NZ Engine

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  26 January 2026

Two new tracks – a nature walk to a scenic viewpoint behind the Ngāti Waewae Punangairi Experience Centre, which houses the DOC visitor centre, and a link pathway leading to the southern end of the village, cutting out a dangerous section of the highway, are now complete.

The two tracks are the final parts of the Dolomite Point Redevelopment Project, which broke ground in November 2020 with the goal of upgrading the visitor infrastructure in Punakaiki to reflect its status as a world class destination.

The Provincial Growth Fund funded project, which has been a multi-agency initiative led by the Department of Conservation, has seen the building of the multi award winning Punangairi Experience Centre, development of a carpark, landscaping around the village centre, and construction of a 4.2 km-long shared cycle/walkway connecting the Punakaiki River in the south to the entry of the Truman Track at the northern end of Punakaiki.

As well as being an entry and exit point for the popular multi-day Paparoa Track and home of the world-famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk, Punakaiki is important culturally for local hapū Ngāti Waewae, who now own and manage the Punangairi Visitor Experience Centre.

Chairman Francois Tumahai says the new nature walk has been named ‘Te Korowai o Punangairi’ which translates to ‘A journey through the natural world of Punangairi’.

“The walk takes manuhiri through the nikau forest to a viewing area where the Pancake Rocks and the Paparoa coastline can be viewed and is a great addition to this place.”

Phil Rossiter, who led the project for DOC, says the tracks add to the nature experience people come to Punakaiki for, enable more slow-paced access between Punakaiki attractions, and are the final elements in a project that will future proof the destination for many years to come.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm the recovery operation at Mount Maunganui has resumed this morning, after specialist monitoring equipment was brought in overnight.

The search area was evacuated at 11.50am yesterday, after a contractor driver noticed potential instability on the face of the slip. Following advice from two independent geotechnical experts, it was deemed too hazardous for teams to continue working.

Bay of Plenty District Commandeer Tim Anderson says the recovery effort resumed at 10.30am today.

“Additional monitoring equipment has been brought in and specialist crews removed loose material that was of concern above the slip area this morning.

“This has meant recovery teams are able to return to work and continue the effort to return loved ones to their families.

“The safety of everyone working at the slip is important to us, and we will continue to monitor the hillside closely.”

Further information will be provided when it becomes available.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Wairoa Airport will receive a $4.2 million upgrade to help support the region’s growing needs, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

“Wairoa Airport is critical infrastructure for the area, supporting commercial air passenger services, vital health transport and logistics during extreme weather events,” Mr Jones says.

The New Zealand Air Ambulance Service transports more than 400 patients each year to and from the Wairoa community from its headquarters at Hawke’s Bay Airport.

“When roads are cut off, the airport becomes an even more vital lifeline, as we saw during Cyclone Gabrielle when it handled more than 100 emergency flights in quick succession.

“This upgrade will extend and improve the runway’s operating capability, improving the area’s resilience and increasing potential for economic growth,” Mr Jones says.

The upgrade will be funded with a $3m grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund and $1.2m from the North Island Weather Event fund. Wairoa District Council, which owns and operates the airport, will manage the project and fund future maintenance.

The runway will be extended from 914m to 1250m. Improvements will also be made to the airport’s drainage, lighting and fencing to enable 24-hour operation, along with upgrades to the airport’s vertical guidance systems. 

Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026. Around 20 to 25 full-time staff will be working on the project at its busiest point, with locals employed where possible.

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Sergeant Nigel Hurley:

Police receiving reports of counterfeit $50 and $100 banknotes are urging the public to be vigilant when handling cash.

Members of the public, especially those working in retail or hospitality, should increase their knowledge of how to spot a fake banknote to avoid getting duped at the till.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand recommends the look-feel-tilt test to distinguish the official security features of a legitimate banknote:

• When looking through the holographic window, the edges of the window should look smooth, and you should see the bird’s silhouette, a map of New Zealand and a 3-D feature showing the value of the banknote.
• When you run a finger across the words “Reserve Bank of New Zealand Te Pūtea Matua”, you should be able to feel raised ink on the denomination and the letters at the top.
• When tilting the note, a bright shining bar should roll across the bird’s silhouette on the front and the holographic window’s colours should shift and change revealing fine details.

Anyone who finds a counterfeit note should report it to Police as soon as possible.

Manufacturing counterfeit notes or knowingly passing them on is a serious offence. Possession of forged bank notes can be punishable by up to seven years in prison, or up to 10 for using one.

More information on how to spot fake banknotes from The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (link is external). 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

In a landmark moment, the World Surf League (WSL) is bringing its Championship Tour to New Zealand shores this year. 

Raglan has been selected as the fourth stop on the 2026 WSL Championship Tour, one of twelve international locations showcasing some of the world’s best professional surfers.

“I’m thrilled to announce that Raglan will be hosting the New Zealand Pro – WSL Championship Tour event, the biggest elite surfing event ever staged in New Zealand,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“It’s swell for shore. This is an incredible opportunity for surfing in New Zealand. Fans will be able to watch the world’s most talented surfers get barrelled and compete, inspiring our budding young athletes and helping grow the sport in New Zealand.

“The New Zealand Pro will also give a major tourism boost to the Waikato, with a lineup of competitors and spectators to the region and a global broadcast of the event, showcasing Raglan as a top surf destination internationally.”

The New Zealand Pro will run from 15 – 25 May 2026, when the top 36 men and 24 women will ride a wave and compete at the world-class, left-hand point break at Raglan. This will be the first combined Men’s and Women’s World Surf League Championship Tour event ever held in New Zealand.

The event is being supported through the Government’s Events Attraction Package, which aims to bring high-value international events to New Zealand, attracting international visitors, stimulating the economy and growing New Zealand’s global profile for major events.

“Major events like these give a huge economic boost to our cities and towns – supporting hospitality and tourism businesses, creating more jobs and growing our economy and building for the future,” Louise Upston says.

“We’re not just hosting events; we’re building a reputation internationally as a world-class destination for culture, sport and entertainment.”

The WSL Championship Tour is the fourth event announced from the Events Attraction Package, with more to be announced in the coming months.