NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will soon begin construction of two sets of average speed safety cameras to improve safety in Bay of Plenty.

Average speed safety cameras are being used by NZTA to reduce serious crashes along high-risk corridors and roads. The technology is internationally proven to be highly effective at reducing deaths and serious injuries on longer sections of road. The cameras work by calculating a vehicle’s average speed over a length of road between two cameras.  

One pair will be installed on State Highway 2 (SH2) Pacific Coast Highway between Ōtamarākau and Matatā and the other on State Highway 5 (SH5) Explorer Highway, Tumunui south of Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty. Work will begin at both sites on Monday 14 July, and take three to four weeks to complete.

NZTA Head of Regulatory Strategic Programmes Tara Macmillan says speeding has a very real and devastating impact on communities. 

“The types of crashes that happen, and are likely to happen, the volume of traffic, and driver behaviour all tell us that there is a serious risk of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes on these roads. We also know that risk can be significantly reduced if more people drive to the speed limit. By installing safety cameras, we can reduce the chance of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes on these roads.”

SH2 Matatā 

In June 2024, NZTA undertook a speed survey on this stretch of road that showed around 45 percent of drivers were speeding.  

A new camera will be installed on SH2 near Herepuru Road (by Murphy’s Holiday Camp). The existing safety camera near Ōtamarākau on SH2 will be converted to an average speed camera.  

SH5 Tumunui 

In June 2024, NZTA undertook a speed survey on this stretch of road which showed around 47 percent of drivers were speeding. 

One camera will be installed at approximately 126 Thermal Explorer Highway (SH5 – Rotorua end) and the other near 2028 Thermal Explorer Highway near Waimangu. 

When installed, each pair of cameras will work together, measuring the average speed drivers travel between them. Drivers will only be ticketed if their average travel speed over the entire distance between a pair of cameras is over the limit – they aren’t ‘pinged’ by a single camera or at a single point where they are over the speed limit. 

Initial construction works include installing underground power supplies, completing foundation works and installing metal barriers that will protect maintenance workers and any vehicle that leaves the road in a crash.   

The poles and cameras will not be installed until later this year. Before the cameras begin operating ‘Average speed camera area’ signs will be installed, giving drivers a reminder to check their speed and slow down if needed. 

NZTA is expecting to begin operating its first average speed safety cameras on SH1 at Matakana Road, Warkworth, later this year, and will progressively bring other average speed safety cameras online, including in the Bay of Plenty, in the following months.  

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is strengthening trespass laws to make them more effective and practical for businesses, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say.

“We know our trespass laws are no longer fit for purpose. They’re difficult to enforce and often criminals take no notice. They return with impunity and just continue to rob businesses of their livelihoods,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“Our plan to restore law and order is working, but there’s still more work to be done. Trespass laws are an area we know will make a world of difference to the community. 

“Businesses need extra tools to better protect their properties, keep offenders away, and stop them from coming back.”

The proposed changes to the Trespass Act are:

• Increasing the maximum trespass period from two years to three years.
• Allow businesses, such as franchises, to trespass individuals from multiple locations.
• Increase the maximum fine for anyone refusing to leave when asked, or returning when trespassed from $1,000 to $2,000.
• Increase the maximum fine for anyone refusing to give their name and address when requested, or giving false information, from $500 to $1,000.

“For too long, offenders have treated trespass notices like a joke. These changes send a clear message: enough is enough. If you threaten retail workers or steal from businesses, don’t expect to walk back in like nothing happened,” Mrs McKee says.
“Every New Zealander deserves to feel safe at work, especially our frontline retailers. These reforms aren’t just about fines and paperwork; they are about making retail spaces safer and giving businesses the respect they deserve.”

“I want to thank Sunny Kaushal and the Retail MAG for engaging with retailers across the country and for their recommendations on how to modernise the Trespass Act, so it better upholds retailers’ business and property rights, while keeping customers and staff safe,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“Our goal before the Bill is introduced is to explore how best to support retailers when distributing notices to those who refuse to engage.”

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is focused on the delivery of Dunedin’s new inpatient building, with the establishment of a local engagement group to support the next phase of the New Dunedin Hospital project, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Work is back underway on the inpatient building at the former Cadbury site, marking a critical phase for this major health investment. I’m pleased to announce, alongside Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich, the formation of the Southern Engagement Group, which will help ensure the local community is kept well informed as this vital project progresses,” Mr Brown says.
The group will be established to strengthen communication with the local community as the New Dunedin Hospital project moves into the construction phase. It will bring together Health New Zealand leaders and a range of local stakeholders, including representatives from local government, infrastructure partners, and tertiary institutions, to provide regular updates and support ongoing engagement throughout the project.
Meeting quarterly, the group may consider a broad range of matters relevant to the successful delivery of the hospital. It will not provide advice on the building’s design scope, clinical models of care, or procurement decisions.
“This will ensure the project is well embedded into the fabric of the city and the region, playing a vital role in ensuring the public receives clear and consistent updates as the project progresses.
“The New Dunedin Hospital will be the largest health investment ever made in the South Island. We’re getting on with the job – and the Mayor and I want to make sure the people of Dunedin and the wider region are kept informed every step of the way.”
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich welcomes the group’s establishment.
“The people of the South are rightly passionate about our new hospital. I’m pleased the Government has listened to the community’s call for it to be built on the right site, with all 11 floors promised. There is understandable interest in the finer details of the construction and fit-out,” Mr Radich says.
“I’m delighted that the Minister has taken up my recommendation of reinstating a community oversight group to keep people engaged and informed. The Southern Engagement Group will ensure community leaders from across the catchment area for our hospital are aware of build progress and understand why key decisions are being made.
“I look forward to working collegially with the Minister, the project team, and the Southern Engagement Group to ensure the delivery of a fit-for-purpose, modern tertiary hospital that will serve our region’s needs for many decades to come.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Work is back underway on Dunedin’s new inpatient building, marking a major step forward in the Government’s commitment to delivering this critical health project, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“It’s great to be back in Dunedin to see physical works now underway again on the former Cadbury site. This visible progress clearly demonstrates our commitment to delivering this vital project.” 

The early construction phase will see 134 pile caps installed, made from steel-reinforced concrete. Around 4,300 cubic metres of concrete will be poured across the site, with approximately 490 tonnes of reinforcing steel used in total. 

“This work will take about six months and includes detailed inspections of every pile to ensure the facility is built to the highest design and safety standards.” 

The next major construction phase is the substructure, which is expected to begin in early 2026, with contract awards due soon following strong market interest. 

“This phase will prepare the site for base isolators and IL4 foundations – ensuring the hospital can keep functioning after a major earthquake or natural disaster. That’s essential for the people of Dunedin and the wider region.” 

The inpatient building will be the largest single health facility in New Zealand, covering approximately 70,000 square metres. 

“We’re delivering a hospital that’s not only future-proofed for changing models of care and technology but also built to grow with the population. The design allows for flexibility, scalability, and high-quality care delivery for decades to come. 

“Significant progress has also been made on the outpatient building, which will begin delivering care to patients in a modern, purpose-built facility from next year. 

“Our Government is committed to delivering both buildings and ensuring the people of Dunedin and surrounding Otago and Southland region have a fully operational, modern hospital. 

“By 2031, Dunedin will have a resilient, fit-for-purpose health facility that will serve the city and wider region for generations to come. We are getting on with the job – and today’s progress is further proof that this Government is delivering,” Mr Brown says. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police responded to reports that a man was making loud, threatening comments at the Ōrākei Train Station just before 1pm, prior to boarding a south bound train.

Police established the train had continued towards Ōtāhuhu where the training was stopped and searched by Police.

Further information alerted Police that the subject of the report had exited earlier at Glen Innes.

