NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Local Police expertise and a decision to breach bail has led to the recovery of a firearm, and a date back in court for one man.

Early Tuesday morning, one of our Henderson Beat Team members was out conducting mobile patrols In New Lynn and spotted a male behind the wheel of a car.

“The man was known to our local staff, they knew he was forbidden to drive and breaching the conditions of his bail” Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Kelly Farrant says.

Officers signalled for him to stop on Arawa Street.

“After arresting the male and seizing his vehicle, staff have begun an inventory search of the car and uncovered a loaded sawn-off shotgun,” Inspector Farrant says.

“He also had nearly five thousand dollars in cash, as well as a sizeable amount of methamphetamine.”

Inspector Farrant praises the efforts of local police staff in holding the male to account.

“It’s pleasing to see our staff’s local knowledge shine and recognising potential risks to our communities,” she says.

“In this case that good work has taken another firearm out of circulation, and a repeat offender faces the consequences of his actions.”

A 36-year-old man will appear in the Waitākere District Court charged with breaching bail, unlawfully possessing a firearm and failing to comply with the terms of his license.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

On 29 September each year New Zealand Police commemorates Police Remembrance Day on the feast day of the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of police. 

Sadly this year will be the first time Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming’s name will be read as the 34th name on the Roll of Honour, which recognises the ultimate sacrifice of police officers slain on duty.

Across the country, in districts and at the Royal New Zealand Police College, Police staff and members of the Police family will gather on Monday 29 September to pay tribute to Lyn and others.

This is a special time to honour and remember colleagues now lost to us.

In honour of Lyn, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and the Minister of Police the Hon Mark Mitchell will attend a private service at Lyn’s home station, Nelson Central Police Station, in Tasman District.

A national service will be held at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC). Rolls of names will be read to honour staff who have been slain or died as a result of their duties, as well as serving, retired and former Police staff who have passed away in the preceding 12 months.

We will also be recognising that Constable Matthew Hunt’s plaque now includes his New Zealand Bravery Decoration, awarded posthumously to him in December 2024.

During the national service we will remember our police colleagues in Australia and the Pacific who have been killed by criminal acts while performing their official duties or died as a result of their duties.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers will attend the national service along with the Associate Minister of Police the Hon Casey Costello.

Wreaths will be laid at the New Zealand Police Memorial Wall and recruits will perform a haka to honour those being remembered.

The national Remembrance Day service will be livestreamed on the Police website, the New Zealand Police Facebook page and the New Zealand Police Museum Facebook page from 11am on Monday 29 September. The livestreaming will be recorded and will remain on the Facebook pages and website to watch after the service.

On Police Remembrance Day, Police staff throughout New Zealand wear the huia pin, which was developed by the Police Association and New Zealand Police. The tail plumage of the huia bird – now lost to us – is something rare and special and to wear it is considered by Māori to be a great honour. By incorporating the Police chevron into the huia tail feather, the design of the pin symbolises the honouring of someone special, now lost to police.

Media are invited to the national service at the RNZPC on Monday 29 September 2025, and are asked to be in place by 10.45am for an 11.00am start to the service. Please come to the reception area of the RNZPC by 10.30am.

RSVP if you plan to attend by emailing media@police.govt.nz
 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour, and Health Minister Simeon Brown are pleased to see Pharmac negotiating savings to increase medicines access. 

“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.

“Pharmac has announced its proposal to fund five new treatments for conditions including multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, eye conditions, and lung cancer.

“We are focussed on fixing what matters. Pharmac estimates that over 1,700 New Zealanders could benefit from the proposal in the first year of funding, rising to 4,000 by year five.

“The impact of this proposal is huge. The new subcutaneous injections are significantly quicker to administer than current IV treatments. If approved, it would save an estimated 7,500 hospital infusion hours in year one, and 12,800 by year five. This frees up health professionals to deliver other treatments. This is exactly what I’ve been pushing Pharmac to consider.

“Every year Pharmac looks for ways to free up money for new medicines. For example, the annual tender helps manage how much New Zealand spends on medicines by reducing the cost of those we already fund. Annual tender changes allow Pharmac to free up between $30 million and $50 million annually.

The proposal includes:

Faricimab – for certain eye conditions
Entrectinib – for lung cancer
Subcutaneous ocrelizumab – for multiple sclerosis
Combined subcutaneous pertuzumab with trastuzumab – for metastatic breast cancer
Ongoing access to bevacizumab – for certain eye conditions

“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. As part of the consultation Pharmac will engage with relevant clinicians, the public, and advocacy groups.” 

