NZ Engine

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

Source: New Zealand Police

It’s by good fortune only that Police are not advising the public of a serious or fatal crash in rural Auckland overnight.

Instead, an allegedly intoxicated man will face the Pukekohe District Court on a raft of charges after he crashed his van in Runciman.

At around 12.43am, Police responded to a crash on Runciman, in southern Auckland.

“A Mitsubishi van and trailer had jackknifed, completely blocking Runciman Road,” Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes says.

“When units attended the driver was asleep at the driver’s wheel, and it was suspected he was under the influence of a substance.”

Alarmingly, Police also located methamphetamine and other substances in his van.

Inspector Hoyes says the man was going to be transported to Pukekohe Police Station for a Compulsory Impairment Test (CIT) but was taken to hospital for assessment after becoming increasingly incoherent.

“Police have since charged the 55-year-old man with driving and drugs offences after this morning’s crash,” he says.

Those charges include careless driving, possession of a precursor substance with intent, possession of methamphetamine and possession of a class A substance.

He has also been charged with refusing to supply blood. The man will appear in the Pukekohe District Court today.

It could have been worse.

“This incident could have easily resulted in our staff attending where someone had suffered serious or fatal injuries as a result,” Inspector Hoyes says.

“The man’s actions were reckless, and people need to realise that driving under the influence puts lives at risk.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

The northbound lane of State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, Upper Hutt is blocked following a crash this morning.

Police were called to the two-vehicle crash, near Remutaka Hill Summit, at around 7am.

Thankfully, there have been no injuries reported.

Traffic management is en route and the lane will be blocked for some time.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and to expect delays.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

Emergency departments will receive a $20 million boost to increase frontline staffing across hospitals nationwide over the next nine months, Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced.

“Emergency departments have just had their busiest winter ever, and too many New Zealanders are still waiting too long in EDs,” Mr Brown says.

“This $20 million investment will deliver more staff on the frontline, relieve pressure on hospitals, and deliver faster care for patients. Hospitals will be able to recruit additional doctors, nurses, and support staff, with an initial focus on those hospitals facing the greatest challenges.

“It will strengthen senior decision-making at the front door, improve patient flow through EDs and wards, and boost weekend capacity. It will also expand advanced nursing and allied health roles, bolster cleaning and orderly support, and increase access to hospital-in-the-home and flex beds during periods of surge.

“We know more will be needed in the years ahead. This is about investing now, while Health New Zealand plans for the future.”

Mr Brown says the initiative will be funded from Health New Zealand’s baseline as part of its $1.37 billion annual uplift.

“Under Labour, ED performance collapsed – from 89.2 per cent in 2017 to just 67.5 per cent in 2023. We’ve reinstated the shorter stays in ED target, and performance is already turning around.

“This year, our Government is investing $32.7 billion in health to strengthen services, grow the workforce, and upgrade vital infrastructure so New Zealanders can access timely, quality care. That includes hiring more doctors and nurses, as well as boosting access to GPs, 24/7 online doctors, and community health workers – but we know there’s more to do.

“We also know ED staff are working incredibly hard under significant pressure, and we are grateful for the care they provide to patients every day.

“The Government is restoring targets, investing in the frontline, and delivering results for patients. This $20 million boost for EDs is another step in relieving pressure, backing our health workforce, and ensuring New Zealanders get the care they need, when they need it.”

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is delivering a major $100 million investment to accelerate improvements across New Zealand’s hospital facilities, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This Government is doing the basics well – delivering the frontline health infrastructure that has long been neglected,” Mr Brown says.

“New Zealanders deserve modern, resilient hospitals that can deliver timely, quality care. That’s exactly what we’re focused on.”

This funding as part of Budget 2025 forms part of the Government’s wider plan to restore core public services and deliver timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders.

“We are backing our hospitals with the upgrades they need – expanding clinical spaces, addressing urgent problems, and ensuring facilities are fit for purpose both now and into the future.”

The $100 million programme will be delivered through two key streams:

• 21 local projects across the country to expand and modernise clinical spaces and supporting services.
• A remediation programme focused on strengthening essential infrastructure and reducing the risk of disruption to clinical services.

“Projects will be delivered from Whangārei to Queenstown, each reflecting local priorities. These include:

• Increased clinical space in emergency departments
• New transit lounges
• Additional clinical spaces
• Laboratory refurbishments
• Additional car parking

“At Manukau Health Park, a new oncology infusion centre will almost double treatment capacity and improve access to cancer care for the Counties Manukau community. With more infusion chairs, consultation rooms, and support services, the centre will also expand beyond breast cancer to provide treatments for conditions such as respiratory and bowel cancers.

“Every project will make a real difference for patients and staff – whether that means shorter emergency waits, faster cancer treatment, more timely elective surgery, or improved access to services.”

Alongside these local upgrades, this funding will support nine remediation programmes across hospital facilities.  

“These works will strengthen the critical infrastructure that keeps hospitals safe and reliable – including heating, power, hot water, and air conditioning. By tackling urgent risks and building resilience, we are ensuring hospitals can deliver the care New Zealanders rely on, every hour of every day.”

Mr Brown says these small-scale upgrades are designed to deliver practical, quicker benefits directly to the communities that need them, and build on major, longer-term hospital projects such as Nelson and Wellington announced in this year’s Budget. 

These projects will also support jobs across the construction sector nationwide, with most set for delivery in 2026 and some extending into 2027.

“This is practical, targeted investment that will improve patient flow, support frontline staff, strengthen resilience, and help us deliver on our health targets.

“We are delivering the hospital infrastructure New Zealanders need – now, and for future generations.”

Source: New Zealand Police

A man is before the courts after the use of a laser in a dangerous manner, directed at two commercial aircrafts in Wellington on Saturday evening.

At around 6.45pm, Police received a report from Air Traffic Control that a plane preparing to land at Wellington Airport was targeted by a laser.

Within five minutes, a second plane reported a laser being pointed in its direction.

The information provided to Police suggested the laser came from Stokes Valley.

An officer already in Stokes Valley on unrelated matters was able to respond, and within 10 minutes the man was located with a laser and taken into custody.

Police are issuing a stern reminder to the public that the lasering of any aircraft is incredibly dangerous and Police will continue to work to ensure anybody who is careless enough to shine a laser at an aircraft will be held accountable.

A 35-year-old man is set to appear in the Hutt Valley District Court on Monday 22 September, charged with endangering transport.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says a sustained focus on delivering efficient government services has produced the shortest citizenship wait times in five years. 

“I’m focused on fixing what matters. That means delivering tangible benefits to those spending their money on government services by improving efficiency,” says Ms van Velden. 

In October 2023, people were waiting an average of 180 days to get a decision on their citizenship by grant application. Now, the average wait time is 69 days. 

“This data shows wait times for outcomes on citizenship applications have more than halved since Labour were last in Government.

“I asked the Department of Internal Affairs to work on the oldest applications first to clear the backlog, and they smashed it.

“Those applying for citizenship by grant have already spent a minimum of five years in New Zealand, contributing to our economy, businesses, and culture. We want them to feel that this contribution is valued and recognised.”

There are currently just over 11,000 people waiting for an outcome of their application. Well down from a high point of 37,690 in April 2022. This represents a 70 per cent decrease in the number of people waiting for an outcome and speaks to the Department’s improved ability to process applications quickly.

“These aren’t just statistics. People applying for citizenship have taken a risk to uproot their lives and build a new home in New Zealand. I know that after going through that process, it means a lot to be at the point of applying for citizenship. I am pleased new Kiwis don’t have to wait as long for a decision.

“Great work the staff in the Citizenship Office, and massive congratulations to all the new Kiwis,” says Ms van Velden. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police are investigating a sudden death on Horotane Valley Road, Heathcote Valley on Friday 19 September.

The death is not believed to be suspicious.

As part of our efforts, we are looking to identify the deceased.

The deceased is thought to be a man in his 30s or 40s, with a distinctive birthmark on his left forearm. When located he was wearing a black long sleeve woollen jersey, black trousers and brown and grey tramping boots. Police also located backpack with him.

If you have any information which could potentially assist, please get in contact with Police.

You can call 105 and quote file number 250919/7193.

Or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre