NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Children Karen Chhour has today announced the achievement of a reduction of harm in state care residences, the first reduction of its kind in New Zealand’s history.  

“I am grateful to be able to confirm the first ever reduction of harm within Youth Justice and Care and Protection residences, a 14% decrease since 2024, this latest data shows our focus and hard work is getting results.  

It is tragic that any harm occurs, but we have made a number of investments and changes to practice to get meaningful reductions to harm. We are fixing what matters.  

There has been a significant programme of change across all of our residences and we believe that our strengthened systems and clear focus on safety supports the reduction of harm in residences.  

I made improving safety in residences one of my key priorities for Oranga Tamariki when I first became Minister for Children, and Oranga Tamariki have stepped up to this challenge.  

They have implemented improved and greater training, enhanced recruitment, and strengthened leadership.  

Training initiatives include frontline leadership training being rolled out across secure residences to ensure teams have the support and specialist knowledge needed to reduce harm.  

They also include better induction programmes for staff have also been introduced in our youth justice residences, which has a strong focus safety, including proactive behaviour management.  

We’re also investing in a number of safety and quality improvements to the facilities at youth justice residences. We have introduced a practice of only using see-through bags in these residences so that the contents can be observed, this supports safety by preventing unauthorised or potentially harmful items being brought in, even inadvertently.  

When children and young people have experienced harm in a residence, there is planning for immediate safety, a medical response is provided when needed, and the Police are involved when required.  

This work aligns with, and was very much inspired by, the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care, particularly the heartfelt words of survivors who wanted us to ensure their experiences weren’t repeated. We have listened, and we thank you for speaking up.  

We have refocused the children’s system on what matters – the safety and wellbeing of children, whether in the community or residences – and the results are clear,” says Minister Chhour.  

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua, Counties Manukau CIB:

Police investigating the fatal fire at Bucklands Beach are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a distinctive container we believe may help us with our enquiries.

At 2.30am on Thursday 2 October Emergency Services responded to the house fire on Murvale Drive.

Police have confirmed it is being treated as a double homicide and are calling for the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible for the fire.

The pictured 10 litre container, whilst not the exact one, is similar in size and appearance to what Police have discovered at the scene.

This container is how Police believe the accelerant that started the fire was brought to the property.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw a person or persons in possession of similar containers on the night of 1 October or the morning of 2 October.

Again, no detail is too small or irrelevant.

The online portal for Operation Town is here: https://town.nc3.govt.nz/(link is external).

Anyone can visit the link and upload footage for Police to review.

Alternatively, anyone with information can contact Police online or call 105 using the reference number 251002/9501.

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

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating the murder of Bill Maangi in Gisborne are urging those who know what happened to him to speak to us.

Mr Maangi died after being shot in the early hours of 29 September, and Police continue to piece together the sequence of events that led to his death, says Detective Inspector Martin James.

Twenty staff continue to work on the case, including staff supporting from out of town.

A number of items of interest have been seized and are being forensically examined.

“We continue to make good progress, and we are committed to finding out what happened to Mr Maangi,” says Detective Inspector James.

“Mr Maangi was a family man and there are now four kids left without their dad. They didn’t deserve this tragedy in their young lives.

“We know there were a number of people who were at and around the Forrester House/Ormond Road area through the night and early hours of Monday 29 September

“Police are confident someone knows what happened to him. We’re appealing to you now – please, speak up. You don’t want this weighing on you long-term.

“The person or people responsible for his death need to be held accountable, and our community will be safer for it.”

Please get in touch through 105, either over the phone or online, referencing Operation Bushman, or the file number 250929/9035.

Information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

State-Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown has today announced two leadership appointments to the Airways Corporation of New Zealand.

Effective 31 October 2025, current Deputy Chair Darin Cusack will assume the role of Chair, following the retirement of outgoing Chair Denise Church. Danny Tuato’o, a current Director, will step into the role of Deputy Chair. 

Both Mr Cusack and Mr Tuato’o have been reappointed for additional terms, with Mr Cusack’s term extending to 31 October 2028 and Mr Tuato’o’s to 30 June 2027. 

“These appointments will provide the leadership needed to help Airways navigate the opportunities and challenges facing the aviation sector, ensuring it continues to deliver safe and efficient air navigation services,” Mr Brown says. 

Biographies

Darin Cusack brings extensive institutional knowledge and a global perspective on aviation systems.
Danny Tuato’o brings expertise in safety systems, financial acumen, and risk management. 

Source: New Zealand Police

With Labour weekend fast approaching, Northland Police are reminding road users there will be zero tolerance for unsafe driving.

Police will be out on the road at any location and at any time, with the clear intention to stop and prevent unsafe driving behaviour.

Northland Road Policing Manager, Inspector John Fagan, says in the past few weeks there have been increasing numbers of serious driving incidents.

