NZ Engine

December 29, 2025

The “Hey DOC…” questions you ask us: Summer edition

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

We love hearing about and seeing you out naturing over the summer – keep tagging us in your adventures, we absolutely love it!

During this period, we get a lot, and I mean A LOT of people tagging us in posts and messaging us on our channels to ask us all sorts of interesting questions. You are such a passionate bunch!

We thought we’d help you out ahead of time, giving you all the answers and some bonus top tips to your summer questions

So, here’s a little cheat sheet we put together, answering the most common “Hey DOC…” questions you ask us over summer.

1) Hey DOC, what should I do with this wildlife that I found?

(We get this question asked of us about 15x per week over summer!) – We’re totally not bored of answering this question 🫠

Stick Insect
📷: Will McBeth

Yay! You found some of our precious wildlife, we’re stoked for you. That’s what naturing is all about. Just remember you can’t do whatever you want with it and there’s some really important things to take note of.

Under the Wildlife Act 1953 it is illegal to hold, keep or possess native species – dead or alive, or parts of it (feathers, skin, bones, eggs) without a valid permit.

If you think you found a native species and it DOESN’T look distressed or injured, it’s best to leave it alone and admire it from a distance. Put the zoom on your phone camera to work and capture moment like this.

If you think you found a native/protected species and it DOESlook distressed or injured, call us on our DOC Hotline – 0800 362 468 – our team will give some advice and might come out to help the wildlife if needed.

To report illegal activity, a conservation emergency or report sick, injured or dead wildlife Call the DOC emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) find out more here.

If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to MPI’s Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

2) Hey DOC, can you tell me what species this is?

Soon after you nearly fill your camera roll with photos and videos of all the birds, lizards and insects you’ve found, you may feel compelled to send all of them to us and ask us to tell you what it is. (Slight exaggeration but looking at some of you! 😅)

Hand pointing to takahe footprints in Takahe Valley

Takahe footprints in Takahe Valley
📷: Sabine Bernert

While we have some really passionate experts, not every single one of our experts are available to help with an array of specific identifications on social media.

And for that reason – our expert’s time and resources – we don’t actually offer an on-demand species identification service, instead we kindly and politely suggest you use iNaturalist in the first instance.

You simply upload your photo findings to the platform, and the community of scientists, naturalists and experts will be able to identify the species for you. They might even provide some weird funky facts as some bonus information!

This is also a great place to start naturing from! Find the species you want to try and find over summer on iNaturalists, talk to the experts and then go out and find them.

3 Hey DOC, can you fix my booking for me?

www.panafoot.com“,”created_timestamp”:”1330802879″,”copyright”:”u00a92012 John Strother, panafoot@gmail.com”,”focal_length”:”10″,”iso”:”1600″,”shutter_speed”:”0.16666666666667″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”120303_jtsg_4352jpg_7457701360_o_O2″ data-image-description=”” data-image-caption=”

Inside the Routeburn Falls Hut on the Routeburn Track within Mt Aspiring National Park on New Zealand’s South Island.

To read about the great places we have been go to www.panafoot.com

” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/120303_jtsg_4352jpg_7457701360_o_O2.jpg?fit=300%2C199&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/120303_jtsg_4352jpg_7457701360_o_O2.jpg?fit=580%2C385&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/120303_jtsg_4352jpg_7457701360_o_O2.jpg?resize=580%2C385&ssl=1″ alt=”” class=”wp-image-55215″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/120303_jtsg_4352jpg_7457701360_o_O2.jpg?resize=1024%2C680&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/120303_jtsg_4352jpg_7457701360_o_O2.jpg?resize=300%2C199&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/120303_jtsg_4352jpg_7457701360_o_O2.jpg?resize=768%2C510&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/120303_jtsg_4352jpg_7457701360_o_O2.jpg?resize=1536%2C1020&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/120303_jtsg_4352jpg_7457701360_o_O2.jpg?resize=1200%2C797&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/120303_jtsg_4352jpg_7457701360_o_O2.jpg?w=2048&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/120303_jtsg_4352jpg_7457701360_o_O2.jpg?w=1740&ssl=1 1740w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px”/>

Inside the Routeburn Falls Hut on the Routeburn Track.
📷: John T, Strother

If you want to modify a booking with us, the best way to do so is to log into your account, select your bookings, click on modify for the booking you wish to change and confirm. That’s basically it!.

If you need help with understanding our booking fees, how to use Backcountry Hut Passes and Hut Tickets and what to do with a change to your booking because of unforeseen circumstances, scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on “BOOKING FAQ” and troubleshoot your booking there.

If that doesn’t help and you’re truly stuck, click on “CONTACT US” and email our Bookings Team directly – this is the right place to go to, we have booking specialists taking in enquiries and we’re equipped to help you out ASAP.

We also have some incredibly helpful DOC Visitor Centres around the country that you can contact if you have a question about your upcoming trip/adventure.

4) Hey DOC, can my pet come along too?

It depends where you’re going and what you’re doing.

Not Rex…
📷: Craig Bullock

Simply put, pets and protected species don’t mix! Especially in national parks or wildlife areas and reserves, WITHOUT a DOC permit.

However, you CAN take your dog on public conservation land that we have approved dog access to – you’ll find more information about those places on our website.

Some places you will need a specific dog permit (like for hunting blocks) issued by the local DOC office, while other places you can take your dog, but you must follow the rules stated on the website and adhere to the signage around the area.

Visit our website to find:

• Tracks with dog access

• Campsites with dog access

• Hunting areas with dog access

Here’s a great blog from earlier on in the year that goes into detail about dogs on conservation land

Still not Rex, from afar.
📷: Craig Bullock

P.S. No, you cannot take your cat in a backpack in our national park, then proceed to feed it while you stop for lunch… This happened a couple of years ago and the person received a fine and were prosecuted. Don’t be like these people. 😊

5 Hey DOC, where can I fly my drone?

Drones can stress out wildlife and used in the wrong areas can be a risk to wildlife, forests and people.

To use a drone, both recreationally and commercially, you will need a special drone permit from us.

Permits vary from place to place but in short, they are there to help ensure that the drone operator uses their drone responsibly, making sure that they’re not disturbing wildlife, that they’re considerate of other people’s privacy, that they respect Māori cultural values by involving hapū and iwi, they follow Civil Aviation Authority rules and that they follow relevant polices and plans.

You can find all of our detailed guidance in drone operations on conservation land and how to attain a permit here

6 Hey DOC, can I show you the marine mammal I saw today?

???????????????????????????????????????????????????

Humpback whale.
📷: Simon Childerhouse

Marine mammals in the sea? REALLY!?

No, but seriously we would actually like to hear about it!

We’d love you to report it directly to our marinemammals@doc.govt.nz email. Our Marine Mammals Biodiversity experts are monitoring the inbox regularly over summer and your sightings will help them with information about population sizes, breeding rates and crucial movement patterns. All of this helps us in protecting marine mammals and their environment better.

You can also use our online Marine Mammals Sighting Form to make your reports here and it doesn’t need to be done immediately. Make notes on your phone and log it in online when you get home.

We want to hear about whales, dolphins, seals with tags and sea lions.

It’s really important that if you come across an entangled, stranded or dead marine mammal OR a Hector’s or Māui dolphin between Raglan and Wellington, or on the south or east coast of the North Island call us immediately on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

hectors dolphin

Hector’s dolphin
📷: Andreas Maecker

We would much rather you call our emergency hot line number so our appropriate teams can act with speed, without having to navigate through the extra steps.

Find out more about how to report marine mammal sighting here

Hopefully, these questions we’ve answered will help while you’re out-and-about enjoying your summer adventures. Keep tagging us in posts, keep messaging us and keep asking us all of your interesting questions.

If you see us out this summer, we’d love you to stop and say hi when you’re out-and-about.

Have a fun, safe and enjoyable summer!

December 29, 2025

First pakeke pup marks start of season

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date: 29 December 2025

Six-year-old sea lion, Tui, had a pup on Christmas Day, starting off what is hoped to be another successful breeding season for the Nationally Endangered species. The pup’s gender isn’t known yet, but may be determined as part of the tagging process when that work is undertaken in a few months.

Tui is directly descended from Mum, who gave birth to the first pup born on mainland New Zealand in 1993, following a 150-year of absence of breeding for the species.

This birth continues Mum’s legacy and the hope the growing population of pakake around Otago will help the species recovery and act as insurance for the declining population in the sub-Antarctic islands. To achieve breeding colony status, at least 35 pups need to be born every year for five years.

DOC Biodiversity Ranger Moss Thompson says from now on, rangers are expecting to encounter more mother-and-pup pairs around the coast.

“There are approximately 49 breeding-age females in our population this year and we are expecting around 35 pups. They are very vulnerable during this time so please give them plenty of space and leave them time to rest and form essential mother-pup bonds.”

“In some areas, there may be changes to access tracks on certain beaches, and signs requesting no dogs, or that they are kept on leads. These changes will be temporary while we have mums and pups using these areas.

“Please follow this signage when you’re out naturing in the area, and be prepared to use another access route or walk your pooch in the other direction.”

Over the festive season, DOC staff, mana whenua, and New Zealand Sea Lion Trust volunteers will be out and about keeping an eye on things. Feel free to say hello and have a chat about anything pakake related, Moss says.

“During this time, pakake will be crossing the roads and using parks in coastal areas so please drive carefully, and check your surroundings before letting your dog off the leash.

If you see a pup in an area which is not signposted or marked, please let the Department of Conservation know on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Background information

Pakeke are one of the world’s rarest sea lion species, and found only in New Zealand.

They face threats from human activity (including fishing), diseases and pup mortality.

Pups weigh between 8 and 10 kg at birth. Breeding occurs over the summer months and breeding colonies occupy the same sites every year.

Pupping begins in early December and ends by mid-January, when the remaining bulls disperse and the harems break up.

Females give birth to a single pup every one to two years. Pups are born on the breeding beach but are moved by their mothers into nearby vegetation when they reach about six weeks old.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

December 29, 2025

Former Black Cap Doug Bracewell retires from cricket

Source: Radio New Zealand

Doug Bracewell playing for Central Districts 2024. PHOTOSPORT

Former Black Caps allrounder Doug Bracewell has announced his retirement from all cricket.

The 35-year-old debuted as an 18-year-old for Central Districts in late 2008, when he was already a New Zealand Under 19 representative.

Just three years later he made his ODI, T20 International and Test debuts for the Black Caps.

In just his third Test appearance, in 2011, he famously helped New Zealand to beat Australia in Hobart with a man-of-the-match performance, taking 6 for 40 in the nail-biting last innings to help New Zealand to a seven run victory.

Central Districts bowler Doug Bracewell. PHOTOSPORT

They remain his best figures for the Black Caps in an international career that went on to encompass 28 Tests, 21 One-Day Internationals, and 20 T20 Internationals for New Zealand between the 2011/12 and 2022/23 seasons, as well as 77 first-class, 57 one-day and 72 T20 caps for Central.

He also had stints in England’s County Cricket for Essex and Northamptonshire, with Delhi Daredevils in the IPL and the Joburg Super Kings in South Africa.

However, a persistent rib injury means he has not been in action for Central Districts this season, meaning his 206th and final appearance in the Central jersey goes down in the almanacks as their first T20 at the Global Super League, in Guyana in July.

Bracewell said he would miss playing for Central.

“It’s been a proud part of my life, and something I aspired to as a young cricketer.

“I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have had through cricket, and the chance to play for my country, as well as for Central Districts, throughout my domestic career.

“I would like to take this time to acknowledge all the teammates I have played alongside, and the coaches and management who have been on this journey with me, for everything they have done for me.

“It’s a privilege to play first-class and international cricket, and I’m grateful to have played and enjoyed the game for as long as I have.”

Black Caps bowler Doug Bracewell in full flight against Australia in the first test in Wellington. Photosport

Bracewell retires as the one of the few modern allrounders in New Zealand to have achieved the first-class double of 4000 runs and 400 career wickets, with 3029 of those runs and 258 of the wickets having been for Central – the best all-round record in the team’s history.

Central Districts Cricket CEO Lance Hamilton thanked Bracewell for his loyalty and service to Central Districts Cricket over his extensive career.

“Doug’s playing record will speak for itself for decades to come, and the way he came back from a torn ligament in his knee in 2016, and further knee surgery in 2019, illustrated his determination.

“We wish Doug and his family all the best for the future.”

Central Districts Cricket will confirm a replacement on its 2025/26 season roster of contracted players in the coming weeks.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

December 29, 2025

Weather: Heavy rain, strong winds for much of country

Source: Radio New Zealand

(File photo) 123rf

Northland and Whanganui are the places to be in the North Island today for the best weather.

For the rest of the island, MetService is forecasting heavy rain and/or strong winds.

A heavy rain warning is currently in place for Gisborne/Tairāwhiti and Coromandel, and for Hawke’s Bay from 10am.

Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel are currently under a strong wind watch, as will be the central North Island from 10am.

Wet Weather for Holiday and Festival Goers

Monday and into Tuesday weather gets wet and wild with heavy rain and gale southeasterlies.

Check for any Severe Weather Warnings or Watches for your area here: https://t.co/qHyE5zzql5 pic.twitter.com/XIAEgZglyy

— MetService NZ (@MetService) December 27, 2025

A warning of severe gales has been issued for Manawatu, Horowhenua and Kapiti coast from 4pm, while the Tararua district and Wairarapa will be under a heavy rain watch from 6pm.

From 10pm the Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, Buller, Grey District and Westland will be under a strong wind watch.

Festivalgoers for New Year’s events such as Rhythm and Vines have been warned to watch out for wild weather on the roads.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

December 29, 2025

Vehicle rescues in central Auckland face delays after engine crash, firefighters’ union says

Source: Radio New Zealand

The fire engine involved in the crash was a what is known as a pump rescue tender (file image). RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The Professional Firefighters Union says there will be delays extracting anyone who may become trapped in a vehicle in Auckland’s central city, after a fire truck was damaged in a crash.

Police were called at 9.38am on Sunday morning to the intersection of Hobson Street and Victoria Street West. Minor injuries were reported, and the truck was towed away.

Fire and Emergency’s (FENZ) northern communications shift manager Ryan Geen told RNZ the crash occurred while a local crew was responding to a fire call under lights and sirens.

“While they’re on the way, they’ve had an incident involving another vehicle,” he said.

Union representative Toby Kerr explained the truck involved was known as a pump rescue tender, which carried gear like the jaws of life, which was used to extract trapped people after accidents.

The truck had been a relief vehicle itself, and there wasn’t another available to replace it.

The nearest truck carrying extraction gear would now be responding to accidents in the central city from Avondale or Takapuna, Kerr said, which would “certainly cause a delay to any response in the city”.

Firefighters earlier told RNZ that they no longer have confidence in their ageing vehicle fleet, and fear it could let them down in life or death situations.

FENZ responds

FENZ Assistant Commander Barry Thomas said there were several other pump rescue tender fire trucks available for dispatch to central Auckland.

Nobody in the engine was injured in the crash, but it had to be towed to a service provider for repairs, Thomas said.

“Until it returns to service, five other pump rescue tenders from other parts of Auckland are available to be dispatched to any incidents requiring a specialist rescue response, with the Avondale and Takapuna appliances being the closest.”

FENZ was working to find a replacement fire truck as quickly as possible, he said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

December 28, 2025

Master Lock Comanche wins Sydney-Hobart ocean race for fifth time

Source: Radio New Zealand

Master Lock Comanche sailing near Tasman Island, during the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race. AFP

Master Lock Comanche took line honours in the 80th Sydney-Hobart ocean race on Sunday, ending LawConnect’s bid for a third straight title.

It was the fifth line honours victory in the 628-nautical-mile bluewater classic for the 100-foot supermaxi Comanche, which was skippered by Matt Allen and James Mayo.

The yacht crossed the finish line on the River Derwent in Tasmania’s capital Hobart in two days, five hours, three minutes and 36 seconds, greeted by beaming sunshine and hundreds of supporters.

Comanche holds the race record set in its 2017 victory when finishing in one day, nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds. Comanche also won line honours in 2015, 2019 and 2022.

Allen and Mayo navigated a tricky final day as the wind changed to a light northeasterly, the crew having earlier battled strong southerly winds over the first 24 hours after leaving Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day.

SHK Scallywag 100 overtook Comanche and LawConnect early on Sunday to lead for several hours working down Tasmania’s east coast, the three yachts within one mile of each other.

“We had a great lead during the race,” Comanche skipper Allen said. “It evaporated this morning, and we had to effectively restart.

“We’ve never seen anything like that in the Sydney to Hobart race where all the boats were so close together.”

LawConnect, seeking a third-straight line honours title under skipper Christian Beck, suffered a tear to its sail during the second night.

Beck said he considered retiring because significant repairs were needed that cost LawConnect the chance of a hat-trick.

Comanche soared clear as the lead trio neared Tasman Island and rounded for home, building a lead of nine nautical miles as they moved up the Derwent River.

“We wanted to really defend from inside the coast, closer to the coastline,” Allen said of Comanche’s tactics.

“That eventually worked for us, the breeze filled in from inshore and we got the lead back and just extended throughout the day.”

Allen and Mayo had to retire during the 2024 race due to significant mainsail damage.

This year’s race saw early southerly winds battering the 128-strong fleet and causing heavy seas.

Mayo said two of his crew were affected, one before they’d even left Sydney Harbour.

“Three minutes after the start we lost the bowman, he suffered a pretty bad injury, maybe some broken ribs,” Mayo said.

Another of their crew was hurt falling out of their bunk in rough seas.

LawConnect came in second, 47 minutes back from Comanche, while Scallywag was a further 24 minutes behind in third.

More than a quarter of the field had retired from the race by Sunday morning, either with boat damage or because their crews were suffering from severe sea sickness.

The overall winner of the race, taking into account handicap ratings such as yacht size, will be decided in the coming days.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

December 28, 2025

‘Celia’ the optometry bus hits the road to check Kiwi kids

Source: Radio New Zealand

Volunteer optometrist Lynden Mason working with a young patient on the bus. Supplied

A charity screening children for sight and hearing problems at schools in high-need areas now has a fully kitted-out optometry bus – and big plans to roll the service out to reach more regions and adults too.

Painga Project co-founder and chief executive Sarah Corson said it had taken years of hard work to get “Celia” the optometry bus on the road.

“At the moment we screen about 100 students a day [for vision problems] in schools using mobile equipment, but if we identified a problem, we didn’t have the solution.

“So were scrambling around with help from the Auckland University vision bus and taking students who were high priority to private optometrists.

“Celia is designed to be able move between schools and be able to do full optometry checks on 30 students a day.”

Celia the bus. Supplied

The optometry bus – named for social justice advocate Celia Lashlie – had the capacity to see 7000 children a year for glasses, Corson said.

A mobile audiology bus “Whina”, named for Māori equity activist Dame Whina Cooper, got into gear earlier in the year 2025.

Both vehicles were donated by the Ted Mason Foundation. The optometry equipment was funded by a private trust.

Corson estimated the the Celia van, equipment and fit-out was worth about $500,000.

The cost of Whina and its fit-out was about $400,000.

These figures excluded the significant volunteer time invested into the set up and ongoing running costs, she said.

Volunteer optometrist Lynden Mason (L) with Tim Way from OIC the equipment supplier. Supplied

The audiology testing equipment could come on and off the bus, but the optometry gear was “extremely delicate”.

Ensuring it could travel safely required a great deal of careful expert planning by optometrist Lynden Mason and Tim Way from OIC the equipment supplier, Corson said.

“The next challenge is to secure the $700,000 per year to fund the cost of the glasses and the optometrist’s time.”

Meanwhile, Whina cost around $250,000 per year to operate.

1 in 3 children have vision or hearing problem

Since its initial pilot programme in 2019, Painga Project’s sight and hearing programme had grown to cover 53 schools in South Auckland.

The rate of problems picked up has remained largely consistent over time:

Vision:

30 percent of students needed to see an optometrist.
80 percent of those students needed glasses.

Six months later, a follow-up showed:

20 percent of students had moved schools.
20 percent were wearing their glasses correctly.
60 percent needed new lenses due to inconsistent use.

Hearing:

33 percent of students required earwax or foreign object removal at school.
8 percent needed specialist referrals to Manukau Super Clinic.
50 percent of those referred needed multiple follow-ups, including grommets, surgery, or hearing aids.

Painga Project managed the referrals, provided transport and volunteers to ensure students attended every appointment.

“We’re just completing a pre-school pilot with Whanau Manaaki Kindergartens in Wellington and our referral rate for preschool kids is 20percent,” Corson said.

Overall, it amounted to a major failure in the system when it came to “educational health”, she said.

“Children can’t learn. We can make all the curriculum changes in the world but if child can’t see or hear to learn and fully engage in their educational journey, they’re inclined to just remove themselves from that journey. So the numbers are stark.”

Celia’s high-tech optometry equipment can screen babies from six months old. The youngest child they have referred so far was 18 months.

Working on board Whina. Supplied

Screening ‘the easy part’

Painga Project’s super efficient vision screeners have been trained by Auckland University and the hearing screeners were schooled by The Hearing House and other audiology supporters.

“However, we quickly realised that screening was the easy part – the real challenge was building a long-term support system to ensure students actually received the on-going help they needed.”

Children were now provided with two pairs of glasses (including one pair to stay at school) or even more, on the school’s advice.

It still happens occasionally that glasses prescribed for a child end up being “shared” by older siblings, who also need them for school.

Corson said there were 98 schools in Auckland and 614 nationwide, which met its criteria.

