NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Courts Minister Nicole McKee says the Government is updating the law for the use of audio and audio-visual links (AVL) in courts to improve court performance and create efficiencies across the justice system.

“Timely access to justice matters, and we’re fixing this by pulling every available lever to make the court system more efficient,” says Mrs McKee. 

“Remote participation or AVL has the potential to improve court efficiency and make the courts more accessible, but it is not being used consistently. 

“The Government will replace the Court (Remote Participation) Act 2010 with a new law that encourages use of remote participation. The Act will be accompanied by Court Rules. These will set out which types of court events will be held by AVL and which events will be held in person, by default.

“For example, in the last year in District Court criminal events, about two-thirds of potential appearances by a person held in custody were held by AVL, but that varied from 96 per cent in some courts down to 19 per cent in others.

“By using technology we can make justice more accessible, consistent, and efficient. But most importantly, we can help ensure victims are better supported and heard.

“The new approach will set default appearance types for particular court events in law. This means court participants – including defendants, victims, lawyers, Police, Corrections, registry staff and judges – will have more certainty about when remote participation should be used and use across courts should be more consistent.

“The Ministry of Justice and the judiciary will work together to develop the Court Rules, which will draw on the considerable work already undertaken by the judiciary in regard to the recently developed remote participation judicial protocols.

“The rules will recognise that when remote participation is appropriate, it should be used. However, judicial officers will be able to depart from this if this better serves the interests of justice in individual cases. 

“The new framework will carry over the entitlement, introduced by the Government last year, enabling victims and support people to remotely observe criminal trials and sentencing.

“The law will also introduce new offences and penalties for making and publishing recordings of court proceedings without the court’s permission. Introducing offences will deter this behaviour, which can affect safety and fair trial rights, and enable recordings posted online to be taken down more easily.” 

Note to editors: Work on the detailed Court Rules has begun and information about the default settings will be made available for feedback while the Bill is progressing through the parliamentary process next year.

Source: New Zealand Police

The quick actions of a Gisborne Tactical Dog Team have led to the arrest of a dangerous offender and prevented potential serious harm, as officers uncovered firearms, drugs and cash.

On Friday 3 October officers, who were out on patrol, spotted a vehicle of interest that was linked to an alleged offender that had an outstanding warrant to arrest.

Police have been looking for this man for three months; the officers came up with a plan and followed the vehicle at a distance and when it pulled into a driveway parked up behind it, blocking it in.

Police arrested the man without incident and his vehicle was impounded due to him being a disqualified driver.

A search of the vehicle then took place where officers located two sawn-off 12-gauge shotguns along with at least 40 live shotgun rounds and 13 .303 full metal jack rounds. Cannabis and approximately $50,000 cash was also found in the centre console.

Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk says this was exceptional police work.

“I have absolutely no doubt that our staff have prevented serious harm from being committed in our community.

“Had the man not been apprehended and the firearms and ammunition not been taken from him, someone could have been seriously hurt or worse,” he says.

A 30-year-old man is due to appear in Gisborne District Court on 20 October facing a range of firearms, drugs and driving charges.

Additionally a 20-year-old female, who was also in the vehicle, was arrested and is due to appear in Gisborne District Court on 23 October charged with unlawfully possessing firearms, ammunition and cannabis.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Two people have died following a house fire in Rakaia over the weekend.

Emergency services were called to the property late on Saturday night, to find an adult deceased and a child in critical condition.

The child sadly died in hospital on Sunday afternoon.

The deaths with be referred to the Coroner, and the fire is not thought to be suspicious.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Inspector Lincoln Sycamore, Hawke’s Bay Area Commander:

Police will be highly visible across Hawke’s Bay today, with two gang tangi taking place this morning in Waipawa and Flaxmere.

We expect to see a large number of gang members and associates moving around the region, and Police will have additional resources available to manage any issues that may arise.

We are mindful of providing space for whānau and friends to grieve peacefully while balancing the safety of the community.