“In Northland alone we apprehended 38 people driving while intoxicated last week,” he says.

“This is extremely disappointing and not the kind of behaviour we expect.”

On Saturday night an off-duty officer called 111 after witnessing a vehicle crossing the centreline and narrowly avoiding a head on collision.

“Officers responded immediately and when they located this vehicle, it was seen almost crashing into another car,” Inspector Fagan says.

“The driver was so intoxicated they could barely speak and when officers tried to walk them to their patrol car, they fell over the curb.”

Excess breath alcohol was not the only bad behaviour seen in recent weeks, with disqualified drivers, speeding drivers and those on drugs also answering for their actions.

“Last Thursday Police stopped a vehicle traveling at 143km/h,” says Inspector Fagan.

“This driver was suspended on the spot; however she was stopped driving again only 90 minutes later.”

The driver had their car impounded and was summonsed to court.

“We have zero tolerance for the type of behaviour that puts lives at risk,” Inspector Fagan says.

“Slow down, do not drink and drive, and follow the rules. It’s that simple really.”

Police and road safety partners are undertaking a large amount of work to ensure the safety of everyone on our roads.

Many of us make long journeys over long weekends.

We know that tired drivers make mistakes, so take regular breaks and split the driving with someone if you can.

Having your seatbelt on, driving to the conditions and not being distracted while driving can be the difference in walking away from a crash or being seriously injured or worse.

Information on holiday road toll periods can be found here: Safety — Road deaths | Ministry of Transport

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Christchurch Police have recovered firearms, knives, batons and hatchets from an allegedly stolen vehicle, and filed a raft of charges against the self-proclaimed victim.

The 36-year-old Burwood man now has a date with the courts following the convoluted incident, which allegedly played out early Tuesday morning.

About 5.30am, the man rang Police to report that he’d been threatened by an armed assailant who stole his Volkswagen. The attending officers found the man on Chichester Street, where he relayed an intricate chain of events that allegedly began to unfold an hour earlier.

He told officers of being ordered to drive to several locations at gunpoint, swap keys for a BMW, and of then using that car to track his supposedly stolen Volkswagen to Davis Street, where he found it locked and abandoned.

As officers tried to make sense of the story, they gave the 36-year-old a lift back to his home to pick up the spare car keys. Once the Volkswagen was unlocked, officers invoked the Search and Surveillance Act to check the offender hadn’t left his firearm in the car.

At that point, the threads of the man’s story began to unravel.

Inside the Volkswagen, Police found a methamphetamine pipe, a bag of white crystals, a shotgun concealed in a bag, a pistol, one round of ammunition and an assortment of knives, batons and hatchets. Police seized the items and arrested the man.

He has been charged with making a false statement; unlawful possession of a firearm; unlawfully carrying an imitation firearm; unlawful possession of a pistol, unlawful possession of ammunition; possession of utensils; possession of an offensive weapon and failing to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search.

The man has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on 12 November.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is stepping up reforms to accelerate sustainable construction in New Zealand, as a new building consent exemption for rooftop solar panels comes into force.  

“By supporting sustainable building practices, we can create warmer, healthier homes, reduce power bills and build stronger, more resilient communities across New Zealand,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. 

“Earlier this year, I announced commonsense changes to the Building Act to clarify that a building consent is not required to install rooftop solar panels on existing homes and commercial buildings.  

“I’m pleased to confirm this exemption will become effective from tomorrow and will apply to all buildings. 

“Until now, decision-making on solar panel consents has varied between councils, creating uncertainty for homeowners who want to make smart decisions in reducing their carbon footprint and energy bills. 

“Making the process simpler by removing burdensome red tape is expected to save Kiwis around $1,200 per consent and help avoid unnecessary delays. 

“It remains important that installations are carefully managed and comply with the Building Code.  

“For rooftop installations over 40 square metres in total area per roof, or in very high wind speed areas, a chartered professional engineer must provide or review the design of the structural fixings for the exemption to apply. 

“Most residential rooftop solar arrays are between 25 and 30 square metres, so the majority of households will be able to install their solar panels without involving an engineer. 

“Earlier this year, the Government announced a further incentive to encourage more New Zealanders to switch to solar by committing to fast-track building consents for new residential buildings with solar electricity generation in their design, halving processing time from 20 working days to just 10. 

“Today, I am announcing that the Government is expanding that fast-track consent pathway to sustainable buildings, which will be defined in the Building Act. 

“To qualify, buildings will need to meet performance criteria demonstrating it has at least one of the following features: high energy efficiency, water efficiency, low embodied carbon, or climate resiliency.  

“Legislation to create a fast-track building consent process for sustainable buildings, including those with solar panels, will be included in a Bill I intend to introduce to Parliament early next year. 

“The Chief Executive of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) will set the performance criteria for each sustainable building attribute through secondary legislation, ensuring clear guidance for builders and developers. 

