NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are attending a serious crash at the intersection of Airfield and Mullins Roads, Ardmore.

The single-vehicle crash was reported at 5.50am.

At this early stage we can advise that one person has been critically injured.

Both Airfield Road and Mullins Road are closed, with cordons at Clevedon-Takanini Road, Mill Road and Papakura-Clevedon Road.

Police are advising motorists to use alternate routes as road closures may be in place for some time.

The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance and an investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the crash.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are responding to a crash on State Highway 2, Kaitoke, north of Upper Hutt.

The crash involved two cars and was reported to Police at 8.30pm.

There are no reports of injuries but the road is blocked and motorists should expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Five of New Zealand’s busiest hospitals will benefit from the Government’s fast-tracked hospital wards programme, which will deliver a total of 140 new beds in 2026, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“As part of Budget 2025, we expected to deliver at least three wards. A competitive procurement process has now allowed four wards to be delivered within the same funding, alongside the fifth ward at Hawke’s Bay Hospital announced in February,” Mr Brown says.

The new wards will be located at Middlemore Hospital, Waikato Hospital, Wellington Regional Hospital, Nelson Hospital, and Hawke’s Bay Hospital, and are all expected to become operational during the second half of 2026. Operational funding has also been approved, and planning is underway to ensure the workforce is in place when the new wards open.

“This investment is about delivering practical solutions to meet growing demand. By getting these new hospital wards built quickly through modular design and construction, we’re strengthening hospital capacity so patients can get the care they need when they need it.”

The rapid-build wards will be constructed off-site and installed on hospital grounds, enabling faster, more cost-effective delivery, while also providing flexibility to redeploy units to other hospitals if required.

“These new wards will make a real difference for both patients and staff. They will ease pressure on emergency departments, support faster admissions and discharges, and improve patient flow right across the hospital.”

Each hospital’s unit will serve a specific role in improving performance and patient care:

• Middlemore Hospital – The ward will expand general medicine capacity to relieve pressure on the emergency department and help meet the shorter stays in ED target.
• Waikato Hospital – The ward will operate as an assessment and diagnostic area near the emergency department, providing brief observations and treatment outside the main wards.
• Wellington Regional Hospital – The ward will expand in-patient capacity to support acute flow by caring for lower-acuity patients, help meet the shorter stays in ED target.
• Nelson Hospital – The ward will enable services to be relocated while seismic strengthening work is carried out on existing buildings. Once complete, it will provide additional inpatient capacity to help address current bed shortages and improve patient flow until the new inpatient tower is built.
• Hawke’s Bay Hospital – The ward will be used for short-stay surgical patients and surgical assessments, helping to streamline care for this patient group and free up surgical and medical inpatient beds elsewhere in the hospital.

Mr Brown says the investment is part of the Government’s wider programme to deliver the health infrastructure New Zealanders need to access timely, quality care.

“This is about delivering more capacity, quickly and efficiently, while we continue major rebuilds in Dunedin, Wellington, Nelson, and Whangārei.

“These investments are about making sure our hospitals and frontline health workers have the space, resources, and flexibility they need to meet demand and deliver the best care for patients.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Motorists and pedestrians are being asked to avoid the area around Constellation Busway Station and Sunset Road due to a bus fire.

Just after 1pm, Police were advised that a bus had collided with the edge of an overpass as it passed under it.

The bus has subsequently caught fire and there is a significant amount of smoke in the area.

Cordons are being put in place and motorists and pedestrians are asked to follow the directions of emergency services staff.

Nearby residents and businesses are also advised to close their doors and windows to prevent smoke getting inside their homes.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a serious crash in Rangiriri overnight.

Police were called to a two vehicle crash on Rodda Road at around 10pm yesterday.

Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene.

Two other people were transported to hospital in a critical to serious condition.

The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has concluded his official visit to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea.  

On the final leg of the trip, Mr Luxon attended the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju where the regional economic situation was the focus. While in Korea, he attended an Indo-Pacific Leaders’ dinner and held bilateral discussions with partners, including the United States and Indonesia, to advance New Zealand’s trade and economic interests.

APEC’s 21 economies receive more than 70 percent of New Zealand’s exports; account for over half of global trade; and have 40 percent of the world’s population.

“It’s critical for New Zealand to play an active part in forums like APEC and the East Asia Summit so we can be heard,” Mr Luxon says.

“The Indo-Pacific region is full of potential and critical to New Zealand’s future prosperity. Our Government is deepening ties to realise that potential. That’s why it’s important to be in the room with other leaders, engaging on what more we can do together, and advocating to advance our interests. 

“That is how we create jobs and opportunities, and lift incomes for Kiwis back at home. That’s what these visits are all about.”

In Korea, the Prime Minister and President Lee Jae Myung launched the New Zealand-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), marking a new era for the bilateral relationship.

Days earlier in Kuala Lumpur, the Prime Minister concluded a CSP with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – a group of 11 nations with a collective population of 700 million people. 

“These agreements elevate New Zealand’s status, making it easier for Kiwis to do business in these parts of the world, and raise New Zealand’s profile as a partner for trade and investment,” Mr Luxon says. 

The Prime Minister arrives home on Sunday 2 November. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin:

Police have charged a man with murder after a woman was found deceased in a Central Auckland apartment yesterday evening.

Police were alerted to a possible incident at a Day Street address at around 7.35pm, and tragically arrived at the apartment a short time later where the woman was located.

A 38-year-old man who is known to the victim has been charged with murder and is expected to appear in Auckland District Court tomorrow.

Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this homicide but would like to hear from any members of the public who have information which may be relevant to our investigation.

You can get in touch with Police by contacting 105 and quoting file number 251101/3740.

Our investigation is underway with a scene examination to continue today as well as other area enquiries.

There are no further updates available at this early stage.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The 100-year anniversary of Te Kūiti Hospital is a major milestone and a reminder of the critical role rural hospitals play in providing healthcare closer to home, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey say.

“For a century, Te Kūiti Hospital has been at the heart of the King Country community, delivering essential care and support to generations of local families,” Mr Brown says.

“Rural hospitals like Te Kūiti are vital to ensuring people in smaller communities can access healthcare without travelling long distances. Over the past year alone, more than 3000 patients have presented to the hospital’s emergency department, which continues to exceed the national health target for shorter stays in ED.”

Te Kūiti Hospital serves around 14,200 people from Te Kūiti, Ōtorohanga, Piopio, and Tahāroa, and provides emergency care, specialist clinics, an inpatient unit, laboratory and radiology services, and allied health support. 

“It also works closely with local primary care providers to meet the growing demand for healthcare in the region, reducing the need for locals to travel long distances to access healthcare.”

Mr Doocey says the Government recognises the challenges rural communities face and is taking steps to improve access to healthcare.

“That’s why we’ve invested $164 million over four years to boost urgent and after-hours care across the country, including in rural areas, so New Zealanders can get the help they need, when and where they need it.

“During the Rural Health Roadshow in Te Kūiti, I heard loud and clear how important Te Kūiti Hospital is to the local community. The hospital has been selected as one of six rural prototype sites trialling practical improvements such as better access to diagnostics, on-call pharmacy support, and digital tools that provide clinicians real-time backup and advice.

“These trials will help shape the design of rural health services for up to 70 rural locations over the next two years.”

Mr Brown says the Government is also focused on strengthening and growing the rural health workforce through initiatives such as rural training hubs and the new medical school at the University of Waikato.

“The new medical school will prioritise clinical placements in regional and rural areas, helping grow a pipeline of homegrown health professionals who understand and are committed to serving their communities.

“As we mark 100 years of Te Kūiti Hospital, we are building the foundations for the next 100 years, ensuring rural New Zealanders continue to have access to timely, quality, and reliable care close to home.”

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  01 November 2025 Source:  Office of the Minister of Conservation and Office of the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality

“I’m thrilled to announce the Government will fund the completion of Te Ara Mangawhero and progress Te Hangāruru, connecting them into the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle journey,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“These two routes are among the last sections needed to complete the full trail from Mount Ruapehu to the Tasman Sea, with just one section remaining before cyclists can complete the 231 km journey.”

Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka says “This kaupapa is linking our people, our stories, and our whenua (land). Completing these trails will strengthen local communities and regional economies while enhancing the environment that sustains us.

“Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust and Te Korowai o Wainuiārua are leading this mahi (work) alongside Ngā Ara Tūhono Trust and the Department of Conservation. This is another powerful example of partnership in action. Together, they’re creating experiences that honour the rich experiences and cultural significance of the land.

“Visitors come to Aotearoa New Zealand for our landscapes, our bush, and our stories. Te Ara Mangawhero and Te Hangāruru will nurture that connection, places where visitors and locals alike can experience the beauty, meaning, and identity of this region.

“We are focused on practical partnerships that protect our taiao, celebrate our culture, and strengthen regional economies, ensuring our natural heritage continues to sustain people, place, and purpose for generations to come.”

The works will be funded by the International Visitor Levy ($7.7 million) alongside $3.1 million from the recently announced Major Events and Tourism Package. Sections of the track will be open to the public as they are completed, with the full project due to be concluded in early 2027.

“Our Government’s Major Events and Tourism Package has been designed to drive visitor spending, support local businesses, and create jobs up and down the country. Ready-to-go projects like these cycle trails will bring more visitors to the region, entice them to stay longer, and build confidence in the local economy,” Louise Upston says.

