Source: New Zealand Police
The Geraldine-Fairlie Highway is closed following a serious crash.
Emergency services were advised around 11:25am that at least two vehicles were involved in a crash at the intersection with Bracefield Road.
Two people are said to be in serious condition, and three others have minor to moderate injuries.
The intersection is closed while the Serious Crash Unit attends the scene.
ENDS
Source: New Zealand Government
Better access to a new, more efficient science funding system will make it easier for researchers to focus on delivering results that matter for New Zealand, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.
Following recommendations from the Science System Advisory Group, a single, independent board, called Research Funding New Zealand, will be established to make most funding decisions.
“The message from the science and research community has been loud and clear – the current funding system is too complex, too bureaucratic, and takes time and energy away from actual research,” says Dr Reti.
“So, this Government is simplifying the way we fund science, so our researchers can spend less time on paperwork and more time on discovery, innovation, and results that will grow our economy and benefit New Zealanders.
“Research Funding New Zealand will replace the multiple layers of decision-making, taking on the Endeavour, Marsden and Strategic Science Investment Funds – currently administered by three separate funding bodies.
“The change doesn’t change the value of funding available for science, innovation and technology in New Zealand, instead reducing duplication and making the process easier to navigate for applicants.”
Under the new model, public investment in science will be focused on the economy, the environment, health and society, and technology.
An in-principle decision has also been made to transfer health research funding from the Health Research Council to Research Funding New Zealand, with existing funding continuing be invested in critical health research.
“These changes are about smarter investment and stronger outcomes and aligns science funding with similar structures in other small, advanced economies,” Dr Reti says.
“By streamlining funding and improving accountability, we’ll drive science that grows our economy, supports our exporters, tackles environmental challenges, and improves the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders.”
The Government will continue to back a broad range of science – from blue-sky research through to applied and commercial innovation – but with a system that is simpler, faster, and more focused on impact.
The transition to Research Funding New Zealand will be phased carefully over four years to ensure continuity and minimise disruption. All current research contracts will continue, and the Government will work closely with the sector to ensure the new approach delivers for scientists, industry, and the country.
“This is about getting the system working better – less bureaucracy, clearer priorities, and a stronger focus on research that makes a difference,” Dr Reti says.
Source: PHARMAC
Information on what the Cancer Treatments Advisory Committee (CTAC) will be considering at its meeting in November 2025.
The Committee will discuss applications for the funding of abemaciclib and ribociclib to be used after surgery (adjuvant treatment) and alongside hormone therapy.
The Committee will discuss an application for the funding of olaparib to treat people who have a cancer with a BRCA gene mutation and is HER-2 negative. Olaparib would be given to individuals after they have had surgery, with chemotherapy given before or after surgery as well.
The Committee will discuss an application for the funding of olaparib to treat cancer that has spread (metastatic). It would be used to treat people who have a PALB2 genetic mutation or BRCA mutation and whose cancer is HER-2 negative.
Application for olaparib for metastatic breast cancer(external link)
The Committee will discuss an application for the funding of belantamab mafodotin (Blenrep) which is used to treat people with multiple myeloma when the cancer has returned or hasn’t responded to previous treatments. It would be used after at least two previous treatments, or after at least three previous treatments.
Applications for Belantamab mafodotin
Multiple myeloma, relapsed or refractory, 2nd line or later(external link)
Multiple myeloma, relapsed or refractory, 3rd line or later(external link)
The Committee will discuss an application for Nivolumab (Opdivo) which is used before surgery in people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It would be used with chemotherapy for NSCLC that can be removed by surgery and is at stage IB, II or IIIA.
Application for nivolumab (with chemotherapy), for non-small cell lung cancer
The scheduling and agenda setting process for advisory meetings considers multiple factors. We aim to balance the relative priorities of clinical advice needed across indications, the factors for consideration for each application (for example unmet health need), the time since applications were received and the internal and advisor resource available to support each meeting.
Source: New Zealand Government
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed the Reserve Bank’s intention to relax restrictions on lending, making it easier for first home buyers to get started.
“Home ownership is part of the Kiwi dream,” Nicola Willis says.
“Relaxing the restrictions on the amounts banks can lend will make it easier for Kiwis to get a foot on the property ladder.”
The Reserve Bank announced today that it was consulting with banks on easing loan to value (LVR) restrictions from 1 December this year.
“Presently, only 20 per cent of the new loans banks are allowed to make to owner-occupiers can go to buyers who have deposits of less than 20 per cent of the value of their properties.
“The Reserve Bank is proposing to increase that limit of new lending to 25 per cent. That will make more funding available to first-home buyers.
The Reserve Bank is also proposing to increase the amount banks can lend to residential property investors with deposits of less than 30 per cent of the value of their properties from 5 to 10 percent.
“The proposed change follows the Reserve Bank’s introduction of debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions last year. The Reserve Bank’s view is that the introduction of DTI restrictions increases the resilience of the banking system and means LVR restrictions can now be eased.
“I look forward to hearing the outcome of the Reserve Bank’s consultation with the commercial banks.”
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 14 October 2025
Classified as nationally vulnerable, koekoeā are the larger and rarer of two cuckoo species found in New Zealand, with a distinctive long tail and striking speckled plumage.Compared with other native birds, little is known about them.
DOC Principal Science Monitoring Advisor Terry Greene says the conservation status of koekoeā worsened in the most recent assessment in 2021, due to the declining population in the South Island.
Koekoeā breed only in New Zealand. They lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species such as whitehead, which are left to raise the cuckoo chicks. The adult birds then migrate to spend the winter elsewhere in the Pacific. They are thought to return to their place of birth, despite very large seasonal migration movements. The current fieldwork and research aims to understand their movements within New Zealand, whether remaining populations are genetically different, and how the birds are faring.
“To understand why the population is declining we need to learn about where they go, where they return to, how to count them, and the threats they face – all of which will help with their conservation,” Terry says.
“Koekoeā breeding has been affected by forest clearance and the decline of their preferred host bird species – particularly mohua in the South Island.”
Terry says additional risks and threats for the birds include land use changes, cyclones and predation.
The October fieldwork coincides with the birds’ arrival for breeding – and involves counts of birds in the central North Island as well as catching birds and fitting them with GPS and satellite tracking tags so their movements between New Zealand and Pacific islands, and between different breeding sites within New Zealand, can be monitored.
Terry says using satellite tags will be vital to unveiling the birds’ journeys.
Mist nets will be used to catch the birds, which live near the top of the forest canopy and can be difficult to see despite their loud calls. The fieldwork will take about a week and be followed by data analysis later this year.
Bioeconomy Science Institute Conservation Ecology Researcher Neil Fitzgerald is studying the dispersal of forest birds, including koekoeā, and says understanding their movements is crucial for effective conservation.
“With a cryptic and highly specialised species like koekoeā, there is a real risk that conservation work could be much more difficult and expensive, or even come too late, if we don’t understand what these birds need.”
New tracking and genomic tools will give us new insights, and Neil says an exciting part of his koekoeā research is that the public can help.
“Unfortunately, koekoeā are often killed or injured by flying into windows. On the bright side, even these birds can make an important contribution to our work.”
Here’s how to help:
The team undertaking the research will also be monitoring kererū and kākā population trends. The Pureora Forest is a biodiversity hotspot for the North Island, and a popular location for people naturing through activities such as hunting, hiking or enjoying the Pureora Timber Trail.
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.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now release the name of the man who died on Mount Taranaki on 30 September.
He was Vladimir Levchenko, 69, of Gulf Harbour, Auckland.
Police extend their condolences to his loved ones.
His death has been referred to the Coroner.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Patients in Porirua and surrounding communities now have access to faster, more accurate diagnostic imaging, with a new state-of-the-art Photon Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT) scanner operational at Kenepuru Hospital, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“This is Kenepuru Hospital’s first scanner, representing a major step forward for medical imaging in the region,” Mr Brown says.
“It delivers sharper, faster, and more detailed scans, helping patients get the care they need sooner and closer to home.
“By bringing scanning capability to Kenepuru Hospital, patients who would otherwise travel to Wellington Hospital for CT scans can now be treated locally. This will reduce travel for patients and staff, improve convenience for families, and ease pressure on regional services.”
“It will boost the region’s outpatient scanning capacity by more than 5000 scans a year, reducing pressure on Wellington’s tertiary hospital scanners and improving patient flow for inpatients and emergency department cases across greater Wellington region.
“The addition of advanced technology PCCT scanning will also enhance acute chest pain services, allowing quicker and less invasive diagnostic treatment for cardiac patients who currently require angiography procedures.”
The Kenepuru Hospital scanner is the second PCCT scanner to be installed in New Zealand, following the first at Christchurch Hospital in September. A third scanner is expected to become operational at Wellington Regional Hospital by mid-2026.
The PCCT scanner produces significantly higher image quality than traditional CT machines, allowing specialists to detect very small structures and subtle cardiac abnormalities that were previously difficult or impossible to see.
“The improvement in imaging is like moving from black-and-white television to Ultra HD. It means patients can often avoid invasive procedures and overnight stays, while staff can focus on those with more complex needs.
“We are committed to delivering modern, quality health infrastructure that enables better care for New Zealanders. This new technology is another step towards ensuring patients receive world-class care closer to home in Porirua,” Mr Brown says.
Source: New Zealand Government
A $108 million upgrade to New Zealand’s diagnostic infrastructure will deliver 32 new and replacement CT, MRI, and SPECT scanners across the country, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Modern diagnostic equipment is essential to delivering timely, quality, and accurate care for patients,” Mr Brown says.
“This investment will increase national imaging capacity by around 6 per cent, significantly improving access to faster and more accurate medical imaging for patients across New Zealand.”
The upgrade is in addition to the three CT and three MRI scanners already committed through hospital redevelopment projects, bringing the total to 38 scanners.
“Communities in Northland, Counties Manukau, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Palmerston North, and Porirua will benefit from additional scanners, expanding local capacity and enabling procedures such as CT angiograms for heart disease to be carried out in new locations for the first time.
“Three of the new CT scanners will be photon-counting models, including one announced today at Kenepuru Hospital.
“These machines can deliver more detailed images and often remove the need for more invasive angiograms. That means quicker, lower-risk procedures for patients and more capacity in hospital labs for treatment.
“The new scanners are expected to enable around 32,000 additional CT scans and 6,800 additional MRI scans each year once fully operational. The new technology provides clearer images and greater diagnostic accuracy, while modern software makes them easier to operate.”
In total, the three-year procurement includes 31 replacement machines, renewing 29 per cent of the national scanner fleet, and seven new, additional machines across 14 hospitals. Once complete, 87 per cent of CT scanners and 93 per cent of MRI scanners will be within their 10-year useful life.
“This investment ensures hospitals have the modern equipment needed to deliver faster, more reliable diagnostic services, supporting the Government’s $65 million Diagnostic Improvement Programme to expand access to timely scans.
“Work is also underway to recruit the workforce needed to operate these machines, supported by the Diagnostic Improvement Programme and National Radiology Clinical Network.
“By upgrading equipment and expanding imaging capacity, we are taking practical steps to reduce wait times and bring care closer to home, so patients across New Zealand can get the tests and treatment they need when they need them.”
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
With the 2025-26 summer maintenance season well underway in Marlborough, State Highway 1 Weld Pass is next in line for road rebuilding work.
Night works are planned for Weld Pass from Sunday 23 November to Friday 5 December. Work will be carried out nightly between 7pm and 5am.
Contractors will lay just under 3,500 m2 of asphalt to strengthen the road surface of Weld Pass. This will include milling/removing the old surface, before adding new layers.
They will make the most of the closure by completing other maintenance work including culvert works, clearing drains, repairing and replacing signs, and clearing vegetation.
Wayne Oldfield, Marlborough System Manager, says Weld Pass must be closed to all traffic while the work is completed.
“It is a narrow road with limited space. Resurfacing work and laying asphalt uses large machinery and it simply is not possible to allow traffic through the work site while work is underway.”
“A full closure is safer for road crews and the public. It also allows the work to be finished much faster. Doing this work during the day under stop/go, when there is more traffic would create major delays for drivers. This something we absolutely want to avoid,” Mr Oldfield says.
While there will be a midnight opening each night to allow queued traffic through the work site the closure will create delays for people travelling between Blenheim and Christchurch.
Mr Oldfield says it is essential drivers are aware of the closure and factor it into their travel plans.
“There are no suitable local road detours, meaning the only alternative route between Christchurch and Blenheim is the inland route – Lewis Pass, Murchison, St Arnaud – this is a much longer route.
“Drivers, especially those with Picton ferry connections, must be prepared. Please, do not get caught out,” Mr Oldfield says.
Drivers also need to be aware that other essential state highway maintenance work will be underway in Marlborough in the lead up to Christmas. Road users should plan ahead and check the NZTA Journey Planner.
Mr Oldfield says further maintenance work is planned for Weld Pass in the New Year, but will be carried out under stop/go traffic management.
“Weld Pass is a vital part of State Highway 1 in Marlborough, and it is essential it is regularly maintained and serviced. We will provide further updates before work begins.”
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Resurfacing works will see State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyn Hills fully close for two 4-day ‘super weekends’ next month, ensuring the route is in peak condition ahead of the busy summer season.
It’s the final stage of the SH1 Brynderwyn Hills recovery project, and involves applying a full-width asphalt surface, reinstating lane markings and passing lanes, and returning the route to 80km/h, making journeys to and from Northland smoother.
The route will be fully closed from 13 – 16 November and again from 20 – 23 November. In between the closures, the road will reopen for 3 days (17 November – 19 November).
“NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) appreciates that SH1 Brynderwyn Hills is a crucial connection for Northland. While there’s no perfect time for a closure, the selected dates and approach has been carefully considered to balance the impact on the community while ensuring we can do an efficient and quality job,” says Steve Matene, NZTA’s System Manager in Northland.
Paving in Spring means the team can take advantage of dryer warmer conditions, while condensing the work into two 4-day super weekends avoids extending disruption over multiple months.
“The decision to fully close the road has been made with freight and the community in mind. If we’d chosen to use stop/go traffic management, the works would’ve taken 12–14 weeks. Compare that to a full closure, which allows work to be completed in 6–8 days.
“NZTA contractors will have crews working 24/4 during the closures and are putting 75% of their Auckland & Northland paving crews on this as a top priority to complete these works as efficiently and quickly as possible,” Mr Matene says.
Schedule for the resurfacing works
| Stage | Timing | SH1 status |
|
First ‘super weekend’ |
Thurs 13 (12.01 am) – Sun 16 November 2025 (11.59 pm) |
Closed in both directions – three detours in place |
|
In between the two super weekends |
Mon 17 November (12.01 am) – Wed 19 November (11.59 pm) |
Open in both directions for 3 days |
|
Second ‘super weekend’ |
Thurs 20 (12.01 am) – Sun 23 November 2025 (11.59 pm) |
Closed in both directions – three detours in place |
Paul Linton, from regional economic development agency Northland Inc, says these works are an important step in keeping Northland connected and moving.
“Strong, reliable roading links with Auckland and the rest of the country are essential for our region’s growth – helping visitors reach us with ease and supporting the smooth flow of goods and services that drive our economy. Every visitor, every truck, and every trip contributes to Northland’s economic pulse.
“With these improvements in place ahead of summer, we’re ready to welcome guests, support local industries, and show that Northland is well and truly open for business.”
While SH1 over the Brynderwyn Hills will be closed during the super weekends, Northland will remain accessible via three scenic alternative routes. See map attached and below.
The closure will extend from SH1/SH12 intersection on the south side of the Brynderwyn Hills through to the bottom of the hill on the north side (adjacent to Waipu Gorge Road). Clear signage will direct vehicles along the detour routes.
Night works will take place during the week prior to the first full closure, to prepare the road for the upcoming construction. These overnight works will involve stop/go traffic management, with minimal delays of around 5 minutes expected.
The enabling works are scheduled for 8pm Wednesday 5 November – 5am Thursday 6 November with a contingency of 8pm Sunday 9 November to 5am Monday 10 November if required.
Before travelling, check out the State Highway travel information on our Journey Planner website.