“Giving Kiwis more choice and making it easier and more affordable to build the homes and infrastructure our communities need are top priorities for this Government. 

“By accelerating rooftop solar generation and reducing regulatory barriers for sustainable buildings, we are helping Kiwis shrink their power bills and live in healthier homes.” 

Notes to editor:

Rooftop solar 

Rooftop solar arrays under 40 square metres do not require an engineer’s design or review, unless they are in very high windspeed areas – classified as greater than 44 metres per second (over 158 Km/H).
For rooftop solar arrays 40 square metres or over per roof, or located in very high wind speed areas, solar panel installers will often have pre-engineered kitsets with a unified sign-off from a chartered professional engineer available for use.  
Installations using pre-engineered and approved kitsets will generally not require a chartered professional engineer to be involved in the installation and inspection of the rooftop array.  

Sustainable buildings 

The fast-track building consent process for buildings with rooftop solar panels will be rolled out first with uptake and impacts on the consenting system monitored and considered prior to implementing the fast-track consent process for sustainable buildings. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Tomorrow’s proposed strike is unfair, unproductive and unnecessary and should be called off, Public Service Minister Judith Collins says.

“The strike will not help anyone. It is a stunt targeting the Government but the people paying the price are the thousands of patients who have had appointments and surgeries cancelled, and the hundreds of thousands of kids who will miss another day at school.

“For many students, the strike falls in the same week as a teacher-only day and ahead of Labour Weekend, and it comes just weeks out from crucial exams for NCEA-level students – many who have endured ongoing interruptions throughout their secondary education.

“It is only by genuine negotiation that settlements are achieved. The Government is at the table with offers but the unions are out on the streets with megaphones.”

Education Minister Erica Stanford says the Government is stretching its financial mandate to make an offer that means 66 percent of trained primary teachers will be paid a base salary of at least $100,000 within 12 months of ratification – up from 40 percent currently.

“Under our latest offer to the PPTA, 76 percent of all trained secondary teachers would be paid a base salary of at least $100,000 per annum from 29 October 2025 – up from 60 percent currently. The PPTA has chosen to reject this offer.”

“Teachers and principals want to be at school, they can see the positive change in the classroom with our reforms. Unions are letting them down by not bargaining in good faith and spreading misinformation about the process. Teachers, parents and students all deserve better.

“The latest offers come on top of the $53 million the Government is spending to pay teachers’ registration and levies, our largest investment in a generation of $750 million into learning support, and huge investments into professional development and resources so teachers can focus on teaching the basics – yet neither the NZEI nor the PPTA have prioritised any of their claims to allow for any meaningful negotiation.” 

Health Minister Simeon Brown says the union representing senior doctors, who are among the most highly paid people in New Zealand, has walked away from an offer which would have improved their pay and conditions. 

“At Health New Zealand, average total remuneration for senior doctors, including overtime and allowances, is $343,500. This does not include any work they do in the private sector. They also receive six weeks’ annual leave, paid leave for conferences and a fully paid three-month sabbatical every six years. 

“The latest offer would have provided a salary increase of at least 5 percent over two years, with the ability to provide an additional increase for first-year specialists. These increases are additional to the $5900 annual step increase senior doctors receive until they reach the top of the 15-step pay scale.

“In addition, a $40 million fund is proposed for distribution to senior doctors to support the workforce with retention and address shortages in hard-to-staff hospitals.”

The average salary for both Senior and Registered Nurses is $125,662, which includes overtime, a professional development allowance, and penal rates.

Under the latest offer, nurses on the top step would have had a 2 percent increase in June 2025 – an extra $2135 per year – with another 1 percent increase in June next year.

“We have listened to the unions and made fair offers at the limits of the Government’s ability to make affordable settlements,” Ms Collins says.

“Dragging these negotiations out with industrial action is cruel to those people who were due to have surgery or vital consultations. It is disruptive for senior school students about to face exams. It is irritating for families with younger school children and it is costing the unions’ own members, who not only lose a day’s pay but also delay settlements which will not be backdated. 

“Unions claim to represent the interests of their members. Those would be better served by constructive negotiation than by chanting slogans in the streets.

“The unions have chosen disruption over dialogue. We’d encourage them to do the opposite.”

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

22 October 2025

A WorkSafe inspector’s recent visit to Car Compliance Workshop (CCW) in New Lynn, Auckland has sparked positive change – and praise for WorkSafe’s approach to engagement and enforcement.

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Northland Area Investigations Manager:

Around 5.42am Police were called to Bank Street, Whāngarei, after a person was located deceased.

Emergency services are at the scene, with a cordon blocking off Bank Street between Vine and Walton Streets.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the area at this time.

Police investigators are currently undertaking enquiries to establish the circumstances around what has occurred, but at this stage the death is unexplained.

Additional information will be provided when we are in a position to do so.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police