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Two men arrested after shooting in Gore

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police said one of the victims was still recovering in hospital, while the other had been discharged. 123RF

Police have charged two men after a shooting in Gore that left two people injured.

The men, aged 36 and 54, were due to appear in court in Invercargill on Friday after being arrested on Thursday afternoon.

They have been charged with burglary with a weapon and two counts each of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Two people were flown to hospital, one with serious injuries and another with moderate injuries, after the shooting in Aparima Street on Wednesday night.

Police said one of the victims was still recovering in hospital, while the other had been discharged.

Southland area commander inspector Mike Bowman said investigators were following a number of lines of enquiry but information from the public had proved invaluable.

“We want to thank the community for their help so far, the support we’ve had from the public shows people aren’t willing to tolerate violence like this,” he said.

“The arrests are the result of excellent work across the team involved and help from the public.”

Bowman said investigators were still keen to speak with anyone with information.

He said police officers would have a visible presence in Gore as they carried out reassurance patrols.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Meet Loki: The Harley Davidson-riding service dog

Source: Radio New Zealand

When Stevin Creegan gets on his Harley Davison to go on a ride, his best mate Loki is always along for the journey.

Loki is a six-year-old black labrador – and a service dog for former Air Force Sergeant Creegan – who was the sole survivor of the 2010 ANZAC Day Iroquois helicopter crash near Wellington.

Creegan lives with PTSD and chronic pain from the spinal and leg injuries he sustained in that accident.

Loki has been Stevin Creegan’s constant companion since he was a pup.

Supplied

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Media advisory: Happy holidays from the Police Media Centre + operating hours

Source: New Zealand Police

On behalf of New Zealand Police, we wish all our media friends a safe and happy holiday season.

Like many of you, we’ll continue to be available throughout the holiday period.

The Media Centre will operate from 6am to 9pm weekdays, excluding Christmas Day, when the team will be available from 7am.

Our usual weekend hours of 7am to 9pm remain unchanged. 

As always, information on any significant events outside these hours will be issued proactively.

Please note that Police National Headquarters is closed for the holiday period from the end of today.

The Media Team will be operating at reduced capacity, for operational requests only, until staff are back on board on Monday 12 January.

We wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas season.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Understanding Gambling Relapse and Associated Factors: A longitudinal approach

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

This research sought to understand what constitutes gambling relapse and to identify factors that are associated with relapse. Relapse was defined as a decrease in Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) risk level category followed by a subsequent increase to a higher category. The aims of the research were to understand whether changes to PGSI scores is an appropriate method to identify relapse, the prevalence of relapse, the risk factors associated with relapse and any cultural and/or socio-economic differences. It includes a literature review and surveys of 388 selected participants who were scored as a risky gambler on the PGSI over an eight-year period (derived from National Gambling Study data, 2012-2020).

The findings show that changes to PGSI scores over time (ie, increases in PGSI risk level after a decrease) was found to be a useful and valid way to identify relapse. The prevalence of relapse in the 388 participants was 24%. The strongest predictor for relapse was being identified as a previous problem/pathological gambler.

Counsellors providing treatment services could use the PGSI results (especially changes to specific questions relating to being criticised and feeling guilty about gambling) to monitor a client’s risk of relapse in conjunction with observing potential gambling relapse behaviours, such as increased gambling expenditure after stopping and seeking help. Building a composite picture of a client’s risk of relapse can assist support services to act accordingly. However, as most at-risk gamblers do not seek professional help, gambling providers who collect gambling-related data from their customers could also significantly contribute to reducing harm by monitoring for signs of gambling relapse behaviours and also act accordingly.

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Understanding the Reasons, Impact, and Support Needs of Older People Experiencing Gambling Harm: Research report

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

This research investigates the reasons, impact, and support needs of older people experiencing gambling harm in New Zealand. It includes a global desktop review and in-depth interviews with 29 older gamblers, 27 families, 19 gambling harm service providers, and three gambling venue workers.

The findings shows that motivations to gamble often stem from social activities, cultural factors, and life stressors. While older people are generally less likely to encounter gambling harm compared to the general population, transitions such as retirement can trigger increased gambling activities, especially as a mean to hope to cope with financial stress and loneliness.

The negative impacts of gambling include financial harm, relationship breakdowns, emotional distress, and health issues. Stigma and fear of losing respect often prevent them from admitting to family and friends about problems from gambling. Awareness of gambling harm services among older people is low, and support is most effective when it is culturally and age appropriate and holistic. The study shows the need for a holistic approach and tailored services that address the impact of gambling harm amidst the multifaceted challenges older people could also experience at this stage of life to improve the wellbeing of older people and their families.

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NZTA confirms preferred suppliers for Integrated Delivery Contracts

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Following a thorough procurement process, NZTA has confirmed its preferred suppliers for Integrated Delivery Contracts (IDCs), covering state highway road maintenance and renewals, which will commence in May 2026.

The contracts, which are expected to be signed early next year, will see contractors accountable for the majority of maintenance and renewal activity on regional state highway network, with up to 20% of work available to other pre-qualified suppliers through a contestable process.

The IDC contracts represent a significant change from the previous Network Outcomes Contracts (NOC), with NZTA taking greater ownership of asset management, from the gathering and analysing asset condition data through to the development of short, medium and long-term programmes.

Other key changes include a refreshed quality management framework and better use of design standardisation to speed up the path from programming to delivery.

NZTA National Manager Maintenance and Operations Andrew Clark says the contracts will build on NZTA’s focus on ensuring value for money through quality delivery.

“New Zealanders depend on a safe, accessible and high-quality state highway network, and NZTA is committed to providing this. Through the current Government Policy Statement for land transport 2024 (GPS) we have embarked on a significant programme of road rebuilding, which will deliver long term benefits for everyone using the state highway network. 

“The preferred suppliers have been chosen based on a range of factors, including proven ability to deliver, mobilisation approach and price. Our thorough tender review process has ensured the selection of suppliers with the ability to deliver the best results over the tenure of the contract.

“The new contracts reward delivery – contractors that deliver on time and to a high standard will be rewarded with greater volumes of work. At the same time, we want to enable market growth and diversity by using a wider range of suppliers through the contestable work programme that will complement these contracts.

“We look forward to working with the preferred suppliers to finalise contracts ahead of signing early in the New Year. This is a once in a generation moment to drive improved road maintenance outcomes for New Zealand.”

The table below lists the nominated preferred suppliers for the new Integrated Delivery Contract networks. Tenures are for 10 years from 1 May 2026 unless otherwise stated.

Area

IDC Contractor

Northland

Fulton Hogan

West Waikato

Fulton Hogan (to June 2029)

East Waikato

Higgins

Central Waikato

Downer

Bay of Plenty

Higgins

Taranaki

Downer (to June 2029)

Manawatū-Whanganui

Fulton Hogan

Hawke’s Bay

Higgins

Tairāwhiti

Downer (to June 2029)

Nelson-Tasman

Fulton Hogan

Marlborough

HEB/Fulton Hogan (to March 2029)

West Coast

Fulton Hogan

North Canterbury

HEB

South Canterbury

Isaac

Coastal Otago

Downer

Central Otago

Fulton Hogan

Southland

SouthRoads

For further information on the IDC model, see:  

Technical disciplines – Integrated delivery model(external link)

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Nightworks to improve SH30A, Rotorua from mid-January

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Essential repairs to State Highway 30A (SH30A) Amohau Street in Rotorua are set to begin on Monday 19 January. To minimise disruption, work will take place overnight using a sequence of road closures.

The work will start on the eastbound lanes of SH30A between Te Ngae Road and Hinemaru Street, before moving to the westbound lanes. The work is expected to take up to three months, depending on weather conditions.

“We’ve listened to feedback and adjusted our plans to keep Rotorua moving while we complete these vital repairs,” says Sandra King, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) System Manager for the Bay of Plenty.

“Starting in mid-January and focusing first on the eastbound lanes helps reduce impacts on morning commuters and gives the community time to get used to the works before the school year starts.”

During the day, the road will remain open with a temporary speed limit. Drivers should expect an uneven surface with ramps at each end of the worksite. Overnight closures will run from 7pm to 6am, allowing crews to work safely while minimising delays to people’s daily travel.

The pavement on SH30A has been patched for many years now and requires a full asphalt rebuild. As a key urban route, these repairs are a priority to prevent pavement failures next winter.

This approach, using partial closures from 7pm until 6am will mean the overall timeframe will take longer but does minimise delays to people’s daily travel.

The road also sits within an active geothermal zone, which affects the foundations and adds complexity to the job. Before work begins, the team will carry out investigations to identify any potential issues, such as tomos, so these can be addressed before digging out the road.

“We acknowledge that our earlier plan to deliver these works using a full road closure didn’t fully consider the impact on traffic flows and the people of Rotorua.

“Over the past 3 weeks our team has worked closely with our contractor Higgins and Rotorua Lakes Council to develop a new approach that balances keeping traffic moving while completing the work safely and efficiently,” says Ms King.

NZTA thanks Rotorua motorists in advance for their patience and cooperation ahead of these nightworks.

Please allow extra time for your journeys and plan ahead during the works.

Posted on

Top tips for safe and happy holiday journeys

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging drivers to keep Christmas travel easy and crash free by planning ahead for safe summer road trips.

NZTA has updated our popular online holiday journeys traffic prediction tool, which shows predicted traffic flows over the Christmas and New Year holiday, based on previous year’s travel patterns. This handy ‘trip hack’ is a great way to plan your trips and avoid the stress of getting caught up in lengthy delays.

Holiday journeys traffic prediction tool | NZTA Journey Planner(external link)

NZTA wants everyone to get to their destinations safely. More cars on the road, tired drivers and people driving on unfamiliar roads can all add up to make holiday driving stressful and risky. But there are simple things we can all do to stay safe.

We encourage everyone to check that their car is safe before heading off, keep your speeds down, drive sober, watch for signs of fatigue and share the driving on long trips.

Always drive to the conditions, which can change quickly. Check the weather forecast before leaving home, as well as our real-time traffic updates for any incidents or closures.

Weather warnings | MetService(external link)

Highway conditions | NZTA Journey Planner(external link)

Tips for safe driving on your summer holiday

Drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert.

  • Watch your speed and following distances, and make sure you always overtake safely.
  • Always wear a seatbelt and make sure all your passengers are buckled up too.
  • Always drive to the conditions. If the weather is bad, slow down, avoid sudden braking, and turn your headlights on if visibility is bad. Be safe, be seen.
  • Never drive tired. If you are on a long trip, make sure you take breaks to keep yourself alert.
  • Avoid distractions. Never ever use a cellphone while driving.
  • Make sure you check the road conditions before you travel. Our handy holiday journey planner has all the details on when traffic congestion will be at its worst.  Drivers are urged to use it so they can plan their trips to avoid busier travel periods.

Driving in the holidays(external link)

Vehicle safety

  • Your vehicle must be safe to drive before you set off on your summer holiday.
  • Check that the Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness is up to date on any vehicle you plan to drive, including rentals.
  • There are basic checks you can do yourself, including:
    • Tyres – minimum tread is 1.5mm but the more tread, the better the grip.
    • Lights – check that all lights work so your vehicle is visible in poor light.
    • Indicators – ensure all indicators work so people know which direction you are moving.
    • Windscreen and wipers – check for wear and tear so you can see the road safely

For more information on self-checks, visit our Check your car web page:

Check your car – safety basics(external link)

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NZTA holiday media contacts

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The holidays are almost here, but for those still at work in the nation’s newsrooms, the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) media team will be available to help during the 2025/26 Christmas/New Year break, with the following on-call roster:

December 24 & January 2-4

Andy Knackstedt – 0212 763 222
andrew.knackstedt@nzta.govt.nz

December 25

Felix Marwick – 021 370 481
felix.marwick@nzta.govt.nz

December 26

Natasha Utting – 021 507 990
natasha.utting@nzta.govt.nz

December 27-28

Jarrod Booker – 021 705 613
jarrod.booker@nzta.govt.nz

December 29-30

Kaity Alexander – 021 351 064
kaity.alexander@nzta.govt.nz

December 31 – January 1

Blair Cunningham – 021 240 9118
blair.cunningham@nzta.govt.nz

Throughout the holiday period, the Ministry of Transport will update holiday road crash data on a daily basis. This information will updated here(external link)(external link), updated daily from December 25.

NZTA has also updated our popular online holiday journeys traffic prediction tool(external link)(external link) which shows predicted traffic flow over the Christmas and New Year holiday, based on previous year’s travel patterns. This handy ‘trip hack’ can help people plan their journeys and avoid delays.

Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday on behalf of NZTA Waka Kotahi.

Posted on

Important update: Changes to Gas Safety Regulations for gas installations

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

The amended Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 came into effect on 13 November 2025.

Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 | New Zealand Legislation(external link)

Key points

  • Updated standards: The amendment updates the standards referenced in Schedules 1 and 2A.
  • Gasfitters can choose to use either AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 including Amendments 1, 2, 3, and 4 or AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 including Amendments 1 and 2.
  • AS/NZS 5601.2:2020 including Amendments 1 and 2 has been cited for use as appropriate.
  • How you do installation verification and appliance safety is changing NZS 5266:2014, NZS 5256:2014 and NZS 5255:2014.

Approximately 100 standards citations have been updated. For a complete list of the changes please see the amendment regulations:

Gas (Safety and Measurement) Amendment Regulations 2025(external link)

What has the amendment changed?

AS/NZS 5601.2

The currently cited version, AS/NZS 5601.2: 2013 unamended changes to:

AS/NZS 5601.2: 2020 Gas installations—Part 2: LP Gas installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes, including Amendments 1 and 2.

AS/NZS 5601.1

The currently cited version, AS/NZS 5601.1: 2013 unamended changes to:

  • AS/NZS 5601.1: 2013 Gas installations—Part 1: General installations, including Amendments 1, 2, 3, and 4.
    OR
  • AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 Gas installations—Part 1: General installations, including Amendments 1 and 2.

This means that gasfitters can choose which of the newly cited versions of AS/NZS 5601.1 they wish to use.

The certifying gasfitter must choose to follow one version of the standard for the whole installation, or part installation, that is being carried out. The work that you do, or supervise, cannot follow a mix of clauses from both versions of the standard.

Multilayer gas pipe can still be installed outside under the 2013 version of the standard. It cannot be installed outside under the 2022 version of the standard.

Existing installations

The amendments do not require old gas installations and appliances to be upgraded. The amendment regulations allow current installations to continue to exist and be repaired so long as they are not unsafe. There is no time limit for this.

If you are modifying, adding, altering an existing installation, you can choose to use either of the new standards from 13 November 2025. There is no requirement to upgrade the current parts of the existing installation to the new standard. Only the parts that you change need to be to the new standards.

If construction begins after 12 November 2026, the work you do needs to comply with one of the new standards.

If work on an installation is started after 13 November 2025, using the old version of the standard, it must be completed by 12 November 2026. If the installation is unfinished by that date, complete a Certificate of Compliance for the work completed up to that date. The rest of the work must comply with the new version of the standard.

If construction on these types of work began before 13 November 2025, the old version of the standard may continue to be used, up to the point that the installation is complete. Theres no time limit on completion for using the old standard in this case.

From 13 November 2025 onwards, the newly cited version of the standard can be used. Work that has already been done can be modified to comply with the new standard. 

Construction, in this context, also includes the design phase. This means work can be done to the old standard if the quote or tendering process is already underway.

Repairs

There is an allowance related to the repair or maintenance of an existing installation – the 2013 unamended version of the standard can continue to be used for any repair work. The work must be a genuine repair of the existing installation. If the repair work moves into any alterations or additions, then it must comply with one of the newly cited standards.

