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Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  14 May 2025

Feral cats are widespread in New Zealand and have a major impact on our unique native wildlife (such as birds, lizards and bats), as well as spreading diseases like toxoplasmosis. Currently there are limited methods to control feral cats over the large areas where they roam.

As part of the Predator Free 2050 programme, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has been working in partnership with pest control solutions manufacturer, Orillion, to develop a meat sausage bait for application by aircraft for more widespread control of feral cats. DOC is running field trials to test the bait’s effectiveness.

In the first aerial trial last spring, DOC researchers sowed the baits by helicopter over 5000 ha in the St James Conservation Area in North Canterbury. Just one 18 gm sausage was used per hectare or rugby field-sized area.

The results of this field trial are looking promising, says DOC National Eradication Team Manager Stephen Horn.

“We monitored a sample of feral cats fitted with GPS-VHF collars and nine out of ten cats in the trial area quickly found the baits and were killed.

“We also used a grid of 50 cameras to monitor the presence of feral cats before and after the baiting. We detected cats 63 times before the operation and just once after.”

Monitoring through the St James trial also showed stoat and ferret activity declined to very low levels after the operation, most likely from eating baits.

A second trial at Macraes Flat in Otago, which was recently completed, has shown similar results with 100 per cent (11 out of 11) of monitored cats dying, Stephen says.

“It’s exciting – after several years of bait development these trials take us a step closer to being able to register the new bait for wider use.

“A new tool to target feral cats will be a game changer for protecting our vulnerable wildlife, which is found nowhere else in the world.”

The trials involved two applications of bait – the first without toxin to cue feral cats to the sausages and the second using sausages containing small amounts of 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate). They build on earlier research showing the sausage baits are highly attractive to feral cats and not attractive to most native species such as kiwi or to deer.

DOC will carry out a further trial in forested habitat this year. The risk of baits to taonga species like tuna/eel and kea will also be assessed. The results of this work will inform DOC’s application to the Ministry for Primary Industries and Environmental Protection Authority to register the meat bait.

Once registered, DOC plans to use the bait to help remove feral cats from Auckland Island as part of an ambitious plan to eradicate all pests, including feral pigs and mice from this large subantarctic nature reserve. These pests threaten hundreds of native species and have decimated albatross and other seabird populations on the island.

DOC is also working on a second sausage bait using the registered toxin PAPP (para-aminopropiophenone) to directly control stoats. Initial hand-laid field trials show this bait is highly effective. Aerial trials will be carried out this year.

The sausage baits are part of broader work to research and develop new tools and techniques to help achieve New Zealand’s ambitious goal of becoming predator free by 2050.

Background information

Feral cats are found throughout New Zealand in a range of habitats from the coast to alpine areas. They are opportunistic and skilled hunters and prey on native birds, bats and lizards. They have a significant impact on some threatened species such as kea, kakī/black stilt and pukunui/southern New Zealand dotterel.

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Source: Statistics New Zealand

Net migration eases to under 30,000 – 14 May 2025 – New Zealand had a net migration gain of 26,400 in the March 2025 year, according to provisional estimates published by Stats NZ today.

“The net migration gain of 26,400 in the March 2025 year was well down from a gain of 100,400 in the March 2024 year,” international migration statistics spokesperson Sarah Drake said.

“The fall in net migration in the March 2025 year was mainly due to fewer migrant arrivals, although departures also rose to a provisional annual record,” Drake said.

Provisionally there were 149,600 migrant arrivals and 123,300 migrant departures in the March 2025 year, compared with 207,100 migrant arrivals and 106,700 migrant departures in the March 2024 year.

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Source: Statistics New Zealand

New Zealanders take 3 million overseas trips – 14 May 2025 – New Zealand residents arrived back from 3.01 million short-term overseas trips (of less than 12 months) in the March 2025 year, according to data released by Stats NZ today.

March 2025 is the first annual period to exceed 3 million arrivals by New Zealand-resident travellers since March 2020 (3.05 million), and was up from 2.84 million in the March 2024 year.

“The number of short-term overseas trips by New Zealand residents climbed 6 percent in the March 2025 year, compared to the year before,” international travel spokesperson Sarah Drake said.

“The increase was mainly driven by more trips to Australia, as well as Indonesia, China, and Japan.”

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Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government is moving swiftly to implement the most significant science reforms in three decades, with three new public research organisations to be formed by 1 July, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.
“These reforms are about unlocking the full potential of science to deliver stronger economic growth and greater resilience for New Zealand. We’re not wasting a moment,” says Dr Reti. 
“Earlier this year, the Prime Minister unveiled a major overhaul of the science system, including the move from seven Crown Research Institutes to three new, future-focused entities. These new organisations will concentrate on key areas of national importance.”
The new institutes will be:

New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science – advancing innovation in agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, biotechnology and manufacturing; protecting ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and developing new bio-based technologies and products.
New Zealand Institute for Earth Science – supporting energy security and sustainability; developing land, marine and mineral resources; and improving resilience to natural hazards and climate-related risks.
New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science – strengthening public health through disease detection and response; and supporting public safety through forensic science services.

“These institutes will ensure our world-class researchers are focused on delivering science that drives innovation, supports our industries, and improves the lives of everyday New Zealanders,” says Dr Reti.
“Critically, the new research organisations will have a strong commercial focus, with a mandate to translate science into real-world outcomes and commercial success. 

“It’s not enough to have great science — we need that science to power start-ups, lift productivity, and create jobs. This is about turning research into results for New Zealand’s economy.”
To lead this transformation, Dr Reti today announced the appointment of Barry Harris as Chair of the Bioeconomy Science Institute, and David Smol as Chair of the Earth Science Institute.
“Both Mr Harris and Mr Smol bring outstanding leadership and deep sector experience. They are well placed to guide these new organisations as they take shape and begin delivering on our vision for a stronger, more productive science system,” says Dr Reti.
The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) will retain its current governance as it transitions to become the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Sciences.
“These changes are about focus, outcomes, and value. We are investing in science that delivers for New Zealand — science that strengthens our economy, supports our environment, and builds resilience for the future,” Dr Reti says.
“I’m confident these new leaders will help us deliver a science system that is more connected, more commercially focused, and better aligned with the needs of our nation.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Diversions are in place following a serious crash near the intersection of Hamurana Road and Tauranga Direct Road this morning.

The crash, involving a truck and car, was reported to Police at 9.15am.

One person is reported to have sustained critical injuries, and one person has serious injuries.

The road is partially blocked and motorists are asked to follow the directions of emergency services staff.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

RBNZ stats alert: 14 May 2025 – Kia ora koutou, On 21 May 2025 we will be launching the Tara-ā-Umanga Business Expectations Survey (BES), publishing results for the June quarter. Publication will be in advance of the 28 May Monetary Policy Statement, in line with the timing of our other expectations surveys.

We would like to thank all the businesses that have made the development and launch of the new Tara-ā-Umanga Business Expectations Survey possible and enabled us to build a representative sample survey of New Zealand businesses.

This new survey includes several hundred businesses from different sectors around the country, from small to large firms. It is separate from the existing Survey of Expectations focusing on expert forecasters and economists, and industry leaders (Table M14, from 1987 onwards), which will continue.

Business Expectations Survey publication on 21 May, after 3pm

The launch of BES marks the beginning of the regular quarterly publication of the survey and the conclusion of a successful development phase that involved public consultation and pilots to build the sample and test content and methodology. The launch will feature a new web table with population estimates of economy-wide expectations:

M15 Business Expectations Survey

The sample size and design enable new breakdowns by business size and industry, which will be published in the data file accompanying Table M15. The initial publication will include our Stats Insight, a background note as a guide to interpret the new survey results, and a description of our survey methodology.

