NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is making changes to legislation to unlock New Zealand’s offshore wind potential, Energy Minister Simon Watts says. 

“New Zealand has some of the world’s greatest offshore wind potential, offering a significant opportunity to generate economic growth while powering our homes and businesses,” Mr Watts says.

“Offshore wind requires a significant upfront investment. That’s why we are establishing a clear regulatory regime through the Offshore Renewable Energy Bill that was introduced last year, to give developers the certainty they need to invest and kickstart the sector.

“However, during the Select Committee Process, offshore wind developers raised concerns about their projects coexisting with other activities, particularly seabed mining.

“To address these concerns and ensure nothing stands in the way of unlocking our offshore wind potential, Cabinet has agreed to amend the draft legislation. These changes will create greater investment certainty for both offshore wind and seabed mining.

“The amendments will enable the Government to use secondary legislation to designate specific marine space where permits could be invited for offshore renewable projects while there is a pause on granting new permits for seabed mining under the Crown Minerals Act.

“This is a pragmatic step to address a key concern raised by the industry. By providing clear, designated areas for offshore wind, we’re creating the investment confidence needed to kickstart the sector.

“The restrictions will apply to seabed mining, not petroleum, activities and will not affect existing minerals projects’ rights to prospect, explore and mine. 

“We have made no decisions on exactly where the first designated area will be, though it is likely to be somewhere in South Taranaki.

“The Government will take into account the impact on existing mining permit holders when determining these areas, and our expectation is the offshore wind and minerals sectors enter into constructive discussions on how their activities may exist near to each other.”

An Amendment Paper will be drafted and introduced to the legislation to formalise these changes.

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay has met with His Excellency Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, to progress opportunities for deeper investment links between the two countries.

“Saudi Arabia is set to be the world’s sixth largest economy by 2050, with an ambitious reform agenda under Vision 2030. New Zealand is well placed to contribute to this transformation and to attract Saudi investment into high-growth sectors across our economy,” Mr McClay says.

The meeting builds on the conclusion of the New Zealand–Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement last year and the growing commitment to enhanced trade and investment cooperation.

Discussions focused on creating opportunities for both counties through increased investment ties. 

Minister McClay highlighted New Zealand’s priority growth sectors – including renewable energy, cleantech, advanced food production, wood processing, aquaculture, advanced transportation, and tourism.

Both Ministers also agreed to establish a Cooperation Framework Agreement between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment and New Zealand’s Invest NZ. 

“This agreement will provide a formal platform to identify and advance investment opportunities, strengthen institutional links, and ensure closer collaboration between the two countries’ investment agencies,” Mr McClay says.

“I was honoured to meet His Excellency again following my visit to the Kingdom last month. I have invited him to visit New Zealand with a delegation to see first-hand the investment opportunities our country offers.”

The Government is making it easier for foreign investors to do business in New Zealand, through streamlined investment settings and stronger commercial engagement.

“If it is good for New Zealand and good for New Zealanders, we will be saying yes to investment. Stronger trade and investment ties create jobs, lift regional economies, and deliver better opportunities for every New Zealander,” Mr McClay says. 

Source: New Zealand Police

A search in darkness for a missing diver involving Police and Coastguard volunteers swung into action north of Auckland last night.

Police alerted Coastguard after the diver’s car was located at Goat Island, raising concerns the diver had not returned from a planned night dive. 

“He had dived at night before but we were concerned the diver was out there on his own,”  Sergeant Craig Kennedy,  Auckland Police Maritime Unit, says. 

“Eagle took off immediately and Deodar 3 was also despatched.  Volunteers from Coastguard Kawau and Hibiscus responded and six volunteers on the vessel ‘Kawau Rescue’ assisted.”

Eagle spotted the lone diver 100 metres offshore around 9.18pm, and instructed him over the onboard PA to conserve energy.

The Police helicopter guided Coastguard to the diver and he was retrieved from the water around 10pm.

“Good, clear sea conditions helped everything go smoothly,”  Coastguard Kawau Skipper Thelma Wilson says. “The diver was found in good spirits and equipped with the right gear to stay buoyant.  He was reunited with friends back at Leigh Wharf.”

Sergeant Kennedy says clear communications and the co-ordinated response helped avert a potentially life-threating situation.

“A key safety message from Police is to always dive with a buddy and have a fully charged torch with you if you’re diving at night.

Coastguard is grateful to the volunteers who helped.

“This was one of those incidents that highlights just how much our volunteers give. The hours of training, the late-night callouts, the time away from family and friends – it all leads to moments like this,” Kawau Rescue Skipper Thelma Wilson says.

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Police

A 34-year-old man is facing a raft of charges after two incidents in the Far North where he allegedly behaved in a threatening manner.

On Sunday, Police were called to an address in Kakapo St, Ahipara after a person allegedly threatened a number of people with a firearm before leaving.

Police had been making enquiries into the matter when they were called to a similar incident in Kaitaia yesterday.

Inspector Al Symonds says at about 10.40am Police responded to a report of a person being threatened at a Lake Road address.

“The Armed Offenders Squad was deployed following information received that the person was in possession of a firearm.

“A man was quickly taken into custody without incident.

“These types of incidents can be concerning for our community, however I would like to reassure them we take these types of reports very seriously and will respond accordingly.”

The 34-year-old man has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, threatening to kill, speaks threateningly, possession of an offensive weapon, driving while disqualified, demands to steal and failing to appear in court.

He has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Kaitaia District Court on 9 October.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will ensure Aucklanders can have their say on the city’s future growth, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Last month, as requested by Auckland Council, Parliament passed a law allowing Auckland Council to withdraw its controversial Plan Change 78. The Council asked for the ability to not apply the Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) and “downzone” areas of the city vulnerable to natural hazards like floods.

“If Auckland withdraws Plan Change 78, the Council must notify a replacement plan change which provides for equivalent housing capacity – but Aucklanders and Auckland communities will have much more choice and discretion about where that growth occurs.

“By giving Auckland Council the option to withdraw PC78, we’ve returned decision-making to locals. If Auckland follows this new plan change, the medium density residential standards will be removed, so for the most part the Council can once again decide how and when housing growth happens.

“As part of this process, the Government will also require Auckland Council to provide greater density around key stations that benefit from the new City Rail Link.

‘“Pretty much everyone agrees that greater housing density around CRL stations makes sense. It’s how we unlock the full benefits of this once-in-a-generation public transport investment.

“As I’ve said publicly many times, it is important that Aucklanders have robust opportunities to participate in this important process.

“The Council itself has asked for a transparent process, and that’s exactly what we’re committed to delivering.

“I cannot make formal decisions on the process until after I receive formal notice from Auckland Council. However, today I am announcing that I have confirmed to Mayor Brown that, subject to receiving formal notice from Auckland Council, I am looking at a submission period of 3 November to 19 December, in line with what the Council has requested. That gives Aucklanders a clear window to have their say on how and where housing growth should occur.

“In the new year, I consider it appropriate for hearings on the Plan Change to be held before an independent panel of experts, known as an Independent Hearings Panel (IHP). The IHP will hear from Aucklanders who have submitted on the plan change through the process.

“I am looking at setting an overall timeframe of around 18 months for the plan change process. This will give certainty to Aucklanders after years of delay and uncertainty but also makes sure the IHP has a good chance to do its work and consider the – doubtless – many submissions.

“This process ensures local voices are at the centre of decisions on Auckland’s growth, while creating more housing options, making the most of the City Rail Link, and setting the city up for the future.”

Note to editors

Auckland Council will vote on whether to withdraw Plan Change 78 in favour of a new plan change on 24 September.

If Council votes to withdraw, it will send a formal notice to the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform. Once that notice is received, the Minister may then set out the timeframes and processes by which the new plan change will proceed.

Attached: Correspondence between Minister Bishop and Mayor Brown.

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has been arrested and charged following a fight at a football match in Sunnynook, which left a player with a broken jaw.

At about 1.30pm on 28 June, Police were called following a scuffle between players from two teams following a football game at Sunnynook Park.

Waitematā East Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Tim Williams, says the victim was allegedly punched in the face and fell to the ground before being kicked by the same person.

“The victim suffered serious facial injuries, including a broken jaw which required surgery.

“Following a number of enquiries over several weeks, our team yesterday arrested a 23-year-old man.”

The man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and will appear in North Shore District Court on Friday.

“Police will continue to take stern action against assaults on sports fields.

“This type of violent behaviour is unacceptable and we will hold people accountable for their actions.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The refurbishment of Christchurch Hospital’s new Ambulatory Care Hub is now complete, with services beginning to transition into the new space, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This $4.7 million hub marks a major step forward for outpatient care in Canterbury, making it easier for patients to access the services they need from one location,” Mr Brown says.

Following the relocation of the Emergency Department to the Waipapa building in 2020, the ground floor of Parkside Block A has been repurposed to create an integrated Ambulatory Care Hub.