New installations

A new installation is one where a gas installation was not already present.

From 13 November 2025 you can choose to use one of the new standards when installing a new gas installation.

All new gas installations, where construction begins after 12 November 2026, must comply with one of the new standards.

If the construction of a new, or part installation, is started in line with old version of the standard after 13 November 2025, it must be completed by 12 November 2026. If the installation is unfinished by that date, complete a Certificate of Compliance for the work completed up to that date. The rest of the work it must comply with the new version of the standard.

The older version of the standard can continue to be used for new installations where construction began before 13 November 2025, up until the point that the installation is complete. There is no time limit on completion for using the old standard in this case.

From 13 November 2025 onwards, y the new version of the standard can be used. Work that has already been done can be modified to comply with the new standard.

Construction, in this context, also includes the design phase. This means it is possible to undertake work to the old standard if the quote/tendering process is already underway.

Clause changes

The Government has made some changes to AS/NZS 5601.1 and AS/NZS 5601.2 in citation:

  • AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 Gas installations—Part 1: General installations, including Amendments 1, 2, 3, and 4, subject to the following modifications:
    1. In clause 4.7.3, delete “compression joints, union joints,”
    2. Delete clause 5.1.8
    3. In clause 6.6.5, final paragraph, after “certified”, insert “or endorsed”

What do these changes do:

  • This allows jointing compound to be applied to the face of a copper flare, olive, and galvanised steel mac union. This jointing compound can still not be used to compensate for ill-fitting joints.
  • This also allows jointing compound to be applied to a compression joint.
  • This clause now requires a regulator to be fitted to an endorsed appliance as well as a certified appliance.

In all cases, if you choose to apply jointing compound, it must be a proper jointing compound that is non-setting. A setting thread sealant or silicone cannot be used as the standard does not allow it.

  • AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 Gas installations—Part 1: General installations, including Amendments 1 and 2, subject to the following modification:
    1. In clause 6.6.5, final paragraph, after “certified”, insert “or endorsed”

What does this change do:

    1. This clause now requires a regulator to be fitted to an endorsed appliance as well as a certified appliance.
  • AS/NZS 5601.2: 2020 Gas installations—Part 2: LP Gas installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes, including Amendments 1 and 2:
  1. Delete clause 2.13.2
  2. In clause 2.13.3.3(a), replace “2.75” with “3.5”
  3. In clause 5.2.9, first paragraph, delete “compression joints, union joints,”
  4. Delete section 10

What do these changes do:

  1. This allows jointing compound to be applied to a compression joint.
  2. This allows European and north American appliances to run at the slightly higher pressures they need.
  3. This allows jointing compound to be applied to the face of a copper flare, olive, and galvanised steel mac union. This jointing compound can still not be used to compensate for ill-fitting joints.
  4. A gas compliance plate is not required in New Zealand. In New Zealand a person who performs gasfitting work is required to issue a CoC for general and high-risk work, a GSC for all gasfitting work, and place a record of the CoC on the WorkSafe Electricity and Gas High Risk Database for all high-risk work.

In all cases, if you choose to apply jointing compound, it must be a proper jointing compound that is non-setting. A setting thread sealant or silicone cannot be used as the standard does not allow it.

The other standards

From 13 November 2025 other gasfitting work also changes:

  • The checks you do on an appliance or fitting after a repair, modification, and adjustment can follow NZS 5266:2014 Safety of gas appliances.
  • How you verify an installation that is hired or leased as well as an installation that has been disconnected for 6 months or more can follow NZS 5255:2014 Safety verification of existing gas installations, including Amendment 1.

You can use the old versions of the standards up until 12 November 2026. From this date, you must use the new cited standards.

Gasfitters and plumbers that also hold licenses issued by the Electrical Workers Registration Board to preform prescribed electrical work, for example the associated trade license, should note that the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 have been amended by the Electricity (Safety) Amendment Regulations 2025. You can find more about that in electrical specific guidance.