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Humpback whale dies after being caught in rope

Source: Radio New Zealand

A humpback whale tangled in a cray pot line during an earlier incident in Northland in 2018. Catherine Peters DOC

A humpback whale has died after becoming caught in a cray pot rope off the Northland coast.

The death is revealed in a report for Fisheries New Zealand detailing accidental catches of seabirds and protected marine species between 1 July and 30 September.

Fisheries New Zealand would not say exactly when or where the whale died, except that it occurred in September.

RNZ understands the entanglement took place off Northland’s east coast.

Fisheries New Zealand science and information director Simon Lawrence confirmed the whale’s death.

It was the first recorded death of a humpback whale due to entanglement with a rock lobster (crayfish) pot buoy rope in New Zealand, he said.

The fisher reported the incident to the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Fisheries New Zealand, as required.

While whale deaths due to crayfish pots are rare, entanglements in buoy ropes and other fishing gear are not.

In November, a humpback whale was freed by DOC staff after being tangled in a cray pot rope for 18 hours at Kaikoura.

A similar incident occurred off the Otago coast in June, while in February 2023 a sighting of a humpback off Northland’s Doubtless Bay with a crayfish pot rope tangled around its tail sparked a major search by air and sea.

In February, a rare Arnoux’s beaked whale became tangled in oyster bag lines in Northland’s Whangaroa Harbour.

The Fisheries New Zealand report also revealed 75 seabirds were caught during the September quarter, including 15 albatross – up from nine in the same period last year.

Two Hector’s dolphins were caught, one off the west coast of the South Island and the other off Banks Peninsula.

Six endangered sea lions were caught in the same period, three of those by scampi fishers near the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands. One was caught in a set net at Stewart Island.

The New Zealand sea lion is the world’s rarest species of sea lion, with an estimated population of just 10,000.

Just under 300 New Zealand fur seals were caught in the September quarter, compared to 247 during the same quarter last year.

Six sea turtles were caught but all were released alive.

Lawrence said there was no evidence whale populations were affected by entanglements with rock lobster pot buoy ropes, and the number of humpback whales migrating through New Zealand waters appeared to be increasing.

DOC and the New Zealand Rock Lobster Industry Council promoted various methods to reduce the risk of pot fishing gear to whales, he said.

That included education around responsible gear management, including retrieval of lost or abandoned gear; avoiding areas where whales were present; knowing what to do if a whale was entangled; and reporting any sightings promptly and accurately.

Fisheries New Zealand’s advice to anyone who sees an entangled whale is:

  • Do not approach or try to free the animal;
  • Note the whale’s location, direction of travel, and any identifying features;
  • Contact DOC as soon as possible on the 24-hour hotline 0800 DOC HOT

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

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Drug dealing dad to lose more than half a million in asset seizures

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police say a Wairarapa methamphetamine supplier and his network profited at the expense of the community, and are carrying out court ordered asset seizures. Supplied/ Police

More than half a million dollars of riches from organised crime could be stripped from a Wellington methamphetamine dealer after a court order, while his children also face seizures, police say.

A judge has granted a profit forfeiture order against Wayne Namana totalling $653,000 – the amount police calculated as the unlawful benefit he received from his offending.

“Wayne Namana lived the high life profiting from the drugs he pushed into the community, but a judge has brought his party to a close,” police said in a statement released on Saturday.

In 2019, Namana was sentenced to five years and seven months in jail after being charged with heading a network that sold and supplied methamphetamine in Wairarapa.

Another investigation, this one aimed at seizing Namana’s assets, was brought before Justice Dale La Hood on Friday.

La Hood granted a profit forfeiture order against the now 67-year-old Namana valued at $653,000.

“Methamphetamine causes serious harm to our communities, and has a particularly harmful impact in smaller communities, like the Wairarapa,” Detective Sergeant Macdonald said. “Police will continue to target organised crime offenders through both criminal and civil court jurisdictions,”

What is being seized from Wayne Namana?

So far, Namana has made a settlement valued at around $240,000, which will include forfeiting a property in Masterton, cash, money from bank accounts, seven vehicles, seven motorbikes, and a payment of $91,000, police said.

But he could still stand to lose around $400,000 more, if, or when, police identify other assets that could be seized, police said.

Detective Sergeant Alex Macdonald said Namana had enriched himself at the expense of the community, and said the result was a “significant win” against organised crime.

A bag of methamphetamine seized by police in the Wellington region in connection to the case. Supplied/ Police

“Wayne Namana lined his pockets from misery and suffering… Users of the drugs that Namana pushed suffered, along with their families and the community,” Macdonald said.

“A massive amount of work went into tracking the profits he made and it’s satisfying being able to strip these assets from him. It’s a great day.”

Other people connected to Namana also face seizures

Two of Namana’s children were also convicted for involvement in his criminal syndicate, police said.

Chanel Namana was sentenced to six years and four months for her role in the drug dealing, while Merepeka Namana was sentenced to nine months home detention.

Profit Forfeiture Orders had been made against both of them.

While another man connected to the operation, Michael Hanna, has had a $5 million profit forfeiture order made against his assets.

Hanna was earlier convicted for supplying methamphetamine to the group, and was sentenced in 2019 to 12 years and eight months prison, police said.

A tool to ensure crime doesn’t pay – police

The court orders for seizures were made under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act, which allows assets to be taken from people proved to have been involved in significant criminal activity. It includes powers to seize assets not proved to be directly connected to the crimes, but of equivalent value.

The act grants police and courts the power to reduce criminals gains and so works to reduce the temptation to commit crimes for profit, police said in the statement.

“The profit forfeiture orders issued in these proceedings demonstrate the [short-sightedness] of unlawful benefit received by the offenders,” Detective Sergeant Macdonald said.

“Police will continue to work to strip organised crime groups and their associates of their illegitimate wealth.”

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

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Auckland shop owner assaulted in alleged aggravated burglary

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Police have arrested five people after an aggravated burglary in Auckland’s Albany.

The group allegedly entered a store on The Avenue on Friday morning.

Police said the offenders were taking items when a fight broke out.

They said the store owner was assaulted and received minor injuries.

The offenders fled in a vehicle but were quickly found by police.

Four young men, aged between 17 and 21, have been charged with shoplifting.

A 21-year-old Manukau man has been charged with aggravated assault and shoplifting.

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

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Hunters remove 30,000+ wild goats

Source: New Zealand Government

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager is celebrating results from this year’s National Wild Goat Hunting Competition, which saw the removal of 10,349 wild goats from New Zealand’s landscapes, for a total of 33,418 since the event’s inception.

“This competition exemplifies the power of hunter-led conservation efforts. When not managed properly, wild animals do serious damage to our native bush, farms and forestry. This competition highlights practical and collaborative ways the hunting community can help manage numbers,” Mr Meager says

Now in its third year, the competition is run in partnership between the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, along with crucial support from businesses and sponsors. 

“863 people participated in this year’s event, including 211 hunters under 18-years-old, along with two slightly older Ministers of the Crown. Wild goats act as an excellent introductory species for the next generation of hunters who are interested in conservation outcomes,” Mr Meager says.

“The competition is also influencing hunter behaviour, with 75 percent of entrants saying they are more likely to hunt wild goats because of the event. This highlights the power hunters, landowners and agencies partnering together can have in protecting our environment and encouraging more Kiwis into the outdoors.

“The initiative has wide-spread backing from the hunting sector, who donated more than $70,000 worth of competition prizes, including time and resources as collection points for the goats’ tails. This resulted in almost 20 percent of entrants winning one of 153 rewards.

“I want to thank everyone involved in the organisation and participation of this event, which has quickly become a key event in the hunting sector’s annual calendar.”

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‘Extraordinary act of bravery’: Junior Isaako stopped violent attack, saved stabbed man’s life

Source: Radio New Zealand

By Noam Mānuka Lazarus, Massey University journalism student

Junior Fa’amalosi Isaako was asleep at his home in Flaxmere, Hastings in June, when he was awoken by loud arguing. RNZ Insight / Anneke Smith

A man who saved the life of a critically wounded stabbing victim is among 10 people being honoured in the New Zealand Bravery Awards.

Junior Fa’amalosi Isaako intervened in a violent attack and protected an injured man until help could arrive.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Isaako’s “extraordinary act of bravery saved the victim’s life”.

Victim stabbed multiple times

Isaako was asleep at his home in Flaxmere, Hastings in June, when he was awoken in the morning by loud arguing.

Stepping outside he saw a man pin another against a vehicle across the road, stabbing him once in the back and twice in the back of the leg.

A second man joined in beating the injured man, kicking and punching him as he curled into a foetal position on the ground.

Isaako rushed to intervene in the bloody beating

Isaako rushed at the men, causing one to flee before putting the armed man into a hold, throwing him to the ground and restraining him.

As the man struggled to break free, Isaako disarmed him, hitting his arm into the road until the knife was dropped and he could throw the weapon clear of the struggle.

Once the attacker was subdued Isaako dragged the victim onto a grass verge – wrapping a towel around his leg wound to act as a tourniquet.

He applied pressure to the victim’s wounds and called emergency services.

When police arrived, he continued to assist the officers with first aid as an ambulance made its way to the scene.

The victim was stabilised and taken to Hawke’s Bay Hospital.

Police said a 39-year-old male offender was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He is scheduled to appear in Napier District Court on 27 January.

Isaako is one of 10 people being honoured at the 2025 New Zealand Bravery Awards on Saturday.

He and one other recipient – a 12-year-old boy whose actions saved his father from critical injuries – would be awarded the New Zealand Bravery Decoration, with eight others receiving the New Zealand Bravery Medal.

Luxon described each recipient of the awards as “the people we want close”.

“None of us know how we will react when a life is in danger but in these 10 cases, a brave person has disregarded their own safety to help a fellow human.

“In every single case, their actions have prevented further harm – and in many, lives have been saved only because they stepped in,” Luxon said.

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

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New advanced CT scanner for Wellington

Source: New Zealand Government

A new scanner featuring the latest imaging technology has been installed at Wellington Regional Hospital, giving patients faster, higher-quality scans with reduced radiation exposure, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“The new SPECT-CT scanner replaces an older model and will operate alongside a recently installed unit, giving Wellington Regional Hospital two modern scanners to support patient care,” Mr Brown says.

“These advanced machines will help diagnose a wide range of patients across the region, including those receiving cancer treatment, children needing specialised imaging, and people requiring inpatient care.”

SPECT-CT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography – Computed Tomography) combines two advanced imaging technologies in a single scan. 

The Nuclear Medicine SPECT scan shows how organs and tissues are functioning, with the CT scan providing detailed anatomical images.

“By combining these two technologies in one scan, clinicians get a much clearer picture of what’s happening inside the body. This supports earlier detection of disease, more accurate diagnoses and better monitoring of treatment.”

The project also includes a full refurbishment of the scanning room to enhance the patient experience.

“The new space features soft lighting, scenic wall decals and modern design elements to create a calmer, more comfortable environment. This is especially important for children and patients undergoing longer scans that can take several hours.”

The installation of the new scanner is part of the Government’s wider $108 million upgrade to diagnostic imaging across New Zealand, delivering 32 new and replacement CT, MRI, and SPECT-CT scanners nationwide.

“By upgrading equipment and enhancing imaging quality, more patients will benefit from earlier detection, improved treatment decisions and better care across a wide range of health conditions,” Mr Brown says.

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Quick Police response leads to arrests after aggravated burglary

Source: New Zealand Police

Five people have been arrested following an aggravated burglary in Albany on Friday.

About 11.20am, five people entered a commercial premises on The Avenue and were taking items when an altercation broke out. The owner of the store was assaulted, received minor injuries.

The offenders fled the premises in a vehicle, but they were located by quick-thinking Police near the intersection of Queen Street and Coatesville-Riverhead Highway.

By 12pm, all five were arrested.

Four young men, aged 17, 18, 18 and 21 have been charged with shoplifting. A 21-year-old Manukau man has been charged with aggravated assault and shoplifting.

The 17-year-old will be referred to Youth Aid, with the other four due to appear in the North Shore District Court on Monday.

Further Police work has linked three of the offenders to an instance of shoplifting from a commercial premises in Riverhead, which happened near the end of October. Two males have been charged in relation to this, with a third person referred to Youth Aid.

Waitematā East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Caroline Miles said staff from PST, Crime Squad, CIB, and the Tactical Crime Unit worked together to track and stop the offenders.

“It’s a great feeling knowing the alleged offenders have been caught, especially in less than an hour.

“We have offered support to the victim, who was confronted by a scenario that no person should ever have to deal with. We’re just grateful that he is able to recover at home and be with his family.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Motorbike rider dies in Northland crash

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

A motorbike rider has died following a crash in Northland.

Police said the single-vehicle crash occurred on State Highway 1 in Kaitaia at about 8.50pm on Friday.

The rider was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died soon after.

Police said a scene examination has taken place but a investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash was ongoing.

