NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Coalition parties have agreed that overseas-based investors with a New Zealand investor residence visa will be allowed to buy a house here, to encourage more investment to grow the economy, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.

“The ban on foreigners buying residential housing will remain. However, the Government wants to bring additional investment, skills, ideas and connections to New Zealand, and the Active Investor Plus residency visa allows that.

“It offers residency to a migrant who invests a minimum of $5 million to help grow the economy, passes a good character test, and has acceptable health.

“But, because Active Investor Plus residency visa-holders do not have to be in New Zealand for six months of a year, the foreign buyer ban means some do not meet the threshold for buying a house under the Overseas Investment Act.

“The Government has therefore decided that people with an Active Investor Plus residency visa will be allowed to buy or build one home.

“The minimum value of the house that can be bought or built will be set at $5 million – which equates to less than 1 per cent of New Zealand houses.

“This change navigates a path between those who do not want foreign ownership opened up, and the desire to attract high net worth investors by deepening their connection to our country to help grow the economy.

“There have been more than 300 applications for the Active Investor Plus residency visa since it was re-launched on April 1.

“If all these applications are approved and proceed, it means a potential total minimum investment of $1.8 billion in the New Zealand economy.

“Globally, New Zealand has a deserved reputation as a great place to live and we want to grow our economy. By opening our door just a little to allow significant investors to own a home, we will help attract more of those who want to contribute to the community and country.”

Note:

Individuals who received residence visas under the previous Investor 1 & 2 visas will also be eligible.

The Active Investor Plus categories are:

1. The Growth category focuses on higher-risk investment, including direct investments in New Zealand businesses. It requires a minimum investment of $5 million for a minimum period of three years.
2. The Balanced category focuses on mixed investments, with the ability to choose ones that are lower risk. The minimum investment in $10 million over five years

Source: New Zealand Police

Motorists are being advised to avoid Paremata Road, following a crash near the intersection with State Highway 59 in Porirua.

The single vehicle crash was reported at around 1:15pm.

One person is in a serious condition.

Motorists are asked to please avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Vaea Tangitau Folau, 33, who has a warrant for his arrest.

Police believe someone may have information on his whereabouts.

Folau is known to frequent the Glen Eden and wider Auckland areas.

Anyone with information is urged not to approach him and instead to call 111 immediately and quote file number 250818/9639.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

A vehicle caught with mismatched plates has left two people facing a variety of charges.

At about 12.45am, Police observed a Toyota Corolla with two different number plates travelling along Eastdale Road, Avondale.

Auckland City West Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Guy Baldwin, says officers confirmed the vehicle was stolen and also allegedly linked to an aggravated robbery in Dargaville.

“Officers signalled for the vehicle to pullover, however it failed to do so.

“It briefly fled before stopping on Eastdale Road where two people exited and attempted to flee on foot.”

Senior Sergeant Baldwin says Police quickly took the pair into custody without further incident.

“We acknowledge the concern incidents like these can cause to the wider community and reiterate our commitment to holding these offenders accountable.

“We will continue to work hard to ensure our community can be safe and feel safe.”

A 58-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court today charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and aggravated robbery.

A 27-year-old man is facing charges of unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

At sunrise this morning, Special Olympics athletes and members from New Zealand Police lit the Flame of Hope at the Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch.  The event took place to mark the 100-day countdown to the National Summer Special Olympics Games to be held at the new Wolfbrook Arena from Wednesday 10 until Sunday 14 of December.

The Flame of Hope will now traverse the country in collaboration with Police during the traditional Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to get local communities excited about the games. The Torch Run is the traditional lead-in event for every National Summer Games around the world, where local police officers and local athletes carry the Flame of Hope through their cities to raise awareness for the games and allow the community to show their support.

“Lighting the Flame of Hope means that the games are just around the corner, so we hope Christchurch is ready for the biggest party of the year,” says Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey.
The National Summer Games is the four-yearly pinnacle event for over 1200 Special Olympics athletes with an intellectual disability, representing 42 clubs, and competing in 10 sports and six venues across the city, supported by over 500 coaches and thousands of families and supporters.

Scholey encourages Christchurch people to get involved in the games and not to miss one of the most exciting and unique sports events in the country.

“The National Summer Games are unlike any other event, from the opening ceremony at Wolfbrook Arena on December 10 until the Closing Ceremony Disco, which is the highlight for most athletes, so we hope people will come along to experience unforgettable memories and support our athletes,” says the chief executive.

Scholey says Christchurch is clearly embracing the games as over 600 volunteers have already signed up to help the athletes compete and move around the city.
“That is one of the biggest responses we have ever had, so anyone who wants to get involved should not wait too long to sign up as a volunteer.”

“Inspector Rupert Friend from New Zealand Police says “We are proud to take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement here. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into Opening Ceremonies of local competitions. The Torch Run has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising platforms including Polar Plunges. We held two plunges in Wellington and Christchurch this year where a total of $26,000 was raised for our New Zealand athletes.
The LETR is a worldwide organisation and celebrated this year raising $1 billion to support the athletes of Special Olympics. We encourage all kiwis to come out and show their support at Torch Run events up and down the country from October to December leading up to the games.”

The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run starts in Northland on October 4 and travels all the way down to Southland, before it ends up in Christchurch in the week before the games start.

“We can’t wait for all the teams to arrive in our city, and show off our fantastic new sports venues,” says Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger.
The Special Olympics athletes will be the first athletes to enjoy the brand-new Parakiore complex that will host the swimming and basketball competitions. “We have been working closely with Special Olympics New Zealand and we are confident this event will be a huge success,” says Mayor Mauger.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Contact for New Zealand Police: Inspector Rupert Friend phone 0211911263.

Contact for Special Olympics:  media manager Coen Lammers on 021-730239 or coen@lammers.co.nz

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have identified the male who was located deceased on the shoreline at Fitzroy Beach, New Plymouth this morning.

We send our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. Police are providing ongoing support.

We would like to thank the members of the public who provided information to Police.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the death are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac has secured a new supply agreement with Pfizer to continue funding the Comirnaty brand of COVID-19 vaccine.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  01 September 2025

“A good pair of boots, a chainsaw, a rifle, and a reliable truck.”

DOC has launched its Always Be Naturing campaign during Conservation Week. Nature is at the heart of who we are as New Zealanders – it shapes our identity, wellbeing, economy and future. But nature is in trouble, and the challenge is growing.

Scrim was inspired to get into conservation after an Honorary Forest Service Ranger visited his school when he was a teenager “lucky enough to be growing up in Golden Bay, doing nature study on the beach”. Now into his late 60s, he’s a familiar face to Maniapoto residents, having spent several decades living and working in Te Kuiti.

The ranger’s visit to Scrim’s school was profound. He remembers the ranger’s grim story of eating kākāpō during the Great Depression, and the famous parrots’ gradual disappearance.

“That really struck me – something like extinction of a species, which I’d always seen as being in the past, could happen in our lifetimes, and surprisingly quickly.”

Initially a “woodsman” with the Forest Service – “learning some skills in an environment I liked” – Scrim joined DOC when it was formed in 1987. He has been with the department ever since, in many different roles including many initial years in wild animal control (with a team based in Te Kuiti), and more latterly in operations management and relationship-focussed positions.

“I saw a Department of Conservation as quite a logical step forward for New Zealand society. To me, it was an opportunity,” he says. “It brought real strength to what had been quite a fragmented conservation sector.”

Through his long service, he’s met several Conservation Ministers and numerous Directors-General, and he points to his former colleague John Gaukrodger as a particularly strong influence.

He’s also been fortunate to work in several different parts of the country, including several stints on Raoul Island where his initial contribution was controlling goats – leading to significant subsequent biodiversity improvements there.

The wild animal control work would often mean long days, overnighting in huts in the bush, and putting the body and mind to the test. He doesn’t miss it but says he’s glad he had those challenging and authentic professional conservation experiences.

“You do have some wonderful experiences in the bush, and hunting is the tool that gets you there,” he says.

Work to protect kokakō and Mahoenui giant wētā was part of his Scrim’s initial biodiversity experience – and those efforts continue today in DOC’s Maniapoto district. The long-term kokakō work, which began in the 1980s, is a particular highlight for him, helping pull the species back from the brink of extinction.

Looking ahead, Scrim says the greatest challenge he sees for conservation is climate change. He anticipates significant resource will be needed to address the impact of warming planet and what that will mean for species and habitats. He sees great opportunities for “bright young people” to get involved in conservation through the advances of technology.

As he heads toward retirement, Ray says much has changed in the conservation sector – in particular digital technology and the importance of GPS systems, and the relationships with iwi and communities – but those old-school tools of “boots, chainsaw, rifle and truck” are still vital.

“In some ways, the more things change, the more they stay the same!”

Every person, business and community has a role in protecting and restoring nature. Whether it’s picking up rubbish on your beach walk, cleaning your boat to stop invasive species, setting a predator trap in your back garden, or donating to a conservation project via the New Zealand Nature Fund, there’s something everyone can do to help.

Background information

Always Be Naturing campaign

DOC is proud to lead efforts to protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique and precious natural environment.

Nature here is extraordinary, but some places and species are under pressure. Through education, advocacy, and action, DOC works with communities, businesses, iwi, and government to make a real difference – because together we can achieve more.

The Always Be Naturing campaign celebrates New Zealanders’ love of nature and encourages everyone to get involved. From fun, engaging content to attention-grabbing billboards, the campaign highlights that caring for our environment is a shared responsibility and that every action counts.

DOC is one of many organisations helping to protect our natural world, and the collective effort of all New Zealanders ensures nature can thrive for generations to come.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing for information that could help identify a person located deceased on the shoreline at Fitzroy Beach, New Plymouth this morning.

The deceased man is thought to be in his 50s, and was located at around 6:50am. He is described as being a thin build with a white beard, and was wearing a high-vis shirt and black sweatpants.

Residents around Fitzroy Beach may notice an increased Police presence, while enquiries continue.

If anyone has information that could assist Police, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online, and reference event number P063666583.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Watercare’s $500 million investment to upgrade and replace aging infrastructure will deliver improved water services and more jobs for Aucklanders, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.

“The Government knows that decades of underinvestment in water services have created an unavoidable cost for everyday Kiwis. That’s why the Watercare Charter was developed last year by the Government in collaboration with Auckland Council to ensure water services remain affordable for Aucklanders. The Charter will save households nearly $900 million over four years while also guaranteeing improved service quality and record infrastructure investment.”

Watercare will invest $500 million into upgrading Auckland’s ageing water infrastructure over the next 18 months as part of its renewals work programme. A third of the funds are allocated to upgrading treatment plants and the remainder dedicated to renewing pipes and other assets.

“Today’s announcement is a 44 percent increase in investments into upgrading Auckland’s ageing water infrastructure when compared to the spend in the 18-month period ending 30 June 2025. It shows how Watercare, Auckland Council, and the Government are working together to accelerate investment in Auckland’s water infrastructure,” Mr Watts says.

“This arrangement gives Watercare additional finance for investment in Auckland’s water infrastructure while keeping water charges lower than previously forecasted. It will mean Aucklanders can keep more money in their household budgets, allowing them to spend on other essential expenses such as groceries and healthcare. 

“I’m pleased to see that my conversations with Watercare, combined with the recent introduction of economic regulation, are positively impacting the level of infrastructure investment in Auckland. This is a good outcome that will support growth through increased job activity and resilient infrastructure.

“While much of the work will be delivered by Watercare’s existing contractors, the project will put $75 million worth of contracts for water and wastewater pipe replacements out to public tender before Christmas. This will allow small businesses to compete for the work, alongside Watercare’s pre-approved suppliers.

“The project reflects our shared commitment to faster delivery, stronger regional economies, and improved water services for Aucklanders. I look forward to further positive developments as we continue to monitor Watercare’s ongoing performance.”