The crew aboard the Police Eagle helicopter had their work cut out for them during the long weekend, assisting with a number of water rescues across Tāmaki Makaurau.
On Saturday evening Police received a report of a boat which had capsized near Kawakawa Bay.
Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen, of the Auckland Marine Rescue Centre, says the two people were reportedly in the water with no lifejackets and appeared to be in distress.
“Eagle arrived on scene quickly, where they immediately located the capsized vessel and established that the two men had swam back to a secluded area of shoreline.
“Thankfully both were unharmed and were able to communicate that, along with their location, to all involved in the rescue.
“It was a lucky outcome for both men, and for our crews.”
A short time later, at about 6.40pm, Police received a report of a diver missing in the Manukau Harbour.
“Eagle were tasked to conduct a shoreline search of the inner Awhitu Peninsula,” Senior Sergeant Larsen says.
Due to the outgoing tide Eagle expanded their search, including a drying area east of the diver’s original last known position.
“After an hour of searching, the pilot saw a light flashing from the water.
“They got overhead and confirmed it was the missing diver.
“The crew hovered above, indicating his position to nearby coastguard vessels who were able to uplift him.”
Senior Sergeant Larsen says the diver was cold, but otherwise uninjured.
“Without locating him before nightfall, the search would have become increasingly difficult and the likelihood of finding him would have decreased.
“This is a great example of some of the exceptional work our Eagle crew does day in and day out.
“It’s also a timely reminder as the weather gets warmer and more people head out onto the water to ensure they are prepared.
Police are urging all water users to:
• Inspect your vessel or kayak thoroughly — check fuel lines, batteries, ignition systems, and safety gear.
• Test your communications — ensure your VHF radio works, and your phone is charged and waterproofed.
• Know the weather forecast — conditions can change rapidly.
• Wear your lifejackets and ensure they are correctly fitted and are in service.
• Carry the essentials — flares, extra clothing, and emergency supplies.
• Have a plan — tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
• Carry an EPIRB or PLB – If you’re going out of mobile phone or VHF range, a beacon may become your lifeline.
• Become a member of Coastguard.
Anyone who gets into trouble is reminded to please call 111 as soon as possible, as this will enable an emergency response at the earliest opportunity.
Motorbike, power tools and over $9000 in cash have been seized in Christchurch.
Following lines of investigation into commercial burglaries, Canterbury Rural and Christchurch Tactical Crime Units joined forces on Friday last week, executing a search warrant.
Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker, the Area Prevention Manager, Canterbury Rural, says that during the search warrant they were pleased to locate brand new power tools from the burglaries.
“We also found other items of interest including drug utensils, rifle ammunition, firearm parts and multiple new retail items.”
The house occupant also had unpaid fines despite having over $9,000 in cash lying around in the garage and a motorbike.
“Court bailiffs seized the motorbike to pay off the outstanding fines,” said Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker.
Enquiries are ongoing and further charges are being considered.
The Tactical Crime Unit is committed to disrupting large scale dishonesty offending and aims to hold everyone involved to account.
Police encourage any suspicious behaviour to be reported online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105.
Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Whanganui barrister Bernadette Arapere as a District Court Judge.
Judge Arapere (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Maniapoto) was admitted to the bar in 2005. She was a Director at Wackrow Williams and Davies Ltd in Auckland before joining the Crown Law Office in Wellington as Crown Counsel. In 2021 she joined the independent bar.
Judge Arapere has a broad practice in public and administrative law, Treaty of Waitangi and general litigation. She is a Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission and a Deputy Chair of the Teachers’ Disciplinary Tribunal. She has appeared as counsel in the courts at all levels including the Supreme Court and is regularly appointed as counsel assisting the court.
Judge Arapere will be based at the Hastings District Court and will be sworn in on 29 November.
The Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act officially passed into law on Saturday 25th of October. It’s important that you have a good grasp on what the protection act is, why it’s coming into effect and what it means for you.
Diver with fish Mokohinau islands – 📷: Monique ladds
What’s the problem?
There’s no sugar-coating it — the Gulf’s been doing it tough.
Years of overfishing, pollution, sediment washing in from the land, and the growing impacts of climate change have really taken their toll. The State of the Gulf reports paint a pretty clear picture: things have been sliding downhill for a while. We’re seeing more kina barrens popping up, precious habitats disappearing, and local fish stocks struggling to bounce back.
Yeah, that’s pretty bad.
What’s the Act’s purpose?
The new act is more than a bit of a game changer – it’s the biggest boost to Aotearoa’s marine protection in more than a decade.
This law is all about focusing on key habitats where sea life breed and grow and restoring the mauri (life force) of the Gulf and giving its marine life a fighting chance. The new network of protected areas focuses on safeguarding rare and important habitats – the kinds that act as nurseries for young fish, to help rebuild fish stocks over time. These habitats support whole communities of species like the rich reef systems around The Noises.
It’s a big step towards bringing the Gulf back to life, so future generations can enjoy clear waters, thriving sea life, and a healthy, resilient ecosystem.
To recap, here’s what’s included in the new protection network:
Two expanded marine reserves – adding to the iconic Te Whanganui-o-Hei (Cathedral Cove) and Cape Rodney–Okakari Point (Goat Island) reserves.
12 High Protection Areas (HPAs) – these spots are all about restoring marine habitats and ecosystems, with room for active habitat restoration and customary practices by tangata whenua.
Five Seafloor Protection Areas (SPAs) – these safeguard seafloor habitats while still allowing low-impact activities like non-bottom-contact fishing.
The new network of marine protections across the Hauraki Gulf is designed to give the ocean a real chance to recover. Each type of protection plays a different role in helping restore the Gulf’s health and mauri.
High Protection Areas (HPAs)
These areas are all about protecting and restoring marine life by easing the pressure from human activity. Unlike a marine reserve, which creates an area with no human input – even to help the ecosystem – mainly for research purposes, a High Protection Area allows us to do conservation in these areas to improve the habitat. This could be things that kickstart a healthier ecosystem like removing kina from kina barrens or reseeding shellfish beds.
In an HPA, you can still get out there and enjoy the moana – swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, or carefully anchoring your boat – but fishing and taking seafood are off the cards. Even collecting by hand or diving for kai moana isn’t allowed. There are a couple of limited exceptions: in two areas – Rangitoto and Motutapu HPA and Kawau HPA – small-scale commercial ring-net fishing for species: kahawai, mullet, and trevally is still allowed for 6 months of the year under strict conditions, and it’ll be reviewed after three years.
Snapper – 📷: Paul Caiger
Seafloor Protection Areas (SPAs)
SPAs focus on what’s happening on the seabed – protecting fragile seafloor habitats like sponge gardens and corals – even sandy areas, there’s a lot of life there.
Recreational fishers CAN fish in a Seafloor Protection Area.
You can still enjoy low-impact activities like line fishing, diving, surf-casting from the beach or gathering by hand, as long as you’re not disturbing the seafloor. SPAs stop heavy-impact activities like bottom trawling or dredging, which can cause serious damage. It also limits things like sand-mining, drilling, aquaculture, and discharging sewerage and waste.
In the Mokohīnau Islands SPA, a few extra rules apply – no set netting, potting, or bottom longlining – to make sure these unique underwater ecosystems stay intact.
Marine reserves are the Gulf’s most protected zones —safe havens for sea life and research hubs for scientists. No fishing, collecting, or disturbing marine habitats is allowed here. These areas are left completely untouched so that ecosystems can function naturally and researchers can study them. .
Feeding fish, removing shells or rocks, or dumping waste is also off-limits — it’s all about letting nature do its thing.
What have we done to make these rules easy to follow?
Firstly, we’ve put together a great web resource that gives a thorough overview of the new protections, with links to the technical analysis for the new rules and programmes of work that have fed into these new changes. This is a fantastic starting place to understand the new Act and how it will work.
We’ve also created an overview map of the new rules and boundaries in the Gulf which you can preview below, but you can also find a PDF file link to this overview as well as GPS files in GPX format to download too – So these updates can be integrated into your GPS system while you’re out in the Gulf.
This goes for all High Protection, Seafloor Protection areas and marine reserve extensions as well – We have both PDF files and GPS files in GPX format available to download.
In addition to this, the free Marine Mate App is being updated with all the new rules and protection areas, so we recommend downloading this to your devices too. If you notice things are buggy or might be incorrect on the app, it’s best to contact Marine Mate so they can make sure it’s sorted out for you and other users too.
Why have we allowed commercial fishing in HPA’s?
As stated above, recreational or commercial fishing is NOT allowed in HPA’s. However, there are limited exceptions in 2 of the 12 areas, for a handful of small-scale, authorised commercial fishing operators allowed to conduct ring-net operations. They can only fish between 1 March to 31 August, and they can only target kahawai, trevally and/or grey mullet. The area they are allowed to fish in represents 3% of the total protected area under this act. Even with these exceptions, the wider network of protected areas we have now is much greater that what we had before.
Regulations will be in place soon that will outline further conditions.
What are Customary Fishing Rights and why are they allowed in the Gulf?
Authorised customary fishing can take place in High Protection Areas. This recognises and supports Māori cultural knowledge, learning, and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the marine environment. Customary non-commercial rights are guaranteed under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and are managed under the Fisheries Act 1996.
Customary fishing can only happen with written approval from a tangata kaitiaki/tiaki — local guardians who manage customary fishing within their rohe moana (area). It must also be for a customary purpose, such as a hui or tangi.
The small amount of customary fishing that happens in the Gulf isn’t expected to affect the conservation goals of the new protection areas.
Customary fishing is not new, it is already authorised and regulated under Fisheries legislation. Customary fishing in these areas will be regulated under the same provisions. Customary fishers will need customary fishing authorisations.
Surfcasting – 📷: Paul Craiger
Whether you’re a boatie, diver, fisher, or weekend explorer, it’s now up to all of us to learn the new rules and play our part in protecting this incredible place.
Before you head out on the water, take a few minutes to check the latest maps, download the GPS files, or use the Marine Mate app to make sure you know where the new boundaries are. A bit of prep now means fewer surprises later — and helps keep the Gulf on its road to recovery.
The changes coming into effect this weekend are a big step forward, but the real success of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana will come from what we all do next. Respect the rules, share them with your mates and whānau, and help give the Gulf the future it deserves.
Police urge farmers to be extra vigilant as they notice an increase in dishonesty offending throughout Taranaki.
Senior Sergeant Brad Pollock says his prevention team would like to stop crime before it starts.
“We’re asking our hard-working farmers to keep an eye out and let us know if they notice anything suspicious.”
A lot of reported thefts are committed by opportunistic criminals looking for an insecure shed, or a farm vehicle with keys left in the ignition or an open gate.
“We take burglary and theft incidents seriously, if you see anything suspicious get in touch,” he says.
Police encourage any suspicious behaviour to be reported online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105.
Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Prevention tips for farms:
It’s important to ensure your property, including fuel tanks, are secure and locked to restrict theft and tampering.
There are a range of measures you can take to ensure your property is safe and less appealing to burglars:
Secure your home, garage, farm buildings, fuel tanks and vehicles at night and when unattended.
Record the serial numbers or engrave tools, electronic and valuable items with your licence number.
Install an alarm system and get sensor lights fitted as a deterrent.
Always lock your property and auxiliary buildings when you leave, even if it’s only for a short time.
Always lock your vehicles when you leave them and take your keys with you.
Use chains and locks to secure openings and access.
Keep in contact with your neighbours and let one another know if you see anything unusual.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has begun work on developing a standards notice to supplement both the Organic Products and Production Regulations and the Organic Standards Regulations.
The standards notice will set out technical information for operators and recognised entities. It will be structured into sections based on information that is relevant to these 2 groups.
We plan on consulting about the content of the organic supplementary notices in 3 stages in 2025.
Tranche1: technical content to supplement the Organic Standards Regulations.
Tranche 2: requirements for operators, organic management plans, record keeping, and imports to supplement both sets of regulations.
Tranche 3: requirements for recognised entities, including recognition, accreditation, verification, quality management systems, competencies and record keeping, to supplement both sets of regulations.
Have your say
We are seeking your input on the proposed notice for technical information for operators and recognised entities (Tranche 1).
Topics included in Tranche 1
Defined terms.
Prohibited procedures, organisms and products.
Records about inputs.
Identifying and storing inputs.
Duties relating to environmentally sensitive areas and biodiversity.
Managing waste and by-products.
Managing pests, weeds and disease.
Design, construction and use of facilities and production equipment.
Managing risks to product compliance with organic standard.
General sampling and testing.
Conversion.
Soil health and fertility.
Transport and storage.
Dispatching compliant products and receiving specified items.
Retail.
Packaging & products sold without packaging.
Technical requirements relating to:
the production of plants, plant products, and fungi.
livestock
aquaculture
bees and bee products
processed products
split or parallel production and processing.
In addition to your general feedback on the technical requirements of this first tranche, MPI is seeking feedback on specific sections listed in this table.
1. Are the proposed record-keeping requirements relating to livestock and aquaculture feed relevant to these types of operations, and are they set at the right level (i.e., are there too many or too few records being proposed)?
2. Can you identify any gaps for records that need to be captured in relation to feed?
5.9 Livestock housing (Standards Regulation 94)
3. Do you agree with the level of prescription given to the requirements for livestock housing (in other words, are they too constraining)?
4. What are the main factors that need to be considered and captured in the notice for livestock housing?
5. Would it be appropriate to set prescriptive stocking rates or to set stocking rates with an outcome-focused approach?
a. If you believe prescriptive stocking rates would be more appropriate, do you see any changes that need to be made to the numbers proposed in the notice?
b. If you believe an outcome-focused approach would be more appropriate, what are the factors that need to be taken into consideration and set out in the notice?
Note: ‘Outcome-focused approach’ means to place emphasis on the animal’s ability to have freedom of movement and exhibit natural behaviours. ‘Prescriptive stocking rates’ means to have set numbers for this purpose.
8.2 Grape wine: methods and conditions of production (Standards Regulation 147)
6. Should the oenological practices, processes and treatments set out in subclause (1) be prohibited for organic wine made in New Zealand?
a. If you agree that they should be prohibited, do you have any suggested changes to this list?
We welcome submissions on the proposals contained in the consultation document. Your feedback helps to ensure that the requirements set out in this first tranche of notice content is accurate and reflective of how organic operations operate. MPI will consider all feedback provided and review how your feedback can be integrated into the final notice.
Submissions sent by email or post will be accepted until 5pm on 5 December 2025.
Make sure you also include in your submission:
the title of the consultation document
your name and title
your organisation’s name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation, and whether your submission represents the whole organisation or a section of it)
your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email).
Cost Recovery Directorate Ministry for Primary Industries PO Box 2526 Wellington 6140.
Submissions are public information
Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.
People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.
If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.
The Government has agreed to an integrated approach to reform the aged care system including the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Group to recommend changes to the funding model, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and Health Minister Simeon Brown announced today.
“Improving the lives of older people is a priority for the coalition Government,” Ms Costello says. “Today’s announcement is about two things – better health outcomes for the 900,000 of us who are over 65, and a better, fit-for-purpose aged care system.
“We know that New Zealand has very good aged care, provided by dedicated people. However, the way that these services are funded is outdated and does not recognise the connection between the various parts of the system or the future investment required.
“Essentially, our aged care model is out of date and piecemeal change isn’t the solution.
“We want a system that provides the right type of care in the right place – and that allows people to transition between these types of care, that’s easier to navigate and access, that’s fair, and that is sustainable and will endure as our population ages.
“That requires long-term thinking and a bipartisan approach to solutions. This Government continued the review of aged care funding and service models started by the previous government and supported the establishment of a select committee inquiry into aged care.”
Mr Brown said that there was widespread understanding of the issues within the current system. The Ministerial Advisory Group was now being tasked with identifying the changes necessary to build the aged care system New Zealand needs.
The expert Group will provide an independent report and a set of recommendations around three areas:
The funding model needed to support sustainable services, particularly a sustainable supply of aged care beds
How the costs of providing aged care could be reasonably shared between those receiving care and the Government
The changes needed to support cohesion and integration between aged care services and health services, and between aged care and disability support services.
“Ensuring a sustainable supply of standard aged care beds is critical to ensuring all New Zealanders have the care they need as they age,” Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“The Government expects recommendations from this advisory group by mid-2026, with changes to the funding model able to be implemented in 2027.
“The Government is committed to a bipartisan approach to addressing these challenges as part of the commitment in the National-NZ First Coalition Agreement.”
“These are significant policy issues, with major political considerations attached and that’s why an independent group is required,” Ms Costello says. “The goal is that the Group’s recommendations will inform any future Governments policy and funding decisions.
“Encouragingly, there is great practice and innovation in different parts of the aged care system and standardising current good practice would be a significant step forward.
“We also need a system response that recognises most people want to stay at home if they can and allows them to access and move between the different levels of care they might need.”
The Ministers said that the Government was investing to ensure the on-going sustainability of the sector and continuing to drive operational improvements while the longer-term work was undertaken, with total funding to the sector increased by $270 million in the last two years.
“The funding increases are aimed at relieving pressure on the sector and improving care services for older New Zealanders while we work towards the longer-term reform needed to better help people age well.”
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has appointed new members to the WorkSafe Board to provide strong governance as WorkSafe refocuses on early engagement to improve health and safety outcomes.
Murray Jagger has been named the new Board Chair. An experienced director with a background in primary and port sectors, Mr Jagger is a director of his family farming business, Manaia View Farms Limited, and former Chair of Marsden Maritime Holdings Limited. He brings expertise in high-risk industries, strategy development, and strong governance capability.
Brett O’Riley and Christopher Alderson have also joined the Board.
As the former Chief Executive Officer of the Employers and Manufacturers Association, Brett O’Riley brings expertise in education and engagement. He has led system-wide improvement campaigns and offers commercial acumen and stakeholder engagement skills.
As Chief Executive of Construction Health and Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ) and a health and safety professional, Chris Aldersonhas strong construction sector networks and a track record of advocacy for workers. He is also a Chartered Accountant and a director of Mates in Construction.
The appointments are for a term of three years.
“These new members bring fresh skills, experience, and leadership to the Board,” says Ms van Velden.
“I am confident they will help WorkSafe engage early to support businesses and individuals to manage health and safety risks and improve outcomes for workers and businesses across the country.”
More information on the board members:
Murray Jagger is a director of Manaia View Farms Limited and recently completed nine years as Chair of Marsden Maritime Holdings Limited. He brings deep knowledge of high-risk operations and health and safety challenges, along with extensive experience in strategy development and implementation. Mr Jagger also understands the role of a regulator and offers significant governance experience, strong commercial and financial acumen, and proven leadership.
Brett O’Riley is the former Chief Executive Officer of the Employers and Manufacturers Association and brings strong industry networks and contacts. Mr O’Riley has extensive experience in designing and implementing system-wide outcome improvement campaigns, underpinned by sound governance knowledge and commercial acumen. He also offers strong stakeholder and relationship management skills and a clear understanding of wider health and safety system changes.
Christopher Alderson is a seasoned health and safety professional with extensive experience across the public and private sectors. Mr Alderson brings strong construction sector networks, deep knowledge of industry health and safety frameworks, and a clear understanding of regulatory bodies. He has deep experience designing construction industry training and system-wide education and engagement campaigns to improve worker outcomes. Mr Alderson is the Chief Executive of Construction Health and Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ), a director of Mates in Construction and a Chartered Accountant.
The Government is providing a further $100,000 to Mayoral Relief Funds to help the Kaikōura and Hurunui communities impacted by severe weather, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell announced today.
The announcement comes in addition to the $150,000 contribution to the Southland and Clutha Mayoral Relief Funds announced this morning.
Kaikōura and Hurunui districts will each be provided $25,000 to assist with the ongoing response and recovery efforts following recent severe weather.
In addition, it has been classified as a medium scale adverse event. The Ministry for Primary Industries is contributing $25,000 each for Kaikōura and Hururnui districts through the Mayoral Relief Fund to support the initial recovery of the rural sector.
“Communities in the affected regions are doing it tough, and with another front approaching, further impacts are expected over the next 24 hours,” Mr Mitchell says.
“Today’s contribution to Kaikōura and Hurunui’s Mayoral Relief Funds will provide support for the communities’ immediate and pressing needs, and will help them as they begin to recover from these events.
“I’ve spent time this week with affected communities and have been deeply impressed by the resilience, pragmatism, and grit shown by first responders, iwi and community leaders on the ground.
“Thank you for the work you are doing. The Government stands with you, and we are ready to provide additional support whenever and wherever it is needed.”
Mayoral Relief Funds help communities bounce back after an emergency. Local communities and councils understand where the immediate needs are and how to help individuals, whānau, community organisations, and marae.
The medium scale classification also unlocks further support for farmers and growers, which could include tax relief and enables MSD to consider Rural Assistance Payments and activating Enhanced Taskforce Green.
