Police investigating the fatal fire at Bucklands Beach on 2 October can now confirm the details of those who died.
They were Jung Sup Lee, 36, and Ha-il Lee, 11, both of Bucklands Beach.
Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the family at this difficult time.
At 2.30am on Thursday 2 October Emergency Services responded to the house fire on Murvale Drive.
Police have confirmed it is being treated as a double homicide and are calling for the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible for the fire.
Anyone who resides in Bucklands Beach, Howick, Sunnyhills, Mellons Bay, Botany Downs, Highland Park who has any CCTV footage between the hours of 10pm on Wednesday 1 October and 5am on Thursday 2 October is urged to get in touch.
Police are also wanting any dash cam or Go Pro footage from the same areas and times.
We want to reiterate that no detail is too small, or irrelevant.
More than 70 new social homes will be delivered in Northland by Community Housing Providers (CHPs), Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.
“Our Government backs social housing, and we’re determined to deliver it better. That means building the right homes, in the right places, with the right support, for the people most in need,” Mr Bishop says.
“Across New Zealand, CHPs and Kāinga Ora have delivered over 6,800 net new social homes since November 2023, with 424 of those places being in Northland.
“On top of that, the Government has committed funding for more than 2,000 additional homes to be delivered by CHPs over the next two years.
“Northland, which has a very high level of severe housing deprivation, is one of the regions that will benefit from this pipeline.”
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated social homes based on regional need, which has been assessed using a range of factors including the housing register and emergency housing use.
“In Northland, the CHP projects are expected to deliver:
At least 70 social homes to be delivered by CHPs including Otangarei Papakāinga Limited, Ngāti Rēhia and Habitat for Humanity
Homes located in areas such as Whangarei, Maunu and Kerikeri
More than 80 percent of places are one or two-bedrooms which will help address the greatest gap in social housing supply in Northland
“Half of those waiting for a home nationally need a one-bedroom property, yet only 12 percent of Kāinga Ora’s stock meets that need. In Northland, 81 per cent of the housing register demand is for one and two bedroom places, so these new homes will make a real difference,” Mr Bishop says.
“Every set of keys handed over is another person or family in a warm, dry social home. We’re focused not just on delivering more homes, but on delivering the right homes that match the needs of people and communities.
“The Government’s wider reset of the social housing system is already showing results. Recently the Community Housing Funding Agency achieved an A+ credit rating from S&P Global, and recently we announced the introduction of a new loan guarantee scheme, reducing borrowing costs for CHPs and enabling them to deliver more homes.
“We’re simplifying the funding system so providers can get on with building homes, instead of navigating a confusing web of overlapping funds. These Northland projects are a good example of the progress being made.”
Seven of the homes have already been delivered, with Habitat for Humanity delivering these places in Whangarei. Remaining homes will be delivered by CHPs working in conjunction with construction partners of their choice from July 2026.
Police are urging for sightings of a grey ute in relation to Aydan, 39, who went missing over eight weeks ago.
Last seen in Chartwell, Hamilton on Sunday 17 August, Aydan was believed to be driving his 2016 grey Mazda ute, registration QYA209.
Detective Sergeant Jonathan Carter said both Aydan’s family, and police, are hoping for someone to come forward with information about Aydan’s grey Mazda ute.
“Have you seen a grey ute anywhere? Perhaps you’ve noticed it hasn’t moved?
“If you’ve noticed a grey Mazda ute somewhere across the region, we would like to hear from you,” says Detective Sergeant Jonathan Carter.
Police and family have serious concerns for Aydan’s wellbeing.
If you have any information, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 250819/5160.
You can also get in touch anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org
In 2021, a government agency mailed a client’s health information to the wrong address. The agency had the correct street but had misidentified the house number.
The agency had the incorrect address in its systems as the verified address for the client, because a staff member had misheard the street number they said and verified the incorrect address in the agency’s systems. The agency said it had taken steps to verify the address, and so it did not consider it had made a mistake.
The client was not satisfied with this response and complained to the agency. Further enquiries showed that the agency had the client’s correct address details at the time the information was sent to the wrong address but had not updated their file.
The client asked for compensation, but the agency said it did not consider the breach had caused significant emotional harm, because the information that had been sent was “relatively generic.”
However, the client said that their previous experiences meant that the harm of the information being sent to the wrong address was greater for them than it might have been for someone else. The client lodged an application for review of the agency’s decision. The agency was directed by the reviewer to obtain an external opinion on the emotional harm suffered by the client. This independent opinion said the breach had caused significant emotional harm and had exacerbated the client’s pre-existing conditions. Following this, the agency made a compensation offer to the client, however it miscommunicated how long the client had to consider and accept the offer. The client had lost trust in the agency by this point and was not willing to negotiate with the agency directly.