It should be noted that while this survey represents a significant uplift in our expectations data, more observations are needed (beyond the short historical timeseries that will be available at launch) to enable us to estimate the relationship between these data and ultimate inflation outcomes. We anticipate that the results of this survey will become key statistical series used by central banks, researchers, financial institutions and commentators.

Background information

Inflation expectations are important because households and businesses reflect their expectations in their price- and wage-setting decisions. Improving the quality of our expectation surveys is part of the wider response to our 2022 review of how we formulate and implement our monetary policy. In this review, we identified several areas where better data could support high quality monetary policy decision-making.

For further information please see: Tara-ā-Umanga Business Expectations Survey: Survey design and development: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=b66e552e95&e=f3c68946f8

RBNZ’s existing expectations surveys:
Survey of expectations (M14): https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=16ac7517ae&e=f3c68946f8
Household inflation expectations (H1): https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=da9067ab97&e=f3c68946f8
 

Additional wholesale interest rate data now being published

From 12 May 2025, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua began publishing two new daily series on Table B2, making more data available on wholesale interest rates that apply to large institutions in New Zealand markets.

The new daily series on Table B2 are:

Overnight Deposit Rate: the rate of remuneration ESAS account holders receive for funds that are held overnight in their account at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua. For further information please see: What is ESAS
 
Overnight Reverse Repo Rate: the rate that is charged to borrow funds lent overnight via the Reserve Bank’s Overnight Reverse Repo Facility (ORRF). For further information on the key standing facilities provided to market participants, including the ORRF, please see: Facilities at a glance – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

This data will add to the wide range of information that is available to support the analysis of the New Zealand financial system and understanding the transmission of monetary policy through wholesale interest rates quoted in New Zealand markets.

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

Watercare has completed a $2m project to ultimately increase the capacity of the water network in Pukekohe and Buckland.

Over the past two months crews installed two new bulk supply points on Pukekohe East Road which will allow more water to be distributed through the network, supporting current and future growth in Pukekohe and Buckland.

The bulk supply points will allow Watercare to manage the flows, regulate pressure in the network and test the quality of the water.

Although both bulk supply points are complete, only one will be brought into service once the rest of the infrastructure is installed, says Watercare project manager Veluppillai Thavarajah.

Watercare project manager Veluppillai Thavarajah.

“Once the infrastructure is ready, we’ll bring one of the bulk supply points into service to supply water to around 1500 houses planned for construction in the area.

“To connect the bulk supply points to the existing network, Watercare is planning to undertake connection works in early June. This will involve a temporary shutdown of the large water main supplying Pukekohe.

 “It will take our team about 16 hours to carry out this work, but all our customers will continue to have water because the team will ensure that the reservoir suppling the area will have enough water storage for the duration of the work.

“The other bulk supply point will be brought into service at a later date when it’s needed to supply water to future developments.”

Thavarajah says Watercare opted to install both bulk supply points at the same time to reduce costs and disruptions.

“We appreciate people’s patience with us as our crews worked to install pipework, valves and fittings needed to bring these bulk supply points to fruition.”

Franklin ward councillor Andy Baker says it’s great to see Watercare stepping up to support growth in the area.

“The new bulk supply points get things moving for early development, and with plans in place for extra infrastructure, it shows Watercare is serious about enabling growth in the area.”

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

Auckland Council is aware that pieces of asbestos-containing material (ACM) have been washing up along Auckland’s eastern coastline. While the risk posed to the public is low, the council is taking all necessary precautions and removing the material from affected beaches.  

The largest amounts of ACM have been found at Glendowie Bay and, to a lesser extent, neighbouring Karaka Bay. Very small amounts have also been found further up the Tāmaki River towards Panmure.

Signage is in place at Glendowie and Karaka Bay and the council has conducted several clean-ups to remove the material from these beaches. 

Manager of Licensing & Environmental Health, Mervyn Chetty, says there is no need for the public to avoid beaches where ACM is present, but if material is spotted it should be left undisturbed and reported to healthenforcement@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or by phoning 09 301 0101.

“We are asking people to take a common-sense approach and to simply leave ACM alone for the council to collect. Dogs and children should also be prevented from picking up the material,” he says.

Health risk low

The recent washed-up pieces of ACM are 5-10cm pieces of fibre cement board, likely to be from historic construction waste. Asbestos in this form is considered non-friable, meaning it cannot be broken up and inhaled under normal circumstances.

Health New Zealand Medical Officer of Health, Dr David Sinclair, says the riskiest situation is where dust is being generated from Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) being cut or damaged.

“In outdoor settings such as the affected beaches, we’d expect the level of asbestos dust to be minimal, especially when the material is below the high tide mark and damp. However, people should inform Auckland Council if they find ACM so it can be removed, and not disturb the ACM pieces or collect them.”

Further health advice on asbestos containing materials is available at: info.health.nz/asbestos-and-your-health 

Source still a mystery

Pinpointing the source of ACM material is difficult, says Mervyn Chetty, especially given the likely age of the material and ability for it to have moved over time. 

“Unfortunately, waste disposal practices were not always what they are today. The ACM we’re finding now is likely to be decades-old construction waste that was dumped near the shoreline, which over time has fragmented and dispersed along beaches due to natural processes like tides and weather.” 

The council has not identified a likely single source of the material but is continuing to conduct investigations. If any members of the public have information that would assist, they are encouraged to report this to  healthenforcement@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

In addition to responding to reports of ACM, the council will continue to inspect and monitor beaches in the area to determine the scale of the issue. Regular clean-ups will be carried out and signage erected at sites where pieces of ACM are more commonly being found.

While it is likely that these fragments are historic deposits, it is also a good reminder to Aucklanders to responsibly secure and dispose of construction and household waste, as these can end up making their way to waterways and beaches, particularly following storm events.

We thank the community for their cooperation as we work to manage this issue responsibly.

For further updates, check back here on OurAuckland.

Asbestos FAQs 

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of fine, durable fibres. It was widely used in construction materials in New Zealand between the 1940s and mid-1980s due to its fire resistance, insulation properties, and strength. It was phased out in construction materials during the late 1980s and banned completely from importation in 2016.

What is the difference between asbestos and ACM?

Asbestos refers to the mineral itself, while ACM stands for asbestos-containing Material, which means any material or product that contains more than 1 per cent asbestos. For example, insulation boards, vinyl flooring, or roofing tiles may be ACMs as they contain asbestos mixed with other materials.

Is all asbestos or ACM dangerous?

Asbestos is considered a health hazard when it is “friable”. That means that it can easily be broken up or crumbled by hand when dry, and the fibres can therefore be inhaled into the lungs. Generally, ACM is non-friable as it is mixed with other hard materials like cement or resin, making it more stable.

Most asbestos found in construction materials in New Zealand is in the less hazardous ACM form, however pure asbestos may be found in places like pipe insulation or sprayed-on ceiling coatings. Even in this form, the material would only become hazardous if broken up or damaged.

What are the health risks associated with asbestos?
Inhaling significant amounts of airborne asbestos can lead to respiratory problems, including lung cancer, with greater levels of exposure over longer periods of time leading to increased risk. Those most likely to be affected are people who work regularly with asbestos or are exposed to it during construction, renovation, or demolition work.

More information

Visit info.health.nz for health advice on ACM

Visit WorkSafe for information about asbestos in the home and safe removal practices.    

Source: New Zealand Police

Motorists are advised of delays on State Highway 2, Aongatete after a truck broke down.

Reports came in to Police around 8:15am, of the incident in the northbound lane about 500m north of Wright Road.

There are no injuries but motorists are advised there is significant traffic build-up as a result, and are urged to delay travel if possible.

ENDS