NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health Matt Doocey and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson are in Thames today to hear directly from the local community. 

“The purpose of these roadshows is to hear from the locals and those working on the frontline to understand what’s working, and where the barriers may be,” Mr Doocey says.

“It’s also an excellent opportunity to see and hear first-hand from those on the ground how well the Rural Health Strategy is being implemented. 

“One of the main themes I have heard loud and clear throughout these roadshows is that access to healthcare is one of the biggest concerns for people living in rural and remote areas. 

“That is exactly why Budget 2025 invested $164 million over four years to strengthen urgent and after-hours care nationwide, meaning 98 per cent of Kiwis will be able to access these services within one hour’s drive of their homes.

“The funding includes targeted support for more than 70 rural and remote communities, including extended after-hours, 24/7 on-call in-person clinical support and improved access to diagnostics and medicines. 

“We are committed to strengthening rural healthcare and growing the rural health workforce, so we are able to ensure New Zealanders get access to timely, quality care, no matter where they live.”

“Every single New Zealander deserves timely access to support. This Government is committed to lifting health and mental health outcomes, including for the one in five people who live in rural communities,” Mr Patterson says.

“I’m looking forward to meeting people in Thames and hearing directly about their experiences with healthcare. It’s important we understand both the challenges and the opportunities, so we can work alongside rural communities to improve access and outcomes.”

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 1, Meremere is closed near Island Block Road following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash was reported at around 7:40pm.

One person has been critically injured.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has confirmed the company that will procure a new Chatham Islands supply vessel, in a significant milestone which will see it operational in 2027.

The joint venture of McCallum Bros Ltd and Nova Marine Carriers SA (MBL JV) will supply a new 78 metre ship, designed to service the bespoke needs of the Chatham Islands community, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.

“Contract negotiations will ensure the Chathams have a secure, reliable, long-term service which maintains or exceeds current levels, and has capacity to grow alongside the Island,” Mr Meager says. 

“This represents a major step in the progress of a replacement supply vessel, which is a vital economic and community lifeline for the Chatham Islands.

“At nearly 40 years old, the current Southern Tiare is older than I am and is nearing the end of its commercial life. Increasing unreliability and high maintenance costs have created significant hardship for a community which relies on it to import and export critical supplies.

“MBL JV’s practical, future-focused proposal meets locals needs, and ensures a reliable service which can be scaled-up to support future increased demand. It also gave us the greatest confidence a new ship can be delivered in-budget before the current vessel retires, without substantial upgrades required to existing infrastructure.” 

Mr Meager made the announcement as part of a two-day trip to the Chatham Islands, where he is visiting local businesses and community groups.

“It is important for Ministers to connect with the community in-person and reaffirm our Government’s commitment to supporting Chatham Islanders,” Mr Meager says.

“Due to the unreliability of the Southern Tiare we’ve seen examples of petrol running out, diesel supplies nearly exhausted, and livestock unable to be moved resulting in widespread culls. This deeply impacts livelihoods and wellbeing and must be resolved.

“This new service will support the Chatham’s economy, particularly fishing, farming, and tourism, and ensure essential supplies continue to reach the community for at least the next two decades.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are continuing to make enquiries following the death of a man in Gisborne on Monday morning.

Police were called to an address on Ormond Road, between Lytton Road and Riperata Street shortly after 4am, where the man was located injured, before passing away in Gisborne Hospital a short time later.

Detective Inspector Martin James says enquiries are progressing well, with a steady flow of information provided by the public to assist our enquiries.

“We currently have a team of around 30 staff members working tirelessly on this investigation, which includes some staff from outside of the Tairāwhiti area.

“The scene examination at the address is being carried out by specialist search and forensic teams and will continue in the coming days.”

A post-mortem examination was completed today.

“We continue to ask anyone with information, or anyone who saw or heard the incident, to please come forward and speak with us.”

Police can be contacted via 105, either over the phone or online. Please reference Operation Bushman, or the file number 250929/9035.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Andrew Barclay is being appointed as the new TVNZ Board Chair, Minister for Media and Communications Paul Goldsmith says.

“Mr Barclay has had a professional career spanning over 25 years in global investment banking and finance.

“His background equips him with the skills to provide continued strong oversight of financial performance and strategic decision-making, which are critical for a commercially focused public broadcaster like TVNZ.

“He will join the TVNZ Board on the 3^rd of November this year, following the retirement of Alastair Carruthers on the 2^nd of November.

“I would like to thank Alastair Carruthers for his efforts in chairing the Board since 2023.”

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: New Zealand Police

A Hibiscus Coast teenager will appear in court this week after allegedly demanding, and stealing, clothing from other teenagers.

Two other young people were also apprehended as part of the investigation into the incident near Westfield Albany on Friday morning.

Waitematā East Area Commander Inspector Mike Rickards says Police have been investigating two recent incidents.

“On Friday morning, three offenders have approached our two teenage victims near the shopping centre,” he says.

“From there they have made demands and stolen clothing as well as other personal items from the unsuspecting teenagers.”

Police enquiries quickly progressed, leading officers further north to the Red Beach area.

Inspector Rickards says an 18-year-old man was arrested and will appear in the North Shore District Court on Thursday.

“We have charged the 18-year-old with demanding with menace, meanwhile we also located two youths, aged 13 and 15, who will be referred to Youth Aid.”

As a result of the investigation, Police have also recovered other items of interest.

“On Friday we have recovered property allegedly stolen from two 12-year-olds in Albany on 24 September,” Inspector Rickards says.

Police are continuing to consider appropriate charges regarding that incident.

“It’s an awful experience for these young victims during school holidays to go through what they have,” Inspector Rickards says.

“Police hope that this provides some reassurance to the community that we are holding offenders to account while also recovering stolen property.”

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Medical device procurement will be more efficient, more certain, and more transparent, Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown say.

Cabinet has agreed a new two-agency approach for the procurement of medical devices in New Zealand. The new approach recognises that both Health New Zealand (HNZ) and Pharmac are best suited to managing and procuring certain devices. Each agency will have separate responsibility for the procurement of certain devices, but they will work together too. 

This comes off the back of years of debate and reporting on which agency is best suited for procuring medical devices.                                                                         

“Device procurement has been paralysed for at least 13 years. In 2012 it was recommended Pharmac takeover device procurement. It never happened. Then the DHB’s were merged into HNZ, and there was a recommendation for them to take over. It was rejected. The industry has been exasperated by the uncertainty. Finally, everybody involved has clarity,” Mr Seymour says. 

“I’m focussed on fixing what matters. Procurement will be more efficient, certain, and transparent. It will encourage and reward innovation. For Kiwis this means better health outcomes, greater productivity, and a stronger future. Patients may not have felt the problem, because inefficiency was the status quo. They will feel the difference.

“We have clearly split the categories to provide certainty for medical device manufacturers. This allows them to confidently invest in innovation because they know what agency is responsible for their devices. 

“Pharmac are experts at assessing more technical devices with a direct therapeutic impact on patients. Those devices often need a high level of clinical input. So Pharmac will be responsible for them. Examples of these devices are surgical implants and anaesthetic machines.  

“Agencies will be transparent with clinicians and manufacturers about what they are looking for. This gives manufacturers the confidence to invest in innovation which aligns with demand and meets contracting criteria.”

Mr Brown says Health New Zealand spends nearly $1.5 billion each year on medical devices.

“From cotton swabs and bandages to hospital beds and advanced imaging equipment, we need to make sure that every dollar is delivering good value for patients,” Mr Brown says.

“Health New Zealand is best placed to lead procurement for devices that are less therapeutic but have higher integration requirements with facilities and models of care – such as hospital beds, diagnostic machines, and imaging equipment.

“While agencies have different responsibilities, they will work together. For example, if Health New Zealand is looking at new MRI machines, it can draw on Pharmac’s independent evaluation expertise. Pharmac would provide a high-quality Health Technology Assessment to inform Health New Zealand’s procurement process.

“Health New Zealand can also use its ability to bulk-purchase and re-tender contracts. A recent example is procurement to address glove supply and pricing risks, where Health New Zealand initiated short-term tenders to secure a reliable supply and saved more than $3 million.

“This is smart, patient-focused care in action. We are building a health system that delivers for all New Zealanders and ensures people get the medical devices they need, when and where they need them.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Two drivers are heading to court after catching the attention of Police in West Auckland on Saturday night.

Around 10.30pm Police were called to Hobsonville Point after a large gathering of vehicles turned to anti-social road user activity.

Waitemata Road Policing Coordinator, Senior Sergeant Damian Albert, says one driver recklessly performed a burnout on the crowded streets.

“As a result, multiple units attended this gathering in an attempt to disperse the group,” he says.

“Once the crowd had been cleared and sent on their way Police caught up with the offending vehicle and it’s driver.”

A 47-year-old man will appear in the Waitakere District Court next month charged with operating a vehicle causing sustained loss of traction. He also had his vehicle impounded.

“Later that night Police again responded to another large group of anti-social road users, this time in Albany,” Senior Sergeant Albert says.

“In the process of following a convoy from Albany Highway, Police observed two vehicles racing each other over the Greenhithe Bridge.

“Despite being warned by other vehicles in the convoy that Police were behind them, the vehicles decided to engage in the reckless behaviour.

“One of the vehicles was stopped and subsequently impounded,” says Senior Sergeant Albert.

An 18-year-old man will appear in the Waitakere District Court in October charged with operating a vehicle in a race and driving with a suspended licence.

“These road users continue to put themselves and others at risk and in harm’s way.

“Police will enforce these types of dangerous driving behaviours by impounding vehicles at every opportunity and ensure those irresponsible drivers are held to account.”

Anyone that sees anti-social road user behaviour or suspicious activity around vehicles should call Police on 111 if it’s happening now, or you can file a report online at 105.police.govt.nz.

You can also contact us via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police
 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

With winter behind us and warmer days on the horizon, preparations are underway for the summer maintenance work programme on Southland’s state highways.

“Drainage and digouts have already started on five sites, as this needs to be completed before beginning road reconstruction. The full road reconstructions will begin from tomorrow (1 October),” says Justin Reid, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) in Southland.

“Resurfacing of highways requires warmer air and road temperatures, so the Highways South team (on behalf of NZTA) will be reconstructing and resurfacing highways from now until the end of March as daylight hours increase.”

“The public will see the team working on multiple sites at the same time to get as much completed in this weather window as possible. We know that road works can be disruptive for all road users and often residents too, but these are critical reconstruction projects which will improve everyone’s journeys long-term.”

Full road reconstruction will begin from early October on SH1 Bluff Highway, SH93 Old Coach Road, SH94 Te Anau-Mossburn highway at The Key, and SH96 near Wreys Bush.

Southland highway road reconstructions this season

Before the end of the season in March, Highways South is aiming to complete 12 road reconstruction projects:

• SH1 Bluff highway between Clifton and Motu Rimu Road
• SH1 Waipahi highway east of Pukerau
• SH93 Old Coach Road from Slopedown School Road to Hurst Road
• SH94 Te Anau-Mossburn highway from The Key south
• SH94 north of Te Anau
• SH96 Winton-Hedgehope highway at Browns
• SH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Dunearn
• SH96 Wreys Bush-Nightcaps Highway near Wreys Bush
• SH96 Nightcaps-Ohai highway near Ohai    
• SH97 Mossburn-Five Rivers Road near Five Rivers
• SH97 Mossburn-Five Rivers Road near Acton          
• SH99 Wallacetown-Lorneville highway at Wallacetown

“NZTA and our Highways South crews appreciate the patience of our community,” Mr Reid says.

“Remember to stick to the temporary speed limit through these sites – this is there to protect road users, our crews, but also the new surface. Our teams will do their absolute best to get you through these sites with as little delay as possible.’’

You can stay up to date with the latest work on the highways and what it means for your travel at our Journey Planner site, or by visiting our Otago & Southland Facebook page (see link below).