The client asked our Office to assist, advising that they would like to meet with the agency to discuss how the privacy breach had impacted them and to further attempt to resolve the complaint.
The Rules Applying to this case
This complaint raised issues under rules 5 and 8 of the Health Information Privacy Code 2020 (the Code).
Rule 5 requires agencies that hold health information to ensure that the information is protected by reasonable safeguards to protect against loss, misuse or unauthorised disclosure.
Rule 8 requires agencies to take reasonable steps to ensure that information is accurate, up to date, complete, relevant and not misleading before using or disclosing that information.
OPC’s approach
This was a case where the agency accepted it had breached its client’s privacy, but it didn’t fully understand the harm the breach had caused the client. Further, the relationship between the agency and its client had broken down, such that they weren’t able to resolve the matter between them directly.
We focus on resolving complaints where possible, and instead of investigating we decided to explore a settlement under section 77 of the Privacy Act.
Section 77 provides for the Commissioner to use best endeavours to settle the complaint without an investigation. An investigation may or may not follow if the Commissioner is unable to secure a settlement.
We facilitated a conciliation meeting between the agency, the client and the client’s psychologist, who attended as the client’s support person, and was able to help the client articulate the harm the privacy breach had caused them. It was clear that the breach had exacerbated pre-existing mental health conditions and caused a significant impact on the emotional state and the life of the client.
At the meeting, the agency did a good job of hearing the complainant’s concerns. Its representatives provided the client with a heartfelt apology. The client thanked the representatives and said it was the first time that they felt the agency had listened and understood how they felt. The conciliation meeting ended with both parties agreeing to settle the matter.
As part of this resolution, the agency agreed to pay financial compensation, which was more than twice the amount offered previously. The agency also agreed to pay for ongoing psychological treatment to help the client to recover from the interference with their privacy.
The matter was settled, and we closed our file.
Commentary
When agencies are considering whether harm has been suffered by a complainant, it is essential that it seeks to understand the actual impact on the client, not what they think the impact should be without having lived that individual’s life experiences. What might not affect one person, can have a significant impact on another.
Additionally, it is critical that agencies take responsibility for errors from the outset and put things right early. In this instance, the complaint could have been resolved far earlier if the agency had accepted what had gone wrong earlier, and if it had considered the information it already had, in the form of the independent opinion about the harm the client had experienced.
Instead, the agency’s management of the breach and the subsequent complaint led to a further breakdown in the relationship between the parties, and this meant the matter wasn’t able to be resolved without our Office’s assistance. However, when the parties came to the conciliation with a genuine desire to hear the other and with an intention to resolve the matter and move forward, we were able to facilitate a conversation that allowed that to happen, and both sides to get closure.
Initial results are in from the August aerial 1080 operation to protect the critically endangered pukunui. Monitoring shows feral cats and possums have been reduced to such low levels that they were undetectable for at least three weeks after the operation. The 40,000 ha operational area includes a large portion of the remaining pukunui breeding sites in the Tin Range and surrounding forest.
Department of Conservation Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming says pukunui now have their best chance in years at raising a new generation of chicks.
“This spring marks the first time in recent memory we’re entering a breeding season filled with cautious hope and optimism,” Aaron says.
“Feral cats are the number one predator of pukunui. Every year, despite trapping, hunting and other ground-based measures, pukunui numbers were sliding closer to extinction.
“With a population of just 105, pukunui are far from out of the woods, but clearing out feral cats across this important habitat will help improve the odds of survival and population growth for these ‘under-birds’.”
A network of more than 300 trail cameras was set up to monitor introduced predators before and after the 1080 operation. So far, DOC has gathered and analysed more than 400,0000 images to measure the abundance of feral cats and possums.
The results received so far are clear, says Aaron.
“Prior to the operation, feral cats and possums were widespread in the 40,000ha operational area. Following it, we’ve had no detections for at least three weeks.
“While this is encouraging, our cameras have picked up plenty of feral cats roaming outside of the control zone and over time, they will reinvade.
“Our camera network will monitor the reinvasion, and we will see if the operation covered enough ground to enable a successful breeding season as part of the Pukunui Recovery Project.
“Our rangers are continuing to run an extensive trapping network to provide an extra layer of protection.”
The available data also shows no negative impact on the kiwi population, as expected, says Aaron.
Hundreds of thousands more images are still to be processed from cameras setup to monitor rats, along with three more weeks’ worth of cat images. These results will be shared as soon as they are available.
