NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are in attendance at a serious crash on State Highway 1, Mata this afternoon.

Police were called to the two vehicle crash at about 4.40pm.

At this stage three people are reported to have suffered minor to moderate injuries.

State Highway 1 has been closed in both directions while the scene is cleared.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, delay travel or take alternate routes if possible.

Police ask all road users to exercise patience during this time.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

A 19-year-old has now been charged with murder following the death of a man in Ōtara last month.

Police were called to Wymondley Road shortly before midnight on 1 August after reports of a group of people fighting in the street.

Upon arrival, two men were located with critical injuries.

They were transported to hospital, however sadly, one of the victims, Greig Kelvin Temarama-Abela, died a short time later.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Vaaelua, Counties Manukau CIB, says a man who was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to the second victim from the altercation, has now also been charged with Greig’s murder.

“We are pleased to have been able to charge someone in relation to this tragic incident.

“The 19-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court tomorrow charged with murder.”

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

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is accelerating $413 million of investment in school infrastructure to improve classrooms and provide a significant boost for builders and tradies across New Zealand immediately, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. 

“Every child deserves to learn in a warm, dry and safe classroom. 

“We have a significant pipeline of maintenance work to keep our schools in great shape, but we’re accelerating $413 million of projects so they can get underway sooner. 

“This will enable schools to do significant maintenance over the coming summer holidays, and support more rural and isolated schools to upgrade their infrastructure. 

“This is great news for schools and communities that will benefit for better learning spaces, but it will also power up the trade and construction sectors, creating a steady flow of jobs for builders, plumbers, roofers and more. 

The investment package will consist of:

• $58 million for operating maintenance work for all schools.
• $255 million for internal and external improvements on all isolated, small and rural schools, representing half of all state schools.
• $100 million over five years for urgent and essential infrastructure work.

“This significant investment highlights our Government’s commitment to our young people and their education, but also but a willingness to stimulate important parts of our economy that need it. 

“This work was always going to be needed to ensure that existing infrastructure doesn’t end up with bigger problems down the track. We’re bringing it forward to support our schools, and our tradespeople now. 

“Our Government has turned around the delivery of school property. We’ve halved the cost of a new classroom from $1.2 million to $620,000, the Ministry of Education is now generating more cost-savings by focusing on offsite manufacturing solutions, and communication with schools has improved.  

“Our focus remains on driving efficiencies across the school property portfolio, so parents, teachers and communities have clarity and certainty about their school’s future,” Ms Stanford says.

The $413 million package consists of $58 million of new money, $100 million from Budget 24, $80 million of Ministry of Education Baseline, and $175 million of brought-forward funding.

Source: New Zealand Government

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston is welcoming a strong opening to New Zealand’s cruise season, thanks to joint government and industry efforts.

“With the first ship of the season Crown Princess having docked in Auckland today, it’s great to welcome her passengers and crew,” Louise Upston says.

“All up across almost 40 ships, we expect 177,000 cruise visitors to New Zealand for the 2025 – 2026 cruise season. Cruise has firmly established itself as an important part of our tourism sector.

“We know some cruise operators had questions about the New Zealand operational environment before they could commit to future scheduling.  We’ve worked hard to address those questions so forward planning can go full steam ahead once again. 

“Ministers met with cruise and port sector representatives in July to discuss how we could all make the most of the opportunities and remove the barriers. 

“As a result, we’ve 

• Worked on new ways to manage biofouling, so cruise lines have confidence any extra cleaning needed to meet biosecurity rules can be done safely and efficiently.
• Worked hard to provide clarity on regulatory costs facing the sector.
• Set up a Fast-Track Approvals process supporting efficient consenting for much-needed infrastructure like Port of Auckland’s development of a new wharf and passenger terminal for cruise vessels.
• Recently confirmed ongoing cruise access to Milford Sound.

“I also want to acknowledge the work of Port of Auckland who announced earlier today that it is in the final stages of developing an innovative in-port biofouling solution to clean niche areas of ships.” 

Louise Upston said she was now chairing a biannual cross-government and industry forum focused on supporting innovation and development in the cruise sector to maximise its contribution to the New Zealand economy and communities. 

“This reaffirms that New Zealand is open for business and committed to supporting the cruise sector’s growth. It sends an important message to the international cruise sector,

“I was encouraged to hear that cruise lines at the Seatrade Europe international expo earlier this month were very positive about recent developments in New Zealand. 

“The next big trade convention is Seatrade Miami in April 2026. I want to keep up the momentum and ensure all the cruise lines know New Zealand welcomes them and their passengers, so I will commit up to $25,000 in funding to boost New Zealand’s presence there.

“With the 2025 – 2026 season now open and the first passengers arriving, this bodes well for a bright future for cruise tourism in New Zealand,” Louise Upston says. 

Source: Privacy Commissioner

22 Sept 2025, 09:00

New Zealand has joined with 18 other Data Protection Agencies to mark its support towards an extended global commitment to innovative and privacy-protecting AI.

Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says the joint statement issued on Trustworthy Data Governance for AI highlights the opportunities offered by AI. It also sheds light on several risks that responsible use of AI needs to consider, including concerns over data protection and privacy, discrimination and bias, disinformation, and AI hallucination. 

Doing AI well means doing privacy well. There’s recognition of the importance of embedding privacy-by-design principles into AI systems and that AI should be developed and deployed in accordance with data protection and privacy rules and other norms, Mr Webster says.

“Data Protection Agencies have a leading role in setting clear requirements and guidance that support organisations to implement AI in innovative ways while maintaining privacy protections. This declaration provides global recognition of the significant challenges presented by AI and the increased need to protect privacy and other fundamental rights.”

“People building and using AI tools are using information in new ways, including personal information. Most of the development of popular AI systems happens outside New Zealand.”

“I welcomed the chance to sign this statement and join with other privacy and data protection bodies. Considering privacy is a critical part of using AI in ways that achieve the intended outcomes and earn New Zealanders’ trust.”

To highlight protection authorities’ leading role in shaping data governance to address AI’s evolving challenges, the signatories committed to:

• Foster a shared understanding of lawful grounds for processing data in the context of AI training in our respective jurisdictions
• Develop clear standards and requirements to ensure that AI training data is processed lawfully, whether based on consent, contractual necessity, legitimate interest, or other legal justifications.
• Exchange information and establish a shared understanding of proportionate safety measures.
• Reduce legal uncertainties and secure space for innovation where data processing is essential for the development and deployment of AI.

Mr Webster said it was important to work with other jurisdictions on AI as it was a global technology that was developing at pace. 

The Joint Statement on Building Trustworthy Data Governance Frameworks to Encourage Development of Innovative and Privacy-protecting AI (Joint Statement), was signed by nineteen data protection authorities (DPAs) – Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Korea, New Zealand, Luxembourg, Macao SAR, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, at the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) Seoul 2025 (15-19 September, 2025).

Other documents

Source: New Zealand Government

Reintroducing domestically sourced coal as a back-up fuel for electricity generation during shortages is a pragmatic move that will bolster New Zealand’s energy resilience and the Waikato regional economy, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.

Genesis Energy has entered into a two-year agreement with BT Mining to supply 240,000 tonnes of locally sourced coal to the Huntly Power Station, diversifying its fuel supply and reducing reliance on imported coal.

“Gas-powered generation at Huntly has long been how we bridge the gap when renewable sources can’t meet demand but, as gas supply tightens, coal generation is now taking a bigger role in ensuring we can keep the lights on,” Mr Jones says. 

“Over the past decade, Genesis Energy has used between 230,000 and 1,200,000 tonnes of coal per year to generate electricity when we need it most. This fluctuating annual demand has led to a reliance on imported coal, leaving us exposed to international market volatility.

“This new agreement to source coal locally will help safeguard New Zealand against global disruptions, strengthen our fuel supply chain and provide greater certainty for our electricity system.”

Mr Jones also highlighted the significant regional economic benefits of the deal, particularly for the Waikato. 

“This is the resource renaissance. Coal has been a cornerstone of the region’s economy since commercial mining began at the Huntly coalfield in 1860. Mining this important resource supports skilled, well-paying local jobs and injects economic activity into local communities, reinforcing the vital role of regional New Zealand in securing our energy needs,” Mr Jones says.

Source: New Zealand Police

A speedy response put Police on the trail of a pair of thieves in Blockhouse Bay overnight.

Around 10pm Police responded to reports the alarms were sounding at Blockhouse Bay Intermediate on Bolton Road.

Upon arrival it was confirmed the school had been broken into, and items were missing from some classrooms.

Auckland City West Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Guy Baldwin says Eagle was quickly overhead and spotted the alleged offenders trying to make a getaway.

“Eagle saw two males jumping over fences nearby, in an attempt to evade Police,” he says.

“With Eagle orbiting overhead, the Dog team managed to locate the offender’s scent track, which in turn, led to the offenders.”

“This alleged offender had a bag containing three laptops in his possession, which were recovered and returned to the school,” Senior Sergeant Baldwin says.

“We continue to send the message that this is not acceptable, especially when offending targets important places like our schools.”

A 17-year-old male has been referred to Youth Aid.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify the second offender.

Anyone with information is asked to updated Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250922/5751.

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

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

A major shift in how the public sector undertakes digital investment and procurement could save up to $3.9 billion in the next five years, the Government announced today.

“The Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) will lead digital investment and procurement decision making on behalf of most public service agencies and Crown entities,” Minister for Digitising Government and the Public Service Judith Collins says.

“Taking a centralised approach to digital investment and procurement could save up to 30 percent on the projected $13 billion technology spend across the public sector in the next five years.

“This potentially saves a huge amount of taxpayer money – and that’s money that can instead be spent on delivering better public services, for the benefit of all New Zealanders. 

“Siloed, bespoke technology solutions will be a thing of the past. Our target is a citizen-focused, digital-first public service like we see in other leading digital nations. Countries such as Estonia achieve significant, ongoing savings and productivity benefits thanks to their efficient digitised public services; our changes will set New Zealand up to emulate those successes.

“The GCDO will develop and deliver a range of key digital tools on behalf of agencies, including the NZ Government App which will allow New Zealanders to receive secure notifications from government agencies. It will also allow people to store their digital identity documents, choose who they share them with and, in future, make payments for government services from their phones.

“We want to see our public sector offering better, faster digital services for New Zealanders – but I would also note that services will continue to be available through traditional means,” Ms Collins says.

“These decisions are another step towards New Zealanders having safer, more secure digital services from the Government.”

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

“Stoats can swim surprising distances; they have been recorded swimming as far as 5 km. This one most likely swum across from nearby Arapaoa Island, which has stoats in low numbers, and is only 400 m away at the closest point,” Amy says.

“Once DOC became aware of the stoat, rangers went out to check the island’s permanent trapping network and were thrilled to find a stoat had been caught.

“To be sure it was only one stoat, we’ve also put out extra trail cameras and tracking tunnels which detect introduced predators. A trained stoat detection dog will also check the island.”

The additional measures will be in place until DOC is certain only one stoat made the swim, Amy says.

Amy says we know from other island incursions it can be tough to remove stoats in low numbers so it’s vital to detect any intrusions and respond quickly.

While the trapped stoat likely got to Oruawairua under its own steam, it’s a reminder predator-free islands count on people to play their part to keep them that way, Amy says.

“New Zealand’s animals and plants are different and predator-free islands like Oruawairua are a chance for people to go naturing in these ecosystems as they once were.

“We’re privileged a sanctuary like Oruawairua is open to the public, but with this comes a responsibility for visitors to follow quarantine procedures and make sure they don’t accidentally introduce pests or predators. Everyone has a role in protecting nature.

“Thoroughly check your boat or kayak and equipment for pests like rodents, insects like ants, and unwanted seeds. Make sure it’s had a thorough clean, and keep any bags tightly closed ahead of your visit. There’s more info on quarantining in the DOC website.”

Visiting pest free islands: Know before you go

Background information

Oruawairua was declared predator-free in 2008 following a DOC eradication programme for rats and stoats in 2005.

Before this incursion, a stoat was last detected on the island 10 years ago, which was also caught in a trap.

DOC has permanent traplines and trail cameras set up across the island which are checked monthly as a first line of defence against any possible incursion.

The Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology trainee ranger course and the Untouched World Foundation both visit the island annually to carry out crucial maintenance on tracks and traps.

The Arapaoa Kiwi Trust runs a trapping programme which aims to eradicate stoats from nearby Arapaoa Island.

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are attending a serious crash on West Coast Road, Glen Eden.

A two-vehicle crash was reported at 7am, near the intersection of Rosier Road.

At this stage one person is in a serious condition, with two others receiving moderate to minor injuries.

West Coast Road has been closed between Rosier and Sunvue Roads.

Police are advising motorists to use alternate routes as road closures may be in place for some time.

The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance and an investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the crash.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police