“The hub brings six key outpatient services together in one location: the Medical and Oncology Day Units, Respiratory Physiology, Sleep Services, ECG, and Neurophysiology. It also includes a dedicated diagnostic centre, providing essential respiratory, EEG, and sleep studies in a coordinated and patient-friendly environment.

“Bringing these services together creates a smoother, more coordinated experience for patients. They can move between appointments more easily, and staff will be able to provide care more efficiently. 

“The Oncology Day Unit will also benefit from additional infusion chairs, boosting capacity and ensuring patients begin cancer treatment on time, supporting the Government’s target of delivering faster cancer care.

“A new drop-off area at the front of the building will also ensure convenient access for patients and their families.

“This is what smart, patient-focused health infrastructure looks like. We are committed to building a health system that delivers for New Zealanders, ensuring people can access the outpatient care they need, when and where they need it,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are on the scene of a two-vehicle crash on the intersection of Thames and Ouse Streets in Oamaru.

Emergency services received reports of the crash around 12.52pm.

Two people are reported to have serious and moderate injuries and are being treated by ambulance staff.

The road is closed with diversions and traffic management in place.

Motorists are advised to take Trent Street if they are travelling northbound.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Maritime New Zealand

Planning to build a vessel overseas for use in New Zealand under our Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS)? Understanding local design, construction and equipment (DCE) rules and their application early on can help ensure a smooth process.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is moving with urgency to suspend recognition of unsafe international adoptions to protect children and young people from harm, Associate Justice Minister, Nicole McKee says.

The Adoption Amendment Bill has been introduced to the House today to immediately and temporarily suspend New Zealand’s recognition of unsafe overseas adoptions for citizenship and immigration purposes.

“There is evidence that our international adoption laws do not provide sufficient safeguards for children and young people. Adoptions that take place in overseas courts do not always access or require an adoptive parent’s criminal or child protection record,” Mrs McKee says.

“We know, for example, about instances in which people with known care and protection histories, or previous convictions for violence or sexual abuse, have been able to adopt overseas.  They have then been able to bring those children and young people back to New Zealand where they have been neglected, abused, or exploited.” 

“For example, Joseph Auga Matamata, who was sentenced to 11 years in 2020, had previous convictions for violence when he adopted three boys from overseas. He withdrew one boy, aged 12, from school, covering his tracks by saying that he had returned to his home country. 

“For a year, the boy was locked up and treated as a domestic servant. He was made to work in the field and often didn’t receive necessary medical care. The other two boys escaped by scaling a tall perimeter fence in the middle of the night.”

“This case is the tip of the iceberg. It is completely unacceptable for our international adoption laws to be used in this way.  This abuse is preventable, and this Government is acting decisively to prevent future harm to children adopted overseas into unsafe situations,” Mrs McKee says.

The law change will immediately and temporarily suspend the recognition of international adoptions under section 17 of the Adoption Act 1955 (the Act) by New Zealand citizens and residents for citizenship and immigration purposes.  It will also restrict the ability of the Family Court to grant adoptions where the adoptive parent or child are overseas under section 3 of the Act.

“The Government is progressing this change under urgency as any delay is unacceptably prolonging the risk to children and young people.  The temporary suspension will provide the time to develop and pass law that ensures international adoptions are safe for the children and young people involved,” Mrs McKee says.

The temporary suspension will expire on a date set by the Governor-General through Order in Council, or on 1 July 2027, whichever is earlier. 

“I intend, however, to introduce a bill for a long-term solution next year. That bill will include an opportunity for members of the public to make submissions to select committee,” Mrs McKee says.

“Both the temporary suspension and the long-term solution are significant cross-agency workstreams, involving the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Department of Internal Affairs, Oranga Tamariki, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.”

“I recognise that the suspension will be disappointing for some families planning to adopt from overseas, most of whom are caring people who adopt with the best of intentions.

“Recognising this, the Government is taking steps to preserve adoption pathways where it has been able to establish that the arrangements for international adoptions are safe.”

“We are exempting countries where I am satisfied that adoption practices sufficiently safeguard children and young people. 

“International surrogacy arrangements will continue to be recognised by the New Zealand Family Court and Ministerial discretion will be able to be exercised in individual cases for citizenship and immigration,” Mrs McKee says.

“More information about the temporary suspension and the exceptions to it can be found on the websites of the Ministry of Justice, Immigration New Zealand, and the Department of Internal Affairs. In all cases I advise families to seek expert legal advice to understand how this will affect their particular circumstances.”