“As Minister of Health, my focus is on ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare – and that includes the medicines they need,” Mr Brown says.

“Our Government’s record $604 million investment in Pharmac is delivering on that commitment, with thousands of New Zealanders now benefiting from funded or expanded access to cancer and other medicines. It’s encouraging to see real progress in faster access to cancer treatment and other therapies, with even more medicines proposed to become available for Kiwis.”

Consultation is open until 5 pm, Wednesday 8 October 2025.

Source: New Zealand Government

The appointment of three new members to the Civil Aviation Authority’s Board will bring fresh expertise and leadership to the entity, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.

Mr Meager has appointed Mike Schubert and Peter O’Regan for three-year terms, beginning 8 October 2025. Mel Templeton has also been appointed as a new member, with her term beginning on 26 May 2026.

“These new board members’ extensive experience across aviation and governance will strengthen the CAA as it continues its focus on efficiency and performance, begins its first principles funding review and undertakes rule and technology changes to support an innovative aviation sector,” Mr Meager says.

“The Government is committed to growing the aviation sector, and strong governance is essential to delivering this commitment.

“This refreshed board will continue to provide the leadership needed to support the sector’s growth, enhance safety, and deliver better outcomes for travellers, businesses, and communities.

“I thank departing member Jill Hatchwell, and Charles Spillane, who will be finishing his term in May 2026, for their commitment to the Board.”

Source: PHARMAC

Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus SC) for multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition where the immune system attacks the central nervous system, causing a range of symptoms that can get worse over time.

Ocrelizumab is already funded as an intravenous (IV) infusion for people with relapsing remitting and primary progressive MS.

The proposal is to fund a new injection (subcutaneous) version, which can be given much faster than the current IV treatment. This means people could spend less time receiving treatment, and in the future, may be able to have their treatment closer to home.

Pertuzumab with trastuzumab (Phesgo) for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in New Zealand. Some breast cancers are HER2-positive, which means they have higher levels of a protein that makes the cancer grow faster.

Pertuzumab with trastuzumab are already funded as separate IV infusions for people with HER2-positive metastatic or locally recurrent breast cancer.

The proposal is to fund a new combined injection (Phesgo), which is much quicker to give and could make treatment more convenient for people.

Faricimab (Vabysmo) for diabetic macular oedema and wet age-related macular degeneration

Diabetic macular oedema and wet age-related macular degeneration are serious eye conditions that can cause vision loss.

Faricimab is a new medicine that is injected into the eye by a healthcare professional.

It may be given less often than current treatments, which could mean fewer injections for some people, less time spent at appointments, and could help manage demand on ophthalmology services. This can help people maintain their vision and make treatment easier for them and their families.

Entrectinib (Rozlytrek) for ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. A small number of people with NSCLC have a change in a gene called ROS1, which causes the cancer to grow.

Entrectinib is a new oral medicine (taken as a capsule) for people with ROS1-positive NSCLC. It works by blocking the signals that make the cancer grow and can help slow down or shrink the cancer.

Bevacizumab (Avastin) for eye conditions

Bevacizumab (Avastin) is already funded for people with certain eye conditions, such as ocular neovascularisation and exudative ocular angiopathy, which can lead to vision loss. It is given as an injection into the eye.

This proposal is to secure ongoing access to Avastin for people who need it, so they can continue to receive their treatment without any changes to how it is used or who can get it.

Source: New Zealand Police

Whangārei detectives have commenced an investigation into an early morning house fire in Raumanga.

Police were called to Raumanga Valley Road at around 6.20am.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer says the fire is being treated as suspicious, as enquiries get underway.

“All five occupants were asleep at the time and were able to evacuate safely,” he says.

“It’s fortunate that no one has lost their life, and a homicide investigation is not being commenced.”

The property has sustained extensive damage, and Police will work with fire investigators as part of the investigation.

“At this early stage it appears a couch on the front deck has been deliberately lit,” Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.

“A further scene examination will be carried out at the property as we work to identify who may be involved.”

Police would like to hear from anyone with information to assist enquiries.

“We will be working to establish a full picture of why this incident has occurred, and I’m asking anyone who might have seen suspicious activity before or after the fire to contact us.”

Police especially want to hear from anyone in the Raumanga Valley Road area that has CCTV, or anyone driving in the area between 5.30am and 6.20am with dash cam footage.

