NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has awarded $129,000 to Northland Regional Council to help cover the cost of removing seaweed that washed up on the region’s beaches during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam in April, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says.

“The $129,000 grant is drawn from the recently established emergency waste funding,” Ms Simmonds says. 

“In the cyclone’s immediate aftermath, local hapū led the clean-up response, supported by Northland Regional Council and local volunteers, working swiftly, to remove more than 100 tonnes of the exotic and highly invasive caulerpa seaweed from the coastline. 

“The cyclone’s powerful swells uprooted large quantities of caulerpa seaweed from the seabed, blanketing beaches in thick green mats.

“When washed ashore, the fast-spreading marine pest can harm coastlines and marine ecosystems, so it was essential to remove the seaweed as quickly as possible to prevent further harm,” Ms Simmonds says.

“I am very pleased to award this funding to Northland Regional Council to help cover the costs from removing this waste, and I commend the local hapū, volunteers and council staff for their swift and dedicated efforts to protect Northland’s beaches.”

Ms Simmonds says the emergency waste funding was set up to help councils with the cost of managing waste following an emergency, helping to support the community with the response.

“The Government recognises the pressure councils are under in managing the aftermath of severe weather events, and we are committed to supporting them and their communities,” Ms Simmonds says. 

“As well as helping Northland, we have also been central to supporting the Tasman District Council in their recovery efforts following the extensive flooding in the region earlier this year.”

While the emergency waste funding was awarded to cover the costs of removing seaweed washed ashore by ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam, Northland Regional Council is also leading the Exotic Caulerpa Elimination Project. 

Supported by $6.2 million in funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries, the project aims to develop an innovative tool to remove the invasive seaweed from the ocean floor.

For further information visit: Emergency waste funding | Ministry for the Environment 

Source: New Zealand Police

A stolen vehicle has landed a teenager in court following a combined effort from Police and the public.

At about 4.45pm on Wednesday, a Whangārei woman reported her vehicle stolen after visiting friends in Dargaville.

Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom, says officers quickly located the stolen car, but the driver fled.

“The vehicle’s driver was quickly identified by officers, and members of the public directed Police to a rural property they believed the youth was at.

“Police attended but the youth had already fled into nearby bush.”

Inspector Nordstrom says a Police dog team was sent to the property and tracked the teen for approximately three hours.

“However, the youth had managed to hitch a ride back into town.

“Officers located the youth in town and after a short foot chase, he was successfully arrested at about 9.20pm.”

The 15-year-old is now facing multiple charges including burglary, unlawfully taking a vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop.

Inspector Nordstrom thanked those members of the public who provided pivotal information in helping locate the youth.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the people who stepped up and helped us – their local knowledge and willingness to assist made a real difference.

“We’re committed to holding people to account for their behaviour, and thanks to that partnership, we’ve done just that.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

A man is facing charges after police seized over 500kgs of cannabis, during a series of search warrants executed throughout Auckland City West on Thursday 9 October.

Additionally, police located a significant amount of cash, MDMA and Ketamine.

The search warrants were part of Police’s continued effort to crack down on criminals profiting from the sale of drugs and further enquiries into others involved, continues.

Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill said “During the searches of the properties, significant commercial cannabis grow set-ups were located.

Cultivation of cannabis at this level is organised crime and the action taken by police will impact those facilitating this activity and lessen the residual harm being caused.

We’re particularly pleased to remove the MDMA and Ketamine from circulation, given the significant risk that it creates in the community”.

The 26-year-old-man is due to appear in the Auckland District Court on 15 October to face cultivation of cannabis charges and further charges are likely.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: PHARMAC

Information on what the Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (PTAC) will be considering at its upcoming meeting on 13 and 14 November 2025.

Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have launched the New Zealand-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in Auckland today.

“Singapore is one of our closest partners. As small states, it’s important we work side-by-side to keep trade open, strengthen security, and defend the rules-based order,” Mr Luxon says.

