology to cut agricultural emissions, reduce farm costs, and boost productivity, has been welcomed by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis today.

The investment supports the development of a wearable device for cows that could reduce nitrous oxide emissions by up to 95 per cent and nitrate leaching by 93 per cent.

“This is Kiwi innovation at its best: smart technology designed on the farm, for the farm, turning waste into a valuable fertiliser and maintaining New Zealand’s leadership in low emissions pasture-based farming,” Nicola Willis says.

It is the 16^th project to be funded by AgriZeroNZ, a joint venture between the Government and leading agribusiness partners, and its first equity investment into nitrous oxide mitigation.

“A total of $191 million has been committed over its first four years to accelerate development of emissions reduction tools for farmers that support the Government’s goal of doubling export value in 10 years.”

Developed by Canterbury start-up Āmua, the small, lightweight device spreads a cow’s urine so it can be used as a fertiliser – allowing nitrogen to be better absorbed by pasture, to lift grass growth and lower fertiliser use.

“Other AgriZeroNZ investments include methane vaccines, inhibitors, probiotics and pastures. The first commercial tools are expected to become available next year – and up to 11 from wider government investment by 2030.”

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti says innovation, technology, and science are central to the Government’s Going For Growth agenda.

“Research and development drive productivity and high-value jobs. Our goal is a system that empowers world-class scientists, universities, and research organisations to turn ideas into market-ready solutions.

“Our ambition is to drive a relentless focus on commercialisation and economic impact to meet the needs of a future-ready economy.”

Nicola Willis and Shane Reti visited a Canterbury dairy farm today to learn more about Āmua’s project and see first-hand another emission mitigation technology – EcoPond, that is being piloted on 200 Fonterra dairy farms and 50 Synlait farms.

The Government also released an update on the ‘Innovation, Technology and Science’ pillar of its Going For Growth work programme.

Notes to editor:

Current portfolio of AgriZeroNZ-backed ventures and tools:

• Agroceutical Products NZ – NZ/UK joint venture developing a methane inhibitor for cattle from a daffodil extract ($0.4m)
• Agteria Biotech – Swedish company utilising a patent-pending molecule to reduce methane emissions from cattle ($4.1m)
• ArkeaBio – US startup developing a vaccine to reduce livestock methane emissions ($9.9m)
• BioLumic – NZ-founded company utilising UV light to develop a low-emissions ryegrass with increased productivity gains ($5m)
• BiomEdit – US company developing a probiotic-based feed additive to reduce methane emissions from dairy cows and improve productivity ($6.3m)
• Bovotica – Australian agtech start-up developing a probiotic to reduce methane emissions from dairy and beef cattle and improve productivity ($1.5 m)
• Hoofprint Biome Inc – US company developing natural enzymes and probiotics to improve cattle health while reducing methane emissions and improving productivity  ($13m)
• Lucidome Bio – NZ company developing a methane vaccine for ruminant animals ($9.5m)
• Nbryo Australian agri-biotech company developing specialised reproductive technologies ($1.69m)
• Ruminant BioTech – NZ company developing a slow-release, biodegradable methane-inhibiting bolus specifically suited to pastoral farms ($5.8 m)
• Āmua – Canterbury start-up developing a cow wearable device to cut nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching ($1.2 m). Video available here.

 Ministers also viewed:

• EcoPond – technology that reduces methane emissions from dairy effluent ponds. Studies have shown the treatment, which uses polyferric sulphate and sulphuric acid, can cut effluent pond emissions by over 90 per cent. It was developed by Ravensdown’s innovation and investment subsidiary, Agnition, and Lincoln University. The technology is being piloted on 200 Fonterra dairy farms and 50 Synlait farms in 2025/26.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  04 November 2025 Source:  Department of Conservation and American Bird Conservancy

A Salvin’s albatross, one of the least studied seabird species in the world, has returned to the wild after it successfully recovered from life-saving surgery that removed four large fishing hooks and the fishing line it ingested off the coast of South America.

This unintended fisheries incident highlights the global risk of bycatch – the accidental capture of non-target marine wildlife by fisheries – and the importance of actions taken by commercial and artisanal fisheries to address threats to seabirds.

