Dangerous driving leads to arrest

Source: New Zealand Police

A dangerous driver allegedly travelling on the wrong side of the road with his children in the car will now face court.

At about 12.20am, Police attempted to stop a vehicle seen travelling at excess speed on Pilkington Road, Panmure.

“The vehicle failed to stop and has then been observed running a red light before continuing on,” Auckland City East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Tony Ngau Chun, says.

“Units have managed to spike the vehicle in Ōtāhuhu and again in Manukau, where the vehicle has continued at low speed on the wrong side of the road.”

Senior Sergeant Ngau Chun says the driver was eventually blocked by Police and quickly taken into custody.

“Four family members were inside the vehicle at the time, and the driver’s behaviour was extremely concerning.

“We work hard to stop and prevent dangerous driving because we know this can, and does, result in serious crashes with sometimes dire consequences.

“If you see any dangerous driving activity please contact Police on 111 if it’s happening now or 105 if it’s after the fact.”

A 40-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court on 19 February charged with failing to stop and ill-treatment/neglect of a child under 18.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Common sense approach to life-saving medicines

Source: New Zealand Government

Trained Oranga Tamariki staff will shortly be able to administer life-saving medicines, in a common sense move that will also allow young people to access the services of Nurse Practitioners.

“Previously only a doctor or nurse could administer EpiPens and Glucagon Pen Kits, and if there wasn’t a doctor or nurse at the residence when a young person had a severe medical reaction, staff in the room were unable to respond,’ says Minister Chhour.

“This put young people at serious risk, it is unconscionable and defies common sense, we could not let that continue.

“Trained staff will shortly be authorised to administer emergency injectable medications in residences and potentially save lives.”

The changes introduced include:

  • Trained and authorised residence workers will be allowed to use emergency injectable medications to save the life of a young person experiencing a medical emergency.
  • The types of approved emergency injectable medications will begin with EpiPens and Glucagon Pen Kits, while new emergency injectable medications can be approved for use in the future.
  • EpiPens may be administered without a prescription to enable access to this emergency medication when a young person may have an unknown allergy.
  • Young people can access the services of Nurse Practitioners, while maintaining the right for young people to access a Medical Practitioner if they prefer.
  • Young people will also have access to prescribed medications from authorised prescribers.

“We expect these changes to come into effect by mid-2026 and Oranga Tamariki will be working closely with residence staff to ensure they are well-trained and confident in their ability to use these medicines in an emergency situation,” says Minister Chhour.

Training and authorisation for staff will start shortly, beginning with EpiPen use. Annual refresher training will follow.

Mautohe Cathedral Cove closed as weather warnings issued

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  13 February 2026

Periods of rain, some it heavy, are predicted for Coromandel through 13, 14 and 15 February. A MetService Orange Weather Warning for the area was issued at 11 am today.

DOC’s Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly says the Trigger Response Action Plan for Mautohe Cathedral Cove requires tracks to close whenever weather warnings are issued amid rainfall events.

“DOC has a vital responsibility to manage visitor risk at the site,” Nick says.

“That approach means closing the tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove when we see heavy rain events coming in.

“We want people to be safe, that’s our priority. This is not the time to go naturing at Mautohe Cathedral Cove – do not put yourself at risk.

“The local team hopes to reopen the tracks to the cove once the storm passed, and inspections have been undertaken by DOC staff,” Nick says.

Nick says DOC’s north Coromandel campsites are open – but visitors should consider whether camping is sensible with wet weather forecast, and should check Thames Coromandel District Council and NZTA websites for road information.

DOC closed the tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove on 21 January due to a storm that swept across the North Island. The tracks were damaged and remained closed until 30 January while a geotechnical inspection was undertaken.

Earlier geological assessments at Mautohe Cathedral Cove have also shown there is a residual risk of landslides and rockfalls as the soil above and around the cove dries out following rain events.

The cove can still be accessed from the sea but anyone planning to do this should think carefully about the risks – including the possibility of rockfall and further landslides – and whether visiting is sensible at this time.

Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Garbrielle. DOC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

Moa Point sewage spill raises bird strike fear at Wellington Airport

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Airport is taking safety measures for planes following the Moa Point failure. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Wellington Airport says it has noticed increased bird activity near its runway this week, and it is taking safety measures for planes following the Moa Point failure.

The sewage plant melted down last week, flooding the building with waste and sending raw sewage into the nearby south coast.

Nearby beaches remained off limits due to tens of millions of litres of screened but untreated sewage flowing out the plant’s 1.8-kilometre outfall pipe each day.

Wellington Airport’s location is very close to Moa Point.

With the risk of bird strike for aircraft in mind, its head of operations, Matthew Palliser, told RNZ they were monitoring the animals.

“We are keeping a close eye on bird activity around the airport and have noticed some increased activity at times this week, but we are always prepared for this.”

Palliser said the airport had regular patrols checking the runway and that they worked closely with the Airways control tower.

“When required, we use a range of tools to scare birds off, including different noises.

“We also have a full-time Wildlife Officer who monitors bird activity.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

One killed, others injured in crash on Canterbury highway

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / REECE BAKER

One person has died following a crash in north Canterbury that left multiple people trapped.

Emergency services were called to State Highway 7, north of Waikari, at about 6.40am on Friday after a car went off the road.

At least four Fire and Emergency NZ crews worked to help free people trapped in the car.

Police said despite best efforts of emergency services, a critically injured person died at the scene.

St John said two others were in a serious condition and a third person was in a moderate condition.

State Highway 7, between McRaes and Mt Alexander roads, was blocked as a result of the crash, a police spokesperson said.

“The road remains closed while emergency services work at the scene.

“Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.”

St John had sent three ambulances and a helicopter to help.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

“Traffic management is in place and motorists should expect delays.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Warrant to arrest: Steven Te Maru Walters

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are working to locate Steven Te Maru Walters, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.

Walters, 40, is wanted by Police in relation to breaching his release conditions and is known to frequent the Whangārei area.

It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.

If you have seen Walters or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250220/4117.

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

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Foreign Minister hosts Commonwealth Secretary General

Source: New Zealand Government

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey on her first official visit to New Zealand today. 

“The Commonwealth plays an important role in bringing countries together around shared values,” Mr Peters says. 

“New Zealand welcomes the Secretary-General’s engagement in the Pacific and her focus on reform, and we look forward to continued engagement on priorities of mutual interest.” 

In their talks in Auckland, Mr Peters emphasised New Zealand’s support for a Commonwealth that is effective, accountable, and focused on its core strengths, including democracy, good governance, human rights, and the rule of law. 

Discussions also focused on the Secretary-General’s ambitious reform agenda and the importance of initiatives such as the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration in delivering tangible impacts for small states, including the Pacific.

Fatal crash, Karaka Road / State Highway 7, Waikari

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm that one person has died following a crash in Hurunui this morning.

The single vehicle crash on Karaka Road / State Highway 7 was reported about 6.40am.

Despite best efforts by emergency services sadly one person died at the scene.

In addition, one person has been seriously injured and two people have been moderately injured.

The road was closed while emergency services worked at the scene, and it has now reopened.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Football: Injured All Whites star Chris Wood gets ‘positive news’

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Whites captain Chris Wood is on the comeback from injury. PHOTOSPORT

All Whites captain Chris Wood’s road to recovery from a knee injury has taken many routes, but the striker has had positive news as he looks ahead to the path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Wood suffered the injury in mid-October while playing in the English Premier League for Nottingham Forest and had surgery in December.

While he has been sidelined, Wood has watched Forest slip towards the relegation zone and fire a third manager this season.

“The easiest thing to say would be it’s part and parcel of football, but it’s been frustrating,” Wood said of his recovery in an interview recorded by Nottingham Forest.

“The manner of the injury has not been perfect because we’ve tried different things, had setbacks, having to go down different routes with surgery and things like that. It’s not been smooth sailing.”

Wood said by “suffering through the lows” of this season it would help him “come back stronger and better”.

“It’s getting better day by day, which is great. Had some positive news yesterday from the surgeon to say I can get on to the next stages and things like that, so it’s better for my rehab now.

“I’ve got to do the right things to get back fit and ready.”

The 34-year-old said he was looking forward to returning to play before the end of the Premier League in May and the World Cup, which kicks off in June.

“There is a lot on the horizon which will be fantastic to be a part of, and the World Cup is definitely one of them.”

He will miss the All Whites’ FIFA Series in Auckland next month.

The All Whites’ last warm-up game before the World Cup is against England.

“Coming up against England will be a great occasion, a tough opponent for us… we’ve always wanted to pit ourselves against the best and England is definitely one of the best and one of the favourites for the World Cup, so it will be a good experience, for sure.”

Wood was recognised with The New Zealand Society’s inaugural Pride of New Zealand award in London last week.

Aware of the influence he had on the next generation of football players in Aotearoa, Wood said he wanted to be an inspiration.

“We’ve had a lot of Kiwis playing across the world at great levels but we’ve only ever had six ever play in the Premier League, and that’s something you’ve got to be extremely proud [of].

“We want more Kiwis playing in the Premier League or playing at high levels around the world, and we’ve got quite a lot who do it, but hopefully there can be a lot more coming after seeing what can be achieved with Kiwis around the world.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Football: Injured All Whites star Chris Wood get ‘positive news’

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Whites captain Chris Wood is on the comeback from injury. PHOTOSPORT

All Whites captain Chris Wood’s road to recovery from a knee injury has taken many routes, but the striker has had positive news as he looks ahead to the path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Wood suffered the injury in mid-October while playing in the English Premier League for Nottingham Forest and had surgery in December.

While he has been sidelined, Wood has watched Forest slip towards the relegation zone and fire a third manager this season.

“The easiest thing to say would be it’s part and parcel of football, but it’s been frustrating,” Wood said of his recovery in an interview recorded by Nottingham Forest.

“The manner of the injury has not been perfect because we’ve tried different things, had setbacks, having to go down different routes with surgery and things like that. It’s not been smooth sailing.”

Wood said by “suffering through the lows” of this season it would help him “come back stronger and better”.

“It’s getting better day by day, which is great. Had some positive news yesterday from the surgeon to say I can get on to the next stages and things like that, so it’s better for my rehab now.

“I’ve got to do the right things to get back fit and ready.”

The 34-year-old said he was looking forward to returning to play before the end of the Premier League in May and the World Cup, which kicks off in June.

“There is a lot on the horizon which will be fantastic to be a part of, and the World Cup is definitely one of them.”

He will miss the All Whites’ FIFA Series in Auckland next month.

The All Whites’ last warm-up game before the World Cup is against England.

“Coming up against England will be a great occasion, a tough opponent for us… we’ve always wanted to pit ourselves against the best and England is definitely one of the best and one of the favourites for the World Cup, so it will be a good experience, for sure.”

Wood was recognised with The New Zealand Society’s inaugural Pride of New Zealand award in London last week.

Aware of the influence he had on the next generation of football players in Aotearoa, Wood said he wanted to be an inspiration.

“We’ve had a lot of Kiwis playing across the world at great levels but we’ve only ever had six ever play in the Premier League, and that’s something you’ve got to be extremely proud [of].

“We want more Kiwis playing in the Premier League or playing at high levels around the world, and we’ve got quite a lot who do it, but hopefully there can be a lot more coming after seeing what can be achieved with Kiwis around the world.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand