NZ Engine

Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  26 May 2025

Nikau Walk, on the northeastern side of Pirongia Forest Park, provides access to the Kaniwhaniwha campsite and caves, as well as the Pahautea Hut and Pirongia summit further afield.

DOC Waikato Biodiversity Ranger Cara Hansen says the track is vital for DOC staff who need to service the campsite’s bins and toilets, and carry out other field work on and around Pirongia.

“The planned improvements include tree pruning and upgrading the track surface, both of which will improve the walk for visitors and make it easier and safer for DOC staff,” Cara says.

Signs will be placed at access points around the mountain to advise visitors of the closures, and alerts on the DOC website will be maintained until work is completed.

The track is part of Te Araroa Trail, and trail users are advised to use the Tirohanga track (which connects to Te Pahu Road from Limeworks Loop Road) as an alternative route. Anyone planning to use this section of Te Araroa should check the DOC website or trail guides for the latest updates on closures.

Alternative tracks to access the Pirongia summit and Pahautea hut include the Tirohanga track (access from Corcoran Rd), Mahaukura track (access from Grey Rd), Wharauroa Route (access from O’Shea Rd), and Hihikiwi track (access from Pirongia West Rd).

“We apologise for any disturbance the work will cause, but ensuring we have safe access for visitors and DOC staff is essential,” Cara says. “In the end we’ll have a better and safer walk; it’ll be worth the wait.”

Nature – including public conservation areas like Pirongia Forest Park – is our most important economic asset and largest stakeholder, sustaining industries like tourism, agriculture, forestry, energy, and fisheries.

More than 4,000 native species are threatened or at risk of extinction – that is more than any other country – and Pirongia Forest Park is an important Waikato location for their protection. It is also a popular recreation location for people who wish to enjoy forest experiences, such as tramping.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

A woman is before the courts following a serious crash in Christchurch.

On Saturday 24 May, Police received a report of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at around 2.15pm.

Upon arrival on Fitzgerald Avenue, emergency services located a child with critical injuries and an adult with serious injuries.

They were both transported to hospital where they remain in a stable condition.

Traffic management was in place while emergency services were at the scene.

A 49-year-old woman is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on Friday 30 May, facing two charges of driving dangerously causing injury.

As the matter is before the court, Police are unable to provide further comment on the matter.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government is amending the Public Finance Act to prevent future governments concealing the extent of fiscal risks in government accounts, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. 
The change is included in legislation introduced to Parliament on Saturday evening to enhance the transparency and accountability of the public finance system. 
“The Public Finance Act requires that fiscal forecasts, which are prepared by the Treasury, include a statement of specific fiscal risks. 
“But, when I became Finance Minister I was alerted to a number of risks that were not clear in the statements I had read previously.
“I found that the statement of fiscal risks could be somewhat opaque. That did not support public understanding of risks that have the potential to impact the government’s books or the provision of public services. 
“Since then, the Treasury has done a good job of categorising and transparently describing fiscal risks. This includes explicitly identifying time-limited funding and capital cost escalations. 
“The Public Finance Amendment Bill makes such categorisation a requirement.” 
The bill also dispenses with the requirement for governments to articulate the wellbeing objectives that guide Budget decisions and for the Treasury to produce a Wellbeing Report every four years. 
“The previous government thought it was the first government ever to consider the wellbeing of its citizens. And that it was the first government to realise that people’s wellbeing was the ultimate purpose of the Budget.
“That is not the case. The purpose of building a stronger economy and delivering better public services is to improve the long-term social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of peoplep
“While Treasury should, and does, have a broad perspective, I would like the bright and talented minds at the Treasury to focus on economic and financial advice, rather than preparing reports on whether people have friends and whether their life has meaning and purpose,” Nicola Willis says.
Other changes introduced by the amendment bill include: 

requiring better information on tax expenditures to be provided to the public
bringing the publication window of the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update forward five days so that the public is better informed before elections; and
allowing the Government to express its fiscal strategy using alternative fiscal variables (so long as it explains its choice of variables).

“These changes complement the non-legislative actions being taken to strengthen fiscal responsibility, including introducing agency performance plans to help governments better plan for spending over the medium-term, and improving reporting on investments and major Budget decisions,” Nicola Willis says.
The bill passed its first reading on Saturday evening and has been referred to the finance and expenditure committee for consideration.   

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

From today, beneficiaries failing to meet the obligations they agreed to can expect two new measures to encourage people off welfare and into work.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says the Money Management and Community Work Experience sanctions can apply to a first obligation failure while getting a main benefit, such as Jobseeker Support.
“From today, Money Management means people who don’t comply may have half their main benefit put on a payment card for four weeks. This is a sensible move,” Louise Upston says.
“The card can only be used at approved shops for groceries, transport, health, and education-related items. People will continue to get the remainder of their main benefit, as well as any supplementary assistance (such as for ongoing accommodation costs), directly into their bank accounts. 
The Money Management policy fulfils a commitment from the ACT-National Coalition agreement. 
“Community Work Experience means people with work obligations who don’t comply may have to find and participate in at least five hours of community work experience per week at one or more community or voluntary sector organisations, for four weeks. 
“Also from today, it’s now mandatory for some people, and their partners, to have a completed Jobseeker Profile before their benefit can be granted.
“And an obligation failure will now count against a person for two years, instead of one.
“These very fair and reasonable sanctions will allow clients to continue receiving their full benefit, instead of the 50 per cent reduction they would have experienced with a financial sanction,” Louise Upston says.
The introduction marks the launch of the second phase of the Traffic Light System. The first phase was launched last year to help clients better understand their obligations and what they need to do to stay on track. 
“The new sanctions will ensure accountability in the welfare system for people who don’t meet their obligations, while also recognising that reducing benefits isn’t the answer for everyone.
“Around 98 per cent of beneficiaries are complying with their obligations – those who don’t are the ones who need to consider the increased consequences.
“Overall, these changes will ensure we have a welfare system proactively supporting those who can work to get off the benefit and into employment. This will contribute to the Government’s target to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030,” Louise Upston says. 
The Minister again recognised the efforts of frontline MSD staff working with job seekers.
“I thank MSD staff who have undergone training to support clients around the Traffic Light changes.  We know the faster we can help beneficiaries find suitable employment, the better the outcomes for them, their families, our communities, and our economy.”
Two more non-financial sanctions, Report Job Search and Upskilling, will become available to some clients in October this year, further expanding the Traffic Light System. 
Notes for editors:

Non-financial sanctions will only be available to clients for a first obligation failure if they are in active case management or have dependent children. If they do not meet this criteria, they will have a financial sanction imposed as before.
These clients will also need to have an appointment with MSD within 5 working days and meet any other eligibility criteria.
MSD staff will consider a client’s circumstances before imposing a non-financial sanction, to ensure it is the most appropriate option for the client.
Young people getting Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment will be assigned a Traffic Light colour, so they can easily see if they’re on track with their obligations. No other Traffic Light System-related changes will apply to these clients or young partners with youth activity obligations. 

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a crash in Castlecliff this afternoon.

The crash, involving a dirt bike and a parked vehicle on Seafront Road, was reported to Police at around 4:10pm.

The rider died at the scene.

Seafront Road has since reopened.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

SOURCE: Tanzania Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation

To strengthen implementation, President Samia called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation to engage retired diplomats in training current officials, ensuring that Tanzania’s envoys are equipped to promote national interests globally

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, May 24, 2025 – In a landmark diplomatic step, Tanzania has launched a revised National Foreign Policy that reinforces the country’s leadership in African diplomacy. The updated policy embraces Pan-African values, supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and advances regional peace, integration, and sustainable development.

The launch event, held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, was officiated by H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. It was also attended by Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior government leaders, and private sector representatives.

Rooted in the vision of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Tanzania has historically championed unity, liberation, and non-alignment in African diplomacy. Under Nyerere’s leadership, Tanzania became a moral compass for the continent and a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

“This policy speaks on who we are as a nation—firm in our values, proactive in our diplomacy, and committed to constructive partnerships that advance peace, security, and shared prosperity,” President Samia said during the event.

The new policy reflects this legacy while responding to contemporary priorities like trade, migration, regional infrastructure, climate action, and digital transformation. It aims to deepen Tanzania’s engagement with continental bodies like the AU, SADC, and EAC while emphasizing Kiswahili as a tool for regional integration.

President Samia noted that the revised policy was shaped through a broad-based participatory process involving Tanzanians from all walks of life. “It was high time we revised the policy to cope with global shifts in various spheres,” she said, citing the global scramble for strategic minerals and trade disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts as key motivators.

A core feature of the updated framework includes economic diplomacy and the creation of a Special Status for Tanzanians in the diaspora. The policy promotes legal reforms that would allow non-citizen Tanzanians abroad to own land, register businesses, and invest back home.

To strengthen implementation, President Samia called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation to engage retired diplomats in training current officials, ensuring that Tanzania’s envoys are equipped to promote national interests globally.

President Mwinyi welcomed the revised policy as a catalyst for unlocking social, economic, and political potential. “Tanzania continues to position itself globally, and the revised policy aligns with evolving global needs,” he said.

He urged the Ministry to encourage more countries to open consulates in Zanzibar and called on all Tanzanians to embrace and defend national interests through the policy. “This policy will benefit both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar,” he emphasized.

President Samia’s regional outreach began early in her presidency. In April 2021, she visited Uganda, where she and President Yoweri Museveni signed the Final Investment Decision for the $10 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

In May 2021, her visit to Kenya revitalized bilateral ties, followed by trips to Burundi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia, and Egypt, resulting in cooperation on trade, energy, security, and innovation.

At the June 2021 SADC Summit in Mozambique, Tanzania reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace by supporting the fight against insurgency in Cabo Delgado. In Ghana, she received the Africa Road Builders–Babacar Ndiaye Trophy for leadership in infrastructure development.

In Senegal, during the IDA20 Summit, and at COP27 in Egypt, she positioned Tanzania as a leader in climate resilience, presenting an $18 billion renewable energy plan.

From 2023 to 2025, she maintained strong continental engagement through AU summits, the BRICS Summit in South Africa, and diplomatic visits to Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, and Morocco.

A key milestone in Tanzania’s growing international stature was the invitation to the Lobito Corridor Development Project high-level meeting in Angola—part of the G7’s Global Infrastructure Initiative. Although Tanzania was not originally a member of the project, its geographic and strategic relevance was recognized as critical to the corridor’s success.

In February 2024, President Samia unveiled a statue of Mwalimu Nyerere at the AU Headquarters in Ethiopia—a symbolic act that underscored Tanzania’s foundational role in the Pan-African movement.

As Chair of the SADC Organ, she presided over the 2024 Troika Summit in Zimbabwe, advancing peace and security initiatives and supporting Raila Odinga’s candidacy for AU Commission leadership.

On May 18, 2025, Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi was elected as the next Regional Director of the WHO African Region, a milestone widely credited to Tanzania’s rising diplomatic influence. His nomination followed the untimely death of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile in 2024. Janabi’s appointment will be formalized by the WHO Executive Board later this month.

According to Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the revised policy focuses on ten strategic pillars:

Economic Diplomacy
Peace, Security, and Stability
Ratification and Implementation of International Treaties
Participation in Regional and Global Bodies
Promotion of Kiswahili as a Diplomatic Tool
International Resource Mobilization
Blue Economy Development
Diaspora Engagement
Human Rights and Good Governance
Environmental Protection and Climate Leadership

This updated policy reflects Tanzania’s commitment to Pan-African unity while embracing innovation, inclusion, and global partnership. It sets the stage for the next chapter in Tanzania’s regional leadership and sustainable development.

Source: World BEYOND War Australia

Space Summit Protest Action
8.00am-9.00am
Tuesday 27 May 2025
Outside ICC 14 Darling Drive, Sydney.

There has been a call to ‘Keep Space for Peace’ at the beginning of the fourth Space Summit at Sydney’s International Convention Centre (ICC)  beginning Tuesday 27 May.