“The CSP we signed today is designed to back business, grow investment, and help more New Zealand firms scale from Singapore into Asia. 

“What this boils down to for Kiwis is more jobs and higher incomes. 

“Through the CSP, we have committed to tackling the next generation of challenges together, from supply chain resilience and digital trade, to climate change and maritime security,” Mr Luxon says. 

The CSP will drive deeper cooperation across six pillars: Trade and Economics; Defence and Security; Science and Innovation; People-to-People links; Climate and Green Economy; and Supply Chains and Connectivity.

“Prime Minister Wong’s visit has not only marked 60 years of diplomatic ties between our two countries – it has set the direction for the next chapter of our partnership.”

As part of today’s announcements, New Zealand and Singapore also concluded a first-of-its-kind Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) to help keep essential goods moving in times of crisis.

Prime Minister Wong departs New Zealand tomorrow.

Source: New Zealand Government

Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced several High Court and Environment Court appointments.

The appointees will sit in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. Those appointed are: 

Owen Paulsen 

Justice Paulsen, currently an Associate High Court Judge, becomes a High Court Judge. He graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws in and began his career at Harman & Co, where he was a partner from 1991-1998. 

From 2000-2001 Justice Paulsen was an adjudication and mediation member of the Employment Tribunal while also in sole practice as a litigation lawyer, and from 2001-2014 was a partner in Cavell Leitch Law. In 2011 he graduated from the University of Auckland with a Master of Laws (Commercial Law) (First Class Honours). 

From 2015-2019 Justice Paulsen was Lord Chief Justice of the Kingdom of Tonga, the professional head of the Tongan judiciary, the President of both the Court of Appeal and the Land Court, and an advisor to His Majesty King Tupou VI on the Privy Council in land cases. While in Tonga he was awarded an official Honour by the King of Tonga making him a member of The Most Devoted Royal Household Order of Tonga. 

Justice Paulsen was appointed an Associate Judge of the High Court in 2019. His appointment as a High Court Judge is effective from 15 November 2025 and he will sit in Christchurch. 

Helen Wild

Helen Wild has been appointed an Associate High Court Judge and will sit in Auckland from 16 February 2026.

Associate Judge Wild graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Laws in 1987. She worked at Simpson Grierson from 1988-1996, becoming a Senior Associate in 1992.  

In 1997 she joined the Auckland District Health Board as Legal Counsel. She became a Principal with Chapman Tripp in 2002, before returning to Simpson Grierson as a Special Counsel in 2005.

From 2007-2015 Associate Judge Wild was Senior Counsel with Television New Zealand. She joined Anderson Creagh Lai Limited as a Director in 2015.

Associate Judge Wild joined the Auckland Council as litigation and dispute resolution manager in 2016 and since 2020 has been the Council’s principal legal advisor and head of the legal team.

David Caldwell 

Judge Caldwell graduated from the University of Canterbury and was admitted to the bar in 1989. He was a partner at Lane Neave and then at Tavendale and Partners in Christchurch, before joining Bridgeside Chambers in 2016. 

He has extensive experience as a litigator and mediator in both employment and resource management law.   He has been appointed as an independent commissioner by territorial and regional councils for numerous consent and plan change applications.  

Judge Caldwell will be sworn in on 15 December 2025 and will sit in the Environment Court in Wellington. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested and charged a 19-year-old Gisborne man in relation to a series of death threats made against a Member of Parliament earlier this year.

The threats were received in March 2025 and were directed at the MP over a social media platform.

The man was arrested on Wednesday [8 October] and has been charged with causing harm by posting digital communication, and threatening to kill. He is due to appear in the Gisborne District Court on 15 October.

Detective Inspector Warren Olsson says the nature and volume of the threats were such that this case met the threshold for investigation and subsequent prosecution.

“Threats of violence are unacceptable and will be thoroughly investigated. The safety of all New Zealanders, including our elected representatives, is paramount, and nobody should be made to fear for their own safety,” he says.

“We want to reassure the public that Police take these matters seriously and will continue to hold offenders to account.”

The Police investigation into the online threats is continuing, with further arrests likely.

As this case is before the court, Police are unable to comment further.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will invest a further $3 million to extend the Active Me – Kia Tū Hardship Fund for another 12 months, Sport and Recreation Minister, Hon Mark Mitchell, says.

The Active Me – Kia Tū fund, delivered by Variety – The Children’s Charity, in partnership with Sport NZ, supports young New Zealanders facing financial hardship to access quality sport and recreation opportunities.

“Active Me – Kia Tū has made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of children,” says Mr Mitchell.  “This funding extension means we can maintain momentum while more sustainable, long-term funding options are explored.”

Since its launch in 2021, Active Me – Kia Tū has supported over 10,000 children and their whānau, providing grants of up to $300 per child annually to help them participate in sport and recreation. The initiative is designed to remove financial barriers and enable participation in physical activity, particularly in communities with high levels of deprivation.

An independent evaluation of the Active Me – Kia Tū fund in 2024 highlighted significant benefits for young people, including strengthened social skills, increased independence and confidence, as well as overall improvements in mental and physical wellbeing.

“The programme also supports the government target of reducing child and youth offending by 15%, as it takes a primary prevention approach, to address risk factors such as financial hardship and school disengagement. It helps to create positive, inclusive opportunities for connection and belonging, key preventative elements that can help create safer, more resilient communities,” says Mr Mitchell.

Sport NZ is currently undertaking further research into the affordability of sport and recreation. These insights will inform future strategies to reduce costs for participants and improve system-wide efficiencies, with the goal of developing a nationwide approach to supporting individual hardship.

Source: New Zealand Police

A cache of firearms has been seized following a search warrant at a Henderson property.

On Wednesday, Police received information about potential firearms at a property on Kingsdale Road and, with the help of the Armed Offenders Squad, a search warrant was executed.

Detective Senior Sergeant Josh Lautogo, Waitematā CIB, says quick work by Police took one person into custody and located a number of items of interest.

“Upon arrival Police have located a number of homemade and 3D printed firearms at the address.

“Subsequently, a 20-year-old man was arrested and will appear in Waitākere District Court on 13 October charged with seven counts of unlawful possession of a firearm.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Lautogo says ammunition was also located at the scene.

“This was a great result from our team who demonstrated outstanding capability in identifying a high-risk arms supplier.

“Their work continues to make a significant impact in disrupting organised criminal networks.”

As the matter is before the Court, Police are limited in providing further comment.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

A Christchurch Care and Protection Residence will be upgraded and re-opened for children with high and complex needs, with a focus on therapeutic, trauma-informed care. 

Admissions to Te Oranga were paused in 2021, due to staffing issues and chronic underinvestment in the care of vulnerable children. Before resuming operations late next year, the residence will undergo a significant infrastructure upgrade.

Minister for Children Karen Chhour says, “Today’s announcement reflects this Government’s commitment to improving the care experience for children and young people, and my commitment to fixing what matters. 

It also reflects the hard work undertaken to raise professional standards across Oranga Tamariki frontline staff.

Te Oranga Care and Protection Residence in Christchurch was not closed due to a lack of need, but because it had been allowed to become rundown and staff professionalism was not made a priority under the previous government.”

When complete, Te Oranga will provide up to 10 additional beds. 

“The re-building and re-opening of Te Oranga would not be possible without the significant improvements made by Oranga Tamariki over the past 18 months. 

Improved professionalisation, greater training, and long overdue investment in facilities has allowed Te Oranga to safely resume housing young people. 

This investment re-introduces much needed capacity across the residential network, ensuring that children and young people who are at risk and experiencing challenges in the community are safely supported in the most appropriate environment.

Once re-opened, Te Oranga will be a therapeutic environment for children with high and complex needs that will centre around safety, wellbeing and dignity, and supports young people to return home,” says Minister Chhour.