NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Inspector Martin James:

Police investigating the murder of Bill Maangi in Gisborne are seeking the movements of a vehicle of interest.

Mr Maangi died after being shot in the early hours of Monday 29 September, and while Police make good progress in the investigation, we are needing the public’s assistance.

A Hyundai Sonata [pictured], registration AFN215, was stolen from Forrest House, Ormond Road sometime between 7:30pm and midnight on Sunday 28 September.

The vehicle was seen heading into Riperata Street, turning left onto Lytton Road, before finally turning right into the Elgin area.

It was seen again around 9am on Monday 29 September in the Stout Street/Aberdeen Road area.

Police recovered the vehicle on Monday 20 October, from Churchill Street.

We are urging anyone who may have information, or saw the pictured Hyundai Sonata at any time between Sunday 28 September and Monday 20 October, to please come forward immediately.

The vehicle is currently undergoing forensic examinations.

Information can be provided by going online or calling 105 and quoting file number: 250929/9035.

Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting the same file number.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Port Chalmers Police investigating wilful damage to a home on Kaira Street, Sawyers Bay are appealing to the community for information.

On Tuesday 28 October Police received a report from someone who found their window damaged on Friday 24 October, after being awoken by sounds coming from outside their home.

Upon investigation, Police have found that the window has been damaged from someone discharging some sort of air rifle into the property.

Thankfully, no one was injured, however the victim is understandably shaken by the incident.

Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed anything unusual around the Kaira Street area between 1am and 3am on Friday 24 October, to please contact Police.

We are also urging anyone with CCTV footage, for the same time, around Kaira Street, Fairview Terrace, and the stretch of Hall Road between Hugh Street and Tewsley Street, to please contact us so that we can review the footage.

Information can be provided by calling 105 and quoting file number: 251028/9304.

Alternatively, if you can provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting the same file number.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Pharmac’s Reset Programme is on track, with the completion of first 90-day action plan, Associate Health Minister David Seymour says. 

90-day plans promote transparency and accountability. They are part of the first 12-month phase of Pharmac’s five-year Reset Programme, developed in response to a series of external reviews. 

“For many New Zealanders, funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely,” Mr Seymour says.  

“My expectation is that Pharmac should have strong processes so patients, their families, and clinicians, can have a say in decisions. This is part of the ACT-National Coalition Agreement. 

“In November last year Pharmac hosted the Consumer Engagement Workshops. Patients and advocates voiced their hopes at resetting the patient – Pharmac relationship. Pharmac listened and developed a plan to achieve this. 

“Following the report Pharmac invited workshop participants, in association with the wider consumer-patient representative community, to select a working group. Dr Malcolm Mulholland was selected as the chair. The Consumer and Patient Working Group has been set up for the initial 12-month phase of the Reset Programme.

“The Working Group provides insight, lived experience, and practical advice to ensure the Pharmac Reset Programme is designed in a way that reflects the needs, values, and perspectives of consumers. This first phase will lay the foundation for a more transparent, outward focused, and collaborative organisation and support the wider culture reset of Pharmac.”

The first 90-day plan, which ran from 1 July to 30 September 2025, saw key actions completed including: 

• Appointing a 10-member Consumer and Patient Working Group chaired by patient advocate Dr Malcolm Mulholland.
• Developing a consumer advocate database has been developed and populated with support from the Working Group, representing a diverse range of health conditions and communities with high health needs. This will support ongoing engagement with consumers and patients.
• Finding ways to better reflect patient impact in Pharmac’s data to strengthen future Budget bids, including by releasing Budget 2025/26 information proactively to support informed consumer input and advice.
• Published an update on its progress in responding to the 2022 Pharmac Review recommendations, providing greater clarity for patients.

“The Working Group has played a key role in supporting the delivery of these actions by providing advice and contributing to implementation. Their work complements the strategic advice provided by Pharmac’s Consumer Advisory Committee,” Mr Seymour says.

“We’ve already got some runs on the board in this first quarter, and next we’ll be diving into the processes that matter most to consumers and patients. Pharmac’s work is vitally important, and our focus is on helping the organisation to work as well as it can,” says Dr Mulholland.

One additional action is currently in progress:

• Pharmac is expanding its engagement function to include dedicated relationship managers who will build and maintain relationships with key consumer and patient groups.

Work is already underway on the next 90-day action plan, which includes:

• Developing guidelines on when and how to consult with patients regarding funding decisions, brand changes, supply issues, or strategic initiatives.
• Agreeing on the best approach and developing resources to support this to incorporate patient voices and lived experiences in clinical meetings.
• Creating a joined-up communications planning approach with patient groups and agreeing on a framework for patient storytelling.
• Partnering with consumers to identify short-term and long-term improvements to the medicine application funding process.
• Continuing work to create a new future-focused and inclusive vision and strategy that reflects the needs and aspirations of staff, consumers, and other stakeholders.   

“The Government is doing its part. Last year we allocated Pharmac its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, and a $604 million uplift to give Pharmac the financial support it needs to carry out its functions – negotiating the best deals for medicine for New Zealanders,” Mr Seymour says. 

The full report can be found here: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/about/reset-programme/reset-programme-progress-report

Source: New Zealand Police

A weeklong transnational targeted crackdown on illicit firearms has resulted in 43 arrests and 96 firearms being seized in New Zealand. This was part of a coordinated week-of-action with partner agencies in Australia and New Zealand.

Australian and New Zealand enforcement agencies’ joint intelligence efforts recently reduced the availability of illicit firearms in the community through detection, disruption and enforcement.

The National Illicit Firearms Working Group made up of police from across Australia and New Zealand undertook Operation Black Onyx between Monday 13 October and Sunday 19 October, with agencies working to monitor real-time intelligence and assessments to target persons of interest.

New Zealand Police executed 83 search warrants recovering firearms, firearm parts and ammunition.

Detective Inspector Andrew Alexander, from the National Organised Crime Group for New Zealand Police, says with the combined efforts of our overseas and local partners we have targeted and disrupted criminal activity around illicit firearms.

“The contribution from across the country, from all of our Police Districts and partner agencies, has led to a successful week of disrupting criminals in possession of illegal firearms and provides a real time example of the partnership between New Zealand Police and Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority and the benefits of the Firearms Registry in holding these individuals to account,” he says.

“Utilising our intelligence-led approach to target those in possession of illegal firearms, parts or accessories, without appropriate permits, has ensured that illegal firearms are removed from our streets.”

Throughout New Zealand the operation has led to:

• 43 arrests, 110 charges
• 96 firearms seized (which included shotguns, rifles, pistols)
• 15 firearm parts seized
• 83 search warrants executed
• 34 compliance visits.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Two significant investments were announced during the visit of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Malaysia this week, in the areas of renewable energy infrastructure and tourism. 

 Malaysian-headquartered company Yinson Renewables announced its plans to invest in New Zealand with a pipeline of projects expected to total circa 1GW of renewable energy.  

 Yinson has been developing a pipeline of wind projects in New Zealand over the past four years.  Invest New Zealand, the New Zealand Government’s investment attraction agency, has been supporting Yinson. 

 “This investment shows the message that New Zealand is open for business is being heard,” Mr Luxon says.

 A significant investment into New Zealand’s tourism infrastructure was also confirmed on Tuesday by Malaysian infrastructure conglomerate YTL Corporation Berhad. YTL Hotels has acquired the 225-room Hotel Indigo in Auckland in a $160m deal, its first hotel investment in New Zealand.  The agreement is the second-largest hotel transaction in New Zealand this year.  

 Mr Luxon says this solidifies YTL Hotels’ long-term commitment to the region’s tourism and hospitality sector and signals confidence in New Zealand’s visitor economy. 