Those concerned about the unprecedented role of satellite technology in targeted killings in Gaza and beyond are among those who are coming together for this event, coordinated by World BEYOND War Australia’s Liz Remmerswaal.

“US-NATO space tech is playing a leading role in the wars in Ukraine and the genocidal zionist war in Palestine,” she says.

“The twin infants killed along with their doctor mom in Gaza in August are believed to have been targeted by Israel using Google’s AI Project Numbus,” says Ms Remmerswaal.

She says the protest is a chance for those concerned to  express in words, song and action our outrage that the final frontier is being colonised by the military.

“While people starve and are homeless in the country, taxes will be used to fund war-making in space,” she says.

The protest is jointly organised by veteran activist Denis Doherty from Anti Bases and Sydney Anti AUKUS coalition, as well as the World Citizens Association Australia.

“We know that Pine Gap, known locally as the ‘space base’ has been used in US-led conflicts since 1991.  It has been targeting civilians in the wars against Iraq, Afghanistan, and facilitating drone attacks on villagers on the Pakistani border with Afghanistan,” says Mr Doherty.

“Currently, Pine Gap is being used to facilitate the massacre against Gaza and nearby countries on behalf of Israel. Space is currently a war fighting mechanism. We need to decouple space from the military,” says Mr Doherty.

“We advocate for the separation of military and defense interests from space activities. We aim to establish guidelines and agreements that promote the peaceful use of space for scientific, commercial, and humanitarian purposes. Australia is too close to the US and its Empire.”

Prominent people in Australia including a former Prime Minister, academics and Australian members of civil society movements have been campaigning for an end to the US – Australian alliance.  

Recent polls of Australians have found a paltry 37% approval rating for the US.  This alliance means that cities and towns in Australia will become nuclear targets in the event of a hot war with China.”

Mr Doherty says that the US that is leading us into using our resources for armaments and insisting that we increase military spending while the world’s and Australia’s needs are for more resources for climate change and better social services such as health, education and welfare.

“While we welcome Australian ingenuity and expertise being devoted to a new frontier space, we recoil at the automatic involvement of the military in this new and exciting frontier,” he says.

“As we need to remember, the first casualty of war is truth; the rest is mainly civilians”, says Ms Remmerswaal.

For more info see https://space4peace.org/ and worldbeyondwar.org

Source:

Te Pāti Māori is demanding to know how the government can justify fast tracking a replica of a seabed mining application that was already rejected by the supreme court in 2021.

“Trans-Tasman Resources, a company with no operational experience, is back to the table with the same outdated and incomplete data the Supreme Court ruled against, but this time they’re being waved through a political back door” said Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

“The Fast-track panel is being asked to assess their application based on environmental assumptions that are nearly a decade old. There’s no new seabed monitoring, no updated marine mammal data, and no clear understanding of cumulative risks to the moana.”

In the application lodged on the EPA website last Friday, even TTR’s own experts admit gaps in data on endangered species like whales and seabirds. Yet, the Government continues to promote this proposal as “economic growth” while ignoring the real environmental cost.

“This is high-risk capital with low public return and what’s worse will be signed off by three Ministers with no obligation to heed hapū, Iwi and whānau concerns. The government has trampled Te Tiriti and betrays all Zealanders, by sacrificing our coastal waters for offshore investors.”

The 2025 Budget, announced on Thursday, saw an additional $200 million taxpayer funded hand out to offshore oil and gas companies.

Ngarewa-Packer called out the Government’s political gambling, “We all want economic prosperity for our communities, but enabling unproven, speculative ventures to bypass environmental due process signals desperation not development .”

Once the EPA expert panel is confirmed, the recognised Iwi and Councils have 20 working days to make a submission.

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Christan Fouhy – Far North Area Manager Investigations

Police investigating the death of a 3-year-old girl in Kaikohe on Wednesday have charged a 45 year old man with her murder.

Police were called to an address on Tawanui Road on Wednesday night where the girl was located unresponsive.

We will continue our enquiries in the area over the next few days.

The man will appear in the Kaikohe District Court on Monday 26 May.

Victim Support is supporting the whānau and local community following this tragic death.

As the matter is now before the courts, Police cannot comment further.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre