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Source: Privacy Commissioner

24 Sept 2025, 09:00

The Privacy Commissioner says the Privacy Amendment Act, which has just become law, will increase transparency and help New Zealanders to better exercise their privacy rights.   

Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says that the important change in the Privacy Amendment Act is the addition of new Information Privacy Principle 3A (IPP3A).  

Agencies already have to inform people when they collect their personal information from them, under IPP3. Under new IPP3A, if an agency (business or organisation) collects an individual’s personal information from someone other than the person themselves (i.e. indirectly), then that agency is required to tell the person, unless an exception applies. 

If an agency has collected personal information indirectly, IPP3A requires them to take reasonable steps to make sure that the person concerned is told:

• that the information has been collected
• the purpose of the collection
• the intended recipients of the information
• the name and address of the agency that is collecting the information and the agency that holds the information
• whether the collection is authorised or required by law and which particular law
• their right to access and correct their information.

IPP3A will come into force on 1 May 2026, and all organisations will need to have their systems in place to comply with the new requirements by then. There are a range of practical exceptions that will help agencies to apply the new IPP3A in their context.

Earlier this year OPC consulted on draft guidance for organisations about the requirements of IPP3A. We will be publishing this guidance on privacy.org.nz later this year.

OPC is also reviewing the Codes of Practice issued under the Privacy Act to determine whether any amendments are required to incorporate IPP3A. 

“Telling people when you’re collecting information about them supports open and transparent collection practices and helps people better understand where and how their information is being used,” says Mr Webster. 

“The passing of the Privacy Amendment Act helps support that transparency for New Zealanders. This reform helps keep our privacy law in line with other countries like Australia, the UK and Europe. There are other pressing privacy reforms that I will continue to advocate for with the government of the day.” 

Source: New Zealand Police

Porirua Police are seeking information about a group of five males who regularly ride dirt bikes from Waitangirua or Cannons Creek, across iwi land, into Belmont Park and then Belmont Farm. The group has been responsible for causing damage to multiple fences and newly planted native trees.

Their behaviour on the bikes is endangering the public, including families using the park, road users and workers in the park. They are also terrifying livestock, including sheep that are currently lambing.

If you witness these activities or have information that can assist Police, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report via 105 if it is after the fact. Please quote the file number 250718/6415.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Maritime New Zealand

Education resources and guidance are key parts of implementing the Approved Code of Practice for Loading and Unloading Cargo at Ports and on Ships (ACOP).

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  24 September 2025

Banks Peninsula and Akaroa Harbour are a stronghold for the threatened Hector’s dolphin, which is mostly found around the coast of the South Island. The sheltered harbour is ideal to see the dolphins, especially over the summer months when they visit in greater numbers to feed and rear their young.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has set new limits across the six permitted dolphin watch and swim operators, based on the latest research, to prevent adverse impacts on dolphin behaviour and support a thriving dolphin population.

DOC Operations Manager Andy Thompson says the limits do not significantly affect operators’ recent activity levels and will allow for some growth.

“The limits allow up to 20 trips per day across all operators over the busiest summer months and no more than 12 trips per day for six months of the year.

“This provides room for operators to increase activity to levels just below pre-Covid peaks. For example, in 2019/2020 there were only 10-15 days during peak season where operators collectively exceeded the new 20-trip limit.”

The limits were informed by new research carried out over the past few years using an underwater acoustic device to monitor dolphin activity alongside vessel movements at a dolphin hotspot and popular viewing area in the harbour. This provides evidence that vessel activity can start to displace the dolphins from the key viewing area when there are more than 12 trips per day. This effect becomes greater when daily trips increase beyond 20.

“We need to protect the dolphins from too much disturbance so they can forage and rest, and to avoid pushing them further out of the harbour. A healthy dolphin population will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the local dolphin watching industry and cultural and environmental values of Akaroa Harbour,” says Andy.

“DOC thanks the dolphin operators and Ōnuku Rūnanga for their feedback during the permit review process, which helped inform the changes.

“Hector’s dolphins are one of the world’s smallest dolphins and found only in New Zealand. They are a special part of Akaroa and people feel a strong connection to them. We want to keep working with local people and harbour users to find solutions that work for everyone and ensure the wellbeing of the dolphins.”

Recreational boats in Akaroa Harbour may also be affecting the dolphins on busy summer days. DOC is looking into the feasibility of speed restriction zones focussed on Akaroa Marine Reserve.

Boat users can do their bit for nature when naturing out on the water and have an enjoyable and safe encounter with dolphins by following the rules. These include slowing to an idle or ‘no wake’ speed (less than 10 knots) within 300 metres of dolphins and approaching from a direction that is parallel or to the rear of dolphins.

Contact

Source: NZCTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi has welcomed changes to the Holidays Act that will provide sick, bereavement and family violence leave from day one of employment, remove the unfairness for those returning from parental leave, increase casual loading, and provide for pay statements.

However, some workers lose out in the changes proposed including removing commission and bonuses from holiday pay, reducing sick leave for part timers, and removing leave accruing for workers on ACC.

“The CTU has long advocated for improvements to the Act. We remain deeply concerned about the earnings that have been denied working people due to misapplication of the current Act. While we were successful in getting remedial settlements for many workers, such as health employees at Te Whatu Ora, many people have still missed out,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

“When this review commenced under the last government, businesses and unions agreed that the Holidays Act should be simplified but that reforms should not result in a reduction in worker leave entitlements. 

“The proposed changes do not fully honour that understanding – they will reduce sick leave entitlements for part-time workers (and holiday pay for those on commission). 

“The impacts will disproportionately fall on Māori, Pasifika, women and other vulnerable workers, who are more likely to be in part-time and insecure work.

“It is good that the Act will be simplified but that didn’t need to come at the expense of the hard-won entitlements of working people,” said Wagstaff.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

DOC Visitor Centres are more than just starting points for outdoor adventures. They’re places where visitors can plan their trips, learn about the natural and cultural history of Aotearoa, and connect with knowledgeable rangers who know their local landscapes inside out. Increasingly, they’re also becoming hubs for conservation action — inspiring people to take what they’ve experienced in our wild places and turn it into meaningful steps to protect nature at home.

© (M) All copyright reserved and all moral rights asserted. Michael McQueen

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Where to go to be in the know

Our Visitor Centre’s are popular fixtures in and around our national parks and gateways to our special places. They have a significant role providing advice around planning your adventures and keeping you safe in the outdoors. Yet Visitor Centres are so much more than that.

They can help with hunting permits, booking huts, information on natural history, ecology and cultural stories at place. Questions like “is there a reason great spotted kiwis are so big?” to “where can I buy feijoa jam and lamb gravy?” can really test how well our rangers can pivot – they get it all!

Visitor centres are incredibly valuable because you can get bespoke advice from a knowledgeable ranger, who knows their local area well. And they try their upmost to provide the best customer service and are always looking at new ways they can seize the moment to educate for nature.

Stepping up for nature

One type of enquiry they receive is around how people can do their part for our taonga species. People are arriving at our visitor centres, inspired by their surroundings and have made a decision to take action for nature in their own backyards. It’s amazing how our beautiful spaces really make us evaluate what is important to us. It is this part that got Jacob Fleming (DOC Product Coordinator) thinking. How do we capitalise on the public’s desire to do the right thing, right when they’ve made the decision to do it?

One action New Zealanders can take is joining the Predator Free 2050 movement. This can be as simple as a trap in your backyard or spreading the good word. Visitor Centres regularly stock the FREE Practical Guide to Trapping, and thousands have been given out to New Zealanders up and down the motu. But what if you’re ready to get your trap now?

Jacob reached out to Goodnature, to collaborate on how we can get mouse, rat and mustelid traps into our visitor centres. “It seems like a natural retail offering. If we talk to people about our biodiversity crisis, then we should be able to provide them with ways they can help”.  People are often travelling as they come through our national parks, so are reluctant to purchasing a large trap like a DOC200, “but the Goodnature A24 traps and mousetrap are portable and can be used in their backyards when they get home”. What a great memento.

Where can you get your trap

So far, Nelson Lakes, Arthurs Pass and Whakatipu-wai-Māori/Queenstown have started stocking the new Goodnature traps, with the other visitor centres to follow. But many other centres already stock other varieties of traps, and plenty of other products that also allow you to get out and be a nature warrior.

Next time you’re out appreciating our beautiful outdoors, pop into our visitor centres and ask the ranger how you can restore and protect your slice of heaven – we know they’ll have a few options up their sleeve for you.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  24 September 2025

This car park in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park provides access to several popular day and overnight walks such as Hooker Valley Track, Kea Point Track, and to Mueller and Hooker huts. The White Horse Hill Campground next to the carpark is DOC’s most visited campground.

The proposal for the site includes some signage upgrades in the existing car park to help improve the flow of traffic and to facilitate people finding a parking space.

DOC Director of Heritage and Visitors Catherine Wilson says, “By paying for parking at these popular locations, visitors are contributing to the facilities and nature they’re enjoying.”

The local community and stakeholders provided input during the submission process on paid parking earlier in the year.

DOC is now looking for feedback on the pricing proposal and invites people to a drop-in session at the DOC office at Aoraki on 29 September from 2 pm to 3 pm.

“We think the pricing proposal is fair and reasonable. It responds to calls for an initial free period, special consideration for locals, and a reasonable fee for visitors.

“It is designed to be simple and easy to understand and provide different fee options for different users of the car park,” says Catherine Wilson.

The pricing proposal includes: 

• Free parking period for 20 minutes to allow for drop-offs/pick-ups or short stops 
• Hourly rate of $5 per hour 
• Daily rate of $25 per day 
• Annual pass for locals (within Mackenzie District boundaries) of $10 per year, which allows for unlimited access during the year 
• Annual pass for other regular visitors for $60 per year  
• Concession-holding tourism operators will be able to apply for a parking fee exemption during the pilot, allowing DOC time to assess how parking and the proposed access charges at some sites align with Crown activity fees.

The paid parking pilot is planned to start in December 2025 and continue until the end of June 2026.  Paid parking will also be introduced at Dolomite Point in Punakaiki and Franz Josef.

Payment machines will be installed at the sites and cameras will record the entry and exit of vehicles. The company providing paid parking hardware will issue breach notices to vehicles for non-payment.  

DOC’s estimated combined revenue from all three paid parking pilots is approximately $1.5million over the 7-month pilot period (December 2025 to June 2026).  

“Legislation allows us to charge people fair and reasonable fees to use our facilities, which include campsites, huts and car parks,” says Catherine.

“This is standard practice at many national parks overseas. Most international visitors accept this as a necessary contribution to support the amazing nature they come to New Zealand to enjoy.”  

Once the pilot is complete including a review of the results, a decision will be made whether to continue with paid parking at the three sites, and if it should be extended to other busy sites.  

For more information visit DOC’s website: Paid parking pilot programme

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested a man in connection with more than 40 fraud related offences totalling over $68,000.

Officers attended a property in Long Bay this morning where a 34-year-old man was taken into custody.

Waitematā East Area Prevention Manager, acting Inspector Tim Williams, says numerous credit card frauds were committed across New Zealand during 2024 and 2025.

“After a prolonged and complex investigation over nearly a year, our staff identified three people of interest.”

He says a man and woman were recently charged in relation to these offences and since then, investigators have identified a third person they believe to be responsible.

“The total value of goods fraudulently obtained exceeds $68,000.

“Police take fraud seriously and we will continue to hold offenders who participate in these activities to account.”

Acting Inspector Williams says if anyone suspects they have been a victim of fraud they should contact their bank immediately.

“It’s important to contact your bank first, then Police, as soon as you realise you’ve been the victim of fraud to give us the best chance of catching the offender and helping you recover your losses.”

Police have opposed the man’s bail and he will appear in North Shore District Court tomorrow facing 41 fraud related charges.

If you believe you are or have been the victim of fraud, contact Police at 105.police.govt.nz , or call Police on 105 and report the matter.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Construction has kicked off on the new 24-kilometre stretch of State Highway 1 from Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL), delivering major economic benefits for the region alongside big improvements to safety and reliability, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Breaking ground on Ō2NL is a huge moment for Horowhenua and the lower North Island. This expressway will cut congestion, improve safety, and give farmers and freight a more reliable route. It will also support the housing growth the region is experiencing,” Mr Bishop says.

“For years locals have been frustrated by crashes, delays and resilience issues on this stretch of road. Ō2NL is the fix.

“This project is part of the Wellington northern corridor the last National Government kicked off in 2013. It follows the success of Transmission Gully, Mackays to Peka Peka and Peka Peka to Ōtaki – all of which have slashed travel times and improved safety.

“The current Kāpiti highway carries up to 19,500 vehicles a day. The new Expressway is expected to create evening peak travel time savings of up to 15 minutes for trips from Otaki to north of Levin and 6 mins for trips from Otaki to Levin. That’s time back in people’s days, and it means goods can move more efficiently too.

“We’ve already seen the benefits the Kāpiti Expressway has delivered. Ō2NL is the vital next link – boosting economic growth nationally and locally, and helping unlock development opportunities in the Horowhenua.

“I want to acknowledge the tireless advocacy of local MPs Tim Costley and Suze Redmayne. Ō2NL is a great example of this Government getting on and delivering the transport projects that make a real difference for New Zealanders.”

The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2029.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating an assault in Papamoa are seeking help from the public.

Detective Sergeant Sam Pritchard says a report was made on Sunday 21 September of the assault on Maranui Street a short time earlier.

“The female victim was walking along Maranui Street from the intersection of Coast Boulevard, west towards Bayfair, about 4:40pm,” he says.

“She has turned around upon reaching the retirement village at the intersection of Mangatawa Boulevard, and began walking back east along Maranui Street, on the oppose side of the road to the beach.

“It is at this point an unknown person has assaulted her from behind.”

Detective Sergeant Pritchard says the woman then broke free of his grasp and yelled out. The unknown person ran off across the road heading towards a campervan, a small red vehicle, and another vehicle parked on the beach side of the road, near the boardwalk beach access.

“It’s believed the offender ran towards the dunes, however this can’t be confirmed.”

The woman has continued to walk back to where she started, and a noticed a white utility vehicle with two male occupants who watched her as they passed slowly.

“This was a scary experience for this woman, who despite being uninjured physically was very shaken, and we are hoping for her sake to identify who did this,” Detective Sergeant Pritchard says.

The person who assaulted the woman is described to have a medium to stocky build, was likely male, and is described as wearing:

• A black fabric balaclava
• Black sunglasses
• A white hoodie with an image covering the upper back.
• White, grey, and green camouflage cargo pants with side leg pockets.
• Sneakers
• Possibly gloves.

If anyone has any information which may help Police identify this individual, or if you saw what happened or any suspicious behaviour around this time on Sunday, please get in touch.

Contact Police on 105 and reference file number 250922/6208.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre