NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers:

The use by a media outlet of material based on Police radio communications is grossly irresponsible and puts at risk inquiries under way into the events that unfolded in Western Waikato on Monday night.

This material was not released by Police, nor did the media outlet in question approach us for comment.

The material contains very sensitive operational details that are the subject of a number of inquiries and investigations.

It should not be in the public domain.

The extensive and detailed use of information by the media outlet has also caused significant distress to the staff involved that night and their families.

I ask all media to please act responsibly and respect the sensitivities of this matter.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Crown has taken a significant step forward with Ngāpuhi as legislation that returns Kororipo Pā passes first reading in Parliament today, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Paul Goldsmith says.

“This marks the end of three years of negotiations between the Crown and Ngāti Rēhia, who have led these negotiations with the support of hapū with close connection to the site. It will be the first redress the Crown provides to Ngāpuhi, and demonstrates our commitment to a settlement. 

“Reaching a comprehensive settlement remains a high priority for the Government and we would like to progress negotiations as soon as possible. It is an honour to welcome Ngāpuhi into the house for their first Treaty settlement-related Bill reading.

“Kororipo Pā is significant to New Zealand as part of early settlement. It was a place of learning and trade between Ngāpuhi, missionaries and settlers. Ngāpuhi would assemble there before going to war and rangatira would meet to discuss politically important issues.

“Ngāpuhi has long sought the return of Kororipo Pā, on the banks of the Kerikeri River, as a historical site of great significance to all Ngāpuhi. I’d like to thank them for all their hard work in getting us here today.”

Kororipo Pā will transfer to Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust in early 2026, which will hold it as kaitiaki on behalf of all Ngāpuhi. 

The site will retain its historic reserve status and public access to the reserve will not be affected.

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 11 September 2025
Last updated 11 September 2025

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In 2024 the Cyber Security for the Tertiary Sector initiative facilitated online webinars to help organisations in the New Zealand tertiary education sector to better understand cyber security and help them decide what steps they can take to become more secure.
In 2024 the Cyber Security for the Tertiary Sector initiative facilitated online webinars to help organisations in the New Zealand tertiary education sector to better understand cyber security and help them decide what steps they can take to become more secure.

The cyber security webinars, facilitated by Defend, were well attended and informative. Recordings of these sessions are below.
Recordings of webinars

Title
Overview

Phishing Awareness – YouTube, 31mins

Learn about the different kinds of phishing, how to spot a phish and what to do when phished.

Staying Safe Online – YouTube, 58mins

Learn the biggest threats to the tertiary sector, how hackers get in, and what you can do to keep your organisation and yourself safe.

Data Handling – YouTube, 31mins

Learn about what data to protect and how to keep data safe.

Zero Trust – YouTube, 33mins

Learn how to use conditional access, muti-factor authentication, Azure Identity Protection and Zero Trust Principles to reduce the likelihood of accounts being compromised.

Social Engineering – YouTube, 38mins

Find out about the different methods that threat actors use to manipulate you to do the hard work for them.

Passwords and Authentication – YouTube, 38mins

Learn more about different kinds of authentication, what makes a bad or good password, multi factor authentication (MFA) and new developments.

Additional educational videos and content from Microsoft
These workshops, run by Microsoft, provide targeted information on what to do to make your organisation more cyber secure. They are primarily aimed at tertiary education organisations (TEOs) with access to E5/A5 Microsoft licensing. We’ve outlined the groups most likely to benefit from the workshops, below:

Title
Overview
Links

Most likely to benefit

Security Foundations

Setting the stage for Zero Trust, MFA and the basics on Identity based protection and why.

Understanding and Getting Started with ZERO TRUST – YouTube, 57mins

IT professionals, security admins, identity, and access admins, CISOs, security managers.

CISO and Cloud Security Architectures – MCRA 

The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) training helps accelerate security program modernisation with reference to strategies built using Zero Trust principles. Modular videos cover strategic initiatives, roles and responsibilities, success metrics, maturity models and more.

Individual CISO Workshop Videos – Microsoft
MCRA playlist explaining each key topic in the MCRA – YouTube

Security and risk managers, CISOs, IT managers.

M365 Security

What do we get with M365 Security?
An overview of what is available and what you need to plan to implement as a baseline.

Video on using Defender M365 – YouTube
Full playlist for Defender for Endpoint – YouTube
Key concepts and how to guides – Get Security Done

IT professionals, security admins, identity and access admins, IT developers.

Cloud and Hybrid Security

Using Defender for Cloud to manage your multi cloud security requirements.

Video introducing Defender for Cloud – YouTube
Full playlist for Defender for Cloud – YouTube
Defender for Cloud helps you simplify your cloud security management and improve your security outcomes. Learn more at: Defender for Cloud – Microsoft.

IT professionals, security admins, identity and access admins, IT developers.

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 1 September 2025
Last updated 1 September 2025

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Te Tahua o Te Reo Kairangi supports language revitalisation and addresses workforce needs through the growth of te reo Māori speakers.
Te Tahua o Te Reo Kairangi supports language revitalisation and addresses workforce needs through the growth of te reo Māori speakers.

This funding supports the development of new or existing programmes targeting higher levels of te reo Māori proficiency, with the aim of growing the number of highly proficient te reo Māori speakers and supporting sector workforce capabilities.
What is the intent of Te Tahua o Te Reo Kairangi?
Te Tahua o Te Reo Kairangi is a fund that supports the outcomes of:

The Fund is intended to support the further development and growth of programmes that support high levels of te reo Māori language proficiency, as outlined in the Whakamātauria Tō Reo Māori framework, developed by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission).
Whakamātauria Tō Reo Māori framework
We do not intend the Fund to be the only source of funding that providers use to develop and deliver programmes. It is intended to support growth of proficiency in te reo Māori.
Next funding round
The TEC is no longer accepting new applications for Te Tahua o Te Reo Kairangi fund. All existing contracts will continue to be honoured.

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Inspector Danny Kirk, Tairāwhiti Area Commander:

Police are aware of a planned gathering involving a number of leaders of a gang, in Tairāwhiti this weekend.

As is standard with these events, Police have been proactively engaging with the organisers of this event to ensure public disruption is limited and any activity remains lawful.

Residents can expect to see an increased Police presence in the region over the weekend. Additional Police staff will be brought in from across Eastern District to assist.

If anybody witnesses any illegal or dangerous activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report via 105 if it is after the fact.

ENDS
 

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  11 September 2025

DOC Kaikōura Marine Reserves Ranger Zac Penman says it’s illegal to injure, kill, or take parts of a marine mammal and the grisly act is completely unacceptable.

“The dolphin was found by a member of the public and reported to DOC on 24 August,” Zac says.

“It appears to be a dusky dolphin thought to have washed up naturally before someone took its head.”

The Marine Mammals Protection Act clearly states it is illegal to take any part of a marine mammal.

“We want to find out what happened and are appealing for anyone who knows about this to contact DOC and share the information they have,” Zac says.

Anyone with information on the decapitated dolphin is asked to call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or email wildlifecrime@doc.govt.nz with the reference number CLE-9721. Any information received will be kept strictly confidential.

“It’s not acceptable for people to interfere with protected wildlife, and it’s illegal to remove a protected species’ head,” Zac says.

“Without a permit it’s an offence to take and be in possession of any part of a marine mammal. The exception to this is if part of a marine mammal (such as a jawbone) has separated naturally from its body. If that occurs, the finder must notify DOC of the time, place and circumstances under which the find was made.

“Kaikōura is renowned for its marine life which gets visitors naturing through amazing wildlife watching opportunities. Countless dolphins, seals, whales and other marine animals count on us to do our part and follow the rules.”

DOC protects and nurtures more than a third of New Zealand’s landscape, vast marine areas, and thousands of endangered species – a role guided by key laws like the Conservation Act, Wildlife Act, Marine Mammals Protection Act, and National Parks Act. These legal frameworks ensure our unique biodiversity is properly safeguarded.

When people or organisations don’t follow the rules, it threatens our special places and native wildlife. DOC takes these responsibilities very seriously and has a range of enforcement tools to hold rule-breakers to account.

However, DOC can’t be everywhere, so public eyes and ears make a real difference. DOC staff continually urge the public to help protect nature by reporting unlawful activity through 0800 DOC HOT.

It’s not the only instance of decapitated marine mammals being reported this year. Two headless kekeno/fur seals were reported on Muriwai Beach, Auckland, in early June.

Contact

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

11 minutes ago

EIT Bachelor of Business Studies student Devindi Kahandawala has been named Best Asian Tertiary Student at the Asians in the Bay Awards, after moving from Sri Lanka to pursue her studies in Hawke’s Bay.

The 24-year-old said the award was an unexpected but meaningful recognition of her journey.

“I honestly did not expect to win that night which made the moment even more meaningful for me. Standing on stage and receiving the award, I felt incredibly proud to represent not only myself and EIT but also Sri Lanka and the wider Asian community here in Hawke’s Bay.”

Devindi, who is in her third year of study, moved to New Zealand in 2023, joining her two older brothers; Nisal and Rumal, who had also studied and settled in Hawke’s Bay. Rumal studied the NZ Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) [Level 5] at EIT.

She said the support of her family has been vital, alongside encouragement from lecturers and EIT’s international team.

“When I started my studies, I had to complete my first semester online after Cyclone Gabrielle. But I had amazing support from lecturers, especially Russell Booth, who was always there when I needed help.”

She has particularly enjoyed the papers she has studied over the years, including a current Strategic Marketing paper.

“That’s what I enjoy most about EIT, lecturers don’t just focus on theory, they always look for practical solutions too. The exercises are fascinating.”

Devindi now gives back as a mentor for international students.

“I really enjoy helping new students because I know exactly what it feels like to arrive and not know where to start. It’s also fascinating to meet people from so many different countries and hear their stories.”

She is also active in sport and the community, playing for the Hawke’s Bay senior badminton team and volunteering with the Salvation Army.

“For me, volunteering has been a way to meet people, build connections, and learn more about Hawke’s Bay.”

Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a career in accounting, following in the footsteps of her parents.

“My end goal is to become a chartered accountant. After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I plan to gain work experience and then continue with a master’s in accounting.”

Devindi says she recommends EIT to other international students.

“It makes you feel at home from day one. The support, the diversity and welcoming environment helped me settle in quickly and thrive in both my studies and my personal journey.”

Russell Booth, programme coordinator of the BBS, said: “It was evident to everyone that from day one in class, Devindi was here to work hard and do that with a big smile on her face”.

“Without doubt, the way she has dedicated her time and efforts to both her studies and her involvement in EIT and the wider community has led to this fabulous recognition. There really is no one more deserving than Devindi in gaining this award as it has come from all that hard work!”

Gareth Allison, EIT Head of School of Business, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Devindi’s achievement”.

“Her recognition as Best Asian Tertiary Student reflects not only her academic commitment but also her leadership and contribution to the wider community. Devindi’s journey is a great example of how international students enrich our campus and region. She’s shown resilience, generosity, and a strong work ethic – qualities we value deeply at EIT. It’s rewarding to see her success and the positive impact she’s making.”

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s ensuring young New Zealanders are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow, unveiling new future focused senior secondary school subjects. 

“When our young people leave school, we want doors to open for them whether they’re going to tertiary study, learning a trade, or heading straight into work. These refreshed subjects will provide students with choice, purposeful pathways and opportunities for specialisation that set them up for success,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.   

“The Years 11-13 curriculum subjects being developed include many which are already available, some exciting brand-new subjects, and others have been named, organised or focused differently to create knowledge rich subjects and clearer pathways.”  

Subjects are planned to be phased in from 2028 and are designed to create a future focused curriculum that recognises the growing importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in a future focused world, alongside other learning areas.

“Students will be able to specialise in areas such as Earth and Space Science, Statistics and Data Science, and Electronics and Mechatronics. There will also be a range of new specialist maths subjects including Further Maths.

Other new subjects include: 

• Civics, Politics and Philosophy, 
• Media, Journalism and Communications
• Te Mātai i te Ao Māori
• Pacific Studies
• Music Technology

To give students more choice, the Government is introducing new strengthened industry-led subjects. 

These subjects include primary industry, health and wellbeing services, outdoor education, automative engineering, building and construction, infrastructure engineering, mechanical engineering, tourism and hospitality, and more.

“These pathways will be industry led and tertiary aligned so they meet what is expected in the professional world, making staying at school relevant for every child, no matter what their career pathway. This will enable students to leave school with a secondary and a tertiary qualification. We’re having one integrated system where all subjects, whether Ministry led or industry-led, are equal.”

Te Marautanga o Aotearoa will be resourced with a first ever detailed curriculum in te reo Māori as well as new subjects including new Tātai Arorangi (Māori traditional systems of Earth and Sky), Te Ao Whakairo (Māori carving) and Te Ao Māori subjects. 

“With the rapid development of AI, students will also be able to learn about and use generative AI in a range of subjects. This may include learning about how digital systems work, machine learning, cybersecurity, and digital ethics. We will also investigate a new Year 13 specialist subject on Generative AI for later development.

The curriculum for each subject will make the important learning clear for students and teachers, so the curriculum, rather than the qualification, is what drives teaching and learning.  

Schools will be supported with an implementation package that will include professional learning and development, Curriculum Days and ready-to-use classroom resources, exemplars and guidance for all curriculum areas and year levels well in advance of implementation.

“When students get to high school, we want them to have access to innovative and dynamic subjects that will help grow New Zealand’s future and take on the world. We are creating clear, coherent pathways from school into study, training and employment – giving every student the skills and confidence to thrive in the future of work,” Ms Stanford says. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police would like to thank the public for providing information on a serious crash southwest of Dunedin last week.

An appeal was made to those with information about a fatal crash on 4 September on East Taieri-Allanton Road.

Police are pleased with the public response and have now received sufficient information to help assist our enquiries.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

The Bluff Highway is closed in central Invercargill following a serious crash this morning.

The two-car crash happened at the intersection with Kew Road around 6am.

Indications are there are serious injuries.

The road will remain closed at the intersection with Kew Road while emergency services work at the scene.

Motorists are asked to expect delays and take alternate routes.

ENDS