NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Police will be part of something special this weekend, supporting Auckland’s Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope in support of The Special Olympics Games.

The games are to be held at the new Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch from Wednesday 10 until Sunday 14 of December this year.

Media is invited to attend the three exciting events in the Auckland area this weekend for the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The events take place in central Auckland on Saturday and two venues in south Auckland on Sunday.

Media are welcome at all three events to take photos, video footage and conduct interviews with athletes and officers.

What:   Law Enforcement Torch Run Auckland Central
Where:  Meet at Victoria Park at the intersection of Victoria Street West and Beaumont Street (Freemans Bay Auckland).
When:  Saturday 11 October 2025 at 10am
Who:    District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police
What:   Law Enforcement Torch Run for Auckland Central Police.

What:   Law Enforcement Torch Run Weymouth, South Auckland
Where:  Meet at Mountfort Park, 10 Sykes Road Weymouth (Opposite the swimming pools).
When:  Sunday 12 October 2025 at 10am
Who:    District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police
What:   First Law Enforcement Torch Run for Counties Manukau District.

What:   Law Enforcement Torch Run Pukekohe, South Auckland
Where:  Meet at Navigation Homes Stadium, (Lower car park), 21 Stadium Drive, Pukekohe.
When:  Sunday 12 October 2025 at 2pm
Who:    District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police
What:   Second Law Enforcement Torch Run for Counties Manukau District.

Police contact: Inspector Mark Harrison 021 1907 805
Special Olympics contact: Coen Lammers 021 730 239

Known as Guardians of the Flame, police members, along with Special Olympics athletes, will carry the Flame of Hope as it traverses the country to get local communities excited about the upcoming December Games.

Athletes, supporters and Police staff will assemble at the three different Auckland locations to run the flame.

“Lighting the Flame of Hope means that the games are just around the corner,” says Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey. The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run that starts in Northland on October 4 will travel all the way down to Southland, before it ends up in Christchurch in the week before the games start.
The countdown is on!

Inspector Rupert Friend, New Zealand Police says, “We are always proud to take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement.
“The Torch Run has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising platforms including Polar Plunges. We held two plunges in Wellington and Christchurch this year where a total of $26,000 was raised for our New Zealand athletes.
“The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a worldwide organisation and celebrated this year raising $1 billion to support the athletes of Special Olympics. We encourage all kiwis to come out and show their support at Torch Run events up and down the country from October to December leading up to the games.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police will be part of something special this weekend, supporting Auckland’s Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope in support of The Special Olympics Games. 

The games are to be held at the new Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch from Wednesday 10 until Sunday 14 of December this year.

Media is invited to attend the three exciting events in the Auckland area this weekend for the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The events take place in central Auckland on Saturday and two venues in south Auckland on Sunday. 

Media are welcome at all three events to take photos, video footage and conduct interviews with athletes and officers.

What:   Law Enforcement Torch Run Auckland Central
Where:  Meet at Victoria Park at the intersection of Victoria Street West and Beaumont Street (Freemans Bay Auckland).
When:  Saturday 11 October 2025 at 10am
Who:    District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police
What:   Law Enforcement Torch Run for Auckland Central Police.

What:   Law Enforcement Torch Run Weymouth, South Auckland
Where:  Meet at Mountfort Park, 10 Sykes Road Weymouth (Opposite the swimming pools).
When:  Sunday 12 October 2025 at 10am
Who:    District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police
What:   First Law Enforcement Torch Run for Counties Manukau District.

What:   Law Enforcement Torch Run Pukekohe, South Auckland
Where:  Meet at Navigation Homes Stadium, (Lower car park), 21 Stadium Drive, Pukekohe.
When:  Sunday 12 October 2025 at 2pm
Who:    District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police
What:   Second Law Enforcement Torch Run for Counties Manukau District.

Police contact: Inspector Mark Harrison 021 1907 805
Special Olympics contact: Coen Lammers 021 730 239

Known as Guardians of the Flame, police members, along with Special Olympics athletes, will carry the Flame of Hope as it traverses the country to get local communities excited about the upcoming December Games.

Athletes, supporters and Police staff will assemble at the three different Auckland locations to run the flame.

“Lighting the Flame of Hope means that the games are just around the corner,” says Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey. The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run that starts in Northland on October 4 will travel all the way down to Southland, before it ends up in Christchurch in the week before the games start.
The countdown is on!

Inspector Rupert Friend, New Zealand Police says, “We are always proud to take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement.
“The Torch Run has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising platforms including Polar Plunges. We held two plunges in Wellington and Christchurch this year where a total of $26,000 was raised for our New Zealand athletes.
“The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a worldwide organisation and celebrated this year raising $1 billion to support the athletes of Special Olympics. We encourage all kiwis to come out and show their support at Torch Run events up and down the country from October to December leading up to the games.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Today’s 50 basis point Official Cash Rate reduction will further ease pressure on Kiwi households and businesses, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“Today’s Official Cash Rate (OCR) shows monetary policy doing its job. The reduction will be welcome news to mortgage-holders and businesses, as OCR drops flow through to interest rates.

“Falling interest rates are good news for growth, jobs, and investment. It also means more money in the hands of families with mortgages.

“Today’s decision means the OCR has now dropped from 5.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent in just over a year – a significant shift that is taking some of the edge off a very challenging economic recovery.

“Assuming today’s reduction is passed on in full, minimum repayments for a family with a 25-year, $500,000 mortgage will be more than $400 less a fortnight than they were in the middle of last year.

“The Government acted swiftly to refocus the Reserve Bank on addressing inflation. Inflation has now been within the Reserve Bank’s target band of 1 per cent to 3 per cent for four consecutive quarters.

“We also stopped wasteful spending, which aside from squandering hard-earned tax dollars, also overheated the economy.

“But we know many New Zealanders are still doing it tough. That’s why the Government remains focused on responsible economic management that supports recovery while delivering the public services New Zealanders expect.

“Lower interest rates are part of the picture – but we’re also a reforming Government driving policies that support job and income growth, ensuring every Kiwi has the opportunity to get ahead.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Northland Police investigating a suspicious fire are appealing for help to identify a person seen on Raumanga Valley Road, Whangārei, in the early hours of Tuesday, 23 September.

Whangārei Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer says the sighting occurred a day prior to a suspected arson at the address.

“The person was seen between approximately 4am and 6am, wearing dark clothing and a balaclava.

“If you saw this person, or anything else suspicious around that time, we want to hear from you.

“We’re making good progress on the investigation, including reviewing a significant amount of CCTV footage.”

Police were called to the property about 6.20am on Wednesday, 24th September, after a couch on the front porch was set alight.

“Thankfully, all five occupants were able to get out safely but the situation could have been very different,” Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.

Anyone with information is urged to update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250924/3224.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Police

Counties Manukau Police are calling on families and neighbours to ensure elderly or vulnerable members of their family are aware of ongoing attempts by scammers to get their banking details.

Police are urging all members of the community to be extra vigilant about bank account security and to not provide any bank details or remote access to digital devices.

“Prevention first is key, do not engage with scammers, keep your funds and personal information secure,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Tiernan, O/C Area Investigations, Manurewa, says.

“We’re asking everyone to be mindful of the risks.  The reality is what we’re seeing is highly distressing to a person who has lost money through a scam.”

If anyone asks you to open a bank account on their behalf and put the banking card in your mailbox in exchange for payment, this is a scam.  It is likely the scammers will use your account to launder money.

“The promise of extra money is tempting, but the offer of free money in these circumstances must be viewed with extreme caution,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Tiernan says.

“If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.”

If you are found to be actively participating in the receiving and forwarding of funds obtained through fraudulent means, you could be investigated and charged for criminal offending.

Police urge people to take a commonsense approach to anyone they don’t know who asks about their accounts.

“This kind of activity is money laundering and if your account is found to be connected, you could be held responsible,” xxx says.

“Saying someone else accessed your account doesn’t get you off the hook.”

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  08 October 2025

DOC rangers joined forces with the Police, the Waimakariri District Council and Christchurch City Council and patrolled the Ōtākaro/Avon, Waimakariri, Kaiapoi, Pūharakekenui/Styx Rivers and Otipua/Saltwater Creek, speaking to hundreds of fishers.

DOC Mahaanui Operations Manager Andy Thompson says there were 6 alleged offences observed in total which will be followed up, with possible outcomes ranging from no further action, a warning letter or a fine. Serious or repeat offences can lead to a prosecution.

“What’s really pleasing this season, is that 95 per cent of the fishers were adhering or wanting to adhere to the rules and are out there “naturing” on the rivers and catching a feed. Small pockets of tension arise due to the commercial value of whitebait and that’s generally where more serious deliberate offending occurs,” he says.

Andy Thompson says he would like to see whitebait fishers do more to advocate for and protect the environment near the whitebait habitats.

“There are incidents of riverbank modification, and this is not something we want to see. I’d love to see fishers getting involved in restoration projects and habitat protection. They are out there enjoying the environment we want to encourage them to actively give back to nature. We see many in the hunting and tramping space working actively in conservation and it makes a real difference to the work we do at DOC,” he says.

“Ngāi Tūāhuriri also really take a leadership role in this space. They have customary fishing rights and are active as kaitiaki (guardians). We want to see all fishers to see themselves as guardians to protect the fishing resource and surrounding habitats for future generations.”

The whitebait season runs from September 1 to October 30 in New Zealand, with fishing permitted from 6 am to 9 pm.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

Good morning, and thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.

I want to begin by acknowledging the leadership of Mark Ross and Don Hammond, and the Association’s continued commitment to advancing New Zealand’s wood processing sector. Your Value-Added Wood Exports Growth Acceleration Plan is a bold and strategic blueprint — one that reflects the ambition and clarity of purpose this industry is known for.

I also wish to recognise the working group behind the plan’s development. Your efforts serve the more than 42,000 New Zealanders employed across forestry, logging, wood production, and processing — a workforce larger than the urban population of Gisborne. That fact alone underscores the scale and significance of this sector to our national economy.

Forestry and wood processing are not just economic drivers — they are foundational to the prosperity of regional New Zealand. In my own Rotorua electorate and across the country, I see firsthand how thriving businesses in this sector sustain communities, create jobs, and foster innovation.

Navigating Challenges, Seizing Opportunities

We are all aware of the challenges confronting the sector. Plant closures, high energy costs, soft domestic demand, and tariff uncertainty are placing pressure on businesses. These issues are real, and I’ve heard them directly from many of you.

But this industry is resilient. Your commitment to long-term prosperity is evident in the conversations taking place at this very conference. It is through forums like this — where expertise, experience, and vision converge — that we shape the path forward.

The sector’s performance last year speaks volumes. Forestry and wood processing exports rose 9% to $6.3 billion—an increase of $500 million. For the first time, processed wood exports exceeded $1 billion, reaching $1.1 billion—a 27% increase. These are not just numbers; they are signals of momentum and capability.

Looking ahead, the global trading environment and the projected softwood deficit present significant opportunities. With coordinated effort between industry and Government, New Zealand is well-positioned to lead.

Your growth plan aligns with the Government’s objective to double export value over the next decade. It sets out a clear pathway and places business leadership at the centre of accelerating high-value exports. This is a shared vision — one that focuses on processing more forest products onshore to maximise returns and build resilience.

Government Support for Sector Growth

Currently, around 60% of our wood exports are unprocessed. That will remain a vital part of our export mix. But New Zealand is increasingly recognised for its innovation and its ability to deliver high-value food and fibre products. The world demands quality — and we are ready to supply it.

The $47 million Wood Processing Growth Fund is a key enabler. It supports the development of high-value, long-lived wood products — structural timber, furniture, fencing, and landscaping. It helps projects move from concept to execution, creates employment, and strengthens the sector’s capacity.

To date, $11.5 million has been committed to 24 projects nationwide. These investments are not just commercial—they are community-building. Supporting Kiwi businesses means supporting the regions they call home.

Beyond direct investment, we are focused on removing structural barriers to growth. Reforms in the building and construction portfolio are streamlining regulation, making it more proportionate to risk and consistent nationwide.

We are addressing RMA consenting delays through the introduction of a fast-track process and a one-year maximum timeframe for councils to decide on wood processing consents. This will provide greater certainty, unlock investment, and accelerate growth.

Energy costs remain a significant challenge. That’s why I’m encouraged by the sector’s initiatives to improve energy efficiency and supply. Over the past 18 months, more new generation has been commissioned than in the previous 15 years. We remain committed to building a sustainable and affordable energy system that supports industry needs.

Trade, Tariffs, and Global Positioning

My trade and investment portfolio gives me a deep appreciation for how global dynamics affect your businesses.

We are actively working to strengthen New Zealand’s international position. We’ve signed a Cooperation Arrangement with Viet Nam to grow timber exports and remove trade barriers. A Memorandum of Cooperation with India will deepen collaboration and unlock new market opportunities. We are hosting inbound and outbound trade missions to reinforce these ties.

We are also working closely with Australia to align timber production standards and grading processes — enhancing trade and delivering mutual benefits.

These efforts are about placing New Zealand businesses front and centre on the global stage. They are about securing market access, building certainty, and unlocking value.

I understand the concern around tariffs. I remain steadfast in my view that tariffs are detrimental to trade. My officials and I continue to advocate strongly for relief.

We are disappointed by the imposition of a 10% tariff on the majority of New Zealand’s timber exports to the United States. However, we remain hopeful that US builders, manufacturers, and retailers will continue to recognise the quality and reliability of New Zealand timber.

In my engagements with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, I have consistently emphasised the value our timber products bring to the US market — and I will continue to do so.

Closing Remarks

Before I take your questions, let me reaffirm this Government’s commitment to your growth and continued excellence.

This sector is built on hard work, innovation, and leadership. I see those qualities in the faces around this room. You are driving the industry forward—and we are here to support you.

Thank you again for the opportunity to speak today. I look forward to your questions and to continuing our work together.

Source: Family First

MEDIA RELEASE – 8 October 2025

JUST RELEASED: The Untold Stories Of Kiwi ‘Detransitioners’ Issy and Zara – WATCH

A Canadian-based study, the largest of its kind in decades, and released recently in the International Journal of Transgender Health suggests that while there is plenty of support for those who want to attempt to transition to the opposite sex, those who wish to revert back to their biological sex feel poorly supported by LGBTQ groups and gender-affirming care practitioners, and wish doctors “took a more neutral approach to care.” The researchers say that this exposes a new form of stigma – using the language of the left: detransphobia.

This is similar to the experiences of kiwi ‘detransitioners’ Issy and Zara, whose stories have just been published online by Family First NZ after they were first shared at the recent Forum on the Family attended by 750 delegates in Auckland.

Reported in Canada’s National Post, the York University-led research team wrote

“The mainstream gender-affirming care system largely presumes that gender identity / expression is immutable and that TGD (transgender and gender-diverse) people will engage in only one gender transition…  this presumption can create environments in which multiple transitions, gender fluidity, and detransitions are misunderstood or even stigmatized.”

The findings of the survey of 956 ‘detransitioners’ living in Canada and the US are backed up by New Zealander Issy. Issy ‘transitioned’ to male at the age of 19 and then had ‘top surgery’ when she was 21 and a hysterectomy when she was 22. She grew a beard, got a deep voice, her period stopped, there was more sweat and she could make muscle easily. All the stuff she wanted. But she also got massively depressed. But then she came to the realisation that she would always be female – and there was power in acknowledging and accepting that. Issy ‘detransitioned’ but says that the support that was there when she was transitioning is now much harder to find.

In Zara’s case (also a kiwi), when she was 13, she started ‘socially transitioning’ to be a male with a changed name and ‘preferred pronouns’. By the time she was 15, she was on puberty blockers. When she was 16, she was on testosterone. With the help of the public health system, she had ‘top surgery’ lined up for when she was 18 years old. She was told that if she said she was suicidal, it would help get her through the system quickly – so she did exactly what they told her to do. But just before she was scheduled to have her healthy breasts removed, she ‘detransitioned’.

“Sadly, our politicians disgraced themselves and criminalised the support of vulnerable young people such as Issy and Zara via the flawed ‘conversion therapy ban’ law. As a result, parents, counsellors and medical professionals are at risk of prosecution for helping vulnerable young people, the ban is scaring therapists away from troubled adolescents, and self-determination of how you want to live your life and align your values are being criminalised and dictated by the state,” says Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First NZ.

“Fortunately the transgender agenda is slowly crumbling before our eyes, and more and more countries are banning puberty blockers and so-called gender affirmation treatment which has made the problem worse, not better, for vulnerable young people.”

“It’s well over time that New Zealand also moved to safeguard our young people.”

WATCH The Untold Stories Of Kiwi ‘Detransitioners’ – Meet Issy

WATCH The Untold Stories Of Kiwi ‘Detransitioners’ – Meet Zara

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are at the scene of a crash that has blocked State Highway 1 at Domett this morning.

The single-vehicle crash was reported about 10am and happened between Darrochs Road and Ethelton Road.

One person is reported to have critical injuries and will be flown to hospital.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and diversions are being put in place. North-bound traffic is being diverted along State Highway 7, From Waipara, while south-bound traffic is being diverted along Leader Road East at Parnassus.

Motorists should expect delays while the scene is cleared.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has celebrated the addition of peer support workers in Dunedin Hospital’s Emergency Department today with a visit to the region to meet some of the team. 

“For people arriving at an emergency department in mental health crisis, the experience can feel overwhelming. Having a peer support specialist alongside them, someone with lived experience who understands what they’re going through can make a huge difference,” Mr Doocey says. 

Dunedin Hospital is the sixth major hospital to implement the service since September last year. 

“We’ve already seen the impact this service is having in other hospitals. It’s helping people feel heard, supported, and more connected to ongoing care. I’m pleased we’re moving quickly to expand this model across New Zealand so more people can benefit.” 

The Dunedin service will be delivered by Life Matters Suicide Trust, who have been offering peer-led support and advocacy in the community since 2014. Their team will build on this work inside the hospital, complementing the drop-in and crisis services they already provide locally. 

“Knowing there is someone in the room who has walked a similar journey and come through it can give people real hope,” Mr Doocey says.

“Peer support specialists also play an important role in linking people back into community services, helping to set them up for better outcomes once they leave hospital.

“As New Zealand’s first Minister for Mental Health, I’m determined to better utilise and strengthen the peer support workforce. Their expertise and empathy are invaluable in our mental health system and part of a silent revolution taking place.”

Since its launch at Middlemore Hospital in September 2024, the peer support service has been rolled out to Auckland City, Wellington, Christchurch, and Waikato Hospitals, with more to follow.

“Peer support workers are a part of our mental health plan for faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response.

“This Government is focused on building a stronger workforce so that when people take the brave step of asking for help, that support is available.”