NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Two men linked to the Comanchero Motorcycle Club will face serious drugs and firearms charges, after searches at south-east Auckland properties.

Investigators from the Motorcycle Gang Unit, part of the wider National Gang Unit, executed three search warrants across Flat Bush this morning.

Detective Inspector Wayne Gray, from the National Gang Unit, says two men were arrested at separate addresses.

“Today’s enforcement activity targeted a patched member and an associate of the Comancheros,” he says.

“As a result, we have located a press that will be alleged to have been used to press bricks of cocaine.

“Police have also seized a loaded pistol at one address.”

At another address, nearly a kilogram of a cutting agent was located along with around 64 grams of methamphetamine.

A 33-year-old patched Comanchero is facing a charge of conspiracy to deal methamphetamine.

Meanwhile, a 30-year-old associate of the gang has been charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a pistol and unlawfully possessing ammunition.

Both men are expected in the Manukau District Court this afternoon.

“It’s no secret that the Comancheros gang continue to impose suffering and a negative influence on many communities across this country,” Detective Inspector Gray says.

“Police remain committed to using every opportunity to prevent and disrupt this criminal activity from occurring, and today’s enforcement is a good example of that.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: NZCTU

A collective of 49 unions, lawyers, NGOs, academics, former Workplace Relations Ministers, and current spokespeople have co-signed an open letter calling on all Members of Parliament to vote against the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, currently before the House.

“These changes threaten every single worker in Aotearoa. This is the most anti-worker Bill we’ve seen in decades,” said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey.

“Working people have a basic right to seek remedies for unjustifiable and unlawful dismissal. This Bill effectively destroys that right, leaving workers completely exposed to abuses of power by their employers.

“The Bill also allows employers to misclassify employees as contractors, and to strip them of basic entitlements like holiday pay and sick leave. This has the potential to undermine worker rights completely in some industries and will lead to the destruction of rights in many others over time.

“This Bill was clearly opposed during the select committee process, with employment experts and working people signalling that it will dramatically worsen an imbalance of power that already benefits employers. The majority of the submissions on the Bill were against it.

“We are asking every Member of Parliament to listen to the public, experts, and those impacted most by these changes, and vote this Bill down at the next reading.

“This dangerous Bill must not proceed,” said Grey.

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a crash involving a car and a pedestrian on Mapuia Road on Friday 30 January. 

Police were notified of the crash around 4.40pm, on a private driveway.

Sadly, the victim passed away yesterday from their injuries.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Leeston Road, Springston, Selwyn, is currently closed following a serious crash this afternoon.

Police were notified of the crash, involving a car and a pedestrian, around 3.30pm.

Initial indicators are that the pedestrian has received serious injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit have been advised and diversions are in place at the Goulds Road and Leeston Road intersection and at the Bethels Road and Leeston Road intersection.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

One year on from the Government’s $200 million investment to accelerate new affordable rental housing for whānau Māori, hundreds of homes are now moving from planning into delivery on the ground, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.

“Since the investment was announced, 463 homes have been approved across 11 Māori-led housing projects, with 392 homes now contracted for delivery. Momentum is building, with over 260 homes already progressing through consents, infrastructure works and earthworks,” says Mr Potaka.

All of the homes are located in priority regions with high housing need, Te Tai Tokerau, Ikaroa–Rāwhiti, Tāmaki Makaurau, Waiariki, Te Tai Hauāuru and Hauraki–Waikato, helping to increase the supply of affordable rentals where it is needed most.

“Partnering with Māori housing providers is a practical way to address housing deprivation while building long-term housing capacity.

“This mahi is getting more homes built and into communities, while backing Māori organisations to lead delivery for their own whānau. These organisations understand their whenua, their people and the long-term needs of their communities.

“By increasing the supply of stable, affordable rental housing, we’re supporting better outcomes for whānau and Tamariki, and because these homes will be retained as affordable rentals for at least 25 years, this is an enduring investment in Māori housing.”

The three largest programmes supported through the funding include:

• Toitū Tairāwhiti Housing Limited, delivering 150 homes across Ikaroa–Rāwhiti
• Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi, delivering 100 homes across Kaikohe
• Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands, delivering 80 homes in Rotorua

Homes are being delivered progressively, with construction continuing across multiple sites and further projects in the pipeline for approval.

“The progress in Māori-led affordable housing reflects the Government’s broader focus on fixing the housing system and enabling long-term supply.

“Alongside this work, the Government is focused on unlocking land for housing, supporting infrastructure, and reducing the barriers and costs that slow down building.

“One year on, the progress we’re seeing in Māori-led housing highlights what can be achieved when we focus on delivery, by fixing the immediate shortages while building a stronger foundation for the future. That approach will continue as we work to make it easier to build the homes New Zealand needs to support economic growth and future prosperity.”

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  04 February 2026

Northern Coromandel was heavily impacted by intense weather events in late January, damaging several of the popular DOC campsites around the northern tip of the peninsula – and the roads used to access them.

Nick Kelly, DOC’s Coromandel Operations Manager, says all five of the north Coromandel campsites – Stony Bay, Waikawau, Fletcher Bay, Fantail Bay, and Port Jackson – were affected by the extreme weather which swept across the north of the country.

“They were closed due to infrastructure issues at and around the campsites, including damage to public roads, says Nick.

“The team has worked really hard, with the support of contractors, to ensure we can reopen Fletcher Bay, Fantail Bay and Port Jackson for the long weekend.

“It’s been a hectic few days, with a lot of challenges and logistics to work through alongside other agencies, but we’re pleased to have these beautiful campsites available for visitors this weekend so they can enjoy a Waitangi getaway.”

The north Coromandel campsites offer a basic and classic kiwi coastal camping experience, in idyllic and isolated locations.

Nick says Waikawau and Stony Bay campsites remain unavailable due to a combination of at-place infrastructure issues – particularly water supply – and the situation with the roads in the immediate area.

“Those two campsites will be closed for at least another week, and we’ll update our website pages for those facilities once they’re available again.”

The track to Mautohe Cathedral Cove reopened on Friday 30 January, after extensive work to clear debris and mud, and a geotechnical inspection, following the storm events.

Nick reiterated the need for visitors to be aware of the risks if visiting the picturesque cove and not to use any of the closed tracks across the Recreation Reserve.

“This is a known landslide and rockfall risk area – we urge people to be very conscious of this if they plan to visit. Lingering beneath the cliffs or under the famous rock arch is strongly discouraged.”

Part of DOC’s risk management for Mautohe Cathedral Cove is to monitor known landslip areas, and that will continue. Heavy rain is a trigger for the closure of the track to mitigate the landslide and rockfall risk to visitors, and that closure is communicated publicly. The track is only reopened after inspections.

Recent events on the East Coast and in Mt Maunganui – along with advice previously obtained by DOC – have shown the risk to public safety must be carefully managed based on reliable information.

There has also been a landslide on the closed Hahei coastal track to Grange Rd – reinforcing the previous decision not to repair and reopen that part of the track network. Work to completely decommission the closed section of the track is scheduled.

Reinstatement work at Waimata Gemstone Bay remains on hold and the track is currently closed.

Visitors should check the DOC website for alerts on tracks or facilities – these alerts will publicise closures as needed following inspections. People are also urged to check websites and social media channels for Thames Coromandel District Council, Hauraki District Council and NZTA.

Contact

Source: NZCTU

Unemployment data released by Stats NZ today shows that working people are bearing the cost of the Government’s economic mismanagement, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey.

“Unemployment has risen to levels we haven’t seen in a decade. 164,000 people are now unemployed, up 39,000 in just two years. There are 7,600 more young people unemployed than a year ago.”

“The Government has no plan to tackle this growing emergency. Instead of real solutions, they’re promising more spending cuts, more workers thrown on the scrap heap.”

“With Waitangi just around the corner, it’s worth reflecting on the fact that Māori unemployment continues to be a huge concern. Māori unemployment was 11.2% in December 2025 – more than twice the national average.  There are now 13,800 more Māori unemployed than two years ago.”

“The Government’s policies are making it harder for working people, their whānau, and their communities to get ahead. There is no recovery in the economy unless people are feeling it. The numbers show that right now they are not,” said Grey.