Police have communicated our expectations to gang leaders and will take enforcement action where necessary. This includes around the wearing or displaying of gang insignia in a public place, as well as any threatening or intimidating behaviour.

Police will have additional patrols in place, including on the roads, over the coming days to reduce disruption and maintain public safety. Staff will follow up on reports of illegal activity.

We urge anyone who witnesses illegal behaviour to call 111 immediately. If you are reporting matters after the fact, please make a report online or call 105.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s trial of clamping or seizing cars of people not paying court fines is expanding after returning more than $225,000 and seizing 115 vehicles, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“We promised to find new and effective ways to force people to pay their court fines. The threat of clamping and vehicle seizures has proved a great success. Victims are our priority and we’re ensuring they receive what they’re owed.

“Between 9 July and 6 October, bailiffs scanned 67,536 number plates and identified 982people with overdue court fines or reparations. 278 people paid on the spot, with another 127 establishing some form of payment arrangement. 115 people had their car seized and 45 had theirs clamped. The rest were either issued with a warning, or no action was taken due to their situation.

“16 of the cars have already been sold off at auction, with another 52 soon to go under the hammer. 31 people paid to avoid their car being sold.

“Overall, $225,399 has been recovered, and due to its success the trial will now be expanding. So far there have been 10 number plate scanners in operation throughout streets nationwide, and at some breath testing stations alongside police. This will increase to at least 39 as part of a permanent rollout.

“Those who have suffered emotional harm or have had their property lost or damaged should not be left out of pocket. Putting victims at the heart of the justice system is key to restoring law and order.

“The message is simple: pay your court fines, or you will be walking home.”

Source: New Zealand Police

A rapid and coordinated response by Wellington Police last night decisively disrupted a planned gathering of antisocial road users, preventing dangerous driving and associated disorder across the district.

Police deployed to Upper Hutt where a significant meet-up had been organised. Road Policing and Public Safety Units established multiple checkpoints across the Hutt Valley, checking vehicles and driver credentials, and actively preventing the group from settling at known hotspots.

Twenty-eight infringement notices were issued, primarily for vehicle defects, licence breaches, and unsafe modifications.

Inspector Simon de Wit says the operation sent a clear message.

“These groups pose a real risk to public safety and are a source of ongoing frustration for our communities. Their behaviour is reckless, disruptive, and unacceptable.

Police will continue to take decisive action to prevent this kind of activity and ensure our roads remain safe for everyone.”

This operation reflects Police’s commitment to proactive enforcement and community reassurance through targeted disruption of anti-social road users.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Coalition Government has today announced science-based biogenic methane targets for 2050, providing farmers and exporters with a clear pathway to reduce emissions while maintaining productivity and trade competitiveness.

Following Cabinet approval, the target will be set at a range of 14–24 per cent below 2017 levels by 2050, reflecting the findings of the independent Methane Science Review released in 2024.

“We’ve accepted a range of advice and worked closely with industry to agree a practical target that protects food production whilst substantially reducing New Zealand’s farm emissions. Today we’re delivering a practical, fair pathway that recognises New Zealand agriculture efficiency, protects jobs and production, and upholds our climate commitments,” Agriculture and Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.

“The Government remains committed to our domestic and international climate change commitments, including net zero by 2050. Agriculture will continue make an important and fair contribution to achieving this reduction,” Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.

The Coalition Government confirmed further policy changes alongside the new target:

• a legislated review in 2040 of the biogenic methane target to ensure its alignment with science and against progress of key trading partners;
• no tax on agricultural methane emissions as this would risk closing down farms and send jobs and production overseas. Reductions in methane to meet the targets will be achieved in partnership and through industry leadership and processor incentives following the lead of companies like Fonterra and Silver Fern Farms;
• investigate a split gas target for all of New Zealand’s future international climate change commitments;
• recognise and protect the importance of food production in New Zealand by better aligning domestic legislation with language in the Paris Agreement.

To back the new target, the Government is already investing more than $400 million with industry to speed up the development and roll-out of methane-cutting tools. The first is expected on farm in 2026, with up to 11 available by 2030. These include innovations like EcoPond, which cuts effluent pond emissions by over 90 percent, alongside advances in genetics, feed and farm management.

“Technology has the potential to deliver emissions reductions, while enabling the sector to grow. It’s expected that if 30 per cent of farmers take up the technologies expected to be available before 2030, total agricultural emissions could reduce by between 7 to 14 per cent over the next decade. That’s on top of any reduction in emissions that may come from efficiency gains on-farm or changes to farm systems,” Mr Watts says.

“It will be up to each farmer, processor, and company to decide how best to meet their own commitments, using the tools and innovations that fit their business.”

“We have recognised the short-lived nature and different warming impact of methane domestically. So it’s long overdue that we look into whether this same approach is appropriate in our international commitments,” Biosecurity and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says.

“To allow farmers to better measure their methane and evaluate ways to reduce their emissions without harming production, today we are also releasing an on-farm emissions calculator, which will today be available on the Ag Matters website,” Mr McClay says.

“Our approach is clear: technology and partnership, not taxes, will deliver the reductions that we need. By investing in new tools and giving farmers practical support, we can cut emissions without cutting production or profitability,” Mr Watts says.

Today’s announcement follows recent legislation limiting full-farm forestry conversions into the ETS, as part of a wider reset of climate policy to restore balance and certainty for rural New Zealand.

“Our primary sector earns nearly $60 billion in export revenue and provides more than one in ten Kiwi jobs. By setting sensible targets and backing innovation, we’re ensuring New Zealand farmers remain world leaders in producing high-quality, safe, and sustainable food, while meeting our international commitments,” Mr McClay says.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will adopt National MP Catherine Wedd’s member’s Bill to better support mothers and babies in the critical days following birth, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello say.

The Three-Day Postnatal Stay Amendment Bill will now progress through Parliament as part of the Government’s legislative programme. As part of this process, the Government is seeking further advice around implementation to ensure the health system is well-prepared to deliver this support.

“We are committed to ensuring women and their babies receive safe, timely, and appropriate care. Adopting this as a Government Bill means planning can begin to ensure the health system is prepared to deliver this improved support for families,” Mr Brown says.

“Supporting healthy starts for mothers and babies is at the heart of this Bill, especially for those who may not have the help they need at home.”

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello, who will be the Minister responsible for the Bill, says the initiative reflects a key commitment in the National – New Zealand First coalition agreement.

“This is a practical and compassionate step that puts women and their wellbeing at the centre of our health system,” Ms Costello says.

“We recognise that childbirth is different for every woman, but no one should be made to feel they have to leave hospital or a birthing unit before they are ready.

“By guaranteeing every woman up to three days to rest, recover, and bond with their baby, women will have the choice to be where they feel most comfortable.”

National MP Catherine Wedd, who has been advocating for improved postnatal care for mothers, says she is proud the Government has adopted her Bill.

“I’m delighted the Government is backing this important initiative,” Ms Wedd says.

“Once implemented, the change will make a real and lasting difference for mothers, giving them the time and support they need in those precious early days.”

Now that the Bill will become part of the legislative programme, the Ministry of Health has been directed to work with Health New Zealand to progress this work.

“This Government is committed to delivering better health outcomes for all New Zealanders. This Bill is about ensuring every mother and her baby gets the care and support they need at the very beginning,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Police

Location:

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are urgently appealing for sightings of a missing girl in Auckland.

Lily, aged 10, was last seen by family members in Cornwall Park at around 5pm today.

She has long, waist-length hair and is wearing black pants and a brown/yellow t-shirt.

If you think you may have seen Lily since 5pm, please call 111 and quote event number P064094631.

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Issued by Police Media Centre.