 Both investments have received approvals from New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office.

 “These investments demonstrate that New Zealand is seen as a credible investment destination by high-quality global investors, and it is a message I deliver in parallel to the political relationship building on my trips overseas,” Mr Luxon says. 

 The Prime Minister has just concluded a three-day visit to Malaysia, where he engaged in high-level talks on geo-political issues in the Indo-Pacific region, and advanced New Zealand’s business goals.

 “It’s critical for New Zealand to play an active part in regional settings like the East Asia Summit (EAS), where we can be heard and promote our interests,” Mr Luxon says. 

 The 19-member EAS meets annually and brings together key players in the region including the United States, China and India. 

 During a 50th anniversary ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit, the Prime Minister established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with his ASEAN counterparts.  

 “During my visit to Kuala Lumpur, I met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and a series of other Southeast Asian leaders.  

 “As well as witnessing the signing of the two investment deals that will help us build the infrastructure we need, grow businesses, and put more money in Kiwis’ pockets, we also agreed a halal arrangement with Malaysia to boost our exports.”

 The Prime Minister is now in the Republic of Korea for APEC

Source: New Zealand Government

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the cruise industry is poised for another significant step forward, with the Carnival line announcing a return to homeporting in Auckland.

“I’m thrilled to hear that Carnival Adventure will drop anchor in Auckland for its 2027 winter season, the first ship to homeport in Auckland since 2023,” Louise Upston says.

“A homeport is where a cruise ship begins and ends its voyages, making Auckland a base for passenger boarding, provisioning and crew operations. Having a ship homeported here over winter is a real vote of confidence in New Zealand’s tourism sector.

“This decision by Carnival means more visitors, more jobs and more opportunities for local businesses. That’s great news for our Auckland hospitality, retail and accommodation sectors.

“It also offers New Zealanders the chance to cruise from a home city on short break holidays.”

Carnival Adventure will be homeported in Auckland from 25 May to 29 July 2027.

The announcement comes as New Zealand prepares to welcome an estimated 177,000 cruise visitors across nearly 40 ships during the 2025 – 2026 season.   

Louise Upston says the Government recognised the growing contribution of cruise tourism to New Zealand, injecting $1.37 billion into New Zealand economy last financial year,

“Cruise is now extremely significant to tourism and is why I led a meeting with cruise and port sector representatives in July to discuss how we could all make the most of the opportunities and remove any barriers.  

“We’ve worked hard to provide clarity on regulatory costs and support new ways to manage biofouling.

“Our Government has also set up a Fast-Track Approvals process supporting efficient consenting for much-needed infrastructure like Port of Auckland’s development of a new wharf and passenger terminal for cruise vessels. 

“And we’ve confirmed ongoing cruise access to Milford Sound. 

“Today’s news reinforces the significance of those decisions and reaffirms that New Zealand is open for business and committed to supporting the cruise sector’s growth.”

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has confirmed that from 1 December 2025, changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, Housing Minister Chris Bishop, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.

“These reforms are a win-win for tenants and landlords and are a pawsitive step forward,” Mr Bishop says.

“Pets are part of the family for many households. Around 64 per cent of Kiwi homes include at least one. Anyone who’s tried to find a pet-friendly rental knows how ruff it can be.

“From 1 December, the pet bonds system will begin. This means Tenancy Services’ bond system will enable landlords and tenants to lodge pet bonds for new tenancies, add a pet bond to an existing tenancy when a new pet is introduced, top-up a pet bond if the rent increases and refund a pet bond if the pet is no longer at the property.

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says that the policy will fix the problem of tenants being locked out of rental markets due to landlords not being willing to take a risk on tenants with pets.

“There are tenants out there to whom what matters is being able to live in their preferred home with their very good boy,” Mr Seymour says. 

“More landlords would be willing to allow pets if they could protect themselves from some of the risks.

“This policy is also important for helping victims of domestic abuse move on with their lives. Often, people stay in relationships to look after pets and become stuck. Helping these people find rentals that are accepting of pets will allow them to move on safely and have a brighter future.”

The new rules include that:

• Tenants must have the landlord’s consent to keep a pet but landlords can only withhold consent on reasonable grounds.
• Landlords may require a pet bond up to two weeks’ rent, in addition to the existing general tenancy bond.
• Tenants will now be liable for all pet damage to properties beyond fair wear and tear
• Tenancy Services will enable lodgement, top-ups and refunds of pet bonds and will provide updated guidance and forms ahead of commencement.

“Supporting people to find a pet-friendly rental home is part of the Government’s plan to create a well-functioning rental property market.

“The changes reflect the Government’s focus on practical, balanced solutions that support both renters and property owners,” Mr Potaka says.

“These reforms are about fairness and trust. They make it easier for landlords to say yes, while giving tenants the certainty they need to settle with their pets.

“Our Government is focused on a rental market that works for everyone, whether they be young renters, families, and the people providing homes.”

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac’s Consumer and Patient Working Group has supported the successful completion of the first 90-day action plan, a key milestone in the organisation’s 12-month Reset Programme.

Source: New Zealand Police

Taupō Police continue to appeal information following a fatal crash on State Highway 1, Piarere on Wednesday 15 October.

Earlier today, Police released the names of the two tourists who sadly died following the crash.

Taupō Road Policing Sergeant Shane McNally says the investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing, but are seeking the public’s help.

“We would like to speak with anyone that may have witnessed unusual or poor driving behaviour that involved a grey SUV or small silver hatchback, in and around the Piarere area on Wednesday 15 October,

“Specifically, the driver of a large truck which was turning into Horahora Road from State Highway 1 just before the crash that occurred at 7:44pm.

“We’re also seeking information from the driver of a black car that was heading south on State Highway 1 at the time of the crash, and may have seen the silver hatchback behind them or attempting to pass,” Sergeant McNally says.

If you have information or are the driver of either the truck or black car, please contact Police immediately on 105, quoting file number: 251016/7055.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, is listening to New Zealanders by introducing community funding returns through the Online Casino Gambling Bill, announced today.

“The message from communities was loud and clear – if we’re regulating online gambling, they want to see benefits flow back to local sports clubs, community groups, and grassroots organisations,” says Ms van Velden.

“I have listened, and now as a Government, we are delivering on what matters most to communities across the country,” says Ms van Velden. 

“Problem gambling prevention and harm minimisation standards are non-negotiable and unchanged. Protecting Kiwis from gambling harm is still my number one objective.

“Community funding will not compromise this Government’s commitment to reducing gambling harm,” says Ms van Velden. 

The proposed change increases the Offshore Gambling Duty from 12 percent to 16 percent with this 4 percent ringfenced specifically for community returns – creating an entirely new funding stream for New Zealand communities.

“While I am confident the regulated online casino market will provide new community funding opportunities for New Zealand sports clubs and community organisations, I do acknowledge that predicting the exact impact on existing Class 4 [pokies] returns creates some uncertainty. 

“Cabinet has agreed on a two-year review after implementation of the community returns policy to assess the impact of online casino gambling on other forms of gambling and community returns.

“This evidence-based review will inform necessary adjustments allowing us to make informed policy decisions based on real-world data in future. 

“This is new money on top of existing funding from pokies, Lotto, and TAB. We’re not taking anything away – we’re adding to what’s already there,” says Ms van Velden.

The Bill addresses a critical gap in New Zealand’s regulatory framework. 

“Right now, Kiwis are gambling on thousands of overseas websites with no safety nets, no spending limits, and no recourse when things go wrong. That’s unacceptable.

“This Bill brings those operators under New Zealand law, with proper consumer protections, harm minimisation measures, and now – community benefits.”