NZ Engine

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) says Immigration Minister Erica Stanford’s tough talk on employers prioritizing migrants over Kiwi workers must be backed up by her Government in the case of loss of 32 seafarer jobs on the MV Buffalo.

Minister Stanford stated this week that employers will be stripped of accreditation for not genuinely trying to hire New Zealanders.

Ms. Stanford noted that “we have New Zealanders who are desperate for jobs and need to be given the first opportunity for those,” and that this applies to sectors including transportation and logistics.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says despite this, the Government is dithering while New Zealand seafarer jobs are on the chopping block.

He says the Maritime Union is currently in a struggle to retain experienced, qualified New Zealand seafarers on the cement vessel MV Buffalo.

“This is the exact scenario Minister Stanford is talking about – skilled New Zealand workers fighting to keep their jobs in the transport sector.”

The vessel’s charterer, global cement corporate Holcim, is seeking an exemption from the Government under the Maritime Transport Act to replace the New Zealand crewed MV Buffalo with a foreign-flagged vessel using a non-NZ crew, who will receive lower wages and inferior conditions.

“This is a blatant attempt to replace skilled Kiwi workers with a cheaper, foreign crew. It is the very definition of what Minister Stanford is supposedly cracking down on,” says Mr Findlay.

The Maritime Union is calling on Associate Transport Minister James Meager to reject Holcim’s application for exemption.

“Minister Meager needs to listen to his colleague, apply her logic to his own portfolio, and put New Zealand workers first. He must intervene and cancel any exemption that would allow Holcim to dump its New Zealand crew and undermine our domestic shipping industry.”

“The government can’t talk tough on Kiwi jobs out of one side of its mouth while signing off on Kiwi jobs being axed. Minister Meager must act now to save these seafarer jobs on the MV Buffalo and protect New Zealand’s shipping capability.”

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a serious crash on Great South Road, Epsom last night.

Emergency services were called to the single vehicle crash at around 6.45pm.

Sadly, despite best efforts, one person died at the scene.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand and the five Nordic countries will deepen and intensify their cooperation, driven by common strategic assessments, values and national development aspirations, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. 

“New Zealand and the Nordic countries are separated by vast oceans, but united by how we see the world, the values we wish to uphold and defend, and our desire to cooperate for mutual economic benefit,” Mr Peters says, at the conclusion of his visit to the Nordic region. 

As well as undertaking bilateral visits to all five Nordic countries of Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, Mr Peters also attended the inaugural Nordic 5-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Stockholm. 

“Like New Zealand, the Nordic countries face their most challenging strategic environment in decades, as they unite to support Ukraine in repelling Russia’s illegal invasion,” Mr Peters says. “As we heard repeatedly, if Russia is not stopped in Ukraine, it will keep pushing further and they are already seeking to cause disruption in the Nordic and Baltic regions.

“In this context, the Nordic countries are deeply appreciative of New Zealand’s tangible contributions to help defend Ukraine. They drew comfort from New Zealand – acknowledging our great distance from the conflict – providing significant support in the common fight against Russia’s naked aggression. We also discussed the direct and indirect support that Russia’s war effort receives from certain actors in the Indo-Pacific – underlining the interconnected nature of our respective strategic environments.

“Just as New Zealand supports a stable and peaceful Europe underpinned by the international rules-based system, the Nordic countries have an interest in contributing to the Indo-Pacific being a free, open and democratic region. In this context, we also discussed how Pacific Island countries can continue to benefit from Nordic development assistance, including through multilateral and regional organisations.”       

National economic development strategies were another important theme of Mr Peters’ Nordic tour. 

“For 20 years now across three terms as Foreign Minister, we have championed the idea that the economic development stories of the Nordic countries have many seriously important lessons for New Zealand,” Mr Peters says. 

“That’s why we opened a New Zealand Embassy in Stockholm in 2008, and then re-opened it in 2018 after John Key’s Government misguidedly opted to close it.

“This visit has underlined the many areas New Zealand’s development could benefit from cooperating more closely with Nordic countries and their very successful companies – from fisheries management and renewable energy infrastructure to port operations, and from geothermal exploration to sovereign wealth management. 

“If New Zealand is to become a more productive economy and more attractive for foreign direct investment, we need to apply practical lessons from other, small countries that have had success – and the Nordic region is a great source of them.

“There was shared agreement that there is no limit to what we might achieve together. To that end, we will be ensuring that relevant parts of the New Zealand Government and companies connect with Nordic counterparts, to start realising this still untapped potential,” Mr Peters says.   

Mr Peters returns to New Zealand on Saturday 1 November. 

Related links:

Joint Statement, Nordic 5-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Meeting:

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/joint-statement-foreign-ministers-nordic-countries-denmark-finland-iceland-norway-sweden__;!!Asq5-8xVch3Reg!ohosFz237Z-F25Mr5ITDFknL3qjdhxfi3-aAz0IlXVi7HNdAXSm9F7JoLOYmQWTfZBtcnDLVPEw6IJ51TvH7TsGcjr-LwA6c0RtsvEQj$ 

Speech, Swedish Institute for International Affairs:

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/**B-europe-indo-pacific-new-zealand-perspectives-shared-challenges**B__;4oCY4oCZ!!Asq5-8xVch3Reg!ohosFz237Z-F25Mr5ITDFknL3qjdhxfi3-aAz0IlXVi7HNdAXSm9F7JoLOYmQWTfZBtcnDLVPEw6IJ51TvH7TsGcjr-LwA6c0bXUTgI1$ 

Press release, Sanctions on Russia’s oil industry and shadow fleet:

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-zealand-expands-sanctions-russia**Bs-oil-industry-and-shadow-fleet__;4oCZ!!Asq5-8xVch3Reg!ohosFz237Z-F25Mr5ITDFknL3qjdhxfi3-aAz0IlXVi7HNdAXSm9F7JoLOYmQWTfZBtcnDLVPEw6IJ51TvH7TsGcjr-LwA6c0ReTG1Ba$ 

 

Press release, Iceland and New Zealand enhance cooperation https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/iceland-and-new-zealand-enhance-practical-cooperation__;!!Asq5-8xVch3Reg!ohosFz237Z-F25Mr5ITDFknL3qjdhxfi3-aAz0IlXVi7HNdAXSm9F7JoLOYmQWTfZBtcnDLVPEw6IJ51TvH7TsGcjr-LwA6c0dyHHiCT$ 

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

27 seconds ago

Access to primary healthcare has returned to EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale, with local provider Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri delivering nurse-led services to staff, students and children attending the Ōtatara Children’s Centre.

After initially operating from a mobile clinic outside J Block in July, the Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri team moved into the Health Centre in K Block in August.

The service now works in partnership with EIT’s student wellbeing and counselling services to provide integrated health and wellbeing support on campus.

Executive Director, Student and Academic Services, Ondene van Dulm, says re-establishing on-campus health services is “a really exciting milestone in our post-cyclone recovery”.

“The vision is to provide comprehensive support for our students’ wellbeing, with accessible and affordable care that responds to diverse needs.

The whānau-led services provided by Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri will complement the support delivered by our Student Wellbeing Advisor and Counsellor. This is indeed a partnership to celebrate as we continue to rebuild our campus.”

Health Coach Katherine MacDonald (Ngāti Kahungunu) and Registered Nurse Katrina Witton (Ngāti Porou) from Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri say the response to the service has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Within our first week, we had around 50 people come through just to get a health check or find out what’s available,” Katherine says.

Katherine says being on campus helps break down barriers to healthcare by providing a familiar, welcoming environment. She says awareness continues to grow as staff and students become more familiar with the service.

“It’s all about access,” she says. “Having somewhere close, affordable and easy to walk into makes a huge difference for people who might otherwise put off seeing someone.”

Both staff and students have already benefited from the service.

“We’ve had people come back and say, ‘I went to see my GP after you suggested it, and now I’m feeling great’. Even small checks like blood pressure can make a big difference,” Katrina says.

For Katrina, who completed her Bachelor of Nursing at EIT last year alongside her sister Jessica, returning to campus in a professional role has been especially meaningful.

A former forklift supervisor and dispatch coordinator, she was inspired to study nursing during the COVID-19 lockdown and has since become an advocate for accessible, community-based care.

“I studied here before the cyclone, so it’s quite special to come back and be part of bringing this service to life again,” she says.

Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri offers nurse-led care, health checks, vaccinations, referrals and health education to support students and staff in managing their wellbeing.

The service operates Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 3pm during teaching weeks, and is open to students and staff on a walk-in basis.

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

1 day ago

EIT graduate Josephine O’Halloran is charting her own course in the global tourism industry, working aboard luxury superyachts in the Mediterranean.

The 21-year-old completed the NZ Certificate in Tourism (Level 4) and the NZ Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5) during 2023-2024.

She has since moved to Europe, recently finishing her first season as a second stewardess, where her duties included luxury service, high-end housekeeping, organising inventory and provisioning for charters, and maintaining the interior to an exceptional standard.

“It’s been an incredible experience. I’ve been able to work, travel, and meet amazing people. The skills and knowledge I gained at EIT have definitely helped me transition into this career, especially in professionalism, communication, and customer service.”

She is now set to work later this year as a stewardess on a 74-metre motor yacht based in Dubai, with trips to the Maldives over the winter season.

Originally from Dunedin, Josephine moved to Hawke’s Bay after high school and began working in hospitality at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers.

That experience sparked her interest in expanding into the wider tourism sector, and she says EIT offered the perfect opportunity to study in person while continuing to work.

“EIT was the perfect choice because I preferred to study in person rather than online, and the course structure and timetable fit really well with my work schedule. It also has a great reputation and felt like a supportive, community-focused environment.”

The diploma also covered a wide range of topics she was interested in, rather than focusing on just one specific area.

“At the time, I wasn’t completely sure which path I wanted to take, so I liked that the diploma gave me the chance to explore different aspects of the tourism industry. It helped me figure out what I do and don’t enjoy, without committing too early.

Josephine says she “really enjoyed” her time at EIT.

“The teachers were supportive, the subjects were interesting, and the assignments were a great mix of practical and theoretical work. I liked that the course gave us the opportunity to gain skills that were transferable to other industries and areas of life.

“Meeting people through classes and placements was another highlight, and the facilities at EIT were fantastic. Overall, I found it a really positive and worthwhile experience.”

She says she would “absolutely” recommend EIT to others.

“I would recommend EIT because of its small class sizes, supportive staff, and hands-on learning environment. The courses are interactive and engaging, with plenty of opportunities to learn through field trips, placements, and group activities. The EIT team genuinely cares about student success, and there’s a great balance between academic learning and real-world experience.”

Looking back, Josephine credits EIT for giving her the confidence to take her skills overseas.

“Studying at EIT gave me a strong foundation and the confidence to explore different career paths in tourism and hospitality,” she says. “It opened up opportunities I never expected, and I’m really grateful for the experience and the people I met along the way.”

Nikki Lloyd, EIT Assistant Head of School Tourism and Hospitality, says: “Studying tourism opens the door to a wide range of exciting opportunities. You’re not limited to just one type of job; there are many career paths with many possibilities.”

“What makes tourism especially exciting is its global nature, it opens up a world of opportunities, as Jo has shown. EIT offers tourism programmes from level 3 through to level 5, providing valuable skills that can take you anywhere in the world.”

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died after a crash in Matamata this afternoon.

At around 4.40pm, Police were alerted to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Waharoa Road East and Pohlen Road.

Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit has conducted a scene examination and the road is now open.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Brent Cook, West Coast Police:

Police executed two search warrants in Greymouth and South Westland early this morning in relation to an ongoing nationwide operation to target organised crime, drug dealing and illegal possession of firearms.

The search warrants were executed with the assistance of the Armed Offenders Squad and involved staff from across the West Coast area and the wider Tasman district.

A 35-year-old man was taken into custody and will be appearing in the Greymouth District Court tomorrow on charges of possession of methamphetamine for supply, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of a class B drug.

Police located:

• Two firearms and ammunition
• Methamphetamine along with evidence for its supply, and utensils for its use
• $1850 in cash
• MDMA, a class B controlled drug.

This latest raid follows a weeklong transnational targeted crackdown known as Operation Black Onyx on illicit firearms which resulted in 43 arrests and 96 firearms being seized.

Officers working on the search warrants are not ruling out further arrests or charges.

Police will continue to actively target organised criminal behaviour on the West Coast and ask the public for assistance in locating these offenders.

If you know of illegal firearms, drugs, or any unlawful behaviour, call Police. Call 111 if it is an emergency, or 105 after the fact.

You can always report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are in attendance at a serious crash in Matamata this afternoon.

At around 4.40pm, Police were alerted to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Waharoa Road East and Pohlen Road.

Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries.

The road is blocked while emergency services are in attendance.

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

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Two ageing culverts, on State Highway 3 in north Taranaki will be replaced this summer, with significant work planned for mid-January.

These culvert replacements, Mangapepeke No. 1 and Mangapepeke No. 2 culverts, are among a raft of priority bridge projects being delivered across the country in the coming years. The replacement of ageing bridges and culverts with new modern structures like this ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users for years to come.

