NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Following wet weather earlier this month, an underslip has deteriorated on State Highway 2 (SH2)  through the Waimana Gorge, approximately 4.3km southeast of Tāneatua, reducing the road to one lane.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) appreciates this is a key freight route between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki and is working on a solution as quicky as possible.

“The lane closure is required due to pavement cracking, which is extending around 200mm from the edge line currently, but likely to worsen when there’s more wet weather,” says NZTA’s System Manager for the Bay of Plenty, Sandra King.

“High levels through the Tauranga River following heavy rainfall has caused the underslip.  A geotech team is investigating further and their findings will inform our remediation plan.

“The road is currently under 24 hour traffic management, but traffic lights will be installed soon,” Ms King says.

It is possible that the road will need to be fully closed at times to complete repairs. NZTA will keep the public informed as more is known.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will establish a new school property agency to help ensure Kiwi kids can learn in safe, warm and dry buildings.

“The Government inherited a school property system bordering on a crisis. The previous government made big promises to school communities, but its unfunded, bespoke, expensive projects weren’t deliverable and left schools across the country waiting – often for years – for the classrooms and refurbishments they so badly needed,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“Our Government took immediate action to sort this out. We initiated a Ministerial Inquiry into School Property, I instructed the Ministry of Education to focus on offsite manufacturing solutions and improving communication with schools. A value for money review was also completed which helped inform a more fiscally responsible approach.

“These immediate actions are working, we’ve already lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28%, meaning we were able to deliver 31% more classrooms last year compared to 2023, 583 classrooms in total. Currently new classrooms cost on average $620,000, compared to the $1.2 million average cost per classroom at the end of 2023.

“The report also found the Ministry of Education’s processes for managing the school property portfolio needed overhauling, that schools struggled with a lack of transparency, unclear prioritisation of projects, and inefficient project planning and delivery.

“The Inquiry recommended the Government create a new entity separate from the Ministry of Education to manage school property. The Government accepted this recommendation, and Cabinet has now also agreed on the form that this new entity will take.”  

The New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA), a new Crown agent, will be responsible for planning, building, maintaining and administrating the school property portfolio. The Ministry of Education will remain responsible for education policy and network decisions, including where growth is required. This separation will allow the Ministry to focus on education outcomes, while the board of NZSPA will be responsible for the school property portfolio.

“A Crown agent balances flexibility, transparency and Ministerial direction while bringing commercial discipline to the leadership and board oversight. It will have a dedicated board with the commercial acumen appropriate to support informed investment decisions for the second largest social property portfolio in New Zealand,” Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says.

“With the establishment of the NZSPA, schools can expect improved project delivery and communication, better value for money, and an increased level of transparency around decision making.

“The agency will be established in this Parliamentary term. A Ministerial Advisory Group will provide specialist independent advice on the transition to the new agency. This group is chaired by Murray McCully, with Mark Binns, Rick Herd, Sarah Petersen and Craig Stobo as the other members.

“School communities can be assured that works and improvements currently underway will continue as planned while we work through the next steps. Our focus remains on driving efficiencies across the school property portfolio through a combination of cost-effective repeatable designs and offsite manufactured buildings,” Ms Stanford says.

“We’re backing our schools with the infrastructure they need to succeed – for teachers, for communities, and most importantly, for kids.”

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s investing more than $120 million into building more classrooms in Auckland, so thousands more students can learn in safe, warm and dry environments.

“Auckland is booming, and we are stepping up by investing heavily in extra classrooms to support the city’s rapid growth. Through Budget 25 funding, 137 new classrooms will be rolled out, creating space for an additional 3,014 student places in the network, supporting schools with growing rolls,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says. 

“We’re delivering these through a combination of cost-effective repeatable designs and offsite manufactured buildings, so our funding can go further and more students benefit.

The schools getting classrooms are:

Bucklands Beach Intermediate – 2 classrooms
Helensville School – 1 classroom
Kauri Flats School – 4 classrooms
Lincoln Heights School – 6 classrooms
Macleans College – 8 classrooms
Massey High School – 8 classrooms
Mission Heights Primary School – ​6 classrooms
Mountain View School – 6 classrooms
Northcross Intermediate – 8 classrooms
One Tree Hill College – 6 classrooms
Orewa College – 12 classrooms
Panama Road School – 4 classrooms
Papakura Normal School – 10 classrooms (in addition to the two learning support classrooms already announced)
Papatoetoe Central School – 4 classrooms
Papatoetoe East School – 4 classrooms
Papatoetoe Intermediate – 6 classrooms
Papatoetoe South School – 6 classrooms
Puhinui School – 2 classrooms
Pukekohe North School – 4 classrooms
Rangitoto College – 10 classrooms
Te Kura o Pātiki Rosebank School – 4 classrooms
Takanini School – 4 classrooms
Tuakau College – 6 classrooms
Whenuapai School – 6 classrooms

“All of these projects are expected to enter construction in the next 12 months. We are getting on with the job of future-proofing Auckland’s school network to keep pace with population growth.”

“I am also thrilled to announce we have confirmed a site purchase in Pōkeno to build a new primary school. We will also establish a new Junior College in Chapel Downs, on the site of Chapel Downs Primary School.”

The school is due to open in Term 1, 2027, with an initial roll of up to 270 which is expected to grow to 1000 students over time. 

“Significant progress has also been made through Budget 24 property investment into two new schools. Te Kura Rau Iti in Flat Bush is in the final stages of construction and is set to open for Term 1, 2026. A new primary school in Massey Redhills is in construction and set to open in Term 1, 2027. 

“These new classrooms and schools are a fantastic boost for students, teachers, and the wider community. We will continue to drive efficiencies in school property delivery so more schools, communities and children benefit sooner,” Ms Stanford says.

“Auckland is a magnet for talent, with thousands of people moving to our largest city each year to build a better life for themselves and their families. Ensuring that our city has the services and infrastructure for growth is a priority for our Government,” Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown says.

“The Government’s investment in new classrooms for our young learners will help Auckland accommodate growth, while also supporting construction sector jobs across the region.”

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  18 July 2025

A recent survey of skink numbers shows the work is urgent and the fence, near Reefton, will be built earlier than planned to ensure the species’ survival.

Protecting a five-hectare area, the fence will be constructed from a durable stainless-steel mesh specially designed to keep mice, rats and stoats out.

Department of Conservation Ranger Supervisor Gemma Hunt says the fence will hopefully stop the population’s decline, turning the tide for the skinks.

“Even though we reduced mouse numbers earlier this year through pest control, there has been a constant threat of mice reinvading from outside the treatment area and continuing to prey on the skinks,” says Gemma.

“Long-term population monitoring by DOC and Auckland Zoo indicated there were between 40 and 100 skinks early last year, but more recent estimates suggest a worryingly low number of just 30.

“We hope to find more skinks when we continue our surveys this spring but in the meantime a predator-proof fence is necessary to secure the population and prevent extinction. 

“Following the pest control operation earlier this year, we decided to move some skinks to safe housing at Auckland Zoo as a precaution,” says Gemma.

DOC and zoo staff managed to find three skinks in late autumn before cooler temperatures prevented further collection and these were transferred to the zoo.  

“When it’s cold, the skinks burrow into the ground to protect themselves from extreme low temperatures and move very little. This not only makes it harder for us to find them but makes them easy prey for mice who can access these same burrows.

“Most Kiwis don’t realise just how bad the situation is for many of our native species. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of threatened species in the world, with 4,000 species, including the Alborn skink, at risk of extinction. Once these species are gone from here, they are gone for good.

“We know fenced enclosures work for protecting populations of skinks,” says Gemma.

“Other populations such as Kapitia skinks are doing great in the fenced enclosures DOC has built. We believe that two or three baby skinks are born to females each year so, if we can protect these families from predators, their numbers will steadily grow.

“We’re aiming to complete the $700,000 fence and remove predators by November and are optimistic that the remaining skinks should be able to breed quickly in relative safety.

“We’re asking the public to support our work through donations to the New Zealand Nature Fund. Your donations will help the skink population to recover to a healthy level, funding pest control, monitoring, and research into whether there are more populations of the skinks living nearby.

“Building this fence to keep predators away will help us stop an extinction in real-time. We might be playing all our cards now, but we need to go all in to make sure these skinks survive,” says Gemma.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

The opening of the new Auckland central police station will mean higher police visibility, and accessibility to the public, our retail sector and business community, in the heart of our largest city,” says Police Minister, Mark Mitchell. 

“The community have been asking for a central police station for some time, and I am very pleased that Police have been able to deliver on this. 

