NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

News that the Community Housing Funding Agency has achieved an A+ credit rating from S&P Global will mean more social homes can be delivered more cost effectively, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Currently, Community Housing Providers (CHPs) account for 16 per cent of our social homes, or around 14,000 houses, while Kāinga Ora provides about 73,000 social homes. 

“Organisations like The Salvation Army, Accessible Properties NZ Ltd, and Te Āhuru Mōwai Ltd Partnership, among others, do a great job providing housing and other support to people in need. This Government wants the CHP sector to grow and thrive. 

“My ambition for the social housing system is for a level playing field between CHPs and Kāinga Ora. The underlying ownership of a house – whether public or private – should be irrelevant. What matters is the provision of warm, dry homes to those who need them, along with social support if required.

“We call this competitive neutrality. In some areas and for some people, CHPs are the answer. In other areas, Kāinga Ora will be the way to go. But while KO’s borrowing is done through the Crown, CHPs have until recently had to access debt from the private market at higher rates meaning it’s been more expensive for them to deliver social homes. 

“Earlier this year, the Government moved to level the playing field between Kāinga Ora and CHPs by establishing Crown lending facilities of up to $150 million for the Community Housing Funding Agency (CHFA). This support was conditional on CHFA obtaining a credit rating. 

“I’m pleased that CHFA has today received an A+ credit rating from international ratings agency S&P Global. 

“This credit rating means they will be able to access capital more easily at lower rates. This means they can pass those savings on to CHPs who can then deliver social housing at lower costs. 

“This very good credit rating will unlock lower borrowing costs for CHFA and for CHPs, meaning they’ll be able to deliver more social homes for less.

“For many CHPs, it will mean headline interest rates reduce by up to 1.00%, lowering their annual interest bills by 15-20%. 

“Lowering the borrowing costs for CHPs will have two key benefits.

“For existing and soon-to-be-signed social housing contracts including those funded through Budgets 2024 and 2025, CHPs moving to new loan terms financed by CHFA could save up to $75,000 over the 20 to 25-year average term of existing contracts. CHPs can reinvest these savings into social programmes and will require less upfront and ongoing funding from the Crown to compete to build new social and affordable housing places.

“For new CHP social housing, the Government is expected to save $115k-$120k per house over the life of a 25-year IRRS contract^[1]. This means we can do more to help people in need with the same amount of funding. 

“For example, in Budget 2024, $140m funded 1,500 CHP social housing places – but with 1% cheaper borrowing rates, that same amount could fund 1,767 places, an 18% increase of 267 houses.

“Getting value for every taxpayer dollar we spend is a core priority for this Government, so it’s encouraging to see that the Crown’s loan to CHFA is resulting in more efficient social housing delivery and better value for taxpayers.”

^[1] Assumes a 1% in interest rate saving over the full term of the contract.

Note to editor:

The Community Housing Funding Agency (CHFA) brings together philanthropists, fund managers, Government funding and leading charities to tackle New Zealand’s social housing challenges.

CHFA was launched by Community Finance in 2024 and aggregates the finance requirements for CHPs around New Zealand, unlocking lower cost finance at scale to support the delivery of social housing. It is the largest lender to CHPs in New Zealand.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm that one person has died following a two-vehicle crash on East Taieri-Allanton Road/SH1 at around 1:30pm yesterday.

One other person sustained moderate injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit attended, and the road has now reopened.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Omahu Road, Hastings, is closed following a serious incident that has left one person critically injured and two others with serious injuries.

Emergency services were notified of the incident about 2:20am and the road was closed shortly afterwards.

Motorists should expect delays and take alternative routes.

The road is expected to remain closed until later today.

Police are making enquiries.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are still urgently appealing for sightings of 39-year-old Aydan, who has now not been seen for three weeks.

Aydan was last seen in Chartwell in the early hours Sunday 17 August in Snell Drive, believed to be driving his 2016 Grey Mazda ute, registration QYA209.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Carter says he has not been heard from since, and his family are desperate to find out what has happened to him.

“It’s not like Aydan to be out of contact this long, and we know they’re increasingly worried as time goes by.

“Over the past few weeks, Police have followed up numerous leads and worked through any information provided by the public.

“We’re grateful to everyone who has shared information so far, but sadly we still have not been able to locate Aydan.”

One aspect currently being considered is that Aydan may have parked up in a rural or bush area, and Police want to appeal to the wider Waikato/Bay of Plenty region for any sightings of him or his vehicle.

“Maybe you’ve gone hunting and seen a vehicle parked up and not thought much of it, and then returned another time and it’s still there. We’re looking for anything out of the ordinary like that.

“If you have noticed a Grey Mazda ute somewhere across the region and think something might not be quite right, we would like to hear from you.”

If you have any information, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 250819/5160.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Media are invited to attend a stand up with Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend in relation to ongoing appeals to locate missing 25-year-old woman Te Anihana Pomana.

Police will hold the stand up later this morning at the Auckland Central Police Base on Federal Street.

WHO:
Detective Senior Sergeant Friend will speak to media and take questions.
Te Anihana’s mother, Catherine Anderson, will also be present.

WHAT:
Te Anihana’s mother will read a message, but has indicated she doesn’t wish to take questions.
Following the stand up, flyers are being distributed to local businesses which media are able to capture.

WHERE:
Auckland Central Police Base, located at 210 Federal Street.

WHEN:
The stand-up will begin at 10.30am, please arrive beforehand to allow time to set up.

RSVP:
Media are asked to RSVP to media@police.govt.nz

ENDS
 

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

2 minutes ago

A shared goal of starting a whānau business has brought two uncles and their niece to EIT, where they are training to become electricians.

Maihi Joe, 38, his younger brother Whakawhitira Joe, 28, and their niece Michelle Robinson, 17 (Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Kahu) recently completed the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3). Their next step is to begin apprenticeships, where they’ll work toward becoming fully qualified electricians through a combination of on-the-job experience and off-job training.

Their decision to enrol followed conversations with another brother, now a qualified electrician and graduate of the same programme, who plans to join them in the whānau business. 

“We just thought it made sense to go through it together and build something as a whānau,” Maihi said.

All three students were supported by the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training scholarship, Te Ara o Tākitimu. The initiative removes financial barriers for students by covering their course fees and providing travel allowances and a $500 ‘Mahi Kickstart’ payment to support their transition into work. Scholarship recipients are also supported by a dedicated team, including a success navigator and work broker, throughout their study.

Michelle, the youngest in the group, began her electrical training while still in high school through EIT’s Trades Academy. “That really gave me a head start,” she said. “Now I’m studying alongside my uncles, which has been a great experience.”

She said having other women in the class also made a difference. “It was nice having other girls in the class. It made the environment feel more balanced.”

Whakawhitira came into the programme with no prior experience in the field. “I didn’t know anything about it when I started, but it’s been good,” he said. “It’s hands-on, and you learn a lot.”

Maihi, who returned to study after more than 20 years in the workforce, had worked for seven years managing a department at Tumu Timbers. He said it was time for a change, and the transition into study was smoother than expected.

“It’s my first time doing tertiary study, and I’ve really enjoyed it. The way the course is set up just works. It made it easier to get back into learning. I actually thrived in it.”

The New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade  Level 3 course offers a balance of theory and practice, which provides a solid foundation in both areas. “We’d learn the theory, then apply it straight away in the practical sessions,” Maihi said.

Now preparing to begin their apprenticeships, the trio are focused on setting up a reliable business that reflects their values.

“Being a homeowner myself, I know how hard it is to find an electrician when you need one and to know what the cost will be,” Maihi said.

“We want to change that. We want to be the kind of electricians people can count on.”

EIT Te Ara o Tākitimu Kaiwhakarite Mahi (Work Broker) Claire Hodson said Maihi, Whakawhitira and  Michelle stood as shining examples, not only to their fellow scholarship recipients but to their classmates as a whole.

“While these outstanding ākonga each forged their own unique path, it was a privilege to have them as part of our wider Te Ara o Tākitimu kaupapa. We look forward to drawing on their expertise, work ethic, and professionalism to inspire and uplift future recipients of the scholarship.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Several homes in South Nelson have been evacuated this evening, after Police were notified earlier of a suspicious item at a Waimea Road address.

Police were called about 5.20pm and advised of the item being left at a property and an alleged threat being made.

A cordon has been established and a New Zealand Defence Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team has been called to assess the item.

A number of homes in the area, including a section of Waimea Road and Renwick Place, have been evacuated as a precaution.

Anyone affected can now go to Victory Community Centre at 2 Totara Street, Nelson South, Nelson, which has been set up as a temporary evacuation centre.

We appreciate people’s patience as we work to ensure everyone is safe.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A section of Waimea Road has been closed after a report of a suspicious item being located at an address this afternoon.

Police were called about 5.20pm notifying them of the item and an alleged threat being made.

A cordon has been established as a precaution while the nature of the item is established.

Diversions are in place at the intersection of Waimea Road and Van Dieman Street, and Waimea Road and Bronte Street.

Please take an alternate route, and avoid the area if possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, members of the police executive and wing patron, Jude Simpson MNZM congratulated the 83 graduating constables from Wing 387 this afternoon.

Families and friends watched as the newly attested police officers marched out at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua. The celebration acknowledged the successful completion of their initial training course at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC). 

New Zealand Police were joined by executives and staff from the Victoria Police of Australia and a minute’s silence was observed during the graduation for the loss of two officers in their jurisdiction last month. 
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, were killed in the line of duty in Porepunkah, Victoria on 26 August 2025.
Commissioner Chambers says, “It is important to mark the service Neal and Vadim gave to their communities, organisation and country.”

The top award winner for wing 387, former teacher and member of the New Zealand Airforce, Constable Sarah Thomas was excited to be heading to Wellington District to start her new career. 
Constable Thomas is no stranger to policing and has worked in the Police Emergency Communications Centre and previously trained recruits as a Defensive Tactics Instructor at the RNZPC before donning the uniform.

“My family have been an amazing support for me coming into this, and I know I couldn’t have done it without them. I also could not have done this without my amazing 387-wing mates, my barrack mates especially. We are honestly like family. I’m also grateful for the support and encouragement of the amazing college staff, (my ex-colleagues), and of course, my section sergeant at the RNZPC.”

Sarah will be based in Wellington District.

Leadership Award Winner, Constable Laura Comerford, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Tapuika (Te Arawa), Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, is thrilled with her success.

“My primary reasons for wanting to join Police are first and foremost my beautiful nieces. I want to be a positive role model for them and encourage them to believe in themselves to achieve their goals. I want to uplift wāhine Māori to aspire to pursue their wildest dreams.  The hardest part for me was believing I was actually good enough to be a police officer. I’d never been the fittest, smartest, or best at anything. Thankfully, I took a leap of faith, trained hard and had some key people that believed in me to help get me through. I’m living proof that with determination, discipline, perseverance and an amazing support system, anything is possible.

Laura will join Sarah in Wellington District.

Deployment:

The new constables will start their first day of duty in their Police districts on the week beginning Monday 15 September 2025 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.
Northland 1, Tāmaki Makaurau a total of 22 and broken down into the three districts: Auckland City 5, Waitematā 4, Counties Manukau 13, Waikato 9, Bay of Plenty 10, Eastern 2, Central 7, Wellington 16, Canterbury 8, Southern 7.

All Awards: 

Minister’s Award recognising top student and the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Sarah Thomas posted to Wellington District.
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership: Constable Laura Comerford posted to Wellington District
Patron’s Award for second top student: Constable Daniel Brown posted to Canterbury District.
The Firearms Award: Constable Nathan Forster posted to Waitematā District.
Driver Training and Road Policing Award: Valentine Beattie posted to Eastern District.

Demographics:

25.3 percent are female, 74.7 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 68 percent of the wing, with Māori 12 percent, Pasifika 4.8 percent, Asian 12 percent, LAAM 2.4 percent.

Wing Patron, Jude Simpson MNZM, is a family harm education and training specialist. She is passionate about empowering victims of family harm to live their life to their full potential.
Jude has been working for the past 11 years at the Royal New Zealand Police College as the lead Family Harm Facilitator. She designed, developed, and delivers training for recruits on family harm from the perspectives of a victim and a perpetrator. Alongside other family harm training, this gives recruits a full view of family harm and how to respond to it with empathy and understanding.
Jude has also worked for Presbyterian Support Northern as a Family Violence Advocate and while in this role designed, developed, and delivered a programme for the Department of Corrections focusing on low-risk women offenders. The objective of the programme was to build self-esteem and empower and support the women into work or training.
Over the years, Jude has become a skilled presenter and facilitator, and she has spoken at many conferences as the keynote speaker.
Jude was the lead female spokesperson for the “It’s not ok” national campaign for several years and helped raise awareness of family harm and the needs of victims. She was the project lead on Mangere College becoming the first school in the country to be an “It’s not ok” school.
In 2018 Jude was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her contribution and work relating to family harm. 

ENDS

Watch out for our Ten One story coming soon with more images and stories.

If you’re interested in joining police check out newcops.govt.nz

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Northland Police have uncovered a substantial amount of ammunition, drugs and cash after executing a search warrant in Onerahi this morning.

Two people are now facing charges are officers executed a search at a Ross Street property.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB, says officers found a significant amount of methamphetamine, cash and ammunition at the address, as well as a grenade.

“These arrests continue on from good Police work earlier in the week.

“We have zero tolerance for this type of offending, and will continue to hold those responsible to account.”

A 29-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, both charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and possession for supply of methamphetamine, will appear in Whangārei District Court tomorrow.

Suspicious or illegal activity should be reported to 111 if it’s happening now.

If it’s after the fact, you can make a report online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or call 105.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police