Police have spoken to a person in the Glen Innes area and are reassuring the public there is no cause for concern.

Police must take these reports seriously and officers were armed as a precaution.

A thorough inspection of the train was carried out and Police thank the public and AT for their help in safely resolving this matter.

Enquiries are continuing.

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Police

Porirua has officially joined the rollout of the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) work programme – a collaborative, community-led initiative designed to address the social conditions that enable organised crime and to support lasting change for whanau.

The launch, held at the Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua today (Thursday 3 July) brought together local and national leaders to celebrate the expansion of the programme. Associate Minister of Police, the Honourable Casey Costello formally marked the occasion alongside key partners including Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Police, and the Greater Wellington Regional Public Service. 

ROCC supports communities to respond to harm in ways that are locally led, socially grounded and enduring. The programme recognises that enforcement alone is not enough – lasting impact comes from working alongside whānau, iwi, and local organisations to address the drivers of harm.

Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins welcomed the programme as a huge opportunity to make a difference to families and communities impacted by organised crime.

“We know that that ROCC works and what sets it apart is its commitment to coordinated, wraparound responses – that is Police, iwi, partner agencies and community working side by side.

“Enforcement is an important part of reducing harm in our communities, but we also know the reality of whānau left behind when a loved one is arrested, or imprisoned. At the heart of the ROCC community plan is building a resilient, strong, and thriving Porirua – which says to whānau, the whole system and community are here to support you through the tough times.

“ROCC can be a game changer for whānau impacted by organised crime, and for the wider Porirua community,” she said.

The ROCC in Porirua team is focused on building trust, strengthening local relationships, and supporting sustainable solutions.

Steve Johnson from Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira said “The most powerful voices shaping ROCC are the voices of lived experience. People who’ve seen addiction tear through their whanau. Who’ve watched their children fall into harm. Who’ve fought their way back from darkness.
“The people who know what works are the ones who’ve walked the path. That’s why lived experience isn’t just included in ROCC. Its centred,” he said.

The ROCC Work Programme in Porirua has four key focus areas which have been identified as priorities by the local community:

• Addressing the social drivers and harms associated with methamphetamine use.
• Preventing intergenerational harm by disrupting pathways into organised crime. 
• Persons impacted by methamphetamine and its associated harms.
• Rangatahi (youth) on the pathway into organised crime (and their families)

Associate Minister of Police Hon Casey Costello said: “The coalition government is strongly focused on law and order and making our communities safer. We are committed to developing a sustainable funding model for ROCC so that communities are supported to develop responses to organised crime that work for them.”

She pointed to ROCC’s clear value, in Tauranga and Opotiki where, where ROCC teams helped local communities after enforcement activity targeted gangs and meth supply – pairing law enforcement with on-the-ground social support.

Porirua’s approach exemplifies the wider ROCC kaupapa: community-led, regionally supported and nationally enabled. It centres community voices and leadership, especially those with lived experience, while building trusted partnerships across agencies.

The Porirua event was an opportunity to reflect the Porirua community’s perseverance towards long-term, sustainable change and will be embedded in community, led with manaakitanga, and focused on connection and celebration.

Porirua Community representative Tania Carr says Porirua has never waited to be told what to do—we lead from within. This kaupapa reflects that. It’s grounded in our people, our history, and our belief that real change happens when community leads and agencies walk alongside.

A central feature of the launch, was the unveiling of a powerful mural, co-designed by local rangatahi and a Porirua based artist. The mural represents resilience, whakapapa, and the strength of the community in the face of adversity. It stands as a visual reminder of the kaupapa behind ROCC – that lasting change is rooted in connection, identity, and hope for the future.

The event also celebrated the community’s vision for its rangatahi with a dedicated youth event   following the formalities offered a safe, fun environment during the school holidays. The space was designed in response to recent school holiday periods that saw over $70,000 in damage across schools in Porirua – a stark reminder of the need for positive outlets for young people.

“Sports give rangatahi more than just something to do – it gives them a team, a purpose and a reason to stay on the right track” says Steve Johnson.

This kind of prevention-focused, community designed solution is exactly what ROCC exists to support. The programme is about responding to harm – but also about creating space for hope, healing, and change.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Rotorua has a team of six Police starting on the beat across the CBD.

“Rotorua is launching their first beat team and later in the quarter we will see other beat teams operating across the Bay of Plenty and other districts,” says Police Commissioner Richard Chambers.

The city becomes the fifth to have a dedicated beat team.

“The public and retailers have welcomed the beat teams in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch and other centres will benefit from them too. A beat team has also just been launched in New Plymouth.

“We know that certain crime types have gone down in the areas beat teams operate. That shows the impact visible policing has. We want to see other communities experience that too.

“While the results from the first year of beat teams are encouraging, it is also clear ongoing focus is needed to drive down theft and violent crime. This remains a priority for Police,” says Commissioner Chambers.

Crime reductions by beat location of the last 12 months to April 2025 compared with previous 12 months:

• Auckland has seen a reduction in assault by 9%, theft by 21%, and robbery by 25%
• Wellington has seen a reduction in sexual assault by 21%, robbery by 22% and unlawful entry by 7%
• Christchurch has seen a huge reduction in robbery of 67%, unlawful entry by 29% and sexual assault by 16%.

“It’s great to see hard work from our staff is paying off and I expect to see similar results around the country as more teams roll out,” says Commissioner Chambers.

The three new beat teams have done 14,108 hours of foot patrols on the beat since starting in July last year to end of April this year. This is an increase of 189% from the same period in 2023-2024.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson says it’s great to be starting a team in Rotorua.

“We have already done a lot of work with our partners over the recent years to improve safety in our city. With the Rotorua Lakes Council and Māori wardens we created a CBD safety plan that has already shown results for the people and businesses in our city.

“Now we’ll have a beat team to support this ongoing work to keep our residents, retailers, and businesses safe.”

“We all know we face some complex issues in our city which require a joint approach of agencies, iwi, and community groups working together to solve them. For our part, we want to ensure everyone who comes into our city feels safe – whether they live here, work here, or are visiting. I’m feeling really excited about having our team in place and I’m already looking forward to the next teams we’ll roll out,” says Superintendent Anderson.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Work begins later this month (from Monday 28 July) preparing to replace the temporary Bailey bridge on State Highway 2 at Waikare Gorge, with a wider, stronger temporary bridge.

SH2, between Pūtōrino and the northern side of Waikare Gorge, will close for a 24-hour period from 10am Saturday 30 August to 10am Sunday 31 August while the Bailey bridge is removed and the new bridge is lifted into place.

Prior to this closure, SH2 will be reduced to one lane between the Bailey bridge and King’s Bridge, from late July, for construction work off to the side of the road. King’s Bridge is approximately 150m south of the Bailey bridge. Stop/go traffic management will be in place during this time and we ask road users to be aware of the new layout and expect delays.

That construction work will involve building a crane platform and putting the new steel bridge together, before it can be installed during the 24-hour road closure.

The new bridge, known as an Acrow bridge, is similar to the current Bailey bridge but it will be 1 metre wider (accommodating vehicles up to 4.2m wide) and have more capacity for HPMV and most over-dimensional vehicles. It will have a chipseal surface and is expected to be quieter than the current Bailey bridge.

The Acrow bridge will remain in use until the Waikare Gorge realignment project is complete.

Principal Project Manager Richard Bayley says the new bridge will remain single lane however, it will better support the local freight industry and improve safety for everyone.

“During the closure, a crane will be used to swap the bridges over – taking the Bailey bridge off its piles and lowering the Acrow bridge into place. Crews will then deconstruct the Bailey bridge off to the side of the road, before the parts are removed from site.

