NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

A trio of alleged burglars are going to court after being caught on camera during an early morning burglary in Hillsborough earlier this week.

Around 3.53am on Tuesday, Police were contacted after motion was detected on CCTV cameras at a building site on Herd Road.

Auckland City West Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Guy Baldwin says two people were seen passing items over the secured sites fence.

“The security guard was watching these people in real time,” he says.

“They were allegedly passing items to each other over the fence and loading them into a nearby vehicle.”

A Police dog handler was nearby and quickly responded, stopping all three men in their tracks as they were preparing to leave.

“When the dog handler arrived, he located two men sitting in the vehicle with the engine running,” Senior Sergeant Baldwin says.

“A third man was loitering by the gates with the passenger door to the vehicle open, ready to make a getaway.”

A search of the vehicle uncovered tools and various other items that were confirmed to belong to the construction site.

All three were arrested for burglary.

“This shows the value of a good CCTV system for deterring and holding offending to account,” Senior Sergeant Baldwin says.

“The added layer of monitored security meant we were able to apprehend these alleged offenders and prevent them leaving with the items.”

All three men, aged 32, 36 and 50, will appear in the Auckland District Court on 17 November charged with burglary.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

WellingtonNZ and partner regions have received a major tourism and hospitality boost, putting the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail firmly in the international spotlight.

“I’m delighted to see WellingtonNZ and its regional partners championing the Classic NZ Wine Trail, weaving together some of our country’s most celebrated wine regions,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“The investment we’re announcing today will help Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, and Marlborough reach new audiences and invite more visitors to savour their world-class wine, food, and stargazing. Wairarapa’s recent spotlight in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ list for its Dark Sky Reserve shows the region is already turning heads globally. 

“It’s fantastic to see a campaign encouraging travellers to slow down, explore beyond the usual hotspots, and discover the rich flavours and experiences which make this trail so special.”

The $991,000 campaign, led by WellingtonNZ with regional partners, will promote Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, and Marlborough to Australian visitors.

“By backing this campaign, we’re not just promoting great wine, we’re inviting visitors to experience the heart and soul of our regions,” Louise Upston says. 

Funding comes from the Regional Tourism Boost (Round 2), part of the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. It builds on a similar initiative earlier this year to now include hospitality offerings as part of the campaigns.  

Source: New Zealand Government

Great South will receive $393,000 to launch a campaign putting the Southern Way and the region’s authentic hospitality firmly on the map for international visitors, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced today.

“I’m delighted to see Great South and its partners working together to highlight the unique experiences of the lower South Island and help build lasting connections with international travellers,” Louise Upston says.

“This investment will help the region reach new audiences and invite more visitors to discover the wild beauty, rich flavours, and warm hospitality that make the south so special. 

“It’s fantastic to see a campaign that encourages travellers to look beyond the usual destinations and experience the true heart of southern New Zealand.”

The $393,000 campaign, led by Great South with regional partners, will encourage Australian travellers, especially from the Gold Coast, to explore the Southern Way with a focus on itineraries, regional events, and Southern hospitality.

This journey takes in highlights from the iconic Milford Sound in Fiordland, to the wild Catlins coastline and Dunedin’s vibrant city life, all renowned for their stunning scenery, local events, and genuine southern hospitality. 

Funding comes from the Regional Tourism Boost (Round 2), part of the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. It builds on a similar initiative earlier this year to now include hospitality offerings as part of the campaigns.  

“By backing the Southern Way, we’re not just promoting a destination, we’re inviting visitors to experience the spirit and stories of the south,” Louise Upston says. 

Source: New Zealand Government

RotoruaNZ will receive more than $4.5 million to launch two campaigns inviting international visitors to soak up everything Rotorua and the wider North Island have to offer, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced today.

“I’m delighted to see RotoruaNZ leading the way with two innovative campaigns showcasing the region’s geothermal wonders, rich Māori culture, and renowned hospitality,” Louise Upston says.

“This investment will help Rotorua and its North Island partners reach new audiences, from independent travellers across Asia to Australians looking for fresh adventures. It’s been great to see strong collaboration and creative thinking encouraging visitors to go beyond the usual hotspots and discover the unique experiences that make this part of New Zealand truly unforgettable.”

The $2,025,000 “North Island x Ctrip” campaign to attract travellers from China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, in partnership with Ctrip and North Island regional tourism organisations.

The $2,500,000 “Kiwi North” campaign will focus on attracting people from Australia’s eastern seaboard in partnership with 14 North Island regional tourism organisations and major airlines.

“From bubbling mud pools and worldclass mountain biking in Rotorua, to beaches, vineyards, and vibrant cities across the North Island, there is something for every traveller to discover,” Louise Upston says. 

“Together, these campaigns aim to bring a fresh wave of international visitors, support local businesses, and reinforce Rotorua’s and the North Island’s reputation as must-visit destinations.”

Funding comes from the Regional Tourism Boost (Round 2), part of the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. It builds on a similar initiative earlier this year to now include hospitality offerings as part of the campaigns.  

“By backing these campaigns, we are not just promoting destinations, we are inviting visitors to experience the warmth, adventure, and spirit of the North Island.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

More international visitors will be exploring regional New Zealand next year, thanks to a $5.9 million investment from stage one of the second round of the Government’s Regional Tourism Boost, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced.

“We want visitors to experience more of what New Zealand has to offer, support our regions to grow their visitor economies and build lasting connections with international travellers,” Louise Upston says.

“Whether it’s stargazing under Wairarapa’s dark skies, soaking up Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, sipping wine in Hawke’s Bay, or discovering the wild south, there’s so much for visitors to enjoy. This funding means regions can highlight special deals on travel and accommodation and promote the hospitality making each one stand out.

“Three Regional Tourism Organisations will launch four campaigns to inspire travellers from Australia and East Asia to explore, stay, and dine in their regions from January 2026. 

“The regions will be connecting directly with travellers. RotoruaNZ’s partnership with Ctrip, for example, puts tailored offers in front of Asian travellers, while Australians will see fresh itineraries and limited-time deals encouraging them to go beyond the expected.”

The successful campaigns are:

• RotoruaNZ’s “North Island x Ctrip” campaign ($2,025,000): 
  to attract travellers from China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, in partnership with Ctrip and North Island regional tourism organisations.
• RotoruaNZ’s “Kiwi North” campaign ($2,500,000):
  to target people travelling from Australia’s eastern seaboard, in partnership with 14 North Island regional tourism organisations and major airlines.
• WellingtonNZ’s “Classic NZ Wine Trail” campaign ($991,000): 
  to promote wine, food, and stargazing across Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, and Marlborough to Australian visitors.
• Great South’s “Southern Way” campaign ($393,000):
  to encourage Australians from the Gold Coast to explore the lower South Island, with a focus on itineraries, regional events, and Southern hospitality.

The second round of the Regional Tourism Boost is part of the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package and builds on a similar initiative earlier this year to include hospitality offerings as part of the campaigns.  

Louise Upston says there will be more to come. 

“Our Government will proudly keep backing both hospitality and tourism, promoting New Zealand experiences to overseas visitors, and building on the buzz around the Michelin Guide due to arrive next year. 

“But these campaigns are about more than promotion – they’re about helping visitors feel welcome, stay longer, and explore further.”

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Intensive efforts are continuing on Auckland’s North Shore to track down yellow-legged hornets, says Biosecurity New Zealand.

“This week we introduced additional teams to methodically check common nesting areas close to where hornets have been detected in Glenfield and Birkdale,” says Mike Inglis, North Commissioner, Biosecurity New Zealand.

“We are stepping up our numbers on the ground to widen the search as required, and have more than 20 focused on enhanced searches and more than 100 staff across MPI involved in this response.”

In addition to ground searches, the response includes:

• Setting more than 180 traps in targeted areas where females have been found. Every trap is checked daily. No hornets have been found in traps to date. Additional traps are being added in areas where queen hornets are found, so the number of traps will continue to increase.
• Introducing protein bait traps alongside existing traps. 
• Establishing a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of independent scientific experts with expertise in the biology, ecology, and management of social wasps. The TAG has been considering options for ongoing work.
• Encouraging public surveillance, including sending staff into the community to raise awareness. This weekend, staff will again be at local markets to share information about the hornet.

Biosecurity New Zealand is also working with industry groups to plan joint response activities for summer. The plan is being informed by advice from the recently formed TAG.

Mr Inglis says since 17 October, there have been seven confirmed queen hornets found (based on collected specimens) in the North Shore. Five of these showed evidence of nesting. All detected hornets and nests have been safely removed.

“The public response has been fantastic in looking out for these hornets and continued reporting from the public remains the best way to track them down.”

Members of the public are urged to report suspected hornets or nests, but only if they have a specimen, a clear photo, or have located a possible nest.

Reports can be made:

• at report.mpi.govt.nz 
• by calling Biosecurity New Zealand’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.

For further information and regular updates on hornet finds, visit Yellow-legged hornet sightings in Auckland in 2025

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz 

For media enquiries, email BiosecurityNZ_media@mpi.govt.nz