Source: New Zealand Police
Wharerata Road, Matawhero is currently closed at the intersection with Riverpoint Road following a crash.
Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash just after 7:50am.
Two people have been seriously injured.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
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Source: New Zealand Government
Southland’s role in the space sector has been given a turbo-boost from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson has announced.
“Southland’s Space Operations New Zealand Limited will receive a loan of up to $2.25 million from the fund as part of a $4.55 million project to expand its business.
“Southland is an ideal location for a satellite ground station given its proximity to the South Pole, low horizon and limited radio interference. The loan help fund development of a headquarters building, workshops and other infrastructure at the Awarua Satellite Ground Station at Greenhills near Invercargill,” Mr Patterson says.
The Minister turned a sod on the site today with the company’s executives to mark the announcement.
Space Operations is solely owned as a subsidiary of Great South, a council controlled economic development agency of the Southland Councils.
“The loan accelerates essential works which would otherwise have faced a two-year delay. It meets Space Operations New Zealand needs to meet current demand and to future growth plans,” Mr Patterson says.
“The project will create a regional space hub to support the continued growth and development of Southland’s space sector.”
Space Operations New Zealand operates out of two hubs – the Ground Station at Greenhills, and Warkworth Space Centre north of Auckland. The company provides satellite launch mission support capability and ground station services for spacecraft in low-earth orbit. It hosts, maintains and operates antennae and equipment for customers around the world.
Great South first established the Ground Station at Greenhills in 2004, working with European and French space agencies.
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is making changes to New Zealand’s universities to give students the best possible opportunities – making sure they’re developing the skilled workforce New Zealand needs and driving cutting-edge research that powers economic growth.
Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti today announced a package of initiatives to modernise the sector and ensure taxpayer investment delivers real impact for New Zealanders.
“Our universities are world-class – in the top three per cent globally – but they must evolve to meet the demands of a fast-changing society and economy,” Dr Reti says.
“These changes will help universities focus on what matters: developing the workforce we need now and in the future, and delivering excellent research and innovation that creates real value for New Zealand.”
The initiatives include:
Dr Reti says the reforms will set universities up to compete on the world stage while ensuring research investment supports economic growth and delivers benefits at home.
“These changes are about working together, simplifying where it makes sense, and strengthening leadership and quality,” says Dr Reti.
“Collectively, they will make sure our universities continue to deliver opportunities for students, impact for businesses, and growth for New Zealand’s economy.”
The new initiatives have been informed by a report by the University Advisory Group, led by Chair Sir Peter Gluckman.
They will be rolled out in consultation with universities, other tertiary education organisations, students and industry, with further details to come in the months ahead.
Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died following a crash in Paremata today.
Emergency services were called to the single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Paremata Road and State Highway 59 at around 1.15pm.
Despite the best efforts of those on the scene, the person sadly died before reaching hospital.
The road remains open.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Motorists on Taihape Road near Hastings should take extra care following an oil spill this afternoon.
Police were alerted to the spill about 2pm. Grit has been put on the spill and temporary speed limit signs have been put in place.
Anyone using the road should obey the traffic signs and take care.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
The first day of spring was also the first day on duty for the Hutt Valley’s new Retail Crime Taskforce – and the last day of evading Police for a prolific offender they caught an hour after his offending file was sent through.
Inspector Shaun Lingard, Area Prevention Manager for Hutt Valley, said the team was assigned a file from the National Retail Crime Investigation Unit (NRISU) this morning and within the hour had found the offender and arrested him.
“The team of five, led by Sergeant Cameron Cross, are part of a taskforce we’re trialling for six months in the Hutt Valley.
“We’ve seen other teams and taskforces set up around the country having great results, and this area is a priority for Police. So we thought, what can we do here locally to have a dedicated focus on retail crime.
“We want our retailers to feel safer and our community to know that we won’t tolerate this behaviour.
“Today’s case involved a 19-year-old male who had offended across the Wellington District and already had three active charges for shoplifting and had been identified as a suspect in six separate shoplifting incidents.
“The team located the man and he has now been charged with six shoplifting offences and one charge of threatening behaviour.
“I’m excited the new team are now operating and having such great success on day one. I’m looking forward to seeing the results over the next six months and seeing what impact we can make for retailers and our community in this space.”
If you see any unlawful or suspicious activity, please contact Police. If it is happening now, or you have immediate concerns for you or someone else’s safety, call 111.
Information after the fact or in non-emergencies can be reported online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Make a Report” or by calling 105.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Several more bouts of wintry weather are expected for the South Island this week, according to forecasts; raising the prospect of further highway closures and disruption for road users.
Following a series of recent closures due to snowfall, the MetService says a front moving northward tomorrow (Tuesday) over the South Island will drop the snow level to around 600-700m in the south of the island and to around 800m in central parts. Road snow warnings are in effect for SH73 Arthur’s Pass, SH8 Lindis Pass, the Crown Range Road and SH94 Milford Road, as well as snow alerts for SH8 Kimbell to Twizel and SH6 Kawarau Gorge. There is a low risk of snow settling for SH7 Lewis Pass.
Potentially heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail are also possible in parts tomorrow.
Another front on Thursday may bring further snow risks in a westerly flow over the South Island, but at this stage doesn’t look as cold or intense as Tuesday, MetService says. However, snow may still be possible about Arthur’s and Lewis Passes depending on the timing of the precipitation and the colder air, with lower risks for Burke’s and Lindis Passes as well as the Crown Range.
A cold southerly change is also due to move up the South Island later on Friday into Saturday, with the potential to bring snow as low as around 500m in the east and south of the South Island.
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and its road crews are gearing up to respond to further snow dumps affecting state highways at higher elevations around the South Island.
“As is often the case as we move into spring, the weather can be highly changeable and can still pack an icy punch,” says NZTA journey manager for the lower South Island, Nicole Felts.
“Our message to people using the state highways at higher elevations is to plan ahead by knowing the conditions and be prepared for disruption such as road closures or delays. Adjusting your driving to the conditions is also critical to keeping you and other road users safe. Make sure you are visible, reduce your speed, adjust your travelling distance behind other motorists and avoid sudden braking or turning movements.”
SH94 Milford Road is currently open but is due to close today at 5pm between Hollyford Road Junction and Donne River Bridge because of overnight snow forecast and an elevated avalanche hazard. The road is expected to reopen mid-morning tomorrow and to remain open through until Wednesday. Further travel disruption and closures are possible from late Wednesday.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
The first major works of the state highway summer maintenance programme are about to get underway in the Hutt Valley.
Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, says State Highway 2 through the Hutt Valley will have nighttime resurfacing works underway from mid-September to late October.
“Our crews will be resurfacing sections of State Highway 2, at night, from Petone all the way north to Totara Park.”
Ms Hilliard says work will start in Upper Hutt from Monday, 15 September.
“We expect to be working on State Highway 2 between Whakatiki Street and Totara Park Road for around three weeks.”
“Our first two sites will be between Whakatiki Street and Totara Park Road , then we will move further south on State Highway 2 to a site north of Moonshine Hill Road,” Ms Hilliard says.
The resurfacing works and intersection upgrade will require various night closures with detours through Upper Hutt.
Ms Hilliard says it is the most effective and least disruptive way to get all the work completed.
“Fewer people use the highway at night. So, working in off-peak hours means fewer drivers are affected. Full closures are also much more efficient for finishing work faster and reducing traffic management costs.”
“They are also safer. Removing traffic makes the sites safer for workers while also reducing risk for drivers,” Ms Hilliard says.
Local road detours will be required during the night closures, so road users should allow for extra travel time.
Drivers also need to factor in other work happening along the State Highway 2 and State Highway 58 corridors as well.
This includes new traffic lights and intersection improvements at the Moonshine Hill Road intersection, a Wellington Water project at Silverstream, a night closure for State Highway 58, and planned State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill closures.
Travel times will be longer when these projects coincide. Drivers should check road conditions before they travel.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have caught up with a serial spitter causing angst amongst several North Shore communities.
Enquiries have continued into several incidents since June this year, as the unsavoury subject spiralled on social media.
“We’ve been aware of discussion of this man’s actions across Devonport and Bayswater amongst locals recently,” Waitemata East Area Prevention Manager, acting Inspector Tim Williams says.
“Today we located a person of interest walking on Wairoa Road in Narrow Neck, and he was promptly arrested.”