“We know a full closure like this is very disruptive which is why we’re planning this work on a weekend to reduce the impact on people who travel during the weekdays, like commuters, freight and school kids. 

“We value the support from the community in the area and from road users. We’re confident this new wider, stronger, quieter bridge will make travel through the area easier for more people.”

Next steps

Following the 24-hour full closure, there will be an additional 3 nights of closures, to focus on widening the north and south bound approaches to the new bridge. These will be Sunday 31 August, Monday 1 September and Tuesday 2 September, 9pm to 5am each night.

This work is weather dependent. The contingency dates for the full 24-hour closure is the following weekend (starting Saturday 6 September), with the night closures following this. If weather delays this contingency date, the next contingency is the following weekend (starting Saturday 13 September).

Note that there will be no access for emergency services during the full 24-hour closure. However, emergency services will be assisted through the night closures.

Background

Installed in May 2023 after Cyclone Gabrielle destroyed the old bridge, the single lane Waikare Bailey bridge reinstated connection along SH2. It was only a short-term solution with a 2-year design life and is restricted to General Access and 50MAX vehicles.

Acrow bridges have a 5-year design life, have a higher load capacity, and can accommodate more vehicle types. The Acrow bridge will serve as an interim upgrade to maintain access, and support traffic and project construction needs until the Waikare Gorge realignment is completed.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

People travelling between the Bay of Plenty and the Waikato will be able to get where they’re going sooner, with the speed limit lifting this morning at the new roundabout at the intersection of State Highways 1 and 29.

After 17 months of construction, the bulk of the work on the SH1/29 roundabout and approach roads in Piarere is complete, meaning it’s now safe for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to lift the speed limit to 100km/h.  

“Lifting the temporary speed limit is a major milestone. We’ve come over the hill and the finish line for this project is now in sight,” says Acting Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Darryl Coalter. 

Construction got underway in January 2024, and Mr Coalter says work is on track to be completed in August this year. 

“Our project team and contractors understand just how important this new roundabout is for people who use the road on a daily basis and have been dedicated to completing it as efficiently as possible.” 

People will continue to see activity over the next few weeks, including landscaping (around 200,000 plants will be in by the end of July) and finishing touches will be applied to the underpasses. 

Final road surfacing works are also anticipated in July, likely to be carried out at night, with details to be confirmed closer to the time. These works would require a temporary reduced speed limit, before the limit will be reinstated to 100km/h again. 

The 60-metre roundabout is designed to improve efficiency, connectivity, and safety on this very important high-volume route. It has also been constructed to allow connection with the future expressway between Cambridge and Piarere.  

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A spate of incidents of animals found wandering on southern highways recently has the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) urging people to be vigilant about supervision and containment of livestock or pets.

Sometimes it is wild animals such as deer also creating hazards on the highways, says NZTA maintenance contract manager Justin Reid.

“There have been a number of recent incidents of livestock or other animals loose on Southland highways, and highways across the wider South Island, which have served as a reminder of the risks this can pose,” Mr Reid says.

“Now that winter is here, the risk is greater when the days are shorter and visibility is reduced. The potential for serious injury or death is high when a vehicle collides at speed with one of these animals or takes evasive action to avoid a collision.”

Owners may be held responsible when it comes to any damage caused by their animals.

Police say it is considered an emergency when animals such as livestock are found on the road in uncontrolled circumstances, and people should call 111 to report it.

“In the case of livestock, we would strongly encourage owners or managers to be mindful of their supervision, regularly checking their fences, and taking extra care when moving stock,” Mr Reid says.

“Sometimes it will be beyond peoples’ control when an animal gets loose due to the actions of others or unforeseen circumstances, but it’s all about trying to reduce the potential for harm.”

The impacts of wandering stock on motorists can be profound and long-lasting. Check out one person’s story in this short video, which also features Federated Farmers, police and FENZ on what people need to know about this issue

Watch video(external link)