“Adding to the diversity of experiences in the Ruapehu district will develop long term resilience in the regional tourism sector. It’s a stunning area of New Zealand and it deserves to be showcased.”

Notes to Editors:

• Ngā Ara Tūhono Mountains to Sea cycle journey is one of the Great Rides of New Zealand.
• The Great Ride is divided into ten sections which can be completed separately or completed as a full trail from mountains to sea (including a 32 km boat section on the Whanganui River).
• The trail extensions being funded are 13 km for Te Ara Mangawhero, and 1.1 km for Te Hangāruru (including a 99 m suspension bridge).
• The final short section between the Last Spike and Waimarino (National Park Village) will remain to fully realise the 320 km Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle trail. Ngā Ara Tūhono Trust is progressing this section with Te Korowai o Wainuiārua.

E eke paihikara ana ki te manawaroa ā-rohe ki Ruapehu

Ka maha ake ngā manuhiri ki te rohe o Ruapehu, ā, ka pakari ake te ōhanga ki te Puku o te Ika i ētahi ara paihikara e rua, ko ēnei ara ka peka atu ki ētahi wāhi ātaahua rawa.  

“E hīkaka ana te ngākau ki te whakamōhio atu, ka utua e te Kāwanatanga te whakaotinga o Te Ara Mangawhero me te whakawhanake tonutanga o Te Hangāruru, kia honoa ai ēnei ara ki te haerenga paihikara e kīia nei ko Ngā Ara Tūhono,” hei tā te Minita mō te Tāpoi me te Manaaki, hei tā Louise Upston.

“Ko ēnei ara hou ētahi o ngā wāhanga whakamutunga e whakaotia ai te haerenga katoa mai i te maunga o Ruapehu ki te Tai-o-Rehua, ā kotahi noa iho te wāhanga e toe ana i mua i te wā ka āhei ngā kaieke paihikara ki te whakaoti i te haerenga katoa, e 231 kiromita te roanga.”

Ko te kī atu a te Minita Whāomoomo a Tama Potaka, “E tūhono ana tēnei kaupapa i ō tātou tāngata, ā tātou pūrākau, me tō tātou whenua. Mā te whakaoti i ngā ara ka pakari haere nei ngā hapori me ngā ōhanga ā-rohe me te whakahaumako tonu i te taiao e whāngai nei i a tātou.

“E ārahi ana a Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust rātou ko Te Korowai o Wainuiāura i tēnei mahi ki te taha o Ngā Ara Tūhono Trust me Te Papa Atawhai. He tauira whakahirahira anō tēnei o te mahi rangapū e whakatinanahia ana e te tangata. Ko rātou katoa e mahi ngātahi ana ki te waihanga i ngā wheako e whakahōnore nei i ngā wheako whairawa me te hiranga ā-ahurea o te whenua.

“Haere mai ai ngā manuhiri ki Aotearoa mō te horanuku, te ngahere, me ngā pūrākau te take. Ka tiakina taua hononga e Te Ara Mangawhero me Te Hangāruru, ngā wāhi e toro atu ai ngā manuhiri me te haukāinga ki te rerehua, te hiranga, me te tuakiri o tēnei rohe.

“E aro atu ana mātou ki ngā rangapū whaikiko e haumaru ai te taiao, e whakanuia ai tō tātou ahurea, e pakari ai hoki ngā ōhanga ā-rohe, kia taea tonutia ai e tō tātou tuku ihotanga ā-motu te tautīnei te tangata, te wāhi, me te take mō ngā reanga e tupu mai nei.”

Ka utua ēnei mahi e te International Visitor Levy (7.7 miriona tāra) ki te taha o te 3.1 miriona tāra i ahu mai rā i te Major Events and Tourism Package kātahi anō ka pānuitia atu. Hei te wā ka oti tētahi wāhanga o te ara, ka whakatuwherahia ki te marea, ā, ka oti katoa te kaupapa nei i te wāhanga tōmua o te tau 2027.

“Kua waihangatia te Major Events and Tourism Package a te Kāwanatanga hei whakakaha ake i te mahi hokohoko a ngā manuhiri, hei tautoko i ngā pakihi ā-rohe, hei whakarite hoki i ngā tūranga mahi huri noa i te motu. Mā ngā kaupapa rite pēnei i ēnei ara paihikara ka maha ake ngā manuhiri ki te rohe nei, ka poapoatia hoki rātou ki te whakaroa ake i tā rātou nohonga ki konei, ā, ka piki ake te whakapono ki te ōhanga ā-rohe,” te kī a Louise Upston. 

