Source: New Zealand Police
Both southbound lanes on the Christchurch Northan Motorway are blocked following a serious crash this morning.
Police were called to the multi-vehicle crash, between Ohaka Road and Tram Road, at around 10:40am.
Initial indicators are that people are injured.
Diversions are in place at the Ohaka Road on-ramp, and the road is expected to be blocked for some time.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area, and to expect delays.
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Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown, Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager:
A homicide investigation is continuing following the death of a man in Te Puke on Saturday 25 October.
Police can now name the victim of the homicide as Tristan Oakes, aged 29.
Tristan died in hospital on Saturday, after being critically injured when shot at his Te Puke home.
Police have identified two men we wish to speak to in relation to Tristan’s death.
They are Kanan Clarke, aged 39, and Joseph Yorke, aged 40.
Both men are considered dangerous and should not be approached.
Anyone who has information on their whereabouts is asked to contact Police and quote file number 251025/0395.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Government
Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson will today travel to Canberra and Sydney to strengthen New Zealand’s trans-Tasman partnerships and share insights on regulatory approaches, financial competition, and consumer protection.
While in Canberra, Mr Simpson will meet with ministerial counterparts in Australia’s Federal and State Governments to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
“This visit is an opportunity to explore how New Zealand and Australian regulators can work together to promote fairer markets and drive economic growth across both economies,” Mr Simpson says.
The Minister’s programme also includes meetings with Australia’s National Anti-Scam Centre, the Australian Banking Association, and Google.
“Engagements with major global platforms will help us advance anti-scam initiatives, strengthen consumer protections, and create safer, more resilient digital environments for people and businesses on both sides of the Tasman.”
As Minister for ACC, Mr Simpson will also meet with key Australian stakeholders and officials to better understand the structure and operation of Australia’s various workers’ compensation schemes.
“While our compensation schemes are unique, by working together we can identify potential improvements, efficiencies, or collaborative opportunities to enhance outcomes for workers and employers in both nations.”
Mr Simpson returns to New Zealand on 1 November.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on Thornton Road on Sunday 5 October.
He was Daniel Paul Henriksen, 40, of Whakatane.
Police extend sympathies to Daniel’s family and friends.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Madison, 14, has been reported missing by her family.
She was last seen at home on 24 October.
Her family are deeply concerned for her welfare and would like to see her safely home.
If you have seen Madison, or have any information on her whereabouts, please call 111 and quote case number 251027/5665.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
An artificial intelligence (AI) scribe tool will be rolled out to 1000 doctors and frontline staff working in emergency departments across the country, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Delivering modern health infrastructure, including digital tools that make a real difference for patients and staff, is a priority for the Government,” Mr Brown says.
“Too many doctors have told me that paperwork and documentation take up too much of their day. This tool will help free them up to spend more time with patients – listening, diagnosing, and treating – rather than writing down or typing up notes.”
The AI scribe securely records a consultation and automatically creates draft clinical notes, referral letters, and follow-up summaries. The doctor reviews and confirms these notes, saving time while making sure important information is accurately captured.
“This allows doctors to spend more of the appointment interacting directly with patients, while the technology captures the details for them. It also helps ensure nothing important is missed, leading to more consistent follow-up care.”
The tool is tailored to New Zealand’s clinical language and systems, meets all privacy requirements, and includes strong security protections to keep patient information safe. It is already being used successfully in some primary care settings, so patients may already have experienced it during an appointment with their GP.
Mr Brown says a successful pilot in Hawke’s Bay and Whanganui showed strong results and the practical difference technology can make for both doctors and patients.
“Doctors using the AI tool were able to see, on average, one additional patient per shift because of the time saved. That means faster care for patients and less waiting time in emergency departments.
“Based on this success, Health New Zealand has purchased an initial 1000 licences for frontline staff in emergency departments, enabling its nationwide rollout.
“Doctors and nurses want to focus on the person in front of them. This tool helps them do that – making the consultation more personal, while still capturing all the details needed for ongoing care.”
Mr Brown says Health New Zealand will continue exploring other ways AI and digital technology can help improve care and make the health system work better for patients.
“We need to embrace AI as a way to maximise our health workforce, giving clinicians tools that save time, reduce pressure, and allow them to spend more time with patients.
“AI will never replace clinical skill or judgement, but it can support our people to do what they do best – provide timely, quality care to New Zealanders.
“We’re committed to improving access and quality across the health system. AI will play an important role in supporting frontline healthcare staff and helping patients get the care they need, faster and more efficiently, long into the future.”
Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 2 near Karangahake Gorge in the Hauraki District is blocked following a single-vehicle crash.
Police were notified of the incident just before 5pm this evening. No injuries are reported at this time.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
A section of Tāmaki Drive in Auckland will be closed for a short time on Tuesday 28 October, due to a planned hīkoi.
The seaward side of Tāmaki Drive (eastbound) will be closed between Ōkahu Bay and The Strand in Parnell, from 11.45am until around 1.15pm.
The partial road closure is being put in place to ensure the safety of all road users while the hīkoi takes place.
Motorists are advised to plan ahead for any traffic delays and to consider taking alternative routes where possible.
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Source: New Zealand Police
Tāmaki Makaurau Police have arrested 23 people following celebrations in relation to a rugby league game this weekend.
Police monitored a number of town centres that traditionally celebrate the two league teams on Sunday night.
During this operation, Police saw a high volume of pedestrians and vehicles travelling within these areas.
While Police would like to thank the majority who celebrated peacefully and lawfully, there were multiple incidents that were disappointing to Police.
Over the course of the weekend, Police saw a range of unlawful behaviours including high-risk traffic offending, people riding on top of vehicles, and sustained loss of traction.
As a result, 14 people were taken into custody on Saturday and nine people on Sunday.
204 infringement notices were also issued for driving and road related offences.
This behaviour is not only unlawful, it poses a real risk to those participating in this behaviour, spectators, and members of the public.
Police ask those who wish to celebrate, to please do so in a lawful and considerate manner, to ensure the safety of everyone within our communities.
Police’s enforcement action will continue as we follow-up on gathered information from throughout the weekend.
If you see any unlawful or suspicious behaviour, please call Police immediately on 111 with as much information as you can safely gather.
Information can also be provided in non-emergencies or after the fact through our 105 services, or anonymously at Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is making a contribution of $150,000 to help communities in Clutha and Southland impacted by the Labour Weekend severe weather, Minister for Emergency Management Mark Mitchell announced today.
The government will contribute $75,000 to the Southland region and $25,000 to the Clutha District Council Mayoral Relief Fund, for immediate needs.
In addition, it has been classified as a medium scale adverse event and the Ministry for Primary Industries is contributing $50,000, split between Southland and Clutha, through the Mayoral Relief Fund to help the rural sector get back on its feet.
“This significant weather event has caused prolonged power outages in large areas of the lower South Island, as severe winds and heavy rain caused damage across the region,” Mr Mitchell said.
“The Government’s contribution to the Mayoral relief Funds meets the request from local leadership and will support local welfare, resilience building and recovery efforts, including clean-up.
“This has been a tough few days for impacted communities, and unfortunately, we’re not out of the woods just yet. More severe weather is on its way this afternoon. For anyone travelling home after a long weekend break, make sure to plan your journey, pack extra supplies in case you get stranded, and if you feel unsafe, consider delaying your travel if you can.
“I want to thank everyone who is working to support the communities impacted by this event – Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups, council, first responders, iwi and volunteers, and members of the community who have pitched in.”
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.
Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Mayoral Relief Funds are intended to help fill gaps quickly where an immediate need exists. It’s not a replacement for insurance and costs covered by other funding sources.