The work is expected to take around 5 months, starting with enabling works in late November. The most significant excavation is planned for January 2026, when the weather is warmer.

As a result, a stretch of State Highway 3 near Ahititi will be closing for 5 days in mid-January. 

The road, between Okau Road in Ahititi and the Uruti Community Hall will fully close for 5 days, from 12.01am Friday 16 January to 11.59pm Tuesday 20 to allow for the work to take place.

The closure is needed, for the safety of all road users and workers, while crews carry out 24/7 work using large machinery, including excavators and a crane that will be positioned on the road. 

The combination of deep open trenches, heavy machinery and space requirements means it is not safe or practical for road users to access the site while the culverts are replaced. 

A full closure with day and night works allows crews to complete the deep excavation work as efficiently and safely as possible.

During the closure, crews will work 24/7 to fully replace the Mangapepeke No.1 culvert and install a temporary Bailey bridge at the Mangapepeke No.2 culvert site. This temporary single-lane bridge will allow traffic to keep moving while further construction works take place.

“The two culverts on SH3 near Ahititi are almost a kilometre apart. By the end of the closure period, people will see a fully replaced No. 1 culvert and bulk excavation completed with a single Bailey bridge temporarily installed at the No. 2 culvert,” says Project Manager Kendra Ludeke.

“We know just how crucial SH3 is for connecting Taranaki to Waikato. Almost 3,000 vehicles typically travel SH3 every day and one fifth of them are heavy vehicles- mainly freight.

“We do not take the decision to close lightly and we have explored ways to minimise the disruption of this work. We know the community will be impacted. The culverts need to be replaced while the weather is warmer and drier and we’re keeping clear of the Christmas and immediate new year break, while also making sure we’re staying clear of the school term,” says Ms Ludeke.

We expect temporary traffic management to be in place at Urenui and Piopio to help direct freight and general road users during the closure. Access for residents and holiday travel will be maintained by crews on site, however no vehicles will be able to pass through the culvert worksites during the 5-day closure.

“Unlike previous SH3 closures, we are not able to offer scheduled opening times during the 5-day road closure to let traffic through, due to the extent of the excavation work required – the hole left by one of the removed culverts is expected to be about 8-metres deep and the length of a netball court.

“We know the last fortnight has been disruptive for the local community, following the heavy rainfall. And we know this closure in January will add to the disruption – however it is necessary.”

The work is weather dependent and the contingency dates for this work are Friday 23 January – Tuesday 27 January 2026.

We are communicating the January closure dates well in advance so people can plan ahead. 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Te Ara o Te Ata – Mt Messenger Bypass has reached a significant milestone this week with the successful breakthrough of the project’s 235-metre tunnel – a key feature of the future State Highway 3 route in North Taranaki.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery, Rob Partridge says the breakthrough of the tunnel’s top section is a proud moment for everyone involved in the project. 

“It is a visible sign of the progress being made to deliver a safer and more efficient route for all road users, and to unlock long-term economic and environmental benefits for the region.

“The need for a more resilient and reliable route over Mt Messenger was underlined recently when heavy rain created an underslip that caused delays for road users for more than 3 months.

“This achievement marks a major step forward for the southern section of the Bypass, which will replace the steep, narrow and winding stretch of SH3 over Mt Messenger with a safer, more resilient, and reliable 6km two-lane highway.”

The Bypass is being delivered by the Mt Messenger Alliance in partnership with mana whenua Ngāti Tama.

The project is being delivered in two stages – the ‘southern’ and ‘northern’ sections. Since construction began on the southern section in 2022, more than 300,000 cubic metres of earthworks have been completed, with the southern-most 1km section now at road level.

With the 6.5m high upper section of the tunnel now completed, excavation of the tunnel’s 2.5m lower section will begin, with full tunnel excavation targeted for completion in late February 2026. 

Work is also progressing on the project’s 125m bridge, with a 110 metre temporary staging bridge in place to support construction of the permanent structure. Construction of the bridge’s foundations are underway.

Completing the northern section of the project remains subject to ongoing legal challenges regarding the final parcel of land required. Funding and timeframes for the northern section will be confirmed once construction is able to start in this area. 

“This tunnel breakthrough is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Mt Messenger Alliance team delivering the project,” says Mr Partridge.

“We’re excited to continue the momentum and deliver a safer, more resilient and reliable SH3 for Taranaki and beyond.”