The juvenile albatross was found by Juan Alberto Infante, a fisherman from Anconcito, Ecuador, who recognised the bird was unwell and contacted local authorities.

The albatross was under wildlife rehabilitation care in Puerto López after the ingested hooks and fishing line were successfully removed by Ruben Aleman, a local veterinarian with Fundación Juvimar. After careful evaluation, it was released in late October on a nearby beach in Manabí province.

“Thanks to the timely report from an artisanal fisher, we were able to rescue this Salvin’s albatross that had been grounded for several days in the port of Anconcito,” says Giovanny Suárez Espín, Ecuador Seabird Bycatch Coordinator for American Bird Conservancy (ABC).

“Through coordination with the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment’s local representative and a specialized veterinarian, we successfully removed four fishing hooks, including one that caused injuries to its oesophagus.

“The type and size of the hooks suggest they came from the artisanal mahi-mahi fishery, which poses a risk to albatrosses. While reducing bycatch in this fishery is challenging, we continue to promote best practices and more sustainable tools to minimize incidental seabird capture,” Giovanny says.

Salvin’s albatross breed on several rugged, remote Subantarctic Islands, hundreds of kilometres south of New Zealand. They spend most of their lives at sea, foraging around New Zealand and Australia during the breeding period. After breeding, they fly thousands of kilometres nonstop over open ocean to the Pacific coast off South America in search of food.

Because they are so mobile and inhabit a vast area, it takes the efforts of many countries to protect them. Researchers from Ecuador, Perú, and New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) have been working closely together to study the species and advocate for the fishing industry to take measures to prevent seabird bycatch.

DOC Senior Science Advisor Dr. Johannes Fischer says no fisher wants to catch threatened seabirds.

“We work closely with the fishing industry in New Zealand and abroad to improve mitigation and minimise accidental deaths from bycatch.

“A better understanding of the distribution of Salvin’s albatross and other seabirds is crucial to help protect them. While we collect tracking data from devices attached to adult Salvin’s albatross, currently information on the movements of juveniles comes solely from observations.

“DOC plans to fit trackers onto juveniles at the end of this breeding season through a collaboration with Universidad Científica del Sur in Lima, Perú, which will directly inform seabird research partnerships in Perú, Ecuador and other countries.”

Dr. Carlos Zavalaga, Director of the Seabird Ecology and Conservation Research Unit from Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru, says tracking endangered New Zealand albatrosses that migrate to Peruvian offshore waters is essential to bridge the gap between conservation and fisheries management.

“These long-distance travellers depend on the productivity of the Humboldt Current to feed, yet each migration carries the silent risk of being hooked on longlines – a reminder that effective protection must transcend national boundaries.”

The Salvin’s albatross population has declined from about 88,000 breeding pairs in the 1970s to about 50,000 today. The species starts breeding from about 11 years old and lay one egg per year, so if something is affecting the juveniles, there can be a big delay before negative impacts are seen.

Johannes says seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of birds globally, facing additional threats like overfishing, climate change, plastic pollution and habitat loss.

“We all need to work together to protect these remarkable, wide-ranging animals. Our natural world is interconnected, and naturing responsibly can have positive impacts around the world, though we may not always see them.

Background information

New Zealand holds one of the highest diversities of seabirds in the world, with about 145 species found in its waters and 95 of those breeding on its coasts and islands.

DOC’s Marine Bycatch and Threats team runs the Conservation Services Programme, which is funded by levies from the fishing industry and monitors the impact of commercial fishing on protected species, studies impacted species’ populations and looks at ways to mitigate bycatch. This effort is further supported by the International Seabird Strategy, which guides the New Zealand Government’s work to reduce seabird bycatch beyond New Zealand’s waters, including collaborations with Ecuador and Perú.

American Bird Conservancy

ABC takes bold action to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Inspired by the wonder of birds, we achieve lasting results for the bird species most in need while also benefiting human communities, biodiversity, and the planet’s fragile climate. Our every action is underpinned by science, strengthened by partnerships, and rooted in the belief that diverse perspectives yield stronger results. Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1994, ABC remains committed to safeguarding birds for generations to come. Join us. Together, we can do more to ensure birds thrive.