The pukunui aerial 1080 operation was led by DOC with support from Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP).
ZIP also undertook an eradication trial targeting three species of rats across 6,500 hectares within the pukunui operational area to inform Predator Free Rakiura. Trail cameras are also being used to measure the results of the eradication trial, and there are about 1.5 million images to process, mostly by eye, to identify and differentiate between the three different rat species.
In the meantime, DOC rangers are surveying for pukunui nests at multiple breeding sites across Rakiura. So far, they have found at least seven nests says Aaron.
“Counting nests and eggs when there is a real chance they might survive through to adulthood is naturing at its very best. We’re thrilled to be starting this breeding season on such a positive note.”
Nest surveying will continue through the breeding season until December with more eggs – and ultimately chicks – expected. The Pukunui Recovery project aims to rebuild the population from 105 to at least 300 by 2035.
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
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.
Women on the Kāpiti Coast now have easier access to breast screening with the opening of a new fixed site in Waikanae, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg announced today.
“This is a significant step forward for women in Kāpiti,” Mr Brown says.
“Until now, the Kāpiti Coast has been served by a mobile breast screening unit, which also covers the greater Wellington region, Hutt Valley, and Wairarapa.
“Now, women can book appointments and be screened closer to home in a purpose-built facility. The new fixed site will provide more consistent access and greater capacity to support the increased number of women eligible under the Government’s expanded national breast screening programme.
“The site is also more spacious than the mobile unit, offering a more comfortable environment for women attending screening.”
The facility includes a new mammography machine, a lead-lined x-ray room, and upgraded furnishings, fittings, and IT systems, all funded through the breast screening age extension project.
Ms Grigg says mammograms can detect breast cancer before any changes can be felt, giving women the best chance of successful treatment.
“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this new site is a timely reminder of how important early detection is,” Ms Grigg says.
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among New Zealand women, affecting one in nine over their lifetime, with around 3400 new cases each year. Sadly, around 650 mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends die from breast cancer every year.
“The good news is that 95 percent of women with breast cancer survive 10 years or more when detected through screening. With nine women learning today that they have breast cancer, making screening more accessible and convenient has never been more important.”
Mr Brown says the opening of the new site complements the Government’s phased expansion of the national breast screening programme, which now includes women aged 70 and 74 as the first step.
“This new site means women in Kāpiti can access the healthcare they need close to home. Early detection saves lives, and easy, reliable access to screening is a vital part of that,” Mr Brown says.
Major roading improvements for Rolleston will drive jobs and economic growth in this growing part of Canterbury, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop.
“The State Highway 1 Rolleston Access Improvements project will provide safer, easier and more efficient transport connections for people and businesses in the Selwyn district, the fastest growing district in New Zealand and an important gateway to Christchurch,” Mr Bishop says.
“The Rolleston Access Improvements project is one of the government’s Roads of Regional Significance projects and construction is now underway. Fulton Hogan has been selected by NZTA to do the physical works for the first stage of this project.
“The Rolleston project is just one of many transport projects kicking off before Christmas this year, part of the government’s huge $7 billion of infrastructure projects announced in July.
“The first stage involves a new roundabout at the Dunns Crossing and Walkers Road intersection with State Highway 1,making it safer and easier to enter and exit Rolleston, and more efficient for freight accessing the industrial area from the south.
“Stage one also includes a pedestrian and cycle subway under SH1 at the new roundabout, realignment and widening of the SH1, Dunns Crossing Road, and Walkers Road carriageways, the removal of the existing rail level crossing to be replaced with a new one on Walkers Road, and efficiency improvements at the Weedons interchange. Stage one is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
“Stage 2 is due to start in the final quarter of 2026 and includes:
a flyover connecting Rolleston township with business/industrial areas
improved safety at high-risk highway intersections
the removal of the two signalised intersections on SH1 (Hoskyns Rd and Rolleston Drive North)
the extension of the two southbound lanes on the motorway to just south of the proposed bridge at Rolleston
a southbound service lane to access businesses and Rolleston town centre;
and major safety improvements and upgrades to the rail level crossing at Hoskyns Road.
“This project is another example of the Government backing economic growth in the regions and helping fast-growing communities to thrive.
“The full Rolleston Access Improvements project is expected to be completed in late 2028, at a current estimated cost of between $180 to $200 million.”
Notes to Editor:
Design, property acquisition and consenting has been completed to enable construction of the first stage of the Rolleston Access Improvements to start this month.
Work continues on property acquisition and consenting for Stage 2, with this work to be tendered for next year, and an anticipated construction start date in the final quarter of 2026.
NZTA will aim to minimise impacts of construction and will communicate with road users and the community about the effects on traffic at different stages.
More about the project can be found at: https://nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-rolleston
The first step of the nationwide breast screening age extension is underway, with women aged 70 and 74 now eligible for free screening, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg say.
“Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting New Zealand women,” Mr Brown says.
“Expanding free breast screening to include women aged 70 and 74 is the first step in a four-year rollout. Each October for the next three years, eligibility will extend to include women aged 71, 72, and 73.
“The extension means women will be eligible for an average of two to three extra mammograms once the programme is fully implemented, and around 130,000 additional women will be eligible for screening every two years. This phased approach ensures health services can expand in step with demand while maintaining quality care.
“Health New Zealand is also recruiting and training more staff, investing in mammography and ultrasound machines, opening new screening and assessment facilities, and building four new mobile screening units.”
Confirmation of the age extension was announced in April 2024 as part of the Government’s 100-Day Plan to deliver better public services. Until now, free screening was available to women aged 45 to 69 every two years. A pilot in Nelson and Marlborough, launched in October 2024, is helping guide the nationwide rollout.
Ms Grigg says early detection remains the most powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer.
“Each year, around 3,400 New Zealand women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Screening is one of the most effective ways to detect it early and improve survival rates,” Ms Grigg says.
“Women who participate in breast screening are less likely to die from breast cancer. Once the full age extension is in place, it’s expected to detect breast cancer earlier in about 60 more women annually – giving them a far better chance of successful treatment.
“That will make a real and lasting difference for women and their families across New Zealand.”
The extension will also help improve outcomes for Māori and Pacific women, who experience higher rates of breast cancer and lower screening participation.
Mr Brown says the rollout is being supported by a new digital platform that makes breast screening faster, simpler, and more accessible.
“The system automatically identifies eligible women, sends screening invitations, and enables secure online booking and management of appointments,” Mr Brown says.
“This technology is already helping more women get screened on time, ensuring more cancers are caught early. By extending free screening and harnessing smart digital tools, we’re making it easier for women to get the care they need, when they need it.
“This is an important step forward in catching cancer earlier, saving lives, and ensuring women across New Zealand have access to timely, quality, life-saving care.”
Police are responding to the discovery of a body on the Te Atatū Peninsula inlet.
A member of the public reported seeing a body in the water between 500m to 1km north of the bridge on SH16, near the Te Atatū Peninsula off-ramp, about 7.35am.
The tide has since receded, and Police are asking residents to stay clear of the area.
Specialist Police teams are at the scene and enquiries are continuing.
99 new social homes will be delivered in Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman by Community Housing Providers (CHPs), Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.
“Our Government backs social housing, and we’re determined to deliver it better. That means building the right homes, in the right places, with the right support, for the people most in need,” Mr Bishop says.
“Across New Zealand, CHPs and Kāinga Ora have delivered over 6,800 net new social homes since November 2023, with 170 of those places being in the Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman regions.
“On top of that, the Government has committed funding for more than 2,000 additional homes to be delivered by CHPs over the next two years. Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman are among the regions benefiting from this pipeline.”
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated social homes based on regional need, which has been assessed using a range of factors including the housing register and emergency housing use.
In Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman, the CHP projects are expected to deliver:
99 new social homes, with most to be delivered by The Salvation Army
The new homes will be located in places including Nelson City, Blenheim and Richmond
At this stage all places are one or two-bedrooms, which will help address the greatest gap in social housing supply in these regions.
“Half of those waiting for a home nationally need a one-bedroom property, yet only 12 percent of Kāinga Ora’s stock meets that need. In Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman, 87 per cent of the housing register demand is for one- and two-bedroom places, so these new homes will make a real difference,” Mr Bishop says.
“Every set of keys handed over is another person or family in a warm, dry social home. We’re focused not just on delivering more homes, but on delivering the right homes that match the needs of people and communities.
“The Government’s wider reset of the social housing system is already showing results. Recently the Community Housing Funding Agency achieved an A+ credit rating from S&P Global, and recently we announced the introduction of a new loan guarantee scheme, reducing borrowing costs for CHPs and enabling them to deliver more homes.
“We’re simplifying the funding system so providers can get on with building homes, instead of navigating a confusing web of overlapping funds. These Nelson Marlborough projects are a good example of the progress being made.”
Four of these homes have already been delivered, with Christchurch Methodist Mission delivering these places in Blenheim. Over 80 homes further have been approved to be delivered by The Salvation Army working in conjunction with construction partners of their choice between now and 2027.