NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

West Coast Police have recovered 365 pieces and boulders of pounamu that had been stolen from the Jackson River, following a report made by a member of the public.

On Wednesday 28 May, Inspector Tracey Wharehoka was notified by Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, representing the local hapū Ngāi Māhaki, located in South Westland, that a vehicle had reportedly been seen heading up the river by a member of the public, and it appeared the occupants were collecting pounamu.

Public fossicking for pounamu is only allowed on beaches. Rivers are able to be fossicked by Ngāi Tahu members, but only with a permit from their local hapū to do so legally, which the people linked to the vehicle and trailer did not have.

With some quick discussion, a decision was made to deploy staff from Franz Joseph to locate and intercept the vehicle.

Police were successful in stopping the vehicle and recovered the stolen pounamu. This matter will be continued to be investigated and through the resolution process the pounamu will be returned to the hapū.

Inspector Wharehoka says Police take pride in working alongside local hapū, and the theft of pounamu is treated with the same value and mindset that would be taken with other stolen property.

“We are pleased we were able to move quickly and intercept these alleged thieves in the act.

“People are often under the impression that because some of these West Coast locations are remote, no one else is watching.

“This incident proves that is simply not true, and our tight-knit community have their eyes and ears switched on for any unusual activity.”

Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio chairman, Paul Madgwick expressed the thanks of the iwi for the swift response of Police for what has been an ongoing problem with theft of their taonga, especially in these remote areas.

“While the Vesting Act confirms that all pounamu is owned by Ngāi Tahu, our respective pounamu management plans provide an opportunity for the public to fossick freely on the beaches, and also recognise the right of Ngāi Tahu members to collect pounamu themselves, within boundaries.

“Anyone who is unsure of the rules around pounamu gathering, or has pounamu in their possession and is unclear about ownership, whether they’re the general public or Ngāi Tahu whanau, is urged to reach out to the local Rūnanga to understand what is permissible.”

Inspector Wharehoka says the protection and recovery of pounamu is just as much about education and knowledge as it is about detection and enforcement.

Two men, aged in their 30s were spoken to at the time of the incident. Police are investigating the matter and charges are being considered.

“We will continue to work with local iwi and those involved for the best action and outcome for all,” says Inspector Wharehoka.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is ensuring all Year 0 to 8 students have access to high quality, hands-on science kits through Budget 2025, helping pave the way for New Zealand’s future scientists, problem-solvers, and innovators.

“We want students to love learning about science. Hands-on learning improves critical thinking and science understanding, which are essential for student success in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). This investment will help lift science engagement and achievement in classrooms across the country and inspire our future meteorologists, marine biologists and software engineers,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

Budget 2025 is investing $39.9 million over four years into developing and delivering science kits for schools nationwide. The kits will be designed to support teachers to confidently deliver practical science learning, aligned with the new science curriculum. Teachers using the kits will also have access to professional development modules to support the use of the new resources in their classrooms.  

“These practical resources, include hands on experiments and engaging equipment for each year level of the Year 0-8 curriculum.  The kits will help students build their foundational knowledge and skills early and help bring science to life.

The kits will undergo development and begin to be available from the start of the 2026 school year. They will also be available in te reo Maori, with dedicated pūtaiao kits and bilingual resources available to meet the needs of all learners. 

“This initiative directly supports the Government’s economic growth agenda by investing in the future talent pipeline that will drive productivity, boost wages and power a more competitive and resilient economy. These benefits will positively impact sectors like agritech, clean energy, biotech and advanced manufacturing, where kiwi innovation already leads the world. 

“We want our children to be excited by science, to be captured by hands on learning so that we are inspiring the next generation of creators, inventors and great problem solvers,” Ms Stanford says.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Guardians of Lakes Manapōuri and Te Anau and Meridian Energy have agreed on changes to the Operating Guidelines for how the lake levels are managed, that will boost New Zealand’s hydro generation and energy security, Energy Minister Simon Watts has announced.
“These changes will deliver an extra 45 GWh of energy from the Manapōuri Power Scheme each year that’s enough energy to power around 6,000 homes. It is an important step in the Government and the sector’s work to protect the security of our energy supply for the future,” Mr Watts says.
“Last Winter, New Zealand faced an energy shortage that led to significant price increases for consumers, in part due to low hydro lake levels. This Government will not accept a repeat of last winter and is working at pace to ensure we have a reliable and affordable energy supply.
“Lake Manapōuri and Lake Te Anau are not only environmentally and culturally significant, but they are also essential to New Zealand’s energy system. However, in recent years the lower operating ranges of these lakes have been underutilised, impacting our energy supply and risking the health of plant life along their shorelines.
“The agreement reached today allows for more flexible drawdown rates once the lakes reach lower operating levels, enabling Meridian to continue generating when lake levels are low. The changes balance the needs of our country’s electricity system with the environmental impact on the lakes and their surrounding areas.
“I am pleased to have enacted the Guardians and Meridian’s recommendations by amending the relevant legislation and publishing in the New Zealand gazette.
“I acknowledge the expertise of the Guardians, who are responsible for advising on environmental, ecological and social effects of the power station on the lakes, and Meridian, as operator of the Manapōuri power station.
“I thank them for working together to recommend a path forward that better protects the existing patterns, ecological stability and recreational values of the lakes, while optimising hydro generation.”

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council Libraries have announced a new offering – board games lending, giving Aucklanders the opportunity to borrow popular tabletop games like Catan and Ticket To Ride: Europe to ramp up their game night.

Launched as a trial across 10 library branches, the board game lending programme gives Aucklanders the opportunity to connect, play and learn together, with modern strategy games that appeal to a wide range of adults.

Councillor Julie Fairey, deputy chair of the Community Committee, says the new initiative shows how libraries are evolving to meet our community’s changing needs.

“Our libraries are so much more than just books – they’re places for fun and connection, and they are always looking for new ways to serve Aucklanders,” says Councillor Fairey.

“My whānau loves board games and we will definitely be accessing this new collection now available through our public libraries.  Often these games are quite expensive to buy and this is a way people can play a wide range of games and find new favourites to enjoy.”

The popular titles, which include games such as Exploding Kittens and Wingspan are available for borrowing by any library card holder aged 18+ for a two-week loan.

While the games are on display at 10 sites, customers can place holds, collect and return the board games from any of our 56 libraries across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Auckland Council’s Head of Library and Learning Services, Catherine Leonard, says the new offering is an exciting way to welcome more Aucklanders into libraries.

“International trends show board games are booming, especially among 20–30-year-olds – a group we don’t see as often in our libraries,” says Ms Leonard.

“Board games are a fantastic tool for learning, collaboration and fun – but above all, they bring people together. We’d love to see more Aucklanders heading into our libraries and taking home a sought-after title to level up their next game night.”

This initiative aligns with the Belonging and Participation aspect of the Auckland Plan by increasing educational achievement, lifelong learning and training.

As with books, there are no late fees for board games, and borrowers won’t be charged for the occasional missing piece — but if a game is returned unplayable, a replacement fee will apply.

The trial will run for 12 months with a view to rolling it out to more libraries and adding more board games in the future.

To find out more about the board game collection and reserve a game, go to Auckland Council Libraries website.

Love this initiative and want the best for Auckland’s future? Stand for council in Auckland’s Local Elections 2025. Nominations open 4 July 2025 and close 1 August 2025, midday. If you’d like to learn more about what’s involved in standing, visit Vote Auckland.

Available board games:

• 7 Wonders: Duel 
• Betrayal at House on the Hill
• Catan
• Codenames: Pictures
• Exploding Kittens
• Root
• Ticket to Ride: Europ
• The Resistance: Avalo
• Tokaido
• Wingspan (Oceania Expansion)

Participating libraries:

North/West Region   Glenfield Library East Coast Bays Library Waitākere Central | Te Kōpua

Central/East Region   Central City Library Mt Albert Library Onehunga Library Botany Library

South Region   Māngere Bridge Library Manurewa Library Papatoetoe Library

Source: New Zealand Police

West Coast Police have executed 10 search warrants across the Westport and Greymouth area this week, in relation to organised crime in the wider region.

West Coast staff worked alongside colleagues from the Te Waipounamu Gang Distribution Unit (GDU) and the Tasman District Organised Crime Unit (TDOCU).

While undertaking the warrants Police located :
– More than a kilo of cannabis
– A vehicle sought in relation to a hit and run crash
– A pistol
– An illegal bar operating.

Two men appeared at Greymouth District Court on Wednesday the 28th May charged with Assaults police and Possession of cannabis for supply, to further appear on the 18th June.

Two more men will appear at Greymouth District Court on Wednesday the 4th June, facing charges of Unlawful possession of a firearm and Operating a bar without a licence.

Police have gained further information from the execution of these warrants and further arrests have not been ruled out.

West Coast Area Commander, Inspector Hamish Chapman says, “The activities this week demonstrate the commitment Police has to drive down and disrupt organised and gang related crime and the harm it has on our communities.”

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will travel to Europe this weekend to advance New Zealand’s trade and investment interests 

Minister McClay will visit Switzerland, Paris and Brussels for high level ministerial and business meetings.  

In Switzerland he will attend the first in person meeting of a new pro-trade group with ministers from UAE, Singapore and Switzerland where he will focus on removing trade barriers and the promotion of paperless trade. 

In Paris he will attend the annual OECD Trade Ministers, a CPTPP ministers discussion, ACCTs Ministers meeting, and a WTO Mini Ministerial meeting. He will also hold discussions with ministers from Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, USA.

He will also undertake a bilateral French programme and meet the French Minister responsible for Trade.

In Brussels Mr McClay will hold talks with EU Commissioner for Trade, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, and EU Vice President responsible for sustainability.  He will also speak at an event to mark the first year of the NZ EU FTA. 

“One in four Kiwi jobs depend on Trade, and strong trade relationships mean more opportunities for New Zealander.

The Government’s is committed to the ambitious goal of doubling exports by value in the next ten years to deliver higher paying jobs for all New Zealanders,” Mr McClay says.

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Inspector Lincoln Sycamore, Hawke’s Bay Area Commander:

Hawke’s Bay Police will be maintaining a visible presence in Central Hawke’s Bay over King’s Birthday Weekend, with a large gathering of gang members taking place in the area.

While the gathering will take place over the weekend at a marae that is away from main roads, Police do expect some travel around Central Hawke’s Bay by the gang members, particularly on the morning of Sunday 1 June.

Hawke’s Bay Police have planning in place to minimise disruption to Central Hawke’s Bay residents, as well as holidaymakers visiting our region for King’s Birthday weekend.

We have spoken to those organising the gathering and encourage all attendees to respect our local communities and not engage in any unsafe driving behaviour or unlawful activity.

If anyone does witness unsafe driving behaviour or unlawful activity, please report it immediately to 111.

ENDS
 

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Newtons Road, Templeton is closed following a serious crash this afternoon.

Emergency services received a report of a three-vehicle crash at around 2.45pm at the intersection of Newtons Road and Dawsons Road.

Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries.

The road is closed while emergency services are in attendance.

Motorists are advised to follow diversions and expect delays.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

The Bone Marrow Cancer Trust’s new Rānui Apartments will ensure patients and families travelling to Christchurch for cancer treatment, heart surgeries, and other complex needs will have a home-away-from-home for their recuperation, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Today I was pleased to join the Prime Minister to officially open the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust’s new Rānui Apartments. These 54 new apartments will accommodate more Kiwis and their families travelling to Christchurch Hospital for life-changing treatments,” Mr Brown says.

The 54 apartments across two buildings will add to the existing 26 apartments available at Rānui House. The new facilities offered include one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as studio rooms, to meet different patients’ and families’ needs.

“Travelling for life-changing treatment and surgery can be daunting. These new facilities will remove that burden by providing free accommodation and wrap-around services for eligible travelling patients and their families, located just 500 metres from the Christchurch Hospital.

“The opening of the Rānui Apartments makes the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust the largest provider of patient accommodation in the South Island. It is the only provider that serves patients and families irrespective of their age or treatment type.

“When a patient undergoes life-changing treatment, there are repercussions for the entire family. These accommodation facilities will make specialist healthcare more accessible for people in the South Island by ensuring patients and their families have support close to Christchurch Hospital.

“I would like to thank the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust for their vision, dedication, and fundraising efforts that have made this project possible,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency