NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

One lane is blocked on State Highway 2, Takapau, following a crash this morning.

Police were called to the single-vehicle crash, where a truck has tipped on its side, at around 10:10am.

At this stage, there are no reports of serious injuries.

The lane is expected to be blocked for sometime while the vehicle is being removed.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible, and to expect delays.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that Sisters United Academy will open in Term 1 2026 as a charter school.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. All of the schools announced today demonstrate the innovation enabled by the charter school model,” Mr Seymour says. 

Sisters United Academy will teach Pasifika girls to be successful Pasifika women and proud of their culture. Every day students will partake in traditional activities and engage with Pasifika languages. 

“Students will be taught a personalised curriculum, tailored to their career aspirations and cultural needs. For example, students in years 12 and 13 will be offered flexible combinations of classroom learning, internships, tertiary study, overseas opportunities, or work experience,” Mr Seymour says. 

“AI learning tools will further personalise learning experiences for students. They will help students learn at their own pace, identify gaps in their knowledge early, and produce instant feedback for students. Teachers will monitor progress. 

“When it comes to education, one size does not fit all.

“Charter schools show education can be different if we let communities bring their ideas to the table. 

“These schools have more flexibility in return for strictly measured results. 

“The charter school equation is: the same funding as state schools, plus greater flexibility plus stricter accountability for results, equals student success. 

“There are more ideas in the communities of New Zealand than there are in the Government. That’s why we open ideas to the wider community, then apply strict performance standards to the best ones. 

“It will join the four new charter schools announced in the last week which will open in Term 1 2026. This takes the total number of charter schools to 16. We expect more new charter schools to be announced before the end of the year, along with the first state schools to convert.  

“I want to thank the Charter School Agency and Authorisation Board for the work they have done getting charters open. They considered 52 applicants for new charter schools. This year they tell me the choices were very difficult. 

“This is just the beginning. I hope to see many more new charter schools opening, and state and state-integrated schools converting to become charter schools.”

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  21 October 2025

Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) are an invasive pest fish which threaten our freshwater ecosystems by eating the aquatic plants our native fish species rely on.

The stocky fish has distinctive bright orange fins, and is thought to have been illegally introduced in the Motueka area in the late 1990s for sports fishing. They are known to have been released in 14 ponds.

Between 2000 and 2015, DOC carried out intensive eradication work as part of its local pest fish programme. Now, monitoring has confirmed rudd have been eradicated at all previously known sites.

Helen Otley, DOC Principal Ranger Biodiversity, says it’s been a big effort across the years to get to this point.

“It’s satisfying to confirm they’re gone,” says Helen. “Rudd are fast breeders, and can quickly outnumber and compete with native fish for food, as well as damage water quality.

Adult rudd eat lots of the plants our native fish need to survive, while the juveniles feed on plankton and invertebrates.

“We’re especially grateful to all the landowners who allowed access and helped with the eradication and monitoring work.

“We’re now confident all known rudd populations are finally gone from the region, but it’s always worth keeping an eye out. If anyone sees one in Tasman – they have very distinctive bright orange fins – please call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) immediately and tell us what you saw, the location, and the water conditions, and provide any photos or videos of the fish.”

Threats like rudd highlight the importance of thorough freshwater biosecurity practices, says Helen.

“Freshwater pests have been spread throughout the country both accidentally and on purpose, and have devastating impacts on our waterways. It’s vital people ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ all clothing, boots, gear, and watercraft when moving between waterways while out naturing.

“To clean your gear spray or soak it using water with 10% detergent. This is especially important right now with the whitebait season underway, and also provides protection against other freshwater pests like didymo, lake snow, and gold clams.

“Our unique nature gives us our identity and way of life, but nature is in trouble. Invasive species put huge pressure on our ecosystems, and we all have a part to play in protecting them.”

Helen says invasive koi carp were also eradicated from the Motueka District in the 2000s, but vigilance is still key due to the devastating impact they could have should they return.

“Unfortunately, we know there are still introduced gambusia, perch, and tench in the area, and we want to prevent them from further spreading and impacting other waterways. Gambusia are a particular concern for whitebait, as they can aggressively attack and prey on whitebait species.

“Recognising the threat that ‘coarse’ fish like rudd and perch pose to the region’s waterways, Fish & Game have prohibited coarse fishing in the Nelson/Marlborough region.”

Background information

For a pest fish to be declared eradicated from a site rigorous monitoring using specific methods must be carried out for three years without any detections.

Rudd are a deep-bodied fish with distinctive bright orange fins. The colour of their scales changes depending on their age, moving from green in juveniles through to a pale orange for adults. They are typically 25cm to 35cm long when full-grown.

For more information about Check, Clean, Dry to prevent spreading freshwater pests:
Check, Clean, Dry: preventing didymo and other pests | NZ Government 

Contact

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

By Joe Harawira, Pouwhakahaere

Our kaupapa ‘Always Be Naturing‘ is a call to all New Zealanders to take action, but what does that mean to Māori who already embrace the ideas of kaitiakitanga (guardianship): exercising care, responsibility, and stewardship over the environment?  

Kaitiakitanga is not ownership, but a sacred duty to care for the land and all its inhabitants.

The ‘Always Be Naturing’ kaupapa is enriched by kaitiakitanga, our ways of seeing, doing and understanding the natural world.  We as Māori, whakapapa to all living things and the universe. We are connected in a whakapapa sense. We recognise that all living and non-living things are interconnected through whakapapa—our genealogy binds us to the land, the waters, the winds, the animals, and the plants as one extended family.

One of the key messages of this kaupapa is to see nature, not as separate, but as part of us and this is very much how Māori view taiao. Te Mauri o te Taiao (The Life Force of the Environment) possesses mauri or lifeforce and our actions must honour and embrace this mauri, not diminish it.

I encourage all New Zealanders to embrace rangatiratanga (leadership and responsibility) to model respectful and sustainable relationships with the environment.

We are asking all New Zealanders to work together (kotahitanga) The natural world has ngā taonga tuku iho (treasures passed down) and it is an inheritance that is entrusted to us. Protecting it is a legacy we leave for our mokopuna (grandchildren) and all who come after us.

There are many things people can do including personal reflection on your own relationship with the environment.

We must strive for harmony between the human needs and the needs of the natural world as our wellbeing is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of taiao. I am asking everyone to consider how their own choices affect the land, water, and all living things. Take mindful actions every day to uphold your responsibility as kaitiaki. This is what it is all about, asking everyone to be mindful, to care and to protect taiao.

Papatūānuku (mother earth) is calling out to us. We need to understand what she is telling us; she is urging all of us to breathe life into the environment, to protect it for generations to come.

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Nature needs all kinds of help and every action adds up to support te taiao. Discover small ways you can make a big difference and get naturing the way you want to: www.doc.govt.nz/always-be-naturing/do-your-bit-for-nature

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now name the woman who died after a fatal crash on State Highway 1 in Marlborough on 14 October.

She was Phuong Thi Loan Nguyen, 28. 

Our condolences are with her family and friends during this difficult time.

Police continue to make enquiries into the circumstances of the crash.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greaves, Auckland City CIB:

Further charges have been laid following Operation Beverly, the investigation into alleged historical sexual offending at Dilworth School.

This week, detectives charged another man as part of our ongoing enquiries into these matters at the Auckland school.

A 72-year-old man has been charged with three counts of indecency with a boy between 12-16 years old.

These charges relate to additional alleged offending that has been identified as part of our ongoing enquiries.

The man will appear in Auckland District Court on Wednesday.

Investigators working on Operation Beverly have spoken with a number of former students who have been identified as being victims of sexual abuse while at the school.

While we have spoken to more than 150 former students, I still encourage anyone with information that hasn’t spoken with the investigation team yet to get in touch.

Anyone with any information, or who would like to make a report, can update Police online now or call 105.

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

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are seeking the public’s help to locate Maria, 29 and Rumetati, 28.

Both were last seen entering the Hākarimata Summit Track at 4:30pm yesterday and have not returned to their homes.

If you have been near the Hākarimata Summit Track area around that time and have seen either person, Police want to hear from you.

Land Search and Rescue are operating in the area today and Police have serious concerns for their welfare.

If you have seen them or have any information that might help us find them, please call 111 and quote file number 251021/4117 for Maria and 251021/4027 for Rumetati.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Moutere Highway, between Maisey and Old Coach Road, is closed following a fire.

Police received report of the fire around 12.40am today.

One person was treated for smoke inhalation.

Motorists should avoid the area as emergency services respond.

Diversions are in place.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

Combined funding of nearly $1.2 billion will see the Government’s Roads of National Significance programme move to the next phase of development, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“The Government is committed to building a long-term pipeline of transport infrastructure investments to redress New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit and build jobs and growth for Kiwis,” Mr Bishop says.

“Our Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme is a vital part of this pipeline, and I’m pleased to see good progress on getting these important projects ready for delivery.

“The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has now endorsed investment cases for all of the RoNS, with the most recent endorsements including Sections 2 and 3 of the Northland Expressway, the East West Link, Hamilton Southern Links, Petone to Grenada and Cross Valley Link, SH1 Wellington Improvements including a new Mt Victoria tunnel, and the Hope Bypass. These investment case summaries have now been published on NZTA’s website.

“The Board has also approved more than $675m in funding to progress consenting, design, route protection, site investigations, and some early works. In addition, more than $515m is expected to be used from approved RoNS property funding to enable local property acquisition to get underway on these projects. 

“The NZTA Board’s endorsement of these investment cases, and approval of funding for next steps, ensures progress on these projects can continue at pace. 

“It’s part of the Government’s work to ensure New Zealand has a credible pipeline of high value infrastructure projects extending into the future, and that they’re ready to go as funding becomes available. 

“It’s important that we also have a clear plan for delivery, including well-reasoned prioritisation to inform the order in which these RoNS are funded and delivered. The Government will have more to say about that in the coming months.

“Today’s news complements work already underway on other RoNS, including Warkworth to Te Hana, Cambridge to Piarere, Takitimu North Link Stage 1 and 2, SH29 Tauriko West, Mill Road Stage 1, Hawkes’s Bay Expressway, Otaki to north of Levin, Belfast to Pegasus and Woodend Bypass, and the SH16 alternative.”

“The Northland Expressway represents a transformational opportunity to boost jobs and growth in a region rich with potential. The investment case has confirmed the preferred route, with delivery readiness being prioritised for an alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills in line with our coalition agreement with New Zealand First,” Mr Bishop says.

“Overall, the investment case shows strong benefits with travel times reduced by up to 38 mins between Te Hana and Whangarei, deaths and serious injuries reduced by 66 per cent, travel time delay reduced by 64 per cent, and resilience risk reduced by 82 per cent on average. The Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) is 1.4.

“Next steps for NZTA include property acquisition, with consents and designation for an alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills (section 2b) expected to be lodged using the Fast-track Approvals Act (FTAA) by the end of March 2026. Designations for the remainder of the corridor are expected to be lodged via the FTAA by late 2026.

“The Northland Expressway is expected to be built in stages over multiple National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) periods. This allows NZTA to focus delivery of priority benefits sooner, alleviate resilience and safety issues, and provide a strong pipeline of staged work for the construction sector as funding allows in future.”

East West Link

“The Onehunga-Penrose area is a critical part of Auckland’s economy, generating 8 per cent of the region’s GDP. Strategically located between SH1, SH20, and the national rail network, the East West Link will help unlock economic potential, improve travel times, and reduce congestion,” Mr Bishop says.

“The investment case for the East West Link shows it represents a strong case for investment with time in congestion reduced by almost 30 per cent, travel time savings of up to 11.6 mins to SH1 and up to 3.2 mins to SH20. The BCR is 2.6 tolled/un-tolled, or 3.2 with Wider Economic Benefits (WEBs) included.

“The East West Link is expected to be built in stages, allowing NZTA to focus on unlocking incremental benefits to the network over time and spreading the cost over multiple NLTP periods. Next steps include route protection for the full project, detailed design of Stage 1 (Galway Link), consents, and property acquisition.”

Hamilton Southern Links

“The Waikato region plays a critical role in our economy, with its location making it a vital freight and distribution hub in the supply chain. By 2048, an extra 224,000 people are expected to be living in the Waikato and it’s crucial we have transport networks that can keep Hamilton and the Waikato moving,” Mr Bishop says.

“The investment case for Hamilton Southern Links is strong, with expected travel times reductions of 14 mins between Tamahere and western Hamilton. By 2055, it will also support access to 17,300 new houses and 7,100 new jobs. The BCR is 1.9 un-tolled, 1.6 tolled, and 2.3 with WEBs included.

“Next steps for NZTA include further design, updating the designation and regional consents, and acquiring remaining property. Much like other projects, Hamilton Southern Links is expected to be built in stages, spreading the construction and cost over multiple NLTP periods as construction funding becomes available.”

Petone to Grenada and Cross Valley Link

“North of Wellington, SH1 and SH2 suffer significant traffic congestion, with both corridors carrying over 70,000 vehicles daily. The Petone to Grenada and Cross Valley Link project (P2G and CVL) will support economic and housing growth, with significant travel time savings and better connectivity,” Mr Bishop says.

“The investment case for Petone to Grenda has confirmed a preferred and viable route, with travel time savings at peak of up to 23 mins between Lower Hutt and Porirua. The project also supports planned housing growth of more than 30,000 houses in Tawa, Porirua, and Hutt City. The BCR is 1.7 tolled/un-tolled, and 2.7 including WEBs. CVL has an incremental BCR of 2.0 assuming P2G is built first.

“The preferred route provides a more efficient connection with 70 per cent less earth works than previous designs, resulting in lower costs and less impact on communities. I’m pleased a feasible route for Cross Valley Link has also been identified. Next steps for the Petone to Grenada section include route protection, design, and consenting, with consents being sought through the FTAA as a listed project.”

SH1 Wellington Improvements

“Carrying up to 40,000 vehicles per day, around 4 per cent heavy vehicles, SH1 through Wellington is heavily congested at peak times with bottlenecks at the existing Terrace and Mt Vic Tunnels. This causes frustration and delay to people just trying to live their lives and go about their day,” Mr Bishop says.

“The investment case shows a good case for investment with strong benefits. It makes the best use of the existing SH1 tunnels and roading assets across the city, while also building much needed new capacity, flexibility, and resilience into the corridor. If tolled, the BCR is 1.0 including WEBs, and un-tolled the BCR is 1.2.

“Benefits include future travel times from the Wellington region to the central city, hospital, and airport reducing by up to 10 mins at peak times, travel time variability reducing by up to 40 percent, a 20 percent reduction in peak traffic on the Harbour Quays enabling increased use of buses, and an estimated 200 additional walking and cycling trips per day through the second Mt Victoria Tunnel.

“Walking and cycling between the eastern suburbs and the central city will also be safer with a new 3.6m wide enclosed shared path included in the second Mt Victoria Tunnel. The 1.4m raised path in the existing tunnel will be demolished to enable wider vehicle lanes and improved fire safety measures.

“NZTA has confirmed it will seek statutory approvals for the full project via the FTAA as a listed project. All necessary documentation for the tunnels and wider roading improvements will be submitted by July 2026.

“Geotechnical investigations will begin shortly along the second Mt Victoria Tunnel alignment. Work will begin in 2026, and the first packages may include the delivery of supporting road improvements, housing removal/demolition and site clearance.”

Hope Bypass

“SH6 provides a vital connection between Port Nelson and the wider upper South Island, supporting people and freight. Travel demand regularly exceeds capacity during peak periods, particularly in Richmond, and NZTA will prioritise investment that improves travel times, safety, and reduces congestion,” Mr Bishop says.

“The investment case has shown the Hope Bypass represents a good case for investment and strong benefits, with the immediate focus into two stages of work on SH6 between SH60 and Whakatu Drive. Further work between SH60 out to Edens Road in Hope to be retained for future prioritisation.

“Delivering the first two stages has strong benefits, with a reduction in peak travel times through Richmond by up to 16 mins, support for 11,000 new homes and a reduction of up to two injury crashes per year. The project will also retain cycleway routes and connections. If tolled, the BCR is 1.1, un-tolled it is 1.7.

“Next steps include geotechnical investigations, design, consenting, property acquisition, and procurement activities. The Hope Bypass is expected to be built in stages, allowing NZTA to address immediate capacity and safety issues, while the cost of construction will be spread over multiple NLTP periods.

“The Government is committed to delivering a strong and consistent pipeline of projects to support jobs and growth across New Zealand. I look forward to seeing further progress on these critical projects in the months and years ahead.”

Notes to Editor:
The Roads of National Significance investment case summaries are available on NZTA’s website.

Funding:  
Where tolling has been considered by the NZTA Board as part of the investment case for projects, and a recommendation made, the Government will consider this recommendation and announce next steps in due course.

Section 2 (Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway) and Section 3 (Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei)
•    Funding of $187m to progress design, consenting, and route protection, with priority given for an alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills (section 2b).

East West Link
•    Funding of $102m to progress design, consenting and route protection.

Hamilton Southern Links
•    Funding of $100m to progress design, consenting and significant site investigations work.

Petone to Grenada and Cross Valley Link
•    Funding of $32m to progress design, consenting and procurement activities.

SH1 Wellington Improvements
•    Funding of $185m to progress design, consenting, and early works development.

Hope Bypass
•    Funding of $72.6m to progress design, consenting and procurement activities.

Work already underway on RoNS: 
Construction is already underway on Takitimu North Link Stage 1, phase one of SH29 Tauriko West – the Omanawa Bridge replacement, and Otaki to north of Levin. Construction is due to begin on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway in November.

Procurement on Warkworth to Te Hana is also progressing, with a preferred bidder expected to be confirmed in early 2026 and, subject to successful contract negotiations, the contract is expected to be awarded in mid-2026. Detailed design and early construction works are expected to start in late 2026.

Consents have also been granted for Cambridge to Piarere, Takitimu North Link Stage 2 has had a Fast Track panel appointed, and Mill Road Stage 1 and Belfast to Pegasus and Woodend Bypass are currently working through their FTAA applications. The SH16 alternative is currently working through designation and strategic land acquisition.
 

Source: New Zealand Police

Safely resolving a fleeing incident, allegedly involving eight youths who were all too young to drive, was a top priority for Waitematā Police in the early hours of this morning.   

At about 3.20am, a Police unit observed a stolen Toyota travelling through the Massey area.

Waitematā West Area Response Manager, Acting Senior Sergeant Matt Bartlett, says the Police Eagle helicopter was deployed along with the Delta Dog Unit as the vehicle travelled along State Highway 1.

“The vehicle failed to stop after exiting the Waterview Tunnel, despite being signalled by Police. 

“It took off at speed and Police opted not to pursue, as it continued along the South-Western Motorway towards Blockhouse Bay.”

Acting Senior Sergeant Bartlett says the vehicle was successfully spiked on State Highway 20, near the Hillsborough off-ramp.

“Eight youths, all aged between 12 and15, were taken into custody.

“It’s a good result all round and thankfully no one was injured.”

Three youths will appear in the Waitakere Youth Court this week on a range of related charges including dangerous driving and failing to stop.

ENDS.

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police