NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has opened public consultation on the biggest package of changes to national direction under the RMA in New Zealand history, with proposals to streamline or remove many of the burdensome regulations holding our primary sector back from growth, say RMA Minister Chris Bishop, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard.

National direction refers to rules and policies sitting under the Resource Management Act (RMA) that inform how councils develop and implement local plans and rules.

The Government is today releasing three discussion documents proposing amendments to 12 different instruments and the introduction of four new instruments, centred on three packages: infrastructure and development, the primary sector and freshwater.

“The primary sector underpins New Zealand’s economy and standard of living. When farmers, and foresters do well, New Zealand does well – but for too long, New Zealand’s primary producers have struggled against overly restrictive, confusing and duplicative regulations,” Mr Bishop says.

“The RMA has made it harder to create the high value products the world needs from the land and sea. Our package of proposed reforms seeks to streamline and clarify many of the bugbears causing our primary industries sector sleepless nights and lost productivity.

“The Government has a comprehensive RMA reform programme well in train. We’ve already repealed Labour’s botched RMA reforms and made a series of quick and targeted amendments to provide relief to farmers, such as repealing the permitted and restricted discretionary intensive winter grazing regulations. 

“We’ve also passed the Fast-track Approvals Act to make it much easier to deliver projects with regional or nationally significant benefits, and next year we’ll replace the RMA with new legislation premised on property rights. 

“The changes we’re now proposing to national direction under the existing RMA give effect to a range of coalition commitments, can be done quickly and relatively easily, and will help unclog the growth arteries of the economy. The changes have been designed to be able to transition to the new RMA system once implemented.

“Farmers and growers have had enough of rules that make it harder to farm, not easier. This Government is getting out of the way and backing rural New Zealand with a common-sense approach to primary sector regulation,” Mr McClay says.

“These changes will make it easier to invest on-farm, lift productivity, and build long-term resilience in the face of weather and market challenges. It’s about freeing farmers to do what they do best—producing high-quality food and fibre for New Zealand and the world—without being buried in paperwork.

“The Primary Sector package proposes changes to eight national direction instruments. These changes will remove the restrictions on non-intensive grazing of beef cattle and deer in wetlands, streamline changes to consent conditions for the aquaculture sector, reduce inefficiencies for the forestry sector and better enable priority activities in coastal areas.

“National campaigned on removing LUC 3 land from the strictures of the National Policy Statement on Highly Productive Land, and I’m pleased to confirm that our proposed amendments do exactly that. We are also consulting on creating ‘special agricultural areas’ around key horticulture hubs like Pukekohe and Horowhenua.”

“The significant costs on farmers to fence off cattle and deer from wetlands on low intensity properties was way out of proportion to the environmental risk. This proposed change is another step to cut red tape for farmers and let them find solutions that work for their farm, and their catchment,” says Mr Hoggard.

Consultation on these proposals open today until 27 July 2025. The Government intends to have 16 new or updated national direction instruments in place by the end of this year.   

Media contacts: 

Note’s to editor:

Fact sheet attached:

• Primary Industries consultation package

Consultation timeframes and processes:

Public consultation will open this week on the ‘have your say’ section of the Ministry for the Environment website. 

The primary sector discussion document explains the suite of national direction proposed in the primary sector package and includes material on the proposals to create or amend national policy statements and national environment standards under section 46A (1) and (2) of the RMA. 

Proposed new provisions for national direction are provided in section 5 of the discussion document and form part of the proposals and its implementation for the primary sector package.

Visit the MfE website [https://environment.govt.nz/news/consultation-on-updating-rma-national-direction] to take part in the consultation. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in finding Linda Wolfgramm, who has been reported missing in central Auckland.

The 60-year-old woman was last seen at an address on Anzac Avenue at 6am today.

At the time she was last seen she was wearing black adidas track pants with a white stripe. She was not wearing any shoes at the time.

Linda does not have access to a vehicle.

Police and her family are concerned for her welfare and would like to find her as soon as possible.

If you have seen her or have information that might help us find her, please call 111 and quote reference number P062700468.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

“Every child deserves the chance to thrive and today I’m proud to announce a $266 million investment in Budget 2025 to clear waitlists, expand the Early Intervention Service, and reach thousands more children with the support they need to succeed,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says. 

“For too long, families have faced unacceptable delays accessing the Early Intervention Service. This investment will fix that by clearing the backlog, expanding support to the end of Year 1, and significantly increasing our workforce capacity,” Stanford says.

“We are not only expanding the size of the service, we are changing how it’s delivered,” Stanford says. “We will contract NGOs and private providers to deliver specialist services alongside the Ministry, ensuring children with additional needs get the support they need faster.

“This Government is absolutely focused on getting help to the child, wherever they are, and however it’s needed. If that means using trusted private providers and NGOs to deliver services at pace, that’s exactly what we’ll do,” Stanford says. “Families don’t care who employs the speech-language therapist or the psychologist, they just want the support their child needs. And we are determined to do whatever it takes to make sure they receive it.”

As part of the Budget 2025 package, the investment will deliver:

• More than 560 additional full-time equivalent specialists, including educational psychologists, speech language therapists, occupational therapists, and early intervention teachers.
• An expansion of the Early Intervention Service through to the end of Year 1, reaching around 4,000 additional children with learning and behavioural needs.
• Reduction of existing waitlists, ensuring more than 3,000 children currently waiting will receive support sooner.
• Increased support for the 7,100 children already in the service, with greater access to specialists and interventions.
• 900,000 additional teacher aide hours per year from 2028, to assist young learners receiving EIS support.

This investment reflects the Government’s commitment to a social investment approach by targeting resources early, where they will make the greatest long-term difference. “The evidence is clear: the earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes for children, families, and New Zealand. Early intervention reduces the need for more intensive support later and gives every child that needs it the best possible start.

“To parents across the country, this is my message to you: help is on the way. We are clearing the backlog, building a stronger and more responsive service, and putting your child’s needs at the centre of our education system. You shouldn’t have to fight to get support—and with this investment, we’re making sure you won’t have to.

“This is a transformational shift,” Stanford says. “We’re building a future-facing service that keeps up with demand and delivers for kids. Every child deserves that chance and this Government is backing them from day one.”

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is driving economic growth in the regions by investing $2.6 million in 152 regional events, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
“I’m thrilled with the variety of exciting events on offer, encouraging more New Zealanders to enjoy and explore our beautiful country beyond the main centres,” Louise Upston says. 
“Events include the National Waka Ama Sprint Championships in Waikato, the National Jazz Festival in the Bay of Plenty, the 2026 Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, and NZ Premier Motorsport Summer Series events around the country.
“Some of the new events coming to the regions include the Whakapapa Festival, a non-skiing event occurring over June 2026, and Summernats NZ, a car festival in the Waikato.”
“I’m particularly pleased to support events in regions which traditionally don’t see as many domestic tourists,” Louise Upston says. 
“Investing in these events has a direct impact, with visitors spending money in local cafes, businesses and accommodation providers, driving economic activity in our communities.
“By growing regional tourism, our remote and rural communities can benefit from the economic opportunities it brings.
“Events are excellent drawcards to get more visitors into our regions, particularly in quieter parts of the year for the tourism and hospitality sector. 
“New Zealand is open for business, and we encourage both Kiwis and international visitors alike to explore and enjoy what New Zealand has to offer.”
Funding comes from the $5 million Regional Events Promotion Fund. Over its two rounds, the Fund has invested in 284 regional events.
The full list of funding recipients is available on the MBIE website. 
Note to editors: 

The Regional Events Promotion Fund was a contestable fund over two financial years to support regions to host local events attracting domestic tourists.
The Fund was established using $5 million from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy ($2.375 million for round one and $2.652 million for round two).

Source: New Zealand Government

Exceptional Kiwi businesses and outstanding individuals who are driving industry productivity, innovation and job creation have been honoured at New Zealand’s inaugural Minister for Manufacturing Awards. 
 
“Manufacturing fuels the economy by contributing over 8.4 percent to New Zealand’s GDP, generating more than 250,000 jobs and reinforcing our position as a global competitor,” Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Chris Penk says. 
 
“The 2025 Minister for Manufacturing Awards celebrated the prosperity this industry drives and most importantly, the outstanding people behind it.” 
 
Held yesterday evening at Christchurch’s premier industry showcase, SouthMACH, the event was hosted by Mr Penk in collaboration with Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa.
 
“The calibre of finalists and winners reflects the strength and diversity of New Zealand’s manufacturing sector – from suppliers of sustainably harvested timber, to developers of ground-breaking recycling technologies and producers of life-saving medical equipment,” Mr Penk says.  
 
“These businesses are led by innovative thinkers and powered by skilled, hard-working Kiwis. Their success is something we can all take pride in and shows that manufacturing will continue to play a significant role in shaping New Zealand into a world-class economy.” 

The awards recognise excellence across four key categories. The winners are: 

• Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year supported by Enztec: 
  Michael Vitale – Pacific Steel 
  Michael is working towards his Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship through Competenz at Pacific Steel. His early completion of theory components and impressive focus on health and safety in example projects shows remarkable dedication, and his success has encouraged the company to open apprenticeships to other operations employees.  
   
• Excellence in Manufacturing Leadership supported by Lawson Williams Consulting:  
  Nathan Hay – Argus ManuTech 
  Nathan Hay is a passionate manufacturing leader who has championed technology adoption, grown the workforce and empowered his team through focused upskilling. Mr Hays has led impactful partnerships, including med-tech ventures with MARS Bioimaging, that highlight how progressive manufacturing can drive positive social and environmental outcomes.
   
• Excellence in Process Innovation supported by Swell Group: 
  Breadcraft Wairarapa Ltd  
  Breadcraft Wairarapa is a fourth-generation artisan bakery that’s been proudly baking in Masterton since 1942. Through innovative brands like Rebel Bakehouse, they’re combining tradition, sustainability and creativity to lead New Zealand’s baking evolution.  
   
• Manufacturer of the Year supported by BNZ: 
  Douglas Pharmaceuticals  
  Douglas Pharmaceuticals specialises in high-barrier prescription medicines, produced in FDA and TGA-certified GMP facilities. They have grown from a family business into a people-focused industry leader that is continually innovating and delivering strong financial results. Douglas Pharmaceuticals sets the benchmark for New Zealand manufacturing and is a worthy recipient of this award.  

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding businesses and individuals honoured at the awards ceremony, and a sincere thanks to everyone who entered and attended,” Mr Penk says.  
 
“Your dedication to building a thriving industry inspires the future generations of Kiwi makers and creators. I look forward to celebrating your achievements again at future Minister for Manufacturing Awards.” 

Notes to editors: 

For more information about the awards and finalists, visit the AMANZ website:  https://www.amanz.nz/news/meet-our-finalists-minister-for-manufacturing-awards-2025/ 

Source: New Zealand Police

A sticky-fingered thief almost bagged nearly $1000 worth of groceries before Police tracked him down in Auckland last week.

It’s led to Police laying charges for a wider spate of offending valued at over $10,000.

At around 9am on Saturday 24 May Police received a report of a male shoplifting from a Manukau supermarket.

“This male has taken a large amount of meat products and fled the scene in a vehicle,” Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager Inspector Warrick Adkin says.

Officers attending the incident made enquiries into the vehicle and discovered the same male had been involved in a shoplifting event at a Three Kings supermarket only an hour earlier.

“Police Officers immediately responded in an attempt to locate this male and the vehicle,” Inspector Adkin says.

“Not long after, the vehicle was located a short distance away, as it was about to enter State Highway 20.”

Police successfully stopped the vehicle and took the alleged offender into custody.

Inside the vehicle, approximately $800 worth of groceries were located, which were returned to the store.

“Further enquiries revealed this male has allegedly been involved in numerous shoplifting or theft incidents this year, totalling several thousand dollars,” says Inspector Adkin.

“We are pleased to have brought this spree to an end and for this male to be held accountable for his actions. We will not tolerate such brazen criminal offending.”

A 17-year-old appeared in the Manukau Youth Court on May 24 charged with multiple shoplifting.

ENDS

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: Independent Police Conduct Authority

29 May 2025

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has completed a review of the Police’s use of the Complex Investigation Phased Engagement Model (CIPEM) interviewing method and found that, although it was a laudable attempt to enhance officers’ investigative interviewing skills, its implementation fell short in several respects.

The Authority’s review was prompted by criticism that arose after evidence in a murder case was ruled inadmissible in September 2021 and concerns were subsequently raised in the media. We also received several complaints. However, the review ultimately focused on examining the development and use of CIPEM, rather than tangential allegations of misconduct that could not be substantiated.

The Authority found that CIPEM had a heavy focus on engagement skills and building rapport, which is consistent with international best practice. However, the normal processes for quality assurance and implementation of the training were not followed, and the model was not reviewed by an independent expert until about two and a half years after the training began.

We reviewed five cases in which CIPEM-trained interviewers had been brought in to assist investigation teams. In two of the five cases, we found that the questioning itself departed from good practice and failed to comply with the Judges’ Rules on Police Questioning. However, these failures were generally not integral to CIPEM and were due to poor practice and inadequate oversight.

We also found that Police leadership should have done more to support the individual officers impacted by persistent media criticism and proactively correct the perception that CIPEM alone caused the downfall of the case in which evidence was ruled inadmissible.

Police have taken steps to identify and address the problems they are experiencing with interviewing. A recent review has resulted in recommendations for improvement, including creating a new Manager of Investigative Interviewing role.

The Authority recommends that Police proceed with establishing that role, which should focus among other things on improving investigative interviewing and engagement training and making it available to all staff; ensuring that the interviewing trainers have a high level of operational experience and excellent engagement skills; and developing training for interviewing suspects and hostile witnesses.

Public Report

Police Investigative Interviewing and the Complex Investigation Phased Engagement Model (PDF 628 KB)

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Commissioner Richard Chambers:

Police acknowledge and fully accept the findings and recommendations of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report into Police’s use of the Complex Investigation Phased Engagement Model (CIPEM) interviewing method.

The CIPEM interviewing programme was implemented in 2018 with the knowledge and support of the Police Executive, and the staff involved acted in good faith striving to improve an acknowledged gap in our interviewing capacity.

While there are lessons to be learned for Police, the staff involved displayed passion and dedication in working to try to advance difficult and complex cases. Police acknowledge that more support should have been afforded to the officers involved at the time and apologise to the staff involved for not providing that support, particularly during a prolonged period of media reporting.

The murder case interview referenced in the IPCA media statement was subject to an independent review, which found that those involved in that interview were not involved in the wider investigation management, including making key decisions relevant to progressing the investigation or prosecution. They were brought in to conduct an interview phase only. In these circumstances, it would be both wrong and unfair for conclusions to be drawn that these staff were to blame for the charges being withdrawn.

Consequently, the internal review also focussed on the way the Police lead, review and manage serious crime investigations and an examination of those areas specific to that case. Police are unable to release a full copy of that review as it contains sensitive information that would prejudice further investigation and potential prosecution outcomes. A summary of the review (previously released under the Official Information Act 1982) is provided with this release.

Police also commissioned a broad review of interviewing practices across all of Police, which was completed in November 2024. The recommendations of that review and the recommendations of the IPCA review are accepted and are being implemented as a programme of work. A full copy of this review is provided with this release.

Police is also establishing a new position, the Manager Investigative Interviewing, to lead this programme of work, as was recommended by the IPCA. Police expect to recruit for this position in coming weeks.

Engaging with and interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects is a core policing skill and pivotal to advancing all investigations and other aspects of policing.

The Police Executive is committed to ensuring that NZ Police’s interviewing training programme is world leading.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Good morning.
Thank you for the invitation to address this conference. Foreign Affairs responsibilities require us to be elsewhere today, so it is with regret that this address to you all must be delivered in this format.
Let us begin by acknowledging the board members and management of the Australasian Railway Association; leaders from KiwiRail, Metlink, Auckland Transport, Auckland One Rail, infrastructure firms, and heritage operators, as well as our Australian freight and metro counterparts. 
As the Minister for Rail – that’s for rail – the chance to share our record and vision was not to be missed.
We had responsibility for rail during the 2017-2020 term and we turned things around. Contrast our legacy for rail with any other and you will see who is out in front.
We are rebuilding rail
In 2020, we changed the law – rail is now funded like roads. A common-sense reform.
We funded the third main line between Wiri and Westfield – Auckland’s busiest rail section – and planning is underway for a fourth main line across the whole Auckland southern corridor. New stations are being built in South Auckland and electrification has extended commuter trains to Pukekohe.
Northland’s line can now take standard-weight trains and hi-cube containers. Marsden Point’s spur – stalled under the previous Government – is now in Fast Track legislation, alongside the Avondale-Southdown corridor.
Remediation and upgrades are occurring across Auckland and Wellington, lifting the quality, reliability and frequency of services. A city rail link in Auckland’s centre and new trains in Wellington.
Our regional investments are also about positioning New Zealand for global trade: port connections, less truck congestion, and more freight competition.
Just a fortnight ago, the Honourable Shane Jones announced $8.2 million to fund a three-track rail siding connecting Southern Link Logistics to the network.
Freight is about getting from A to B. Freight is the lifeblood of our economy. It’s no good making something if it doesn’t go to a customer.
Inland freight hubs mean local road freight operators and rail freight can feed regional goods into the hub, and have rail take the combined heavy haul to port. 
Rail is the clearing house for busy ports, moving vast quantities so ports can handle more ships. More ships enable more exports, more imports, more trade.
And, last week, we announced in Budget 2025 the commitment of $604 million for rail. $461 million for the national network, and $143 million to the metro networks in Auckland and Wellington.
Both investments continue our focus on arresting the decline of the networks, contributing to better reliability.
Freight must pay its way.
KiwiRail must cover all its operating and capital costs—just like any other business. Freight volumes are down, as they are across the board.
So the turnaround begins with cost. Competitive pricing requires leaner operations, better use of its assets and better, more responsive systems for customers.
The second issue is reliability. Big players like Fonterra get a good service from KiwiRail – but KiwiRail must compete on speed and certainty for domestic and export freight. 
We know that KiwiRail is alive to these issues. They are hungry for customers, and as shareholders we are as eager as their customers are to see that lift in performance.
We’re doing our part. Sixty-six new locomotives from Spain will replace the South Island fleet and support the North Island fleet.
We’re refurbishing the Hamilton-Palmerston North electric fleet, and planning is underway on electrifying the line to Mt Maunganui. Electric engines haul heavy weights, cost little to run, and emit nothing.
We’ve rebuilt Dunedin’s Hillside Workshops and new wagons are rolling out of there. A total of 1,350 wagons will be assembled, creating local jobs and capability, and wagons to reliably move customers’ freight. 
It is on KiwiRail to deliver a strong freight business on the back of our investment. You will be measured on volumes, reliability, and earnings. Succeeding will open the door to new customers and then we can truly begin to rebalance transport in this country. 
It is up to freight movers to come to the party, too. The Government is making the investment in rail that’s needed, so use it. The greater the use of the rail network, the greater the savings on reduced road congestion and road maintenance costs. 
Every person who sees a wagon of logs moving by rail is a person who is not stuck behind a logging truck on the road.
Finally: the ferries.
We shut down the bloated iReX project. No Taj Mahal in Picton, no Opera House in Wellington. Just safe, reliable efficient ferries for road and rail – by 2029 – and infrastructure that works.
Ferry Holdings has two jobs: deliver ferries by 2029 and build low-cost infrastructure to serve them. Picton will get dual linkspans and faster load times. In Wellington, we’ll build on what’s already there. Rail is a primary customer across Cook Strait, and it will be served.
We will deliver, and rail is here to stay.
In closing: We back rail. Not with words, but with deeds. 
But do not mistake this for unquestioning support. Let iReX be a lesson to the whole rail system: we do not tolerate waste.
As rail people, the delivery is up to all of you and your teams at this conference. 
All of New Zealand expects you to succeed. 
Thank you and have a great historic conference.

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown today announced an additional $59 million in funding for the Taranaki Base Hospital Redevelopment, ensuring Stage Two is completed by the end of 2025.

“This redevelopment is a critical investment in modernising healthcare for the people of Taranaki,” Mr Brown says.

“The additional $59.2 million is required to meet cost pressures that have emerged since 2022 – ensuring we can complete Stage Two of the project on schedule and deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose hospital that can meet the region’s needs now and into the future.”

The funding will support the delivery of the new East Wing Building – a six-storey, 20,000-square-metre facility due to open by the end of 2025.

“This building will house many of Taranaki Base Hospital’s core acute and specialist services, including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, maternity, neonatal, and radiology services.

“It will increase the number of patient spaces to 151 – an additional 55 to current capacity – and provide a total of 34 laboratory workstations. It has also been designed with future expansion in mind.

“The East Wing Building will also include a modern acute assessment unit, a primary birthing unit, an Integrated Operations Centre, a rooftop helipad, and a tūpapaku viewing room – a reflection of a more culturally responsive and patient-focused model of care.

Mr Brown said the redevelopment would help meet the growing and changing needs of the Taranaki region.

“This is about delivering smarter, more efficient healthcare. It’s about ensuring the system can meet the needs of a growing and ageing population, while also supporting the workforce with modern, integrated facilities.

“We are making the long-overdue investments needed to strengthen our hospitals and ensure the health system delivers better outcomes for New Zealanders.”

“Modern infrastructure helps reduce wait times, improve care, and ensure patients get the high-quality treatment they expect and deserve.

“The completion of the East Wing Building will be a significant milestone for healthcare in the region and a key part of our Government’s broader commitment to a stronger, more resilient public health system.”

“We are focused on delivering the hospital infrastructure New Zealand needs – with clear outcomes for patients and communities,” Mr Brown says.