“The public feel safer when Police are visible and when they know Police are close at hand and accessible.”

“Public safety is at the core of this Government’s law and order agenda and is what drives our police officers,” Mr Mitchell says. 

“The base will be home to Auckland’s 51 inner city beat officers, who provide 24/7 policing coverage, and who continue to make a real difference in our largest city. 

“Not only is their presence reassuring for public safety, the data also shows a reduction in crime types where the beat team operates.

“In the last year, victimisations are down 17 per cent, robbery has dropped 25 per cent, and theft is down by 21 per cent. 

“These results are encouraging, and reflect the hard work of our police officers, alongside stakeholders including Auckland Council, the retail community including Heart of the City, business associations, and community volunteers.

“The presence of a central police base will continue to build on this work, by enabling Police to respond faster to crime in the CBD.      

“There is no doubt this police base will have an important role to play in the community now and into the future.”

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

By Jose Watson

The refurbishment of Slaty Creek Hut in the Grey Valley has been a labour of love for rangers, and a great way to pass on age old woodworking skills.

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” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/475-073.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/475-073.jpg?fit=580%2C435&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/475-073.jpg?resize=580%2C435&ssl=1″ alt=”Photograph of Slaty Creek Hut before its renovation. Two people are next to the hut, one person standing and one sitting with large tramping bags next to them.” class=”wp-image-56972″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/475-073.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/475-073.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/475-073.jpg?resize=768%2C576&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/475-073.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/475-073.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/475-073.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/475-073.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/475-073.jpg?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/475-073.jpg?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 400w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/475-073.jpg?resize=200%2C150&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/475-073.jpg?w=1740&ssl=1 1740w” sizes=”(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px”/>

The hut was built in the 1950’s by deer cullers, as a winter project. The timber used in the build was all hewn by hand from beech trees from the surrounding forest, giving the hut a charming look and a very distinctive character.

Slab huts are a surviving form of the slab houses which European settlers built in 19^th century New Zealand to accommodate themselves in a practical and cost-effective way, using a material found readily in many areas – trees.

Before the introduction of water and steam powered sawmills, trees were dissembled by splitting, sawing or hewing, and it is these techniques that were carried on into the 20^th century in building slab huts for deer cullers, musterers and gold fossickers in rural areas of New Zealand.

Because of the impermanence of wood due to rot, and that slab houses were only seen by settlers as temporary housing until something more permanent could be built when resources allowed, very few slab houses or buildings remain, making slab huts like Slaty Creek Hut a real link to the past. There are 12 slab huts on public conservation land in the South Island.

Because of its historic nature, and the difficulty of maintaining the hut when standard boards fundamentally change the look of the hut, it was decided that some training of rangers, to upskill people in the woodworking techniques used to make the boards, was needed.

Senior Heritage Advisor Mike Gillies, spent a couple of days with rangers going through the process of breaking down beech logs and creating boards and timbers that would be used in fixing up the hut. Here, Mike is explaining some hints and tricks to fashion the timbers to Rangers Casey Rhodes (holding a timber to repair a bunk bed), Miguel Dijkstra and Callum Nolan-Smith.

First, metal wedges are driven into a log to drive a split into it.

A crowbar is then used to break the log in two, then the process is repeated until suitable sized wedges are formed. These are then hewn with an adze into “slabs”, essentially weatherboards.

Mike Gillies says working in this way “is the best feeling in the world, compared to a modern building site where there are lots of power tools and you are working with treated timber. It’s very quiet, all you can hear are the axes and adzes hewing. It’s a real privilege to be able to continue this tradition and this craft that’s been passed down for a really long time.”

Once the boards were repaired, it was time to head to Slaty Creek Hut and start the refurbishment. You can see new boards here where replacements were required because of rot. Where possible, boards which were replaced were reused to repair smaller areas, thus keeping as many historic materials as possible.

Inside the hut, repairs were also required. The rangers carefully removed the floorboards which were sagging in places, laid new subfloor timbers, and re-laid the historic boards. The fire hearth was replaced and chimney repaired to ensure the fire can be used safely. Casey says that as they are working, they are making decisions all the time about what can be saved and reused in order to keep true to the character of the hut. The rangers report the fire heats the hut really well, which was essential for the wet couple of weeks they spent working there.

The area around the hut was prone to flooding, so the Rangers installed a drainage channel, which will ensure the foundations of the hut stay dry and protected from rot. It was muddy work. Here is Ranger Casey Rhodes partway through the job.

The refurbishment was finished and it was time to head out of the bush back to town. Rangers Casey Rhodes and Matt Ainge are pleased to see this work done for future adventurers, who will appreciate the charm and history of this rustic little slab hut.

Slaty Creek Hut is a four bunk backcountry hut and there is no formed track leading to it. Anyone wanting to visit should be experienced and well equipped, with suitable route finding and navigational skills.

The hut is on the Amuri Pass tramping route, an advanced multi-day trip which follows a historic route between the West Coast and Canterbury which was once used to move stock.

For more info: Slaty Creek Hut: Ahaura River & Lake Brunner catchments area, West Coast region

Source: New Zealand Government

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced the establishment of a new institute to grow New Zealand’s advanced technology sector and boost high-value exports.

Minister Reti says the new public research organisation, to be named the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT), will play a leading role in turning world-class science into commercial success.

“The Institute will focus on breakthrough technologies like AI, quantum computing, and synthetic biology – fields with the potential to transform industries, grow exports, and lift New Zealand’s global competitiveness,” Dr Reti says.

“It will be a cornerstone of our plan to grow a high-tech, high-value economy.”

The Government has committed an initial $231 million over four years to:

• Invest in science and technology that supports industries with the potential to shape New Zealand’s future
• Develop skills and grow expertise in new and promising technologies
• Help boost New Zealand’s economy by innovating and commercialising new technologies into real-world businesses and products.

The Institute is intended to have a central base in Auckland, as an existing centre of innovation, and will invest in a broad network of smaller centres to conduct research in collaboration with universities, industry, and existing research institutions.

The first major investment, announced in May, is based at Wellington’s Robinson Research Institute, specialising in Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies.

Additional investments will be confirmed following advice from the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council, which will meet for the first time today.

“New Zealand has made significant investments in areas of existing strength, like agri-tech, resulting in our global reputation for cutting-edge agricultural science,” says Dr Reti.

“This new Institute, supported by strategic advice from the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council, will build on existing strengths and capabilities, and break into new technologies to grow our global reputation as a centre of innovation.  

“This is about delivering long-term value for New Zealanders – transforming research into growth, jobs, and global impact,” Dr Reti says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has announced agreement between Canada and New Zealand resolving a long running dairy dispute under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) saying that it will deliver up to $157m per year in export value for New Zealand dairy exporters.

“Canada had failed to meet its obligation to New Zealand in respect of dairy access, today’s agreement means they will now do so,” Mr McClay says.

New Zealand initiated formal dispute settlement proceedings in respect of restrictive access to the Canadian market for dairy exports under the CPTPP in 2022. A dispute panel found in New Zealand’s favour however Canada failed to fully comply with the panel’s ruling. New Zealand threatened further action last year including the imposition of retaliatory tariffs against Canadian exporters.

“We notified Canada of retaliatory action last year unless they met their obligations to us, Mr McClay said. 

“The Government is pleased that this dispute has now been settled, and New Zealand exporters are guaranteed better access to the Canadian market,” Mr McClay says

Under the agreement, Canada has committed to making commercially meaningful changes to the way it administers its dairy quotas under CPTPP, including faster and more efficient access to quotas for New Zealand exporters, reallocation of underused quotas, and penalties for importers who misuse quotas.

“The CPTPP is a world leading agreement that unlocks significant opportunities for all parties, but its obligations must be upheld. Today’s agreement reinforces support for the rules-based trading system,” Mr McClay says.

“Canada is a close and long-standing friend and trading partner of New Zealand, and I want to thank them for their constructive engagement in reaching this resolution.”

For more information, go to https://www.mfat.govt.nz/CPTPPCanadaTRQ.

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

12 seconds ago

A new programme at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) is equipping students with practical environmental skills while embedding the principles of kaitiakitanga (Māori environmental guardianship).

The NZ Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) and Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3) are delivered as a 32-week conjoint programme, combining predator control, native planting, fencing, and machinery training with a kaupapa Māori approach.

Site coordinator Tania Basher said the course was designed to fill a gap in environmental education at these levels while offering a pathway into further study or work across the primary industries.

Programme tutor Tane Cruikshank said the programme aims to connect people with nature in a kaupapa Māori way, fostering a deeper relationship with the environment.

“Kaitiakitanga is woven through everything we do,” Tane said. “It’s not just a concept we talk about; it’s something the students practice every day through their work in the gully and their growing connection to the whenua.”

Students began with Level 2 in March and will move into Level 3 from late July.

Tane said the programme is about more than environmental work, as students gain skills that can be applied across a variety of industries, opening doors to future career opportunities.

Throughout the programme, students carry out practical environmental work, including pest control, restoration planting, native tree propagation, and track maintenance. Most of the learning takes place in a large gully behind EIT below Otatara Pa that EIT students have been returning to native bush.

They build trap boxes, install DOC 200 traps, monitor wildlife using cameras, and have adopted a zone within the gully to manage and restore.

Tania said students have taken guardianship of the gully space and have achieved some great trapping results.

Level 3 introduces advanced tools and machinery, including scrub bars, chainsaws, light utility vehicles, and tractors. Students also develop skills in fencing and conservation infrastructure, such as building predator-proof enclosures.

Tane said the skills they gain can be used in conservation, horticulture, agriculture, or farming.

Alongside practical training, learners gain industry experience through partnerships with local organisation Te Wai Mauri, who run a native plant nursery and kaitiaki ranger team. This connection to local initiatives reinforces the kaupapa Māori foundation of the programme and provides students with valuable real-world experience.

Applications are open now for the July intake. Graduates can go on to entry-level roles in the primary industries or progress to further qualifications such as the NZ Diploma in Environmental Management.

“It’s about experiencing a connection with the whenua as a foundation for their learning,” Tania said.

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

6 hours ago

Pasifika secondary students from across Hawke’s Bay came together at EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale for a new leadership event focused on identity, connection and pathways to tertiary education.

The HB Pasifika Secondary School Leadership Mini Conference brought together more than 100 students from 26 schools for a day of interactive workshops, cultural affirmation and future-focused kōrero.

Hosted by EIT’s Cultural and Learner Support, Liaison and MPTT teams in collaboration with the Pasifika Teachers Committee, the event aimed to inspire young Pasifika leaders and strengthen ties between schools and tertiary education.

Special guest speaker Danny Toala, a professional rugby player and old boy of Hastings Boys’ High School, shared his personal journey and reflections with students. Toala has played for the Hawke’s Bay Magpies and Moana Pasifika and now plays for French Pro D2 club Oyonnax.

Sharon Malaitai, EIT Pasifika Student Support Advisor, said the day was about giving students a sense of what learning in a tertiary environment feels like. It also helped them see themselves in that space.

“It’s been really engaging. The day was about helping our Pasifika learners see themselves in tertiary education, having the same confidence as their ancestors to navigate through any challenges.”

“Also allowing the students the experience of learning in a tertiary space, and that feeling of belonging and being here at EIT,” she said.

Workshops throughout the day focused on identity and leadership, understanding how the brain works, learning about student support services and exploring available courses.

“One workshop looked at understanding your identity, recognising the strengths and challenges that come with that and how they can help you through your educational journey,” said Sharon.

“Another was about understanding the brain, and how to overcome some of the challenges students might be dealing with. Others focused on practical support like scholarships and financial help, and understanding what courses are available.”

Sharon said the strength of the day lay in the connections. These included those among the students and those between the community and the institution.

“This all started with a community connection. It’s something the Pasifika Teachers Hawke’s Bay Committee was navigating and then reached out to me for support. It shows the strength and importance of relationships and just having the students here is powerful. It’s a way of re-acknowledging what our community values are.”

Pasifika Teachers Hawke’s Bay Committee board member Blossom Sale said the event was part of a wider effort to provide termly leadership and connection opportunities for Pasifika students across the region.

“The whole purpose is to connect young Pasifika leaders, not only within their schools but with other schools as well,” she said. “It’s about building relationships, giving them tools and resources, and promoting education within our Pasifika communities.”

She credited Sharon and the team at EIT for creating an experience that was not only informative but uplifting.

“It’s been awesome seeing the students engage and also hearing that there is real support here at EIT.”

Blossom said many Pasifika students face a difficult transition from high school to study or work.

“We’re just trying to stand in that gap. This is about helping them see their options, whether that’s study, trades or work. And journeying with them through that process.”