NZ Engine

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

Auckland Transport’s flood recovery team has repaired 80% of the slips that occurred on local roads in the west Auckland area during the early 2023 extreme weather events.

More than 2000 slips on local roads were reported to AT during this time across the Auckland region. Of these, 1200 smaller slips were fixed fairly quickly, but more than 800 bigger slips required extensive investigation to inform sustainable and resilient engineering design solutions.

In the west Auckland area 191 complex slips needed repairing: 119 minor (less than $250,000 to repair) and 72 major (more than $250,000 to repair). By the end of April 2025, 153 slips had been fixed while three are under construction and the rest are in the design or procurement phases.

“It’s been a massive job, and we thank the people of west Auckland for their continued patience, especially those communities dealing with long road closures,” said Alan Wallace, GM Road Asset Maintenance and Renewals at Auckland Transport.

“A number of roads like Scenic Drive, West Coast Road, Huia Road, Karekare Road and Lone Kauri Road sustained slips in multiple places, and many sites required complex engineering solutions and logistics before construction could begin.

“In some places utilities like power lines, internet, gas and water lines needed to be relocated, and a number of affected roads in close proximity to each other meant options for alternative traffic routes or detours during simultaneous repairs have been limited.

“We’ve also had to navigate tricky and often unstable terrain, variable weather conditions, environmental considerations, proximity to homes and tight operating conditions during construction using heavy machinery.”

Mr Wallace says AT expects most slip sites in West Auckland will be repaired by the end of 2025.

For more information, visit the AT website.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

New Zealanders are a step closer to being able to build a granny flat of up to 70 square metres in their backyard following the successful first reading of the Building and Construction (Small Standalone Dwellings) Bill in Parliament. 
 
“It’s currently far too hard to build the homes New Zealanders need, with even the simplest dwellings requiring time-consuming and costly consent processes,” RMA Reform and Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. 

“We know increasing housing availability directly translates to lower living costs for our communities. That’s why the coalition Government is committed to making it faster and more affordable to build granny flats. These simple dwellings have the potential to be part of the solution for providing families with more housing options, particularly for grandparents, people with disabilities, young adults and workers in the rural sector.  

“Following public consultation which received huge support, the Government agreed earlier this year to allow granny flats of up to 70 square metres to be built without resource or building consents.

“We’re removing the requirement for a resource consent through our updated package of National Direction under the Resource Management Act which will be in place by the end of this year, and today’s first reading of the Building and Construction (Small Standalone Dwellings) Bill ensures we’ll remove the requirement for a building consent at around the same time.” 

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says removing consent requirements for granny flats will boost productivity in the building sector.  
 
“Tradies will be able to get on with the job without being bogged down by costly and time-consuming paperwork, while homeowners can have confidence their granny flat project won’t be hit by unexpected costs from delays waiting for council inspections. 
 
“The consent exemption is expected to deliver about 13,000 more granny flats over the next ten years. That’s thousands of homes built faster and more affordably, and more consistent work for builders – without frustrating hold-ups.”  
 
The legislation delivers on a New Zealand First–National coalition commitment to reform the building and resource consent system to simplify granny flat construction.  
 
Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says the changes will help lift living standards and support multigenerational living. 
 
“This will allow older New Zealanders to maintain their independence while staying close to whānau. It’s also a practical solution for young adults, especially in rural areas where housing options are limited. 
 
“I look forward to seeing this Bill passed by the end of the year, so families can start building these much-needed homes without delay.”

Note to editors:

• The Bill will exempt granny flats of up to 70 square metres from needing a building consent if:
  • The granny flat meets the requirements of being a simple design and meets the Building Code
  • Building work is carried out by authorised building professionals
  • Homeowners notify their local council before they commence building and once it is completed.
• To support local infrastructure in growing communities, councils will charge development contributions for granny flats when issuing a Project Information Memorandum (PIM).
• The proposed consent exemption will not apply to any building work currently in progress or existing structures that fit the specifications of a granny flat under the final exemption criteria. It will apply only to granny flats built after the exemption is in force.
• Anyone who is unsure whether their building work needs a building or resource consent should check with their local council. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Wellington Police are continuing to appeal for sightings of missing man Michael, who was reported missing on 19 May.

Police and Michael’s family are becoming increasingly concerned for his safety.

It has now been established that the last known sighting of him was on CCTV at the intersection of Bouverie Street and Udy Street in Petone at about 2:45pm on 19 May 2025.

He was wearing the clothing pictured in the images shared here.

Police are asking anyone who was in the Petone or Alicetown areas on the afternoon of 19 May who may have information, or may have seen Michael, to contact Police through our 105 service, quoting reference number 250520/2542.

We are also asking for anyone with dashcam footage, or residents or businesses with CCTV footage, to review their footage for any sightings of Michael on the afternoon in question.

Anyone who believes they see Michael is urged to call 111 immediately.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the passing of a Bill for transparent and principled lawmaking, with the Regulatory Standards Bill passing its first reading in Parliament today.
“New Zealand’s low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation. To raise productivity, we must allow people to spend more time on productive activities and less time on compliance,” says Mr Seymour.  
The Regulatory Standards Bill:

provides a benchmark for good legislation through a set of principles of responsible regulation
enables transparent assessment of the consistency of proposed and existing legislation with the principles
establishes a Regulatory Standards Board to independently consider the consistency of proposed and existing legislation, and
strengthens regulatory quality by supporting the Ministry for Regulation in its regulatory oversight role.

“In a nutshell: If red tape is holding us back, because politicians find regulating politically rewarding, then we need to make regulating less rewarding for politicians with more sunlight on their activities. That is how the Regulatory Standards Bill will help New Zealand get its mojo back. It will finally ensure regulatory decisions are based on principles of good law-making and economic efficiency,” Mr Seymour says. 
“Ultimately, this Bill will help the Government achieve its goal of improving New Zealand’s productivity by ensuring that regulated parties are regulated by a system which is transparent, has a mechanism for recourse, and holds regulators accountable to the people.
“The law doesn’t stop politicians or their officials making bad laws, but it makes it transparent that they’re doing it. It makes it easier for voters to identify those responsible for making bad rules. Over time, it will improve the quality of rules we all have to live under by changing how politicians behave.
“In a high-cost economy, regulation isn’t neutral – it’s a tax on growth. This Government is committed to clearing the path of needless regulations by improving how laws are made.”
Notes to editors: The Regulatory Standards Bill can be found here: Regulatory Standards Bill 155-1 (2025), Government Bill Contents – New Zealand Legislation

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Investment Boost has passed into law, meaning a major new tax incentive to encourage businesses to invest, grow the economy, and lift wages is now in place, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
“Investment Boost takes effect immediately. This means businesses that go out today and buy machinery or tools or equipment or vehicles or technology can immediately deduct 20 per cent of that cost from taxable income – meaning a much lower tax bill.
“The feedback to Investment Boost has already been massive, with businesses telling us it will be a game-changer.
“This change will benefit farmers, tradies, hairdressers, manufacturers, and other businesses by helping them invest in productivity improving assets. It is all designed to help firms become more competitive and, therefore, able to lift workers’ wages.
“The Treasury and Inland Revenue estimate Investment Boost will improve economic growth, lifting New Zealand’s GDP by 1 per cent, wages by 1.5 per cent and our capital stock by 1.6 per cent over the next 20 years, with around half these gains expected in the first five years.
“Investment Boost applies to new assets purchased in New Zealand as well as new and used assets imported from overseas. It includes commercial buildings but excludes land, residential buildings, and assets already in use in New Zealand.
“There’s no cap on the value of eligible investments. All businesses, regardless of size, can benefit.
“Investment Boost delivers more bang for buck than a company tax cut because it only applies to new investments, not those made in the past.
“The policy will reward businesses who make new investments by reducing their tax bills in the year they purchase new assets. For example, with Investment Boost, an advanced manufacturing firm that purchases a $200,000 environmental test chamber would reduce its tax bill by more than $10,000 in the year of purchase.
“After many difficult years, New Zealand is once again on a steady economic growth path, thanks to our careful economic management supporting lower inflation, lower interest rates, and more business-friendly policies.
“Businesses have been knocked around by challenging local and international economic conditions. This tax incentive shows that we are backing them to succeed. 
“Now is the right time to support New Zealand’s economic recovery by making it easier for businesses to invest, hire more workers, pay them better, and contribute more to our long-term prosperity. 
“It is only through a strong economy we can create jobs, lift incomes and afford the frontline public services like schools, hospitals and Police that Kiwis deserve.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested a man committing a string of burglaries this morning in Napier, in what a local officer is calling great back-to-basics Police work.

Senior Sergeant Su Robinson, Napier Response Manager, says: “At around 8am, a male was seen trying to open a person’s garage door, before leaving in a vehicle of interest.

“Officers had seen the vehicle acting suspiciously earlier and quickly identified the driver as a person of interest, also.

“Police were able to track the man to an industrial area where it is believed he was going to dispose of property stolen from another address.

Senior Sergeant Robinson says the quick actions of Police meant officers were able to stop the vehicle and arrest the male without incident.

“Using the knowledge we have around local people of interest, acting quickly, and using the technology we have available has led to an excellent result.

“The community can be assured, their homes and property are safer due to actions taken,” Senior Sergeant Robinson says.

The 51-year-old man is now facing two charges of burglary, one charge of possessing instruments for burglary, and one of receiving stolen property.

The man was due to appear in Napier District Court today.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are actively pursuing positive leads to locate the person involved in an incident in Tauranga, during which a driver allegedly brandished a knife at another motorist.

Western Bay of Plenty Relieving Area Commander Inspector Logan Marsh said Police are taking the incident seriously and are conscious of information suggesting it may not be a one-off event.

“We are working to locate the person involved in the incident with urgency. This incident is absolutely concerning, and quite frankly it won’t be tolerated,” Inspector Marsh said.

“We are aware of the social media comments suggesting this is not an isolated event, and it’s important that we hear from anyone who has experienced a similar incident on the road so we can put a stop to it.”

Inspector Marsh encouraged anyone who has information or footage of this incident, or any similar incidents in the area, to report it Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number 250520/5191.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Coalition Government is seeking feedback on proposed regulatory options for the development of naturally occurring and orange hydrogen, an overlooked resource that could drive economic growth, energy resilience and innovation.

A discussion document launched for consultation today rules out a blanket approach to Crown ownership of all hydrogen in its natural state and presents high-level proposals for how the development of the resource could be managed under existing or new legislation.

“Natural and orange hydrogen could be game-changers for New Zealand’s energy sector, particularly for our hard-to-electrify industries and in reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels,” Resources Minister Shane Jones says.

“The development of this resource has largely been overlooked due to misconceptions that accumulations are rare. Recent discoveries, including one of the world’s few documented hydrogen seeps in Fiordland, tell us more about how it forms in different geologies.

“We are also a prospective destination for the development of orange hydrogen which is created with intervention utilising certain minerals below ground. While these technologies are still emerging, global interest in exploring New Zealand’s potential is growing. To realise the opportunity, we need a clear and certain regulatory framework that sets us up for success.”

Developing a regulatory regime advances a coalition commitment between New Zealand First and the National Party to ensure the Government’s energy settings allow for the exploration of natural hydrogen to maximise future energy resilience.

“My officials have explored how the Crown Minerals Act 1991 (CMA) in its current form could be used to develop naturally occurring hydrogen and have determined that the status quo would not provide the clear and certain regulatory pathway operators would need to make investment decisions,” Mr Jones says.

“I am now seeking feedback on proposals that include regulating natural and orange hydrogen as a mineral through an amendment to the CMA; treating it as a natural resource under the Resource Management Act 1991; or a new allocation regime that could be developed.

“Alternative ideas and regulatory options that may be better suited for this emerging sector are also welcome. I will be very clear, however, that the Crown is not considering the nationalisation of all hydrogen in its natural state.

“My objective here is to get the right settings in place to enable New Zealand to be a world leader in realising the potential of natural and orange hydrogen. We recognise the varied interests in this space, particularly those of Māori, and want to work collaboratively and productively on a pathway forward.”

Consultation closes on 4 July 2025. To see the consultation document and for more information on how to make a submission go to the MBIE website.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are issuing a reminder to the Rodney community to be vigilant with items being stolen from building sites and new builds.

Waitematā North Police have seen an increase in Gas califonts being stolen recently.

Area Prevention Manager Senior Sergeant Roger Small says they are simple to remove and easy to on sell in places such as Facebook Marketplace.

“We are seeing an increase in the theft of these units, predominately from homes that are currently under construction.

“These homes are often easy to access as they are not yet properly secured, giving would be thieves an easy entrance.”

Potential prevention measures include but are not limited to:

-Installing a security bracket, which can be fitted into the back of the califonts and make it much harder to be removed. Such brackets can be purchased with the unit, or from most hardware shops for a small cost. “These brackets would significantly slow down offenders, making your property a less attractive target,” Senior Sergeant Small says.

– Install the califont as late in the building process as possible as an occupied dwelling is far less appealing to offenders.

– CCTV is a fantastic deterrent and investigative tool.

Top tips:
• Record serial numbers (either write it down or take a photo) – as we recover stolen property regularly.
• Is it too good to be true? Items sold online at a cheap price may be stolen property!
• Report offending to Police online
• Be vigilant – if you see suspicious activity call Police on 111

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