Her goal is that the mobile screening model will become “the standard” across the country in future.

Teachers unable to afford glasses themselves

The organisation recently joined several providers at a community health expo in Levin, north of Wellington, which brought home for Corson the scale of problem for adults too, including teachers and community workers.

“We’d say, ‘Come and have a free screening,’ and so many people said, ‘I can’t see but I can’t afford glasses.'”

To address this gap, Corson now had her sights set on founding Painga + Hearing and Vision Clinics to provide “affordable eye-care and eye-wear”.

Operated by an optometrist, a diagnostic audiologist and wax nurse, the clinics would be located in existing medical centres and community hubs, and take referrals for both children and adults from GPs, schools, marae and community organisations.

Painga Project was in discussions with providers in South Auckland, Wellington and Tairāwhiti, with plans to expand into Hawke’s Bay, Northland, Hamilton, Rotorua and Palmerston North. Ultimately, they would cover the South Island too.

“It’s been a big stretch for us securing funding for what we’ve done so far, but we’re confident that it’s proving its worth.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

December 28, 2025

One seriously injured in crash on Upper Hutt’s SH2

Source: Radio New Zealand

Emergency services at the scene of an accident at the intersection of SH2 and Waterworks Road in Kaitoke. RNZ / Mary Argue

A road closed by a serious two-vehicle crash in Upper Hutt has now reopened.

Police were called to the incident at the intersection of SH2 and Waterworks Road in Kaitoke about 6.35pm.

Police said initial indications were that a person had been seriously injured.

Traffic backed up at the scene of an accident at the intersection of SH2 and Waterworks Road in Kaitoke. RNZ / Mary Argue

The highway was blocked at the intersection, which would likely cause “significant delays” in both directions, police said earlier.

Motorists should avoid the area if possible, they said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

December 28, 2025

Update – road open, SH2 Kaitoke

Source: New Zealand Police

The road has now reopened after the earlier serious crash at the intersection of SH2 and Waterworks Road, Kaitoke.

Motorists should expect some delays while backed-up traffic clears.

Police thank motorists for their patience.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

December 28, 2025

One seriously injured in crash on Upper Hutt’s SH2, ‘significant delays’ expected

Source: Radio New Zealand

Emergency services at the scene of an accident at the intersection of SH2 and Waterworks Road in Kaitoke. RNZ / Mary Argue

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious two-vehicle crash in Upper Hutt.

Police were called to the incident at the intersection of SH2 and Waterworks Road in Kaitoke about 6.35pm.

Police said initial indications were that a person had been seriously injured.

Traffic backed up at the scene of an accident at the intersection of SH2 and Waterworks Road in Kaitoke. RNZ / Mary Argue

The highway was blocked at the intersection, which would likely cause “significant delays” in both directions, police said.

Motorists should avoid the area if possible, they said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Posts

The “Hey DOC…” questions you ask us: Summer edition

1) Hey DOC, what should I do with this wildlife that I found?

2) Hey DOC, can you tell me what species this is?

3 Hey DOC, can you fix my booking for me?

4) Hey DOC, can my pet come along too?

5 Hey DOC, where can I fly my drone?

6 Hey DOC, can I show you the marine mammal I saw today?

First pakeke pup marks start of season

Background information

NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE

Contact

Former Black Cap Doug Bracewell retires from cricket

Weather: Heavy rain, strong winds for much of country

Vehicle rescues in central Auckland face delays after engine crash, firefighters’ union says

FENZ responds

Master Lock Comanche wins Sydney-Hobart ocean race for fifth time

‘Celia’ the optometry bus hits the road to check Kiwi kids

1 in 3 children have vision or hearing problem

Screening ‘the easy part’

Teachers unable to afford glasses themselves

One seriously injured in crash on Upper Hutt’s SH2

Update – road open, SH2 Kaitoke

One seriously injured in crash on Upper Hutt’s SH2, ‘significant delays’ expected

1) Hey DOC, what should I do with this wildlife that I found?

2) Hey DOC, can you tell me what species this is?

3 Hey DOC, can you fix my booking for me?

4) Hey DOC, can my pet come along too?

5 Hey DOC, where can I fly my drone?

6 Hey DOC, can I show you the marine mammal I saw today?

Share this:

Background information

NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE

Contact

FENZ responds

1 in 3 children have vision or hearing problem

Screening ‘the easy part’

Teachers unable to afford glasses themselves