In Ecuador, ABC’s Marine Program has been engaged in long-term bycatch reduction efforts by working with artisanal longline fisheries and over 2,000 fishers in developing new methods. ABC and partners have also developed the NISURI device, which deploys and sinks lines faster than traditional techniques, preventing seabirds from accidentally becoming hooked by baited lines floating at the surface. Watch Caught By Mistake to learn about innovative solutions and safer fishing practices that benefit both seabirds and people.

For further information on how to reduce albatross bycatch, visit the Albatross Task Force.

Contact

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

4 November 2025

Forestry roads nationwide are set to become safer, thanks to a new agreement between WorkSafe New Zealand and one of the country’s largest forest management companies.

Source: Family First

MEDIA RELEASE – 4 November 2025

Family First says that according to official government data, every month on average an unborn child is surviving an attempted abortion but is not being given life-sustaining treatment.

These shocking numbers may be well underestimated because some districts couldn’t or wouldn’t provide the data.

According to Official Information Act requests to Health New Zealand, it reveals that since the beginning of 2020, approximately 80 attempted abortions have resulted in a child being born alive but not given life-sustaining care. Gestation periods range from 20 – 30 weeks.

Disturbingly, Te Tai Tokerau district said that life-sustaining care is considered only for “wanted babies at 22 weeks + 5 days”. At Waikato, there is “parental discretion to opt in or opt out of resuscitation”. Canterbury have previously advised that the “baby is wrapped in a blanket and held until it passes”.

Some larger districts including Waitemata, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Capital Coast & Hutt Valley refused to provide the data.

“We are not surprised by this data – but it is still truly shocking. Whether the unborn child is 15, 20, 30 or 40 weeks in the womb, it will naturally be fighting for its life. That is our human instinct. We should be protecting the lives of innocent babies who survive attempted abortions. We should be making abundantly clear that this is an obligation on medical professionals,” says Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First NZ.

This shocking data comes at the same time as recent studies reveal that active treatment and survival rates for babies born at 22 weeks and 23 weeks are increasing. Between 2014 and 2023, survival among 22-weekers who received active treatment rose from 25.7% to 41%. Rates of survival rose from 7.4% to 32% for babies born at 22 weeks who did not receive active treatment.

A 2025 study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has revealed that both active medical treatment and the survival rate of babies born as early as 22 weeks are increasing.

In 2020, an amendment to the Abortion Legislation Bill (requiring the care of a child born after an attempted abortion) was only supported by 37 MPs (less than a third). The amendment clarified that a qualified health practitioner who performed an abortion that results in the birth of a child after an attempted abortion has a duty to provide the child with appropriate medical care and treatment, no different than the duty owed to provide medical care and treatment to any other child born.

“The vote against such a provision was actually just confirmation of how extreme and radical Jacinda Ardern’s abortion law was – and the agenda of its supporters.”

At the time of the debate in Parliament, then-Minister of Health & Labour MP Andrew Little said “I would like to see the science about a child being born after an abortion.”

“Here is the evidence. This is not about politics – this is about having a heart,” says Mr McCoskrie.

Based on this disturbing evidence, Family First is calling on the Government to immediately introduce and pass legislation which requires life-sustaining care of any child born alive after an attempted abortion.

Family First is also questioning why this data is being withheld from some districts, and is calling on the Ministry of Health to keep more accurate and transparent information about these occurrences.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have seized 36 kilograms of cocaine this afternoon, after its discovery stashed inside a container delivered to an Auckland business.

An investigation is now underway to locate the criminal syndicate involved in the importation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Hunt, from the National Organised Crime Group, says unsuspecting workers made the discovery today.

“Staff working at the Auckland premises were going about unloading legitimate goods shipped from Brazil when the cocaine was discovered,” he says.

“It was in bags on the top of the legitimate product in the container.”

Police were contacted and detectives from the National Organised Crime Group were soon on site, seizing 36 kilograms of cocaine.

Detective Senior Sergeant Hunt says the seizure is worth around $12.6 million.

“This is a prime example of a ‘rip on’ or ‘rip off’ importation to try and sneak drugs into New Zealand,” he says.

“It’s a common method used by criminal groups where they exploit the bona-fide details of a legitimate company’s import.”

Police enquiries remain in the very early stages.

Detective Senior Sergeant Hunt confirms New Zealand Police will work with overseas law enforcement agencies as part of the investigation.

