NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

A man is before the courts facing a multitude of charges relating to residential burglaries in Auckland, where an estimated $2 million worth of property had been stolen.

Detective Sergeant Amanda Reed says the Glen Innes Tactical Crime Unit has been collecting evidence and information in relation to the 51-year-old’s movements for several months. On Friday, Police were successful in intercepting a further burglary attempt.

“Just after 6pm, Police sighted a vehicle belonging to the man travelling on Shore Road, Remuera. Based off enquiries made into his movements in recent months, it was believed that he was on his way to commit another burglary.

Extra Police units were deployed, along with assistance overhead from the Police Eagle helicopter. The man continued to drive towards Waterview, as Police maintained sight of the vehicle from a distance.

As the vehicle turned into a service station, his vehicle was blocked in by a number of Police vehicles. The man was taken into custody without further incident. Upon searching his vehicle, a number of tools were located, which Police believe are used to assist him with his offending.

“It is alleged that the man has committed in excess of 50 residential burglaries through the North Shore, Remuera and Sunnyhills areas over the last two years,” says Detective Sergeant Reed.

While enquiries continue into the man’s alleged offending, Police estimate he has stolen an estimated $2 million worth of property.

He is due to appear in the Auckland District Court on Monday 4 August, charged with seven counts of burglary. Further charges have not been ruled out.

“This is a significant result for the team, not only because this is someone who we’ve been keeping an eye on for a lengthy period of time, but also due to the large scale of his offending”, says Detective Sergeant Reed.

Further enquiries into the man’s offending are ongoing, and Police are hopeful that some of the stolen property can be recovered and returned to its rightful owners.

“We hope this result comes as a relief to his victims, and that both the North Shore and Remuera communities feel some reassurance knowing a prolific offender is off the street.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Inspector Nick Poland, Tāmaki Makaurau Deployment:

One person has been seriously injured and two people have been arrested after a crash on Queen Street, Auckland City, early this morning.

Police were called to the scene, between City Road and Karangahape Road, about 6am after reports of a vehicle colliding with three pedestrians.

One has reportedly been seriously injured, while the others have sustained minor injuries.

The driver then fled the scene on foot.

Two people were located nearby a short time later and taken into custody. Charges are being considered.

Cordons are in place and the Serious Crash Unit is examining the scene.

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the crash and who witnessed what unfolded.

If you can help, please use our 105 service and quote reference number P063367159.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority over the incorrect power of arrest being used.

On the afternoon of 28 April 2023, Police attended a sudden death at a Pitt Street apartment building in central Auckland.

A woman was located deceased at the bottom of the building’s atrium.

The IPCA carried out an investigation after Mr Z complained about his treatment.

Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Sunny Patel says attending staff came across a man emerging from the woman’s address.

“The man was extremely agitated and hard to engage with at the time,” he says.

“Given that our enquiries into the death were still in the early stages, this caused our attending staff concern.

“Initially it was thought the man may have been under the influence of drugs.”

A decision was made to arrest the man for obstruction under the Summary Offences Act.

Police acknowledge the Authority’s subsequent findings that officers should have detained the man under the Mental Health Act instead.

The IPCA also found Mr Z’s treatment while in Police custody was appropriate, given concerns for the man’s mental state and the need for a family member to pick him up.

“We acknowledge the woman’s death was a highly traumatic event for everyone involved, and our thoughts are with the families impacted by her death,” Superintendent Patel says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Superintendent Zane Hooper, Auckland Deployment Commander:

Police are investigating the circumstances of a man’s death in Newmarket early this morning.

Just before 1am, a stationary Police unit was conducting speed checks on the Southern Motorway near Greenlane.

A vehicle passed the unit and was detected travelling at excessive speed. 

After a short delay, the Police unit moved from its stationary position,  activating its blue and red lights, and started travelling in the same direction as the motorist was last seen.

Camera operators began to monitor the vehicle’s movements.

A short time later the speeding vehicle collided with the centre barrier on the Newmarket flyover, before moving to the left side barrier and coming to a stop.

The Police unit that was some distance behind initially passed the stationary vehicle, which was obscured by a passing truck, and was advised by camera operators.

The driver of the vehicle exited his vehicle.

The Police unit carried on heading north, subsequently re-directing themselves back to the scene through the motorway network sometime later.

Before the Police unit arrived at the stationary vehicle, a camera operator has observed the man climb over the motorway barrier where he has either fallen or dropped to the ground below the overbridge.

Police patrols were immediately deployed to the commercial area below the Newmarket flyover and provided first aid.

Unfortunately, the man succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene.

This is a tragic event for all those attending staff and welfare has been put in place for our people.

Police are also in liaison with the family of the deceased man. 

Police have notified the IPCA of the incident, as is standard procedure in these circumstances.

The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene on the Newmarket flyover and carried out an examination.

A critical incident investigation has been established to understand fully what occurred this morning

As part of that investigation, a post-mortem will be carried out with formal identification procedures to be completed.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police were quickly on the heels of an alleged offender following an assault in central Auckland this morning.

A man is recovering in hospital with moderate injuries, while a man will have his day in the Auckland District Court.

Auckland City CIB’s, Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Kirk says Police were called to Lorne Street at around 1.45am.

“We received reports a male had suffered several wounds to his arm and was being pursued by another male,” she says.

“Quick work by a Police Camera Operator located the offender a short distance away and he was taken into custody.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Kirk says the victim was transported to Auckland City Hospital with moderate injuries.

“We do not believe this to be a random event, but I would like to acknowledge all the staff involved in making the arrest this morning.”

Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident.

A 21-year-old man will be appearing in the Auckland District Court today, charged with wounding with intent, displaying gang insignia in public and theft.

Police will be opposing the 21-year-old’s bail when he appears in court.

ENDS

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have charged a man with arson following a fire which tore through an Avondale church last week.

Investigations had been underway following a fire at St Mary’s Church on Great North Road at about 4.20am on 14 July.

Thankfully there were no injuries, however the building sustained serious damage.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Kirk, Auckland City Crime Squad, says Police had been working hard to identify and located the person responsible.

“Officers arrested a 42-year-old man at a New Lynn property last night.

“He has been charged with one count of arson and will appear in Auckland District Court today.

“This is a great result and I would like to acknowledge the assistance received by Police from members of the public in relation to this investigation.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

New Zealand’s most ambitious road maintenance project to rebuild the worst parts of State Highway 1 (SH1) between Tīrau and Waiouru will begin its second construction season on 1 September 2025.

By early 2026, contractors working for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will have rebuilt more than 66km, or 27 per cent, of SH1 between Tīrau and Waiouru.The SH1 Tīrau to Waiouru Accelerated Maintenance Project (T2W) completed 49.4km of road rebuilding in the first season between September 2024 and April 2025.

This coming season will see the project complete the final road surfacing on 5 sections, including the Desert Road. Road rebuilds and maintenance will also be completed between Taupō and Tūrangi, and on the edges of Tokoroa and Tīrau townships. 

“T2W goes beyond standard road maintenance; it upgrades the worst sections of SH1 to a much higher standard, reducing the need for future disruptions in the areas we’re working on,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Waikato Systems Manager Andrew Oakley.

The T2W project used 24/7 road closures last season to accelerate the work, but Mr Oakley confirmed no 24/7 road closures will be required this season.

Some short nighttime only closures will be needed at Tīrau, between Tokoroa and Ātiamuri and on the Desert Road.  There will be no full road closures between Taupō and Tūrangi.

“We’re working closely with our contractor to minimise delays especially on SH1 between Taupō and Tūrangi, where we will have 4 rebuild sites happening,” says Mr Oakley.

Outside of the T2W project, NZTA is also delivering its usual major summer maintenance programme across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty including around 15 road rebuild sites and 20 resurfacing sites from the Coromandel Peninsula to Waiouru, says Mr Oakley.

“Summer is always our busiest season for roadworks,” says Mr Oakley. “Weather and ground temperatures are critical to delivering long-lasting results.”

“We know road works are an inconvenience, and we’d like to thank all our communities and road users in advance for their patience. This work is much needed, and we’re confident you will appreciate the results when it’s complete.”  

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  05 August 2025

The 34-bunk hut was formally opened yesterday morning (4 August) as part of a small ceremony which also marked the official completion of an eight-month build project, which has been several years in the planning.

The new Pouākai Hut is part of the Taranaki Crossing project, a partnership involving DOC, Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit (Kānoa), Ngā Iwi o Taranaki and hapū which has also seen several of tracks across Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki upgraded. The Taranaki Crossing is funded by the Provincial Growth Fund ($16.4 million), which is administered by Kānoa. Additional funding to support the project has been provided by DOC ($5.2 million).

The unique hut design is a result of collaboration between representatives from Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri and architects familiar with alpine hut design and construction.

Richard Buttimore, of Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri, says: “Hapū representatives have valued the collaborative partnership with DOC on the design and build of the new Pouākai Hut.

“It has reflected the agreed values for this kaupapa, respecting Pouākai the tupuna, the environment and the whenua – ensuring our ongoing manaaki for the day and overnight visitors who will use this beautiful new hut.