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

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If I die without kids, does the government get my KiwiSaver? – Ask Susan

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ’s money correspondent Susan Edmunds answers your questions. RNZ

Got questions? RNZ has launched a new podcast, ‘No Stupid Questions’, with Susan Edmunds.

We’d love to hear more of your questions about money and the economy. You can send through written questions, like these ones, but even better, you can drop us a voice memo to our email questions@rnz.co.nz.

You can also sign up to RNZ’s new money newsletter, ‘Money with Susan Edmunds’.

Does using a credit card and incurring the transaction fee cost more than the hot points earned if you pay it off every month?

If you’re paying a surcharge on every transaction you make, then you’re probably paying more than you’re getting in rewards.

According to investment adviser Jeremy Sullivan, the rate of reward you can get from a credit card at the moment ranges from anything from 0.5 percent of your spending to 1.43 percent (on an Amex Airpoints platinum card).

So, if you’re paying two percent on all your transactions, plus your card’s annual fee, you’re not keeping up.

But you might find that you have quite a few transactions that don’t have a surcharge attached at all – the supermarket, for example, doesn’t charge you to use a credit card. And new rules are still intended to take effect that would rule them out on in-store payments by May.

It’s generally a good idea to have a rewards card if you spend a lot on your credit card (at least $10,000 a year). If you don’t, you’re probably better going for a lower-fee, no-rewards option. And if you carry a credit card balance, you’re best to go for a low-interest card.

I’m employed, 57, one wife, no kids. What happens to my KiwiSaver if I die without a will?

KiwiSaver becomes part of your estate if you die. If you have a will, it’s distributed according to that.

If you don’t, there are rules that kick in.

If you have a spouse and no kids or living parents, your wife will get the whole thing. She might also have a claim under the relationship property act anyway because KiwiSaver is relationship property.

When you have a spouse and kids and don’t have a will, your spouse gets personal effects like your furniture and household belongings, $155,000 and a third of anything left, and kids get the other two thirds.

If you don’t have kids but your parents are still alive, they can claim a third after that same calculation.

If you don’t have any family at all and no one can find anyone who might stand to inherit, the money could go to the government. Public Trust says anyone who thinks they should have benefited from the estate can apply to the New Zealand Treasury to be considered.

Sign up for Money with Susan Edmunds, a weekly newsletter covering all the things that affect how we make, spend and invest money.

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

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Kaiarahi failure proves urgent need to retain emergency tug

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The union representing Kiwi seafarers says the technical failure of the Interislander ferry Kaiarahi in the Cook Strait on Friday night is a “red flag” that the Government cannot ignore, proving the need to keep an emergency ocean-going tug on standby.

The Kaiarahi was forced to abandon its voyage and turn back to Wellington on Friday 12 December after experiencing steering issues in the Strait.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the incident demonstrates exactly why the Union is demanding the retention of the emergency response vessel MMA Vision.

“We are currently relying on two aging ferries to bridge the gap until 2029. The Kaiarahi turning back due to technical failure is the latest warning sign, yet Transport Minister Chris Bishop is moving to axe the MMA Vision contract months ahead of schedule.

“It is disturbing the Government is planning to remove our maritime safety net at the precise moment our critical infrastructure is showing its vulnerability. Minister Bishop’s decision to terminate the MMA Vision contract early is gambling with people’s lives and our maritime environment.”

Mr Findlay says the MMA Vision has already proven its value to New Zealand’s maritime safety.

“In September this year, the MMA Vision successfully towed the chemical tanker Golden Mind to safety after it lost steering off Rakiura/Stewart Island. It was also essential in pulling the Manahau barge off a Westport beach in 2024. If the MMA Vision had not been available, perhaps the Government can explain what the alternative plan was for those vessels.”

The Union notes that the current fragility of the Cook Strait connection is a direct result of the cancellation of the iReX project.

“Finance Minister Nicola Willis’s decision to cancel the iReX deal in late 2023 has put the arrival of replacement ferries years behind schedule,” Mr Findlay says.

“We have already seen the Kaitaki lose power with nearly 900 people on board and the Strait Shipping ferry Connemara drift in the Strait due to fuel issues.

“The Government created this delay in fleet replacement. They have a responsibility to put adequate safety measures in place to protect the public and the supply chain while we wait for the new ferries. Removing the only vessel capable of an open-ocean rescue in these conditions is irresponsible and negligent.”