“I acknowledge the staff for doing the right thing and it’s great to have this product seized before it reached New Zealand communities.

“For context, removing this amount of cocaine from the market may have prevented up to $13m worth of social harm to the country.”

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Media note: Police is releasing three images, attached to this media release.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has today introduced the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill, creating a consenting express lane for new supermarkets.

Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says the Bill creates a new fast-track consent option for new supermarkets that would improve grocery competition.

“Our goal is a more competitive grocery market that delivers better prices and more choice for Kiwi shoppers. 

“Potential supermarket competitors have told us that standard resource consent processes can hold them back; with restrictive local zoning and lengthy approval processes adding cost, complexity and delay before new projects can get off the ground.

“The Fast-track Bill will allow new supermarket developments to bypass the standard lengthy resource consent process and instead be referred by the Minister for Infrastructure to a fast-track expert panel for a quicker decision. 

“This will simplify what can be a years-long process into one that could be wrapped up in a few short months.”

“To qualify for this express treatment, projects will have to demonstrate how they align with the Government Policy Statement on grocery competition, which accompanies the Bill being introduced today. 

“The policy statement makes clear that this express lane option is targeted at supporting the entry and expansion of firms that can challenge the dominance of existing major grocery retailers and offer genuine choice to consumers.  

“This could include formats currently under-represented in New Zealand including supercentres, limited assortment stores, and multi-site developments.

“The competition statement states that projects from the dominant incumbent grocery players – Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island and Woolworths – would only be considered for fast-track referral in very limited circumstances where they can demonstrate a specific project would not reinforce their existing market dominance but would, for example, bring consumer choice to an underserved region.

“This Bill is an important step forward in the Government’s work to roll out the welcome mat for new supermarket competitors, boost competition and deliver better deals for Kiwi shoppers.”

Minister for RMA Reform Chris Bishop says the Fast-track Amendment Bill clarifies and further streamlines the Fast-track Approvals Act for even greater efficiency.

The Fast Track Approvals Act is generally working well, with four projects already consented (Port of Auckland’s Bledisloe North Wharf and Ferguson North Berth Extension, Maitahi Village development in Nelson, the Milldale development in the Auckland suburb of Wainui and the Tekapo Power Scheme reconsenting). There are 24 substantive applications currently in train at various stages with five more decisions due by Christmas 2025.

“The Bill introduced today makes a series of technical changes to improve the efficiency of the Act and to cut project application processing times.

“The Bill includes a small but important correction to Schedule 2 to ensure the Stella Passage at the Port of Tauranga, that was agreed by Parliament, is accurately described to align with that project’s scope.

“Over the last few months, the expert panels and panel conveners, applicants, government officials, and councils have identified areas where improvements could be made to the Fast-track regime, many of which are reflected in the Bill introduced today.

“Officials estimate the amendments introduced in this Bill could reduce the combined processing and consideration times by six weeks or more.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says the simplification of the consenting process for potential new entrants in the supermarket sector is great news for regional New Zealand.

“Kiwis who live in the country’s smaller centres are often the most impacted by a lack of grocery retail competition. These changes will make it easier for supermarkets to set up shop, bringing down prices for people working hard to put food on the table for their families.”

“The changes being made to the fast-track are a sensible response to the teething problems that have arisen from time to time in this early stage of the Act. The Government will take particular note of submissions through select committee, to ensure that all sensible efficiencies in the process are being made.

“I’m confident that as the legislation beds in, and both officials and the public become more comfortable with the pace at which decisions are being made while staying within guard rails, the fast-track will really show its value for Kiwis through jobs, regional prosperity and economic growth.”

The Government’s intention is for the Bill to be referred to the Environment Select Committee for scrutiny after its first reading in Parliament on Thursday 6 November and for the Bill to be passed before the end of the year.

Note to editor:

The Government has released the draft Government Policy Statement to help the sector identify which projects are likely to be eligible for the fast-track process. The draft Government Policy Statement will be formally issued subject to the passage of the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill. It is not yet in effect and does not carry any legal weight in respect of decisions being made on current applications.

More information on the Government’s grocery work programme is available here.

Attached: Draft Government Policy Statement – Grocery Competition