NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

A major investment into Greymouth and Westport ports will boost coastal shipping and stimulate economic growth across the West Coast, Associate Transport and South Island Minister James Meager says.

The $5.3 million funding comprises of $4.3m for upgrades to the Port of Greymouth, and $1m for a regional safety programme to be shared with Westport Port. 

Crown funding stems from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, with the Grey District and West Coast Regional Councils co-investing an additional $671,200 for both projects.

“Greymouth is the West Coast’s largest port but currently has limited ability to berth larger coastal shipping vessels due to the main freight wharf’s poor condition. Major works are required for it to accommodate freight traffic increases, which is essential if we want to grow the region’s economy,” Mr Meager says.

“This will include the reconstruction of up to 80 metres of currently unusable wharf to allow loading and unloading of cargo vessels. A roll-on, roll-off facility will also be built, to enable front loading craft to move large equipment and freight with ease.

“The upgrade will significantly increase the region’s resilience when completed in early 2028. It will create a much-needed avenue for essential supplies and equipment to be delivered by sea, in the event of a disaster which cuts off road and rail links.

“Additionally, a shared Regional Harbour Master programme will be established for both ports, alongside upgraded navigational aids. This will support commercial shipping’s return to Greymouth and ensure the longevity of both ports’ operations.”

West Coast-Tasman MP Maureen Pugh has welcomed investment, calling it an opportunity to grow the coastal shipping industry and tidy up the harbour.

“This is yet another investment into crucial infrastructure for the West Coast and reflects our commitment to fixing the basics and building the future,” Ms Pugh says.

Notes to Editor:

•            The Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund was established through the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024. The $30 million fund invests in projects which enhance the sector’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from events that could disrupt New Zealand’s freight system.

•            This is the second confirmed recipient of the fund, following a recent investment in Eastland Port.

•            Installation of improved navigational aids is expected by the end of 2026, while a shared Regional Harbour Master programme is expected to be in place by the end of 2027.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  04 February 2026

Rangers were shocked when a person sent in photos of three ducks hunting and killing freshly hatched native pūteketeke (Australasian crested grebe) chicks next to Lake Alexandrina, just south of Lake Takapō/Tekapo.

The pūteketeke hit global headlines when comedian John Oliver successfully campaigned for the Australasian crested grebe to win the Forest & Bird, Bird of the Century crown in 2023.

DOC Principal Biodiversity ranger Dean Nelson says they were horrified to see graphic photos of pūteketeke chicks being eaten alive, knowing how unusual it is for ducks to prey on other birds.

“Mallard ducks usually eat plant material, with a little bit of protein from insects and snails during the breeding season. It was shocking to see them eating pūteketeke chicks. We went out there straight away and I observed three mallard ducks in the outlet creek where the grebe nests are. They were actively scoping out the pūteketeke nests to see if they had chicks.

“The adult pūteketeke didn’t see the danger as they don’t perceive the ducks as a threat.”

This duck behaviour was unknown to DOC experts, and there was a concern that it would spread, as ducks learnt from each other, says Dean Nelson.

“There was a case which was referenced in a research paper from a Cambridge University scientist describing how a group of mallard ducks were attacking and eating the chicks of two common bird species in Romania in 2017. It claimed this was a world first and the ducks may have been searching for a source of protein before laying eggs and nesting.”

Dean Nelson says the member of the public did exactly the right thing in calling DOC about the incident and taking photos as evidence, otherwise he says it would’ve been hard to believe.

“This is a great example of people taking action for nature and looking out for our vulnerable species. While some people think the pūteketeke is introduced because of its name (the Australasian crested grebe), the reality is they’re native and are classed as nationally vulnerable.

“We want the public to be really engaged with nature. People can be our eyes and ears out ‘naturing’ and that’s fantastic for us, as our rangers can’t be everywhere,” he says.

Last December campers and boaties around the popular Lake Benmore shoreline in Canterbury were asked to look out for pūteketeke over the summer holidays after reports of nests being disturbed at the Ōhau C campground. Many nests were adjacent to the boat ramp and spread out around the lakeshore.

The pūteketeke colony has had 40 to 50 nests each year for the last five breeding seasons and birds have raised their young much later than usual in the outlet creek next to Lake Alexandrina. The ‘colonial’ style of nesting so close together makes them easy prey for predators.

DOC staff have caught the three offending ducks with nets and removed them from the site and humanely euthanised them. They are also heading out again today to check that no other mallard ducks have learnt the behaviour.

Anyone who sees sick, injured or at-risk native wildlife can ring 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant John Kean:

Southland Police continue to search for Invercargill man, Kevin Belling, who was reported missing on Sunday 18 January.

Kevin, 62, was last seen at his Motu Rimu farm on Friday 9 January and has not been heard from for nearly four weeks now.

Police Search and Rescue and Land SAR teams have conducted extensive searches, and last Saturday focused on his Caeser Road property in Kapuka. The search involved foot search teams and a drone.

Unfortunately, Kevin has not been found and Police continue to appeal for any information that could help us find him.

Police urge the community to be vigilant and to check their rural properties for any sign of him.

It is very unusual for Kevin to not be in contact with anyone for this long, and Police and his loved ones have serious concerns for his welfare.

Anyone with information is urged to call 105 and reference file number 260118/6964.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing up to $35 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to help local start-up OpenStar Technologies position New Zealand at the forefront of the global research into fusion energy.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says the loan will support the creation of a specialised facility for OpenStar’s next fusion machine.

“The successful development of fusion is the holy grail of energy production. It could be a game-changer for this country’s energy security, economy and environment,” Mr Jones says.

Fusion energy is an emerging technology that seeks to replicate the process

powering the Sun by fusing light atoms into a larger atom, releasing a vast

amount of carbon-free energy.

“New Zealand’s OpenStar Technologies, led by Dr Ratu Mataira,  is one of more than 50 companies worldwide competing to deliver a breakthrough in fusion energy. OpenStar is developing a different design approach to its competitors which offers advantages in stability, cost and scalability,” Mr Jones says. 

“Over a century ago, New Zealand scientist Ernest Rutherford pioneered nuclear science. Today we are backing New Zealanders to lead the next big breakthrough in harnessing fusion energy, a technology that could deliver significant benefits for our country and the world.

“The Government’s substantial investment in the project will help anchor a bespoke fusion energy research and development facility in New Zealand.

“It will also enable OpenStar to scale up its research and development programme, helping to attract international investment and creating high-value jobs here in New Zealand.

“The project has the potential to uncover spinoff applications for the aerospace and medical technology sectors. These could potentially have enormous benefits in the medium term, while the technology further evolves towards the ultimate goal of delivering fusion energy.

“This funding supports infrastructure that drives economic growth, fosters innovation, boosts productivity and strengthens energy security,” Mr Jones says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Road access to one of New Zealand’s most important cultural sites, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, has been upgraded in time for Waitangi Day events, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

Haruru Falls Rd, which provides a secondary route to the Treaty Grounds without going through Paihia, received a $1.57 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to seal the remaining 3.7km of metal road.

“Anyone familiar with the road will know that it was a dusty, uneven and sometimes treacherous route because it was partially unsealed,” Mr Jones says.

“This upgrade will ensure safe and resilient access for the thousands of local and international visitors to what is one of New Zealand’s most historic and culturally important sites. The Treaty Grounds also house Te Rau Aroha – the 28^th Māori Battalion Museum. These hugely important parts of our history now have a road that goes some way to fitting their stature.”

The sealing project was completed just days before Waitangi Day celebrations.

Mr Jones officially opened the upgraded Haruru Falls Road at a ceremony today along with iwi leaders, trustees of the Waitangi National Trust, Far North Mayor Moko Tepania and other dignitaries in attendance.

The upgrades include drainage, paving, earthworks and fitting of guardrails. Far North District Council contributed $400,000 to the project. 

“The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are a place for all New Zealanders and where much of our country’s history was shaped. It’s a site of national significance and its importance is evident in the more than 160,000 visitors who head to the grounds each year,” Mr Jones says. 

The Treaty Grounds are undergoing an infrastructure upgrade funded with a grant of up to $10.2 million from the RIF. The project involves protecting nationally significant historic buildings from water damage and upgrading other facilities.

So far new toilets, a new carpark and lit pathways have been installed. The Treaty House has been repainted and protected from water with new drainage. 

The upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.