NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has agreed in principle to an investment and implementation roadmap to strengthen New Zealand’s emergency management system so it can manage major to severe emergencies, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today.

“This roadmap is part of our response to the Government Inquiry into the North Island Severe Weather Events and complements the work underway to develop a new Emergency Management Bill,” says Mr Mitchell. 

“New Zealand is facing more frequent and severe weather events, and we need to ensure our emergency management system is fit for purpose to manage significant, widespread emergencies like Cyclone Gabrielle.

“The roadmap sets out the initiatives needed in the next five years to deliver the change we need.”

Key initiatives include:

• Regional support teams based around New Zealand to provide surge support during and following emergencies and boost regional workforce capability.
• A refreshed and increased Resilience Fund to empower more communities to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
• Agreements and partnerships with businesses, iwi/Māori and community organisations to enhance local readiness.
• Professional pathways to expand the emergency management workforce and build capability.
• Proactive procurement and placement of critical equipment and supplies.
• A Common Operating Picture to support shared situational awareness and decision-making.

“Investments in modern technology and trained personnel, along with clear governance structures and assurance, will ensure faster, more effective emergency response and recovery, better coordination across agencies, and more resilient communities. 

“These investments will address critical gaps, improving our ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a range of emergencies.”

The National Emergency Management Agency will prioritise activity that can be delivered from its current baselines and go back to Government for proposed initiatives that will require new funding from future budgets.

View the roadmap at: https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/emergency-management-system-improvement-programme 

Source: PHARMAC

New GLP-1 agonist (Wegovy) approved for use in New Zealand.

Source: New Zealand Police

A game of stuck in the mud has ended in court for one rider after he attempted to evade Police during the early hours of this morning.

Just before 4.30am, a Police unit observed a motorbike with false number plates travelling along Bruce McLaren Road, Henderson.

Waitematā West Area Commander, Inspector Jason Edwards, says officers followed the rider, who appeared to be having issues with the bike.

“The motorcycle was travelling at low speed, with the rider appearing unable to change gears.”

He says the rider then noticed Police and allegedly continued onto Henderson Valley Road and attempted to evade Police by riding on the footpath.

“The motorcycle, which has since been confirmed as stolen, ended up getting stuck in mud and the rider has fled on foot.

“A foot chase has ensued and officers have quickly taken him into custody.

“Thanks to the good work of all Police staff involved, the rider will be held to account.”

A 24-year-old man, who also had a warrant to arrest, will appear in Waitākere District Court today charged with failure to answer district court bail.

Other charges are being considered.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey have today marked the beginning of construction on the new Sir Mark Dunajtschik Mental Health Centre in Lower Hutt. 
Joined by Hutt South MP Chris Bishop, the Ministers took part in a sod-turning ceremony to celebrate the start of a project that will transform mental health services across the Wellington region. 
“Today, I’m proud to announce the Government is investing $38 million in the construction of this world-class facility – alongside an extraordinary $50 million donation from Sir Mark Dunajtschik, who also generously donated $50 million towards the new Wellington Children’s Hospital in 2017,” Mr Brown says.
“This marks an important milestone for Lower Hutt and the wider region. The new centre will provide 34 adult acute inpatient beds – ten more than the existing facility – and will be purpose-built to support modern models of care, helping to deliver better outcomes for patients and their families. 
“It will also enhance the region’s mental health infrastructure, offering safer, more therapeutic spaces for those in urgent need.” 
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said the purpose-built centre would help ensure New Zealanders in distress receive timely, appropriate care. 
“People experiencing severe distress deserve care in the right environment, at the right time – it’s not only better for them, but it also helps take pressure off our busy emergency departments. 
“That’s why mental health care must be underpinned by high-quality infrastructure that enables clinicians and support staff to deliver the safe, effective, compassionate care Kiwis deserve. 
“Sir Mark’s generosity is a powerful act of leadership. It reflects deep compassion, civic spirit, and an enduring commitment to the wellbeing of our communities. 
“His $50 million contribution will leave a legacy of hope and care that will benefit generations to come. 
“This project is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about improving lives and delivering the mental health outcomes New Zealanders deserve.” 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

UPDATE 8:20 am:
Bad weather and flooding are causing further state highway closures in the top of the South Island this morning.

Drivers must stay off weather-affected highways while they remain closed and avoid any unnecessary travel.

Nelson/Tasman

Flooding has closed State Highway 6 between Belgrove and Richmond.

State Highway 60 has also been closed across its entire length from Richmond to Collingwood because of flooding at multiple locations.

Marlborough

State Highway 63 now has a full closure from St Arnaud to Anglesea Street in  Renwick

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Update: 6:50am

With heavy rain affecting the top of the South Island overnight, and continuing to fall this morning, road crews are attending multiple incidents on state highways across the region.

Wet weather driving conditions apply and road users can experience traffic management at multiple locations due to flooding, rockfalls, and slips.

Nelson/Tasman

Rob Service, System Manager, says there are multiple flooding and slips sites in the Nelson/Tasman region

“State Highway 6 near Wakefield, is under a temporary closure for light vehicles due to flooding.”

“State Highway 60 at the Riwaka/Kaiteriteri intersection is also affected by flooding and slips have also been reported on the Tākaka Hill,” Mr Service says.

There is also localised  flooding at the Three Brothers intersection (SH6/SH60), as well as in Brightwater, Belgrove, and Kohatu.

Mr Service says with heavy rain still falling, the potential for further disruption on local highways remains

“It is essential drivers take extreme caution on the roads while the bad weather continues. Road crews are  attending multiple incidents and are doing their best to resolve issues as they arise.”

Marlborough

Flooding has closed State Highway 63 in Renwick between Anglesea Street and Inkerman Street. Local road detours are available, and drivers can expect delays.

System Manager  Wayne Oldfield says surface flooding has also been reported at multiple sites.

“This includes State Highway 6 at Havelock, State Highway 63 in the Wairau Valley, and State Highway 1 near Koromiko.”

“These sections of highway are currently open, but driving conditions are challenging. While the rain continues to fall, drivers must be prepared for road hazards and the possibility of road closures,” Mr Old field says.

General advice

The Metservice has regional weather warnings in place until this afternoon and evening for both Nelson/Tasman and Marlborough. This means the risk of flooding, slips, rockfalls remains ongoing.

Drivers must check road and weather conditions before they travel and avoid any area where highways are  closed due to bad weather.

All road closures must be obeyed. They are there to keep the public safe.

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 60, Belgrove to Richmond is closed.

State Highway 60, Richmond to Collingwood, including Takaka is closed.

Police request the public to restrict any unnecessary travel in the Nelson Bays area.

Use headlights and drive to the conditions.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Jade Hamlyn Beazley, 40, who has a warrant to arrest and is wanted by Police.

He is wanted in relation to a number of offences and Police believe someone may have information on his whereabouts.

Beazley is known to frequent the Mount Wellington area.

Anyone with information is urged to call 111 immediately and quote file number 250620/8529.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Counties Manukau District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray:

One person has died, and another is in a critical condition following an incident in Manurewa overnight.

A critical incident investigation is now underway, which will establish the full circumstances of what unfolded.

At about 1am, a Police unit was travelling along Roscommon Road after attending an unrelated job.

Staff have then sighted a Mitsubishi vehicle pulling out of Sharland Road closely followed by an Isuzu.

Officers were concerned the Mitsubishi was being chased by the Isuzu and signalled for the Isuzu to stop on Roscommon Road.

Moments after lights and sirens were activated the Isuzu made contact with the Mitsubishi, causing the vehicle to leave the road and collide with a tree.

Officers immediately rendered first aid, however the passenger of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver was transported to hospital in a critical condition, where they remain.

The driver of the Isuzu was arrested at the scene and transported to hospital with minor injuries.

A scene examination has been completed by the Serious Crash Unit and the road has since reopened.

There are several investigations now underway, which will work to establish all the facts surrounding this morning’s tragic incident.

This includes notifying the Independent Police Conduct Authority, as is standard procedure.

We are also working to support those affected and their families, as well as our staff who were involved.

As part of our investigation, we are seeking information from witnesses who may have been in the area at the time, or prior to this incident occurring.

If you have information, please update Police online now or call 105.

Please use reference number 250627/8090.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are advising motorists to avoid all unnecessary travel in the Nelson Bays area this morning.

The area is being hit by adverse weather conditions with flooding across the area and road closures likely.

Especially avoid: Belgrove, Wakefield, Brightwater, Richmond, Whakatu Drive, Appleby, Redwood, Riwaka.

In extreme conditions, please limit yourself to essential travel only, ensure you have had your brakes and windscreen wipers checked. Reducing speed, using headlights and watching your visibility will also ensure a safe trip.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura, members of the police executive and wing patron former police officer, Glenda Hughes congratulated the 67 graduating constables from Wing 385 today. 

Also attending the graduation and presenting the prize to the top award winner was Minister of Police Hon Mark Mitchell.

Families and friends celebrated the newly attested police officers at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua this afternoon acknowledging the successful completion of their initial training course. 

There are some likeminded individuals in the wing with 13 of the graduates having family members currently working in the New Zealand police.

Four of those thirteen graduates were inspired by their fathers who are all constabulary working in Waikato District. The four new officers will be working in Waikato alongside their dads.

One proud father is Senior Constable Ross Moratti. “I’m honoured that Jordan decided to follow in my footsteps, he’s worked incredibly hard and will be a really amazing officer.”

Newly attested Constable Jordan Moratti says “Growing up seeing my dad in police gave me some encouragement to do the same. I really want to help people and I needed a job that was inspiring and challenging – like policing is.”

Six wing members have family serving in police services in other parts of the world and twelve recruits were born overseas. 

Two of the three award winners have made New Zealand their home.

Top award winner and winner of the Driver Training Award is Australian born Sophie Eskrigge. She put her study skills from university to good use, by capturing the top of wing prize.  Sophie has a diverse education ranging from marine science, and chemistry, to finance and accounting and is now studying for a post graduate degree in property practice. She can now add initial policing skills and criminal law to that list of achievements thanks to her successful recruit training.
“Graduation is just the beginning. From here on, we must prove ourselves worthy every single day to the people we now serve.”

Sophie will be based in Auckland City District.

Second Top Award and winner of the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award is Constable Holly Stuart.  She is originally from the United Kingdom and previously worked for the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service as a call handler, dispatcher, and on-call firefighter.  
“College has taught me so much about myself as well as others. I’ve found new strengths and learnt from a very skilled bunch of instructors. The pride I feel from graduating after my 20 weeks and placing second overall in the wing, is an achievement that will stay with me for a lifetime. I’m so excited to start my journey in the community that I now call home here in Aotearoa.”

Holly will be based in Central District.

Leadership Award winner Constable David Afamasaga is a former Corrections Officer and Court Security Officer for the Department of Justice.  He’s also a former top sportsman and captained the Manu Samoa Rugy Sevens Team from 2017 to 2020 and 2022.  Like the other wing award winners David also won a second prize – the Firearms Award for wing 385.

“I am truly honoured to receive this award, and be recognised by my peers and our sergeants, but I humbly take it on behalf of all my wing-mates. The hard work and dedication we’ve all put in to making it to our graduation day shows that everyone is a leader in their own right.”

David will be working out of Counties Manukau District.

Deployment:
Tāmaki Makaurau a total of 23 and broken down as follows: Waitematā  9, Auckland District 1, Counties Manukau 13, Waikato  11, Bay of Plenty 9, Eastern 1, Central 3, Wellington 8, Tasman 1, Canterbury 3, Southern 8.
The new constables will start their first week of duty in their Police districts from Monday 7 July 2025 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.

All Awards: 
Minister’s Award recognising top student and the Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award: Constable Sophie Eskrigge posted to Counties Manukau District.
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership and the Firearms Award: Constable David Afamasaga posted to Counties Manukau.
Patron’s Award for second in wing recognising second top student and the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Holly Stuart posted to Central District.

Demographics:
28.4 percent are female, 71.6 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 67.2 percent of the wing, with Māori 10.4 percent, Pasifika 6.0 percent, Asian 14.9 percent, Other 1.5 percent. 

385 Wing Patron: Glenda Hughes:
Glenda Hughes has had a multifaceted career in sports, law enforcement, media and public relations, and local and central government.
Her athletic achievements as a Commonwealth Games shot put champion and captain of the New Zealand Athletics Team are paralleled by her years of service in the New Zealand Police, where she handled serious criminal investigations, including drug investigations and high-profile cases such as the Rainbow Warrior inquiry. She was on the frontline of the Springbok Tour and Bastion Point protests. 
Beyond her police career, Glenda has made significant contributions in media as a consultant, journalist, and public relations expert who has trained New Zealand’s top athletes in media communications.
She is the author of Looking for Trouble and has contributed to Last Man Standing by James Shepherd and Organized Deception: My Story by Sharon Armstrong, both focusing on the dangerous world of international drug trafficking.
Her leadership roles include Independent Chairperson of the New Zealand Racing Board and the Racing Integrity Unit, a member of the New Zealand Parole Board, Trustee of KidsCan and Chair of Pet Refuge. These highlight her commitment to serving the community.
Glenda’s academic background in sociology, criminology, and communications underscores her deep understanding of societal dynamics.
Glenda values perseverance, integrity, compassion, and service. She credits her time in Police for her understanding of behaviours, motives, and options for handling various incidents. She believes Police offers a strong foundation for career development and the camaraderie fosters many lifelong friendships.

ENDS

Watch out for our Ten One story coming soon with more images and stories.

If you’re interested in joining police check out newcops.govt.nz

Issued by Police Media Centre