“Mā te tāpiri atu ki te kanorautanga o ngā wheako ki te rohe o Ruapehu ka whanake ake te manawaroa mauroa i te rāngai tāpoitanga ā-rohe. He wāhi ātaahua rirerire tēnei ki Aotearoa nei, ā, e tika ana kia whakaaturia atu.”

He Kupu mā ngā Etita:

• Ko te haerenga paihikara o Ngā Ara Tūhono Mountains to Sea tētahi o ngā Great Rides o Aotearoa.
• Tekau ngā wāhanga o te ara ka taea e te tangata te whakaoti takitahi, ka taea hoki e te tangata te whakaoti te ara katoa mai i ngā maunga ki te moana i te wā kotahi (tae ana ki tētahi wāhanga waka ki runga i te awa o Whanganui, e 32 kiromita te roanga).
• Ko ngā ara tāpiri e utua ana ko te 13 kiromita o Te Ara Mangawhero, me te 1.1 kiromita o te ara o Te Hangāruru (tae ana ki tētahi arawhiti tārewa e 99 mita te roanga).
• Ko te wāhanga whakamutunga, he wāhanga poto noa nei kei waenga i te Last Spike me te Waimarino ka noho tonu mai hei whakaoti mā mātou ā muri nei e tutuki ai te 320 kiromita o te ara paihikara e kīia nei ko Ngā Ara Tūhono. Ka whakahaerehia tēnei mahi e Ngā Ara Tūhono Trust rātou ko Te Korowai o Wainuiārua.

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Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

33 seconds ago

EIT Bachelor of Nursing graduate Tiara Grayndler-Hollis’ journey to becoming a hospice nurse in Tairāwhiti was inspired by the two men who meant the most to her: her ‘papa’ and her father.

The 30-year-old mother of three (Ngāti Porou, Whakatōhea) began studying at EIT Tairāwhiti in 2022 after her ‘papa’ Hugh Grayndler, who she cared for, passed away the year prior.

“While caring for him, he mentioned that he wished I was his nurse,” Tiara said.

“When I lost him, I didn’t know what I was going to do because my days consisted of dropping my kids off and then going to him, caring for him and going home. So, I decided to study nursing to honour him.”

Midway through her studies, Tiara’s father Rob Hollis was diagnosed with cancer. She brought him home to care for him while continuing her degree.

“The team at EIT were incredible. They really supported me through that time. I was caring for Dad and still trying to study, and they made it possible.”

Her father passed away in March 2024.

It was during this time that Tiara was introduced to the work of Hospice Tairāwhiti. Her father was under their care, and the experience left a lasting impression.

“Seeing how the hospice team cared for Dad and our whānau really touched me. I saw another side of nursing, and it made me realise hospice was where my heart was. My ‘papa’ inspired me to become a nurse, and my dad guided me to hospice.”

She completed her final placement with the hospice team and made it clear that it was the only place she wanted to work.

“I told them I’d only put hospice down on my NETP (Nursing Entry to Practice Programme) application. I was lucky to have already built a connection with the team while they were caring for my dad.”

Now working as a hospice nurse, Tiara says the role allows her to continue honouring her ‘papa’ and father.

“I still feel connected to them here. I just enjoy being out there helping whānau towards the end of life, making sure their symptoms are controlled and they are not suffering.”

She was also able to put her skills to use towards the end of her uncle’s (Henry Hollis) life earlier this year.

“It felt like I was honouring my dad again.”

Before nursing, Tiara had considered a very different path. After finishing high school, she studied travel and tourism with dreams of becoming a flight attendant. Plans to join the Air Force with her cousin were then put on hold when she became a mother.

During her time at EIT, Tiara explored different areas of nursing, including geriatric nursing and mental health. A placement at Te Waharoa, a service grounded in te ao Māori, left a strong impression. But it was her father’s hospice journey that ultimately shaped her direction.

She now balances her work with raising her three children, aged eight, seven and five.

“I love what I do. The hours fit around my kids, and I get to make a difference every day. It is a privilege.”
Reflecting on her studies, Tiara says EIT Tairāwhiti’s small classes and supportive environment made all the difference.

“It’s such a whānau-based place. The tutors are understanding and genuinely care about your family life. If you have tamariki, EIT Tairāwhiti is definitely the place to study.”

EIT Senior Nursing Lecturer Adrianna Grogan said: “Tiara’s life experiences with the losses of whānau prior to beginning the Bachelor of Nursing programme and during the programme have shaped the registered nurse she is today”.

“Through challenging situations, Tiara remained committed and focused on her studies and her ultimate goal of becoming a registered nurse. It was with great pride that I watched Tiara walk across the stage at her graduation, carrying her father’s photo and knowing that when you are committed to what you are doing, you can achieve your dream.”