“To see the hut develop from initial ideas and plans, to now be completed and ready to welcome visitors represents a shared vision brought to reality.”

Tinaka Mearns, DOC’s Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki Regional Director, says the new Pouākai Hut represents a major milestone in the Taranaki Crossing project.

“We’re so pleased to have completed this part of the project, as it’s the most popular hut in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki,” Tinaka says.

“The previous Pouākai Hut was at the end of its life, and the new structure is more than double the size of its predecessor – so it’s a big improvement for visitors.”

Tinaka says the construction of the hut presented some challenging logistics – including the need to fly materials and tradespeople to the site.

“I’m proud of the efficiency and smart thinking the project team has shown to finish the build – constructing a hut on the side of a mountain, where there’s no road, is not an easy feat.

“The construction team has done a terrific job: their skill and dedication to the build has been superb, including living on-site for extended periods.

The hut is expected to be back on the DOC booking system and available to visitors on 12 August.

Special thanks to Dulux for providing paint. Dulux and the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) have been working in partnership since 2013.

Contact

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

EIT is set to deliver its Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) in Tairāwhiti for the first-time next year, giving local students the opportunity to train as Early Childhood teachers without leaving the region.

The move follows two years of offering the New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) in Tairāwhiti. It comes in response to strong demand from students and early childhood centres for a degree-level qualification that leads to teacher registration.

Zac Anderson, EIT’s Head of School: Education and Social Sciences, said the feedback from stakeholders made it clear that more was needed beyond the diploma.

“Educational outcomes and employment opportunities were limited for graduates who only completed Level 5. They couldn’t become registered teachers, which meant fewer pathways.”

The first year of the diploma is identical to the first year of the degree, allowing students to exit early if needed or continue on toward registration.

From next year, EIT will offer both the first and second years of the degree in Tairāwhiti, with current diploma students already indicating they want to continue.

“The vast majority of diploma students go on to complete the full degree. That’s what we’ve seen in Taradale, and we believe the same will happen in Tairāwhiti,” Zac said.

The Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) is delivered in a field-based model, with students spending two days a week on campus and three days in an early childhood centre.

“It’s the best of both worlds for the students and the centres. They’re working with people from their own community and supporting them to become qualified teachers.”

She said early childhood centres in the region had already expressed strong support.

“I visited six centres in Gisborne last week and every single one was excited. They could already think of staff or people in their community who would benefit. This kind of access hasn’t existed before.”

Zac said that until now, people in the region wanting to study early childhood education at degree level have mostly had to learn online through other institutions.

“That doesn’t work for everyone. Our degree is unique, practical and field-based.”

She said the degree includes local pūrākau and regional content to ensure it reflects the communities students are based in.

“We’re embedding place-based learning. That means connecting with local stories, iwi, and te ao Māori in a way that reflects the students’ surroundings and centre environment.”

The teaching team is growing to meet demand, with close collaboration between the Taradale and Tairāwhiti campuses to ensure a strong, cohesive experience for students.

“There’ll be block courses, combined noho marae, and online sessions that bring the cohorts together.”

Zac said interest from students has already been encouraging.

“Having a strong, supportive peer group makes a big difference. Students learn so much from each other, and the sector is crying out for qualified staff.”

She added that employment outcomes for EIT’s ECE graduates have been strong.

“We’ve had close to 100 percent employment for ECE graduates in Taradale. We expect no different in Tairāwhiti. It’s a great career pathway; young or old, anyone is welcome.”

Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart, Executive Dean, Education, Humanities and Health Science, said: “The expansion of delivery of EIT’s Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) into Tairāwhiti reflects our commitment to making high-quality teacher education more accessible to communities across the East Coast”.

“Early childhood educators play a vital role in shaping the foundations for lifelong learning, and we are committed to supporting the development of passionate, skilled professionals who will make a lasting impact in the lives of tamariki and whānau.”

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

5 August 2025

Check out our latest guidance and resources to help you ensure a healthy and safe work environment for you and your workers.

In this edition of the work-related health newsletter:

• WorkSafe’s regulatory approach
• Asbestos surveyors’ guidance
• Managing psychosocial risks at work
• Using insecticides safely
• Restricted entry intervals for hazardous substances
• Leptospirosis learning modules
• Managing risks from dusts in construction
• Mining and quarrying health risks
• Survivors recount toxic gas ordeal at landfill pit
• New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards winner
• Occupational health and hygiene journal article
• HASANZ scholarships
• Conferences and events

Read the full newsletter(external link)