NZ Engine

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

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Sergeant Samantha Pettigrew, Cambridge Public Safety Team:

Multiple incidents in Cambridge have landed three before the courts after they were no match for a Waikato Police Dog Unit.

On Sunday, Police were notified of three people unlawfully entering a commercial premises on Robinson Street at around 2.15am.

The alleged offenders have targeted vapes and cigarettes before fleeing the area in a vehicle.

About 2.50am, Police were called to a private property on Brancaster Place. The occupants of the house have woken to find the offenders taking items from the property.

The offenders have left the scene prior to Police arrival.

A stolen vehicle was located near the property, alongside a weapon believed to have been used in the Robinson Street burglary.

Thankfully, the occupants of the property were not harmed, however, they are understandably shaken by the incident and are being provided support.

At around 4.15am, Police received multiple reports of people breaking into vehicles on Thornton Road.

Upon arrival, a Police Dog Unit has picked up an offender’s scent and located a 18-year-old man a short time later near Lake Te Koutu.

When the man was taken into custody, Police found a number of items believed to have been taken in the Robinson Street burglary.

After some quick rewards for our canine, it was back to work to assist in locating the two remaining offenders.

About 5.45am, two youths were tracked near Carters Cresent where they were taken into custody.

This is a great example of our policing teams working together and with a coordinated approach to apprehend the alleged offenders and hold them to account.

Waikato Police will continue to deploy a range of resources to respond to this type of offending in order to keep our communities safe.

The 18-year-old man is due to appear in Hamilton District Court today, charged with committing a burglary with a weapon and unlawfully getting into a vehicle.

Two young people are due to appear in Youth Court at a later date.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: NZCTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is concerned by new data released by Statistics New Zealand showing that the cost of living increased by 3%, more than public and private sector wage growth.

“Wages are rising by less than inflation, meaning all workers, regardless of sector, are now falling behind average living costs. The Government need to go to Specsavers for its laser-like focus on the cost of living,” said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney. 

“The prices of things that New Zealanders can’t avoid are rising quickly, putting more stress on already overstretched household budgets.

“Electricity prices are up 11.3%. Gas prices are up 15%. Fruit and veg prices are up 7.5%. Contents insurance is up 9.3%. Going to the GP costs 10.3% more than last year. Rents are still rising faster than wages (2.6% vs 2.4%) – which is often the biggest cost working families face.

“This data shows the pressures that working families are facing when they in their day-to-day spending. Cuts to government investment – particularly water infrastructure – have helped drive higher local authority rates bills.

“The Government’s failure to regulate the electricity market is leading to the highest annual cost rises since the late 1980s according to Stats NZ.

“At a time when the Government is taking away jobseeker benefits from 18- & 19-year-olds, Stats NZ recorded a 22.6% increase in the cost of tertiary education. We know that the Government has already halved its support for apprentices, yet we have a huge youth employment problem. It is another symbol of a government that is out of touch with the public and what New Zealanders and the economy really need.

“There is an urgent need to make sure that working people and their families don’t continue to bear the brunt of the Government’s failed attempt to manage the cost of living.

“Workers pay is now actively going backwards, and pay deals proposed by the Government would almost certainly make that worse. It’s time for a different approach so that workers don’t see living standards falling even further in the future,” said Renney.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is moving to improve access to credit for New Zealanders through changes to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill, which was reported back from the Select Committee today.

These reforms will restore common sense to lending, reduce unnecessary red tape, and ensure responsible borrowers can access finance when they need it, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson says. 

“I would like to thank the Select Committee for the work they have done on this Bill, and all those who took the time to make submissions,” Mr Simpson says.

“I said from the outset that I wanted these proposals to be tested through the Select Committee process, and I’m pleased that has now been completed.

“As a result of the feedback received, the Committee has recommended a number of changes, which the Government parties will accept. This includes adjustments to the retrospective element of the legislation.

“While retrospective law change is unusual, in this case I believe it is justified. The intent has always been to fix bad law and ensure the courts have the discretion to reach fair and equitable outcomes. 

“Through the Select Committee process, it was suggested that ongoing court cases be exempt from these provisions. The Committee considered this carefully and recommended that approach, and the Government parties agree.

“There has been significant attention on the retrospective element of the Bill, which has at times overshadowed the broader purpose of these reforms. Ultimately, this legislation is about improving access to credit and reducing unnecessary red tape for both lenders and consumers.”

Mr Simpson says the reforms will make it simpler for New Zealanders to access credit when they need it, whether for buying a home, growing a business, or managing family finances.

“Previous changes saw banks and other lenders weighed down by excessive compliance requirements. That led to an overly cautious approach to lending, making it harder for Kiwis to access affordable credit when they needed it most.

“Many will remember the frustration of being asked intrusive questions about everyday expenses such as takeaways or streaming subscriptions when applying for a home loan. That is why the Government acted to remove unnecessary rules, bring back common sense, and make it easier for responsible borrowers to access finance.”

The Bill also simplifies the regulatory framework to reduce compliance costs for businesses.

“Currently, many firms face oversight from three separate regulators: the Financial Markets Authority, the Commerce Commission, and the Reserve Bank. This can be unnecessarily complex and confusing, and these changes will streamline that system.

“Another important change removes personal liability for directors and senior managers over minor administrative mistakes. That provision was discouraging capable people from taking up governance roles and added to the regulatory burden faced by lenders.

“These reforms are part of the Government’s wider financial services reform package, which is focused on creating a more dynamic, fair, and accessible financial system for all New Zealanders.”

Notes to editors:

The Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill is being progressed as part of the Government’s financial services reforms.

This also includes the Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill and the Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Amendment Bill. 

Together, these Bills form part of a comprehensive overhaul that will rebalance the system to ensure consumer protection without stifling access to credit or innovation.

This delivers on a National-ACT coalition agreement to rewrite the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 to protect vulnerable consumers without unnecessarily limiting access to credit.

Source: NZCTU

53 years since the Equal Pay Act 1972 was passed, NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges is calling on political parties to reverse the recent changes to the Act that undermine women’s pay equity rights.

On 6 May, the National-led Government announced sweeping changes to the Equal Pay Act, gutting pay equity. Active claims were cancelled, and barriers were raised for future claims – impacting over 350,000 people.

“The Equal Pay Act recognises a simple truth: women deserve equal pay for work of equal value. It’s shameful that the Government has undermined that,” said NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.

“The Act was born from the courage and solidarity of working women and their unions who refused to accept inequality.

“We are being taken backwards by the Government. Women’s hard-won rights are being sacrificed to fund tax cuts for landlords and tobacco companies. 

“Māori women and Pasifika people are effectively working for free for the rest of the year because of persistent gender and ethnic pay gaps, with all women working for free from the 30th of November—that’s a national shame.

“To dismantle decades of progress overnight without consultation is a disgrace. It was a slap in the face for New Zealand women who have been fighting for equality for generations.

“We are calling on political parties to commit to reversing the Equal Pay Act changes, restoring pay equity claims and fully funding settlements,” says Ansell-Bridges.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are making positive progress following an aggravated robbery at a Birkenhead store earlier this month.

At about 1.35pm on 1 October, Police responded to reports of three people armed with weapons (not firearms) entering a commercial premises on Mokoia Road.

The group entered the shop, smashing cabinets and taking a number of items before fleeing in a stolen vehicle.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Renfree, Waitematā CIB, says the investigation team has been working hard to identify and locate those involved.

“Late last week our team executed a number of search warrants at properties in Counties Manukau.

“A 16-year-old was taken into custody and charged with aggravated robbery,” he says.

An 18-year-old has also been arrested in relation to this incident and will appear in Hamilton District Court today.

“We’re incredibly pleased with the progress made by the team, however this investigation remains ongoing.

“Police take this sort of offending very seriously and will continue to hold offenders to account.”

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Renfree says the cost to victims who have their vehicles stolen is also significant.

“This includes the financial loss of the vehicle, potential damage to personal property, and the expenses associated with temporary transport and possible insurance issues.”

Police cannot rule out further arrests or charges in relation to this incident.

A 16-year-old will appear in Manukau Youth Court on 11 November.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health