While in the process of being arrested the man attempted to spit at Police staff.
The 40-year-old Belmont man will appear in the North Shore District Court tomorrow.
Acting Inspector Williams says the man will face three charges of Common Assault, under the Summary Offences Act.
He also faces one count of resisting Police.
“Police will oppose the man’s bail when he appears in court given concerns for community safety with this man’s alleged behaviour.”
Police acknowledge victims’ who reported the behaviour, with detailed descriptions of the perpetrator.
“Spitting at people is not only an unhygienic practice, but also constitutes an offence and it’s pleasing our staff have been able to hold this man accountable,” acting Inspector Williams says.
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Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
A man is in custody after two instances of gunshots being fired towards Police in Palmerston North in the past 48 hours.
In two separate incidents, the shots were aimed at Police after they tried to stop suspicious vehicles.
Superintendent Dion Bennett, Central District Commander, says Manawatu Police will not put up with this display or reckless and mindless violence.
With Police already managing gang-related tensions in Levin under powers granted by a Gang Conflict Warrant, Palmerston North Police are now considering applying for similar controls in their area.
“I’m pleased we have arrested someone in relation to this morning’s offending, and locking someone up for that is a huge relief and a testament to the solid work of Police staff across Manawatu,” says Superintendent Bennett.
“We will be relentless in our pursuit of safety – for our staff, our communities, and all who live in them,” he says.
Today’s shooting at Police occurred around 1.30am, after patrolling officers noticed a speeding vehicle on Highbury Avenue.
The driver failed to stop, and as Police pursued the fleeing vehicle, a passenger leaned out of the window and aimed a firearm at Police, firing five or six times towards the Police vehicle.
Fortunately, there were no injuries. Officers from the Armed Offenders Squad were immediately dispatched.
Road spikes were deployed successfully and despite officers briefly losing sight of the vehicle, it was located, abandoned, a short time later on Chadwick Place.
A firearm was also located on the road the vehicle had travelled.
As Police and police dogs searched the area, officers were led to a nearby address where they took a man into custody.
This morning’s incident follows another at 4.20am on Sunday, when Police received reports from someone following their stolen vehicle through Palmerston North. They also advised officers that a ute was following it, and both vehicles were speeding.
A Police unit followed the vehicles, while a plan was being made to lay road spikes ahead of the first vehicle.
The first vehicle then doubled back and drove towards the Police vehicle. The officer heard what he thought was the discharge of a firearm.
Fortunately no one was injured, however there was later confirmed to be a bullet hole in the front of the Police car near the headlight. The vehicle was not pursued due to the perceived risk.
Police entered an investigation phase in order to locate it and the driver.
The driver was not located at the time, however it is believed Sunday morning and this morning’s incidents are linked, and along with this morning’s arrest, enquiries are ongoing to confirm the links between them.
Superintendent Bennett said extra police would be patrolling in the Highbury area today as officers continue to make those enquiries.
The 20-year-old man arrested this morning was expected to appear in Palmerston North District Court today on one charge of using a firearm against a law enforcement officer, and on a warrant for outstanding driving offences.
Superintendent Bennett says while these two Palmerston North events, and recent events in Levin do not appear to be directly related, he issued a strong warning for all gangs in his District.
“We will use all the available powers to us, including Gang Conflict Warrants, and support from our neighbouring districts, to stamp out this violent and vile behaviour. The community is sick of being stuck in the middle of their warring, both between gangs and internally in gangs – they need to stop before someone innocent, or someone they love, gets hurt.
“The help from the public in terms of providing Police with information about these incidents has been outstanding, and is truly appreciated,” he says.
“Our Police staff have responded safely, with urgency and determination, to apprehend offenders and bring those responsible before the courts.”
Superintendent Bennett says the public can be reassured that Police are well planned, professional, and using good tactics to keep everybody safe.
“Increased Police patrols remain in place, which is also helping us zero on those responsible even more quickly.”
Police’s message to the gangs, and those intent on causing fear and harm, is simple.
“We won’t be letting up, and will be holding you to account. Stop this dangerous behaviour before someone gets hurt, or worse,” Superintendent Bennett says.
Anyone with information that can assist in our investigations is urged to contact Police.
You can provide information through our 105 services, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Issued by Police Media Centre