Source: New Zealand Police
Police are responding to a crash on Stanley Road South, Te Aroha.
The two-vehicle crash was reported at around 1:40pm.
Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.
The road is closed and diversions are in place at McCabe Road and Waihou Road.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Senior Sergeant Steph McDaniel:
Police have arrested a 44-year-old Christchurch man who has evaded Police since August last year.
The man, a known gang associate, had made significant efforts to avoid arrest, including breaching his conditions, failing to appear in court and frequently changing vehicles and addresses.
Following an extensive investigation into his whereabouts, Police launched a targeted operation involving the newly formed Gang Disruption Unit, the Offender Prevention Team, and the Canterbury Rural Tactical Crime Unit.
Thanks to information provided by the public and swift action by Police, the man was successfully located and arrested yesterday.
His bail has been opposed, and he is appearing in Christchurch District Court today.
He now faces 15 charges, 11 of which relate to drive-offs from self-service petrol stations in the Waimakariri area.
Police remain committed to ensuring offenders are held to account and thank the public for their assistance in bringing this individual into custody.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have seized nearly 500 firearms from a property in Gore – a shocking discovery that is believed to be one of New Zealand’s largest seizures of weaponry.
Police are now piecing together exactly how the man came to be in possession of so many firearms, and have begun the process of logging each one into evidence.
Concerns about the man’s purchasing history led officers to his home in Gore on Friday 6 June to serve a notice of temporary suspension – an order allowing Police to retain a firearms licence holder’s licence and uplift any firearms in the person’s possession.
A total of 478 firearms of different descriptions were seized, including five pistols, some that may be prohibited firearms, and some that may be restricted weapons, for which the man was not licenced. Significant quantities of ammunition, and firearm parts were also recovered.
Only six of the 478 firearms were registered in the man’s name, and while some were locked in safes, a large number were unsecure.
“It’s shocking to see so many firearms unsecured… the scale of it is concerning,” said Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman.
It was largest seizure of firearms ever seen in the Southern District “by far”.
No charges have been laid, but that may change, depending on the investigation, Inspector Bowman said. It will look at why the weapons weren’t registered or stored properly, and what was the purpose of such a vast collection.
Inspector Bowman said it was too soon to say if any of the firearms were destined to be sold to criminal groups. “A number of enquiries are being made into this discovery, but the sheer number of firearms involved means that will take some time.”
Unusual purchases
It was the man’s purchase history that caught the attention of officials.
“Through the Firearms Registry, the Firearms Safety Authority was able to establish the man had purchased multiple firearms since 2023, and not all were registered as they should have been after purchase,” Inspector Bowman said.
“In buying a firearm, the man was required to register older firearms already in his possession, and we allege that did not happen.”
Because of the number of firearms located, multiple Police vehicles were required to transport them from the property.
The firearms, ammo and parts will be held securely by Police until the investigation, and any legal action that may follow, is complete.
Their future is unclear: “It’s still early days in the investigation and we have a lot of work to do before we get to that point.”
Swift action after red flags raised
Firearms Safety Authority Executive Director Angela Brazier, said the case highlighted the value of the Firearms Registry, and of close co-operation between the Authority and frontline Police.
“Information shared by Police enabled us to quickly suspend the man’s licence for failing to comply with his Registry obligations. Once his licence was suspended, Police could rapidly respond to remove this considerable number of unlawfully held firearms.
“The majority of firearms licence holders are good law-abiding people. The review of the Firearms Registry released in May confirmed that diversion of firearms to the black market remains a threat to public safety and the Registry mitigates that risk.
“I acknowledge all licence holders who have filled in the Registry and are doing their bit to make it harder for criminals and other unlicensed people to access firearms.”
Two years into its five-year journey there are more than 86,000 active licence holders registered, or 38 per cent of active licence holders. Around 29 per cent of those registered did so proactively, without waiting for the legal requirement of an activating circumstance.
There are more than 425,000 firearms listed in the Registry.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Liz Gellert as an Associate Judge of the High Court.
Associate Judge Gellert graduated from the University of Auckland in 2003 with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts. She was a law clerk with David Williams KC before joining Russell McVeagh’s general commercial litigation team in 2004.
Associate Judge Gellert joined Simpson Grierson as an Associate in 2007, becoming a Senior Associate in 2008, specialising in banking and finance litigation.
She joined ASB Bank as head of disputes and corporate advisory in 2017, and spent time as the bank’s legal services acting general manager during 2020 and 2021.
Since 2021 Associate Judge Gellert has been a litigation partner with Lowndes Jordan in Auckland, with a general commercial litigation practice focusing on general commercial litigation, insolvency, debt recovery, enforcement, regulatory advice and maritime law.
Her appointment is effective from 21 July and she will sit in Auckland.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
“With the snow continuing to fall and roads becoming extremely icy at nights, our teams made good calls to do some overnight closures between Fairlie and Twizel in recent days,” says NZTA system manager Mark Pinner.
“While we know these closures can be disruptive for some, I have no doubt that those decisions helped to prevent accidents and stranding of vehicles that could have led to much longer closures and even greater disruption. We know this because we have already had to deal with stranded and crashed vehicles in the last week as people were caught out by the weather and road conditions.”
“Preventing travel when the risk is at its highest also means less risk posed to emergency services that get called in to help when something goes wrong.”
“Closing down the highway overnight enabled our crews to work around the clock safely, to remove snow and de-ice, grit the roads, and then to lead vehicle convoys at controlled speeds through the affected stretch of highway to allow reopening.”
“Our crews have done some outstanding work on SH8 and other South Island highways over the last week to minimise the impacts on motorists and residents.”
More freezing temperatures are expected in the Mackenzie Basin this weekend, meaning the risk of icy roads again.
“We will be monitoring the situation closely to see if any further closures are needed,” Mr Pinner says.
Key considerations for winter driving include adjusting speeds to suit the conditions, being visible, increasing following distances on slippery roads and avoiding sudden braking or turning movements.
“Winter has only just begun and we know there will be plenty more weather events to deal with. If everyone plays their part, then it makes life easier for all of us.”
The best place to get the latest highway information and for planning ahead is NZTA’s Journey Planner.
Source: Press Release Service
Headline: Local Tree Icon – A Finalist for Tree of the Year NZ 2025
One week into voting for New Zealand’s 2025 Tree of the Year, and the competition is already taking root in the hearts of Kiwis nationwide and abroad. Run by the NZ Notable Trees Trust, Tree of the Year is a celebration of the iconic trees that shape our landscapes, memories, and communities.
The post Local Tree Icon – A Finalist for Tree of the Year NZ 2025 first appeared on PR.co.nz.
Source: Auckland Council
Auckland Council has received more than 2,250 submissions on the proposed Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Deed of Acknowledgement following public consultation in April and May this year.
The proposed Deed – between Auckland Council, Te Kawerau ā Maki, and the Department of Conservation – would set out a framework for working together to better protect and care for the Waitākere Ranges, recognising the enduring relationship tangata whenua have with the area and the responsibilities shared under the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008.
Council staff have completed a preliminary assessment of public feedback and are now workshopping advice and options with elected members to help shape decisions on next steps. Overall, more submitters supported the proposed Deed elements than opposed them.
Ngā Mātārae Director Māori Outcomes, Nicholas Turoa, says the feedback received during the submissions process reflects strong public interest in the future of the Waitākere Ranges.
“We’ve heard a wide range of views – from strong support to a range of concerns – but the common positive thread is that people care deeply about the Waitākere Ranges. The proposed Deed is about improving how we work together for the good of the Ranges, while remaining consistent with our responsibilities under the Treaty and ensuring positive outcomes for the community as well as the Waitākere Ranges.”
The proposed Deed of Acknowledgement would include:
A shared strategic plan for the Heritage Area
Coordinated work programmes to deliver that plan
Joint monitoring of outcomes
A proposed joint committee including Auckland Council, Te Kawerau ā Maki, and the Department of Conservation.
Final decisions are expected in August 2025, following further engagement with partners and elected members.
A full report and analysis of submissions will be released publicly as part of the formal decision-making process.
Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
New Zealand’s residential uptake of rooftop solar is lower than many other countries. In order to shift the tide, the Government is making changes to:
Expanding the voltage range allows the Government to future-proof New Zealand’s electricity networks in a cost-effective way by avoiding passing on significant costs of network upgrades needed to accommodate rooftop solar and EV charging on to consumers. Modelling suggests that this could boost solar investment and overall generation by 507 GWh through increased solar connections.