Please update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250924/3224.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  24 September 2025

The virus, a divergent strain of canine distemper virus (CDV), has been linked to disease and mortality in kekeno. Current evidence suggests this virus is not likely to represent a new introduction to New Zealand, but rather a previously undetected strain. There is no known human health risk.

The Department of Conservation (DOC), Biosecurity New Zealand and Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University are collaborating to investigate what this discovery means for kekeno populations.

DOC Senior Technical Advisor Dr Jody Weir, one of the scientists involved in the discovery, says the divergent virus strain was detected during an exotic disease investigation.

“We initially tested for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu or HPAI), which is also a threat to our native marine mammal and bird populations, but this was ruled out” she says.

“We are now working to understand how widespread the virus is in the New Zealand fur seal population. It was first discovered in the Kaikōura population in spring of 2024 when unusually high numbers of dead fur seals were reported.

“In contrast to spring of 2023 when many fur seals died from starvation around Kaikōura and other sites around the country, these deaths were not due to starvation but rather a divergent strain of CDV, not previously detected anywhere in the world.”

Massey veterinary pathologist Professor Wendi Roe says the collaborative work by DOC, Biosecurity New Zealand and Massey has confirmed the virus is not confined to one site.

“In June 2025, we found the same strain of canine distemper virus in fur seals at Cape Palliser, where it was contributing to deaths. The virus causes respiratory illness and supresses immune systems, leaving the animals more susceptible to other diseases.”

Dr Weir says discovering this emerging disease in NZ fur seals highlights the importance of kekeno as a sentinel species, providing insight into the wider health of the marine ecosystem.

“Most New Zealanders don’t realise how bad the situation is. Around 80 percent think our nature is in good shape, but sadly that just isn’t the case.

“While kekeno are currently categorized as “not threatened”, a virus like this one could have large scale impacts on populations.”

While out naturing this spring, DOC and Biosecurity New Zealand are asking the public to report if they see three or more freshly dead fur seals anywhere around the country, by calling the exotic pest & disease hotline – 0800 80 99 66.

Contact

Source: Privacy Commissioner

24 Sept 2025, 09:00

The Privacy Commissioner says the Privacy Amendment Act, which has just become law, will increase transparency and help New Zealanders to better exercise their privacy rights.   

Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says that the important change in the Privacy Amendment Act is the addition of new Information Privacy Principle 3A (IPP3A).  

Agencies already have to inform people when they collect their personal information from them, under IPP3. Under new IPP3A, if an agency (business or organisation) collects an individual’s personal information from someone other than the person themselves (i.e. indirectly), then that agency is required to tell the person, unless an exception applies. 

If an agency has collected personal information indirectly, IPP3A requires them to take reasonable steps to make sure that the person concerned is told:

• that the information has been collected
• the purpose of the collection
• the intended recipients of the information
• the name and address of the agency that is collecting the information and the agency that holds the information
• whether the collection is authorised or required by law and which particular law
• their right to access and correct their information.

IPP3A will come into force on 1 May 2026, and all organisations will need to have their systems in place to comply with the new requirements by then. There are a range of practical exceptions that will help agencies to apply the new IPP3A in their context.

Earlier this year OPC consulted on draft guidance for organisations about the requirements of IPP3A. We will be publishing this guidance on privacy.org.nz later this year.

OPC is also reviewing the Codes of Practice issued under the Privacy Act to determine whether any amendments are required to incorporate IPP3A. 

“Telling people when you’re collecting information about them supports open and transparent collection practices and helps people better understand where and how their information is being used,” says Mr Webster. 

“The passing of the Privacy Amendment Act helps support that transparency for New Zealanders. This reform helps keep our privacy law in line with other countries like Australia, the UK and Europe. There are other pressing privacy reforms that I will continue to advocate for with the government of the day.” 

Source: New Zealand Police

Porirua Police are seeking information about a group of five males who regularly ride dirt bikes from Waitangirua or Cannons Creek, across iwi land, into Belmont Park and then Belmont Farm. The group has been responsible for causing damage to multiple fences and newly planted native trees.

Their behaviour on the bikes is endangering the public, including families using the park, road users and workers in the park. They are also terrifying livestock, including sheep that are currently lambing.

If you witness these activities or have information that can assist Police, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report via 105 if it is after the fact. Please quote the file number 250718/6415.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Maritime New Zealand

Education resources and guidance are key parts of implementing the Approved Code of Practice for Loading and Unloading Cargo at Ports and on Ships (ACOP).