NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Trade and Investment, and Agriculture Todd McClay will lead a high-level delegation of 21 New Zealand businesses to Riyadh this coming week to promote and strengthen trade and investment ties with Saudi Arabia.

“This mission will raise the profile of New Zealand businesses in a market predicted to be the 6^th largest global economy by 2050 with enormous long-term potential, building partnerships that can deliver growth, jobs, and prosperity on both sides,” Mr McClay says.

“Saudi Arabia is one of the most dynamic markets in the Middle East worth USD$2.8 trillion and is driving one of the largest global transformations and rebuild programmes through its Vision 2030 strategy,” Mr McClay says.

“This mission will showcase the very best of what New Zealand has to offer —safe, high-quality food and beverage, innovative agricultural expertise, world-leading construction and technology solutions, and a creative sector that is globally recognised. 

The Government is ambitious about doubling the value of New Zealand’s exports in 10 years, unlocking new opportunities for Kiwi exporters, and supporting Saudi Arabia in their food security and development goals. 

Saudi Arabia is already one of New Zealand’s largest and fastest-growing export destinations in the Middle East. Exports have more than doubled in four years, from $620 million in June 2021 to $1.35 billion in June 2025 bringing two-way trade to $1.58 billion.

Business Delegation

• 26 Seasons
• Barker Fruit Processors
• Egmont Honey
• Endace
• Envico Technologies
• Fonterra Co-Operative Group
• Framecad Holdings
• Gallagher Animal Management
• Gentrack
• Les Mills International
• New Zealand United Export
• NHNZ Worldwide
• NIG Nutritionals
• Pultron Composites
• Ravensdown
• Seequent
• Silver Fern Farms
• Swiss-Belhotel International
• The True Honey Company
• Westland Dairy Products
• Wētā Workshop

Source: New Zealand Police

Protesters are now making their way down Queen Street as part of protest activity in Auckland CBD today.

Police staff are deployed along the route to Victoria Street to manage activity.

Traffic management is in place along the route.

We are monitoring a small group of counter protesters that have gathered at the intersection of Queen Street and Victoria Street West.

There are no issues to report, and the Police operation continues.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Patients attending Whanganui Hospital’s onsite dental unit will now benefit from a modernised and upgraded facility following a refurbishment, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“The refurbished dental unit provides a brighter, more welcoming and accessible space for patients and families, ensuring the community can receive timely, quality oral healthcare in an appropriate environment,” Mr Brown says.

“The old space was outdated and cramped. The upgraded unit now has an enlarged waiting room to better accommodate a growing number of patients, along with a dedicated area for those receiving IV sedation.

“Access throughout the clinic has been improved for wheelchair users, while the reception area and front desk have been reconfigured to enhance both patient flow and safety from the moment patients arrive.

“A new recovery space has been created for patients who require sedation. This will support the growing number of patients being treated under IV sedation in the dental unit, which has reduced the need for general anaesthetic procedures and helped shorten that waitlist.

“Two dental rooms have also been modernised with new cabinetry and equipment, enabling staff to deliver care more efficiently and safely.”

To ensure treatment continued during the building works, a mobile dental unit was available on site for patients.

“With a new dentist now working regularly in the unit, more patients are now being seen. This refurbishment will ensure it can keep pace with the needs of the community.

“This Government is committed to delivering modern, fit-for-purpose health facilities that improve access to care. Whanganui’s dental unit upgrade is another example of our focus on ensuring patients receive care in the right setting.”

Source: New Zealand Police

A Police operation is underway today to manage protest activity taking place in Auckland.

Protesters are arriving in the CBD and heading to Aotea Square.

It is expected that the protest will make its way to Victoria Park, down Queen Street, from 10am this morning.

Police have staff deployed throughout the city along the route and are monitoring the situation.

We are advising the public to expect delays across these areas today.

People coming into the city are advised to use the AT Mobile App or real time AT Journey Planner to check for any bus service changes of time or route.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Aerial photos are being used by several media outlets showing Police vehicles parked next to a pile of rubbish as part of the Tom Phillips investigation.

The quad bike and motorbike pictured are relevant to the investigation, however the pile of rubbish in the same photo is unrelated to the investigation.

All material related to the investigation has now been removed from the area.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Media are advised that the cordons on Te Anga Road have been lifted this evening, following the completion of a scene examination.

The area Police have been working in is on private property and the landowner has indicated people entering the area would be trespassing. Media are asked to stay away from the area.

With regard to media contacting the families of the officers involved in the critical incident, the Phillips family, and the mother of the children, all have requested privacy from media at this time. We ask media to please respect their wishes.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Inspector Stefan Sagar, Relieving Waitematā District Commander:

Police can advise that organisers of protest activity taking place in Auckland tomorrow have shifted locations due to unsafe weather conditions.

Protest activity will now take place in central Auckland, between Aotea Square and Victoria Park.

A Police operation will still be carried out tomorrow to monitor this activity.

Police have been in ongoing discussion with organisers for some weeks now around their intentions to march across the Harbour Bridge.

While Police recognise the right to protest, our planning alongside partner agencies has focused on safety first and foremost.

Weather forecasts indicate high winds were expected tomorrow, which created unsafe conditions.

Our position was that this protest activity should not take place given the risks posed to anyone who was to participate.

This advice was given to organisers this afternoon. Organisers have informed Police that they have heeded this advice and moved to another location, and we acknowledge them for reaching this decision.

Police advise that there will be disruption in parts of Auckland CBD and Victoria Park tomorrow, and for motorists to avoid this area if possible.

Traffic management will no longer need to be put in place on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Previously advised disruptions on the motorway network are no longer expected outside usual congestion on the network.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant John Stapleford, Rotorua Road Policing Coordinator:

Rotorua Police have made a further arrest in the operation to target illegal motorcycle anti-social road users.

A 21-year-old was charged with reckless driving and will appear in the Rotorua District Court on Thursday 18 September. They were seen allegedly riding dangerously through Rotorua suburbs, cutting through traffic, pulling wheel stands and not wearing a protective helmet.

This is the latest development in Rotorua Police’s ongoing operation targeting illegal trail and dirt bike offenders that make our roads unsafe.

Two arrests have been made and seven bikes have been seized in the last month, thanks to support from the community.

We continue to urge our community to come forward with information around where bikes are coming and going from, and if known, the offenders. Information like this helps us to hold riders accountable, and possibly seize bikes for the safety of everyone on the roads or out and about.

If you witness any anti-social road user behaviour, we urge you to report it immediately by calling 111 or make a report via 105 if it is after the fact.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328 

Source: New Zealand Government

A joint effort to build new accommodation in Buller using local labour, local procurement and local businesses has been warmly welcomed by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones.

Mr Jones officially opened the 10 units at Reefton Campground today.

The units are the result of a partnership between Buller District Council, Development West Coast and Endura (formerly Federation Mining).

“These units, which will ultimately increase Reefton’s accommodation offerings for locals and tourists, are a shining example of what can be achieved when private and public bodies work collaboratively for the betterment of their region.

“An understanding of what it takes to get things done, easing the regulatory path and a shared vision for the result, and we now have a brilliantly executed local asset,” Mr Jones says.

“If all councils and local bodies could work like this in co-operation with industries that seek to lift up the local economies in which they do business, imagine what could be achieved.”

The build provided employment for 50 local workers, and many West Coast businesses were involved, boosting the local economy.

Endura, which contributed $350,000 to the project, will lease the community-owned units for its staff working on the Snowy River mining project for at least three years. Thery will eventually be used for visitor accommodation, supporting the booming local tourism industry.

While in Reefton today, Mr Jones also visited the Reefton Powerhouse, a historic small-scale hydro scheme that has been restored, supporting the town and district and providing a new tourism attraction. 

Mr Jones also toured Reefton Distilling Co, a highly successful business established with the support of the former Provincial Growth Fund.