Meanwhile, changes to the Building Act to exempt rooftop solar installation from needing building consent aim to ensure consistent decision-making across the country and remove barriers for homeowners interesting in adopting solar. The shortened building consent process for new homes with solar panels will support Kiwis to incorporate solar into their build plans and make the most of the benefits of rooftop solar.
You can read the Ministers’ announcement here:
Supercharging residential solar power generation(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Government
The return of wool carpets to state homes has been welcomed by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson.
State housing agency Kāinga Ora announced today that from next month, a new supplier agreement will deliver woollen carpets for the fit-out of new state homes.
“The decision is great news for sheep farmers, and all the New Zealanders whose jobs and incomes are tied to the fortunes of our world-leading wool industry.
“The Government wants wool producers to have more opportunities like this, which is why in March we issued a directive to 130 Government agencies requiring them to purchase woollen products for building construction and refurbishment, wherever practical and appropriate.
“Kāinga Ora’s new supplier agreement was made possible because the agency chose to re-open an initially nylon-only carpet tender and give wool a chance to compete.
“I’m told woollen carpet manufacturers responded very strongly to that opportunity and that the new carpet supply agreements come with no additional cost.
“The message is clear: When wool was put back on the table it more than held its own, delivering value for taxpayers and a win for sheep farmers.
“This proves the value of the Government’s moves to give wool a fair shot in publicly funded procurement decisions.
“We have directed that from 1 July all public entities must use woollen fibres, where practical and appropriate, in government buildings. The new policy, announced in April, directs agencies to identify opportunities to use woollen products, and to properly consider a range of factors in procurement including whole-of-life cost, sustainability and health benefits.
“We’re leveraging government spending to back the wool industry and the New Zealand economy. I hope private businesses will follow our lead.”
Mark Patterson says the move continues to deliver on a New Zealand First and National Party coalition agreement to prefer the use of woollen fibres in government buildings.
“Woollen fibres create safer, healthier and more sustainable living environments for families.
“We know farmers will share our enthusiasm about this announcement. It is another example of us doing our bit. The Government is determined to help lift the fortunes of the strong wool sector in supporting our sheep farmers” Mr Patterson says.
Source: New Zealand Government
Common sense changes in the energy and building consent systems will drive greater residential solar uptake in New Zealand, Energy Minister Simon Watts and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say.
“New Zealand’s residential uptake of rooftop solar is lower than many other countries. This Government wants to change that so more Kiwis can generate, store, and send their own electricity back to the market. This will allow them to save on their power bills and contribute to a more secure electricity system,” Mr Watts says.
“Rooftop solar will play a crucial role in supporting energy security and reducing emissions. But our networks need to be able to better support the growing flow of electricity from consumers, while also dealing with growing demand for more electric vehicle charging.
“That’s why we are expanding the voltage range from +/- 6 percent to +/- 10 percent to manage the changing flow of electricity from rooftop solar and EV charging. This will future proof our electricity system and help electrify the economy.
“Modelling suggests this change could boost solar investment and overall generation by a whopping 507 GWh through increased solar connections. This is great for the security of our energy supply.”
Mr Penk says the building consent system can help accelerate the shift towards renewable energy.
“We need the right incentives in place to make rooftop solar a realistic option for Kiwis.
“The Government is focused on getting people into safe, affordable homes faster – and we want those homes to be sustainable and future-ready.
“With the energy system preparing for a surge in residential solar, the consenting process needs to play its part to support the transition.
“We are proposing changes to the Building Act, that will make it clear that a building consent is not needed to install rooftop solar panels on existing buildings.
“Right now, decision-making is inconsistent between councils – creating unnecessary barriers for homeowners who want to take responsibility for their environmental impact and make sustainable choices.
“As a further incentive, we are also proposing that Kiwis who choose to include solar panels in the design of new homes will have their entire building consent fast-tracked and processed in 10 working days instead of the standard 20 working days, saving Kiwis around $400 a day in time and consenting costs.”
“Delivering the best outcomes for New Zealanders is incredibly important to Minister Penk and me. Expanding the voltage range could help avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure upgrade costs to accommodate rooftop solar and EV charging being passed on to Kiwi households,” Mr Watts says.
“Combined, these common-sense and cost-effective changes will boost the resilience of New Zealand’s electricity supply, make it easier and cheaper for Kiwis to build sustainable homes, and spur New Zealand’s residential solar market into the future.”
Notes to editors: