Source: New Zealand Police
Emergency services are at the scene of a sudden death in Kent Street, Queenstown.
Police were called about 7.30am.
While enquiries will be made, at this stage Police believe the death is not suspicious.
The matter will be referred to the Coroner.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
There has been a 16% reduction in children and young people with serious and persistent offending behaviour, achieving a key government target four years early.
Minister for Children Karen Chhour says, “I am proud to announce that the Government Target Three – 15% fewer children and young people with serious and persistent offending behaviour by the end of 2029 – has been not only achieved but surpassed.
We’re fixing what matters by keeping communities safer and supporting young people to make better choices, while holding those who don’t to account.
This is a remarkable turnaround for a significant national issue that was out-of-control only 18 months ago.
Under the previous government, youth offending was persistent and getting worse – with a 21% increase in serious and persistent offending between June 2022 and June 2023, and a further 3% increase in serious and persistent offending on top of that between June 2023 and April 2024.
Greater investment in transitional support for young serious offenders, greater coordination between Courts, Oranga Tamariki, and Police, the Military-Style Academies, and innovative government-funded community-led re-offending reduction programmes have all contributed to this hugely meaningful result.
This has also been achieved thanks to the hard work of our amazing Oranga Tamariki, Courts, and Police staff.
People voted for safer communities and better aspirations for young people, that is exactly what we have delivered.”
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government has released its Wood Energy Strategy and Action Plan and a Government Statement on Biogas, signalling its strong support for New Zealand’s bioenergy sector.
“Diversifying New Zealand’s energy mix with new fuels and more energy sources is a critical step in ensuring long-term energy security. With the challenges our energy system is currently facing, finding cost-effective alternatives to power Kiwi industries has never been more important,” Mr Watts says.
Wood energy comes from residues of the forestry and manufacturing sectors and can be used to generate heat for industrial processes and electricity generation, offering an alternative to coal, gas, and electricity.
“The Government’s vision for the future of the wood energy sector is clear: New Zealand will accelerate wood energy as a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy resource for domestic and export markets,” Mr Watts says.
“Launching New Zealand’s first Wood Energy Strategy and Action Plan kickstarts this vision into action. Wood energy could replace around 40 per cent of fossil fuelled process heat by 2050, and displace 300,000 tonnes of coal at Huntly. This would reduce reliance of our energy system on imported fuels and domestic gas and cut down on emissions.
“Wood energy also has significant regional economic growth and employment opportunities, particularly for forest owners and wood processors. If New Zealand’s total demand for wood energy reached 40 Petajoules per year we could see 20 wood pellet mills hiring over 300 people.
“The Strategy, developed alongside my colleague Forestry Minister Todd McClay, sets out six clear objectives, while the Action Plan provides an overview of current and planned work to support the strategy, including new co-funding opportunities.
“Tomorrow, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) will release a Request for Proposals for $3 million in co-funding to accelerate wood energy aggregation facilities and I encourage eligible projects to apply. The Government has also committed $6 million in repayable grants to businesses looking at building wood energy supply manufacturing facilities.
The future of bioenergy in New Zealand is broader than just wood energy. As a renewable energy source, biogas could provide a local, clean solution to our long-term energy needs.
“The industry has been clear that it needs clarity from the Government in order to invest in the biogas market. That’s why today I am also pleased to announce the release of a Government Statement on Biogas, which reaffirms our commitment to the biogas market and sets out key actions we will take to enable its growth,” Mr Watts says.
“We will be exploring investment in new wood energy and biogas projects through the Request for Information to leverage the Government’s energy demand, which was announced recently in response to the electricity market performance review.
“We are also committed to getting the regulatory settings right for biogas investment and reducing barriers to the market’s development – all with the aim of attracting greater innovation and investment in the sector.
“Both the Wood Energy Strategy and Action Plan and the Government Statement on Biogas are great examples of how energy innovation can grow the New Zealand economy by creating new jobs in the regions, bolstering energy security and helping us achieve our climate goals.”
Source: New Zealand Government
Courts Minister Nicole McKee is welcoming the encouraging results from the 2025 Court User Survey, saying they reflect the efforts of court staff and ongoing work to fix what matters in the justice system.
“This year’s results show 82 per cent of respondents were satisfied with their experience at court, up from 76 per cent in 2023, the highest result since 2019,” says Mrs McKee.
“Going to court can be a stressful experience, so it’s heartening to see such positive feedback. These results are a testament to the dedication of our court staff and judges across the country.”
Mrs McKee says the survey reinforces that the Government’s focus on fixing what matters is delivering real improvements across almost all areas of the court system.
Other recent court improvements include:
“These improvements mean victims, families, and businesses are getting faster justice and closure, rather than being stuck in drawn-out proceedings.”
The survey also measured perceptions of safety in and around courthouses.
91 percent of respondents felt safe or very safe entering the courthouse, 95 per cent felt safe in the courtroom, and 89 per cent while giving evidence.
“Safety is fundamental to public trust in the justice system. Without it, justice simply cannot be delivered,” says Mrs McKee.
“While these results are overwhelmingly positive, further improvements are underway – especially with a focus on victims’ needs.
“Of those who said they felt unsafe at court, 17 per cent of respondents said it was because they were near the other party or their supporters.
“That’s why expanding the use of audio-visual links in court is so important. It allows participants to attend remotely so victims feel safer and speeds up court processes.
“Next year will see the rollout of further changes to fix what matters and deliver justice faster including the digital caseflow management system and an expanded role of community magistrates.”
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 22 October 2025
The West Coast CMS guides how conservation land is managed on the West Coast and includes information about what sort of activities are appropriate on various categories of conservation land.
In August, the Government announced decisions to modernise and streamline conservation land management. The Conservation Acts (Land Management) Amendment Bill is being drafted to give effect to these decisions.
Owen Kilgour, the Department of Conservation’s West Coast Operations Director, says “This means the requirements for our planning documents, like the CMS, are likely to change.
“Together with Poutini Ngāi Tahu and the West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board, we have decided to pause the CMS review until we have more clarity on what future planning documents will look like.”
The decision to pause the CMS reflects the West Coast context whereas other statutory planning processes, such as the Te Hiku o Te Ika a Maui CMS which is more progressed, continue.
At the end of 2024, the public were asked for their views through a survey on what was important to them on West Coast conservation lands and waters, and how they thought these places should be managed. This was the first stage in work the Department of Conservation (DOC), Poutini Ngāi Tahu and the West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board had progressed toward the new CMS.
Owen Kilgour says, “Over 1,000 people contributed to the survey and we’ve received some really useful information about what’s important to people and what they like to do when out naturing on conservation land.
“We thank everyone for their input and want to assure them this information will not be lost and will be useful in our future planning.”
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is making further changes to support business growth and New Zealand’s capital markets, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson.
“Mandatory climate reporting has imposed heavy costs on listed businesses. Some entities tell me they have spent up to $2 million on compliance, money they would rather invest in practical emissions reductions such as electric vehicles,” Mr Simpson says.
“I have also heard that the cost and risk associated with climate reporting may be deterring listings. Since 2020, 34 companies have listed on the NZX, six of which were IPOs, while 37 have de-listed. To future proof our markets, we need to ensure listing remains an attractive option for raising capital in New Zealand.”
Our first step was to make forward-looking financial information optional for NZX listings. That change took effect in June and reduces costs for companies considering a listing. Now we’re making common-sense adjustments to the climate reporting regime so it is fit for purpose.
Mr Simpson says the Government will:
Lift the mandatory climate reporting threshold for listed issuers from $60 million market capitalisation to $1 billion, striking a better balance between the regime’s aims and maintaining a healthy, competitive market.
Adjust director and company liability settings to reduce unnecessary risk and cost while preserving robust climate disclosures.
Remove managed investment schemes from the climate reporting regime, reflecting feedback from fund managers and investors that these disclosures are not useful for investment decisions in those products.
“Climate reporting was introduced by the previous Government, and New Zealand was first in the world to require it. While the intentions were solid, the rules proved too onerous and have become a deterrent for potential listers. It made sense to review these after the first year of reporting. We have listened to the feedback, examined how the regime operates in practice, and are now resetting the settings accordingly.
“Together, these changes will ensure the right entities are reporting, the regime is not making it harder for Kiwi firms to do business, and the information produced remains robust and useful.”
Mr Simpson says the decisions follow consultation earlier this year on climate reporting changes and on proposals to encourage more KiwiSaver investment in unlisted assets.
“We heard there is a clear need for better public information about unlisted investments at the fund level. The current lack of visibility makes it hard for investors to see how and where their savings are invested.
“To address this, we will require clearer reporting on how investments are split between public and private markets, and between New Zealand and overseas assets. These requirements will apply to KiwiSaver and other managed funds.
“Greater transparency is an important step toward increased private asset investment. Globally, more capital is moving into unlisted assets, and we are seeing the same trend here. Better information will help investors understand these opportunities.”
Notes to editors:
This legislation will be passed as part of the Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill.
The Finance and Expenditure Committee will consider this as part of their extended report back.
Source: New Zealand Government
More whānau in Kaikohe will soon have a warm, secure place to call home, through an Iwi – Crown partnership delivering 100 affordable rental homes, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.
“These homes will give whānau stability, connection, and pride, building the foundation to plan for the future,” Mr Potaka says.
The Bisset Road development will result in over $50m investment bring new opportunities, creating local jobs, apprenticeships, and business contracts in Kaikohe and across Te Tai Tokerau.
“Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi is leading the way with local solutions for local people. This partnership will ease the pressure on Kaikohe housing market and retain investment in Te Tai Tokerau.”
Backed by $34.1 million from the Government and $17.4 million from Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi, the project represents the Far North’s largest community-led affordable housing development.
The development directly addresses the towns toughest housing challenges, including overcrowding and limited rentals. Homes will be warm, dry, and modern, improving health and wellbeing for whānau.
“Over 25 years, all 100 homes will stay affordable, with rents capped at 80 percent of market rates, giving whānau long-term stability and room to grow. Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi will utilise local trades, timber, and suppliers, creating jobs and apprenticeships throughout construction.
The project is part of the Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga announcement at Waitangi Day 2025, which will result in over 400 affordable rentals for Māori being developed by 2027.
“This partnership shows what happens when Iwi and Government work side by side. We’re creating real homes, local jobs, and opportunities that last,” Mr Potaka says.
This builds on what our Government has delivered for housing so far:
Work at Bisset Road is expected to begin later this year, with all 100 homes complete by mid-2027.
Source: New Zealand Police
Motorists are being advised to expect delays following a crash on State Highway 20 this morning.
Emergency services are responding to the three-vehicle crash, just after the Walmsley Road off-ramp, which was reported to Police at about 6.04am.
At this stage there are no reports of injury.
One southbound lanes is blocked and motorists are advised to expect delays or seek an alternate route.
ENDS.
Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
To be attributed to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard:
Two years ago today, a small boy who the country has come to know as Baby Ru arrived at Hutt Hospital with critical injuries.
Tragically he passed away as a result of those injuries, just a few days short of his second birthday.
The cause of death was found to be blunt-force trauma, which Police believe to be non-accidental.
This week, Baby Ru and his wider whānau should have been excitedly preparing for his upcoming fourth birthday – instead, whānau are marking the second anniversary of his death.
Three adults remain persons of interest in the police investigation into Baby Ru’s death.
I know that people across New Zealand share the immense frustration – and sadness – that our investigation team feels, knowing that the person responsible for Baby Ru’s death has not yet been held to account for their actions.
I can assure the New Zealand public that our investigation team remain as committed as we were on day one of the homicide inquiry to ensuring that justice is served for Baby Ru.
I urge those who could help us hold Baby Ru’s killer to account to do so. Contact Police and tell us what you know. It’s not too late to do the right thing.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre