NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk will travel to Chile this week to attend the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM). 

“In an increasingly volatile world, the SPDMM plays a key role in upholding security in New Zealand’s immediate region, the South Pacific,” Mr Penk says.

“The SPDMM is the only Ministerial-level defence forum in this part of the world, and it has never been more important to work together. As Pacific nations, we know our region best and our strength comes from our collective planning and response.

“Many of the issues we face transcend borders and are too big to face alone. Topics on the agenda for discussion include climate change, extreme weather events, illegal fishing, drug smuggling, and geostrategic challenges.”

Minister Penk will meet with South Pacific Defence Ministers from Australia, Chile, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga.

Officials from the United States, United Kingdom and Japan will also attend in their capacity as official observers. 

Minister Penk will return to New Zealand on Sunday, 26 October. 

 

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a serious crash on State Highway One near Kinleith last night.

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash at around 6.10pm.

Sadly, despite best efforts, one person died at the scene.

One other person was transported to hospital in a moderate condition.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash involving a bus in Parnell last night.

Emergency services remain at the scene of the fatal crash this morning, and Tamaki Drive remains closed in both directions.

Police were called to the crash, involving a bus and vehicle, at about 9.20pm.

One other person sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital.

Tamaki Drive, between The Strand and Ngapipi Road, remains closed in both directions.

All road users are asked to avoid the area, and seek and alternative route while the scene is cleared.

Due to the buses electric battery the area could remain hazardous.

The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are underway.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Overwhelming construction industry support for key Health and Safety reforms 

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden welcomes a Site Safe survey released today that shows the Government’s health and safety reforms are fixing what matters in the construction industry. 

“From the start, I’ve known that delivering on the ACT-National coalition commitment to reform health and safety meant getting out of Wellington and listening to the public. I wanted to understand how the current system works for them and what they want to see in this reform that will make their work safer,” says Ms van Velden.

“I am pleased to see overwhelming support from the construction sector for the reform’s increased focus on guidance and critical risks. Feedback that industry professionals believe this will help improve health and safety outcomes in a high-risk sector shows we have listened to people on the ground to make meaningful changes.” 

The results show:

• 95% want clearer guidance to support reform
• 95% back greater use of Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs)
• 85% support a stronger focus on critical risks
• 79% want clearer definitions of roles and responsibilities
• 69% support changes to how enforcement works.

“It is not surprising to see such high levels of support for improving guidance and the use of ACOPs. That is why I have asked WorkSafe to prioritise improving its provision of guidance, including around prequalification, so that businesses understand when and how they need to work together to manage risks.

“I am also introducing changes to health and safety legislation to clarify that if you comply with an ACOP, you have fulfilled your health and safety obligations. Rather than having WorkSafe lead this process exclusively, these changes will allow individuals and groups, such as industry organisations, to initiate work on ACOPs to speed things up and ensure they reflect what will work in practice and what makes sense for those who deal with these risks every day.  

“WorkSafe has hit the ground running working with industry to develop an ACOP on clarifying overlapping duties in construction, which I know is an area the sector would like to see prioritised. 

“During consultation on health and safety reforms, I prioritised going out across the country and hearing from Kiwis who deal with health and safety rules firsthand about the issues they have with the system, and areas they most want to see improvements. It was from this direct feedback that I’ve chosen where to focus efforts to reform the system. 

“The industry is asking for clarity and practicality, and that is what I’m delivering. These reforms will make it easier for workers and employers to prioritise the right actions to protect them from harm and know where their attention should be to keep themselves and their workmates safe,” says Ms van Velden. 

NOTE:

• Site Safe is the construction industry’s national health and safety organisation, representing more than 6,000 member businesses and training around 78,000 workers each year.
• Prequalification is a common way construction businesses check if a company or contractor is ready and able to do a construction job safely, before they’re allowed to bid for or start work. Prequalifications are also often used by businesses outside of the construction sector – for example, local councils using them for groundskeeping tenders. However, prequalifications are most prominently used in the construction industry.
• The Site Safe survey and press release can be found here: https://www.sitesafe.org.nz/media/documents/2025_Health_and_Safety_Reforms_Survey_Report_Digital.pdf

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand and Iceland are deepening cooperation, in the areas of working holidays, taxation and geothermal energy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.

 “New Zealand and Iceland may be oceans apart, but we are two island nations united by shared values,” Mr Peters, who is visiting Iceland today, says. “These initiatives constitute an important step towards enhancing New Zealand’s cooperation with Iceland.”

 Mr Peters, following his meeting with Iceland’s President Halla Tómasdóttir, announced New Zealand and Iceland will start negotiations on a reciprocal Working Holiday Scheme.

 “A working holiday scheme with Iceland will create new opportunities for our young people to connect, collaborate, and contribute to each other’s societies, and gain valuable international experience while enriching our communities and economies,” Mr Peters says.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says: “Working Holiday Schemes enable young people to travel, study, and work in each other’s countries. Beyond individual benefits, a scheme with Iceland will also encourage reciprocal tourism and seasonal work in regional areas.”

“Through the Working Holiday Scheme, young New Zealanders will be able to experience and learn from this remarkable country with its dynamic, world-leading, added-value economy,” Mr Peters says. 

While in Reykjavik, Mr Peters also signed a Double Tax Agreement with Iceland’s Finance Minister, Daði Már Kristófersson.

 “This Double Tax Agreement will strengthen economic cooperation between our two countries by providing clarity and fairness for businesspeople who operate across New Zealand and Iceland,” Mr Peters says.

 Mr Peters also visited Iceland’s Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station, with Energy Minister Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson.

“The New Zealand Government is investing in exploring the potential of supercritical geothermal energy in the Taupō Volcanic Zone,” Mr Peters says. 

“Geothermal could help secure New Zealand’s future energy needs, which is why it’s critical that we learn from world leaders in this area like Iceland.”

 Mr Peters is visiting Iceland as part of a wider visit to the Nordic region. He will also travel to Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are now in a position to name the victim of a homicide in Pahiatua on Wednesday 15 October.

She was 74-year-old Karen Gilbert-Palmer, an occupant of the Arthur Street property in Pahiatua which was subject to a scene examination.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson says Police continue to support Mrs Gilbert-Palmer’s family and keep them updated on the investigation.

Police were called to Arthur Street at around 4.40pm, where a woman was located deceased in a residential property.

“The investigation is now focused into locating Jeremy Robertson and Police continue to seek information regarding his whereabouts.”

Police would like to speak with Jeremy, who is in his 50s and is of solid build.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen Jeremy in the Tarawera Road, Rotorua area from Wednesday 15 October.

“We also continue to appeal for information from the public including any information about a red, late-model Mitsubishi ASX VRX station wagon, registration QGU91.”

Should you see Jeremy, do not approach him but call 111 immediately and advise Police.

Non-urgent information can be provided through our 105 services and referencing file number 251015/6286.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are in attendance at a serious crash on State Highway One near Kinleith Road.

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash at around 6.10pm.

Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries.

The road is blocked and diversions are in place.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) is backing the thousands of public sector workers striking for fair pay and safe services this Thursday, 23 October.

MUNZ National Secretary Carl Findlay says the fight for a properly funded public sector is a fight for all working New Zealanders.

“Our members work on the 99% of New Zealand’s goods that move through our ports, but we know New Zealand also relies on the nurses, healthcare workers, teachers, and school support staff who are being forced to walk off the job to be heard,” says Mr. Findlay.

Mr. Findlay says the Government’s attempts to paint striking workers as “politically motivated” are a cynical distraction from its own failures.

“This action is about skilled workers who can’t afford their rent. It’s about nurses burning out in unsafe, understaffed hospitals. These workers are not taking action lightly, they are being driven to it by a Government that prefers to spread misinformation rather than bargain in good faith.”

The Maritime Union says it’s time for workers to fight back, and remind the Government that the wealth of New Zealand is produced by workers, who deserve good pay, good conditions and good standards in their jobs.

“We hear the same tired excuses in our industry that investment in people and safety is a cost rather than the backbone of a productive economy,” says Mr. Findlay.

“This is a matter of political priorities. This Government can find money for senior managers, consultants and tax cuts that benefit a privileged few, but claims the cupboard is bare for the people who look after our sick and educate our children.”

Mr Findlay says maritime workers stand in full solidarity with every public sector worker on the picket line tomorrow.

“Their fight is our fight. An injury to one is an injury to all.”

Strike events

WEATHER UPDATE: All strikes are still going ahead, but some rallies are cancelled or have moved venues because of strong weather warnings.

If you’re a striking member and your local rally is cancelled, you should still undertake your strike action.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging road users to think ahead and carefully consider the need to travel tomorrow as severe weather is expected to strike the South Island.

MetService has rare ‘red’ strong wind warnings in place from tomorrow morning for Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and the Canterbury high country, with gale force northwesterlies expected to gust up to 150km/h. The red wind warning signifies that there is a potential threat to life from flying items, falling trees and powerlines, and dangerous driving conditions.

Lesser orange strong wind warnings are in place for Otago, Fiordland, Clutha, Southland and Stewart Island, and a strong wind watch is in effect tomorrow for Westland and the Buller and Grey Districts.

The warnings come as State Highway 1 between Blenheim and Kaikōura reopened this morning after high winds contributed to a series of vehicle crashes, fires, and fallen trees and powerlines.

“We’ve had a fresh reminder of the damage that gale force winds like these can cause, and the risk they pose to road users,” says NZTA system manager for the central and lower South Island, Mark Pinner.

“The danger is especially high for those operating motorcycles, high-sided vehicles such as campervans and unladen trucks, and towing vehicles. Our advice to road users is to check out the weather and roading conditions well in advance of heading out onto the roads, and to give some thought to whether your travel is better avoided or delayed while the risk is high.”

“Some people may be thinking of heading away early for the long holiday weekend and hitching up the boat or caravan, but we want people to put the safety of themselves and their families first. The weather conditions may seem benign at first, but they can quickly escalate during a lengthy journey.”

In addition to the strong wind warnings, MetService has orange heavy rain warnings in place tomorrow for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers, the Ranges of Westland, and the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers. Heavy rain watches are in place for the Buller and Grey Districts, and Westland away from the Ranges.

Areas such as the West Coast have been hit hard recently by several bouts of heavy rain, leading to slips and surface flooding that have closed state highways.

“People should be aware that when the ground is already saturated, and you get further heavy rain, the risk of further flooding and slips is much higher, and these can occur earlier into a weather event than usual as well,” Mr Pinner says.

As seen earlier in the week, the conditions tomorrow could mean state highway closures or restrictions where necessary to ensure public safety.  

State Highway 7 between Springs Junction and the Hanmer Springs turnoff remains closed today after flooding and erosion of the highway from the waters of Boyle River. Roading teams are working to place rock to protect the remaining road where the erosion has taken place, from heavy rain expected tomorrow.

A gravel road widening is also planned with a view to providing at least a single lane open in the coming days on this affected stretch of SH7 near Engineers Camp, subject to progress at the site.

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Superintendent Tony Hill, Canterbury District Commander: 

Police are urging Canterbury residents to prepare, and to take extra care, with a red wind warning and state of local emergency declared for Thursday 23 October. 

Avoid non-essential travel.

Consider if you really need to leave home. You may need to adjust any travel plans you have made. Roads and highways are already impacted, and some roads may be closed. 

If you must travel, drive to the conditions and take extra care. 

High winds could damage trees, powerlines and insecure roofs, and make driving hazardous for all drivers and especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists. 

Do not light any outdoor fires for any reason.

A fire ban is in place from now until Sunday. Avoid lighting any fires or using gas cookers outside. A fire in high winds will spread very quickly. Police will be investigating any suspicious fires and may prosecute those responsible.

We have staff out in force during this emergency to help keep people safe.

If you need help urgently call 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.