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:
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.”
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
A busy season of road resurfacing and drainage improvements for one of Wellington’s most critical transport links is set to kick off.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South Mark Owen says drivers can expect to see roadworks underway on the Transmission Gully motorway from next week through until mid-February 2026.
“We have an extensive programme of works planned from Kenepuru right through to Mackays Crossing Interchange. Work crews will be at multiple sites in the upcoming months.
“Every year NZTA undertakes a large road renewal programme to maintain and improve state highways across the country. This year that includes a significant amount of resurfacing and drainage work on Transmission Gully.”
Mr Owen says the work will start on Tuesday 4 November and be ongoing through until mid-February next year, weather permitting.
“Drivers will need to plan ahead and factor in extra time for their journeys, as this work will require lane closures, road closures and speed restrictions to allow contractors to complete the work safely and as quickly as possible. When the motorway is closed there will be detours in place via State Highway 59 and State Highway 58. We will let the public know in advance when these works and closures are planned.”
Drainage works will begin next week, with northbound night closures on Tuesday 4 November and Wednesday 5 November between 9pm and 4.30am. All northbound traffic will need to detour via State Highway 59 between Linden through to SH58. Traffic management will be set up from 8pm, so drivers can expect delays from then.
Detour route for northbound closure between Linden and SH58.
NZTA contractors will be making drainage improvements and rebuilding approximately 6km of the 27km highway this summer. This work is needed to repair areas of the road that have been significantly impacted by water seeping into the pavement.
Additionally, there will be approximately 18km of routine chip-sealing maintenance work undertaken over the summer. Chip-sealing will help to waterproof the road surface ahead of the winter months in 2026.
Mr Owen says the resurfacing works being undertaken this summer will also help to prepare the motorway for a proposed speed limit increase to 110km/h. NZTA is currently analysing consultation feedback alongside technical information and plans to submit this to the Director of Land Transport soon.
Mr Owen says NZTA appreciates that work over summer can be disruptive and frustrating for drivers.
“We’re working hard to prepare the road for the future, and this work needs to be done over spring and summer as it requires warmer, drier weather.”
Mr Owen says with all the work planned, drivers should be ready for roadworks and the travel delays they will cause.
“Plan ahead, know where the roadworks are happening, how substantial they are, and how they will affect you. That way you can make informed choices, like timing your trip to avoid major works or allowing extra time for your journey.”
Mr Owen also urges drivers to respect road workers and the speed limits in place at road work sites.
“The speed limits are there for a reason – to keep workers and drivers safe.”
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 1 (SH1) and Waitārere Beach Road in Horowhenua is now underway.
This roundabout will improve safety and traffic flow at this well-used intersection, which provides access to the growing Waitārere Beach community.
“As traffic volumes grow and the region continues to develop, this roundabout will help ensure people can travel safely and efficiently through the area,” says Rob Partridge, Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery.
From now until mid March next year, the intersection will largely be open to two lanes of traffic with a temporary speed limit in place.
Those two lanes of traffic may shift from time to time depending on construction, so please be aware of possible new road layouts, drive safely and adhere to temporary traffic management.
Work will take place during the day, Monday to Friday, until early December. From December through to mid-March, there will be a mix of day and night works.
We will communicate any upcoming changes to traffic management.
No work will happen over the Christmas/New Year period.
The roundabout is expected to be complete by late 2026. We will provide regular updates as construction progresses.
Roundabouts reduce the risk of serious crashes. They lower the number of potential conflict points between vehicles, and if a collision does occur, the impact is generally less severe than at traditional intersections.
This roundabout is one of several safety improvements being delivered along SH1 between Levin and Foxton, ahead of the completion of the new Ōtaki to north of Levin highway (Ō2NL). These upgrades will support a safe transition between the new and existing highway environments.
“We’re focused on delivering practical, cost-effective improvements that make a real difference,” says Mr Partridge.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Bus and ferry passengers in Greater Christchurch will soon be able to pay fares using credit or debit cards, phones or smart watches, with the National Ticketing Solution (NTS), known as Motu Move, starting in the region on Monday 10 November.
“We’re very pleased to confirm the start date for our first stage of rolling out Motu Move in Greater Christchurch. This follows a successful trial of the contactless payment system on the Route 29 bus from Christchurch Airport to the city,” says NTS Programme Director Roger Jones.
“Motu Move will bring new contactless ways to pay for public transport, making it easier for everyone to use public transport, including commuters, visitors to the city and casual users.”
With the launch of contactless payments on Metro bus and ferry services from 10 November, customers will be able to use their debit or credit card, phone or smart watch to pay for a standard adult non-concession fare, alongside existing Metrocard and cash payment options. This is the first stage of the Motu Move rollout in the region, with more customer features and ways to pay for public transport coming in 2026.
Concession holders should continue to pay as usual, until concession fares are added to Motu Move next year. Prepaid Motu Move cards will be available from mid-2026, replacing Metrocard.
“As we prepare for the full roll-out of Motu Move, we’ll be working closely with our customers to ensure those that need to choose a new way to pay are well supported and prepared,” says Giles Southwell, Environment Canterbury’s Director Corporate & Public Transport Services.
Motu Move is targeted to be operational throughout New Zealand by the end of 2027.
Source: New Zealand Government
Defence Minister Judith Collins will today travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).
“In times of increasing international tension, face-to-face talks are more important than ever,” Ms Collins says.
“I am looking forward to meeting with counterparts to discuss complex defence and security issues, sharing New Zealand’s perspective and deepening existing relationships.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of New Zealand’s dialogue relations with ASEAN, as well as the 15th anniversary of the first ADMM-Plus meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam. The forum is an opportunity to engage on regional security issues and strengthen defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific with the goal of upholding peace, stability and prosperity.
In addition to attending ADMM-Plus, the Minister will hold a number of bilateral meetings with Defence counterparts.
“As a small trading nation, we rely on the international rules-based order, underpinned by collective security and open trading relations,” Ms Collins says.
“That is why we are investing in our national security and economic prosperity while pulling our weight on the world stage.”
Ms Collins will return to New Zealand on 3 November.
Note to editors:
ASEAN comprises 11 Southeast Asian countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam.
ASEAN Dialogue Partners are: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States.
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 29 October 2025
Recent incidents include the iconic green and yellow signs being riddled with bullet holes, being driven into, and being ‘keyed” so that information can’t be read, or signs removed altogether.
Figures reveal that in the South Island alone, there are 902 DOC signs flagged in the works system for replacement or repair. That compares with a total of 1155 signs being replaced or repaired in the three-year period from July 2022 to now.
DOC Asset Inspector Charlie Barnett has seen it all. His job is to undertake condition assessments on bridges, huts, signs and other structures. He says he sees at least two or three badly damaged signs a month in his inspection rounds.
“It’s really frustrating to see the needless destruction of DOC signage and infrastructure. It is also a safety concern, as people could be walking the tracks while signs are being shot at with projectiles travelling far beyond the eye. The signs riddled with bullet holes are usually out in the back country, while closer to town it’s mainly graffiti or being knocked over or driven into,” he says.
Charlie Barnett says it’s a huge amount of work to carry in new materials to replace or fix signs and they are often in remote locations. His message is clear.
“Be the better person in nature. Save target practice for the range and leave the signs alone.”
DOC has 26,759 signs across Aotearoa and it’s a huge job maintaining and replacing them. The department spent $350,523 on signage in the 2024/2025 financial year. Next year’s budget has increased to $587,248.
DOC Strategic Asset Manager Kushla Tapper says it’s not just a vandalism issue – it’s about keeping the public safe.
“Some signs lose their reflective quality when vandalised and that means they can’t be seen in poor weather conditions or the dark. This can be the difference between safety and significant harm for travellers. These signs contain essential information.
“We want the public to know that the time and costs we spend on repairing and replacing signs, could be better spent on doing other work to protect biodiversity or maintaining huts and tracks. We have a finite budget and are always trying to prioritise our work. We could maintain more visitor assets if we didn’t have to keep reassigning funds to fixing vandalism of essential signage.”
Kushla Tapper says as we head into another busy summer season, it’s a timely reminder to those heading out ‘naturing’.
“Ultimately our message is please, leave the signs alone. We love that more people are enjoying the outdoors, but this is the opposite of what ‘naturing’ is supposed to be about. Naturing is about respecting and caring for the environment, and that includes our signs.”
Members of the public who see any damaged DOC signs are encouraged to record the location, take a photo if possible, and send the information to the local DOC office.
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz