NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Officials will report six-monthly on the new government procurement rules which take effect today to ensure they are being complied with, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says. 

“The Government is serious about helping Kiwi firms to grow so the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment will monitor both compliance and the impact of the new rules. 

“Businesses have told the Government the new rules are a game-changer that will promote greater competition and give them a fairer shot at winning government contracts that are collectively worth more than $50 billion a year. 

“Getting government work provides Kiwi companies with the opportunity to grow and build staff capability.

“In some cases, it can also enable them to expand to a scale at which they can compete internationally. 

“But feedback from businesses is that many previously found the paperwork involved in bidding for contracts daunting and were frustrated by a tender process that took no account of their contribution to New Zealand.

“Therefore, the Government has slashed the number of rules agencies must follow when tendering contracts from 71 to 47 and introduced a new economic benefit test that requires agencies to apply a minimum 10 percent economic benefit weighting when evaluating contracts. 

“Economic benefits include agencies making better use of New Zealand resources such as increasing workforce participation, providing training or apprenticeships, and improving the pay or conditions of Kiwi workers,” Nicola Willis says. 

The new rules do not infringe on New Zealand’s trade agreement obligations because international companies also have the opportunity to demonstrate economic benefit to New Zealand. 

Notes for editors

• Agencies must now seek economic benefits for New Zealand in goods, services and refurbishment contracts over $100,000 and $9 million for construction.
• Below these thresholds for primary procurement activities, agencies are expected to choose capable New Zealand businesses wherever possible. 

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Source: New Zealand Police

Eastern Hutt Road in Taita is blocked after a truck crashed this morning.

Police were notified at 9.05am that a truck had rolled, between Peterkin Street and Page Grove.

One person in the truck sustained moderate injuries and one person has minor injuries.

Work is under way to right the truck.

Motorists are asked to take alternative routes where possible. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  01 December 2025

Motueka-based DOC Marine Ranger Stew Robertson says the first incident involves a 14 m launch spotted anchored in the Horoirangi Marine Reserve, northeast of Nelson, on 5 November.

The white launch was detected on a recently installed camera which monitors the marine reserve.

“The vessel was anchored for 90 minutes, which is unusual and suspicious boating activity for this marine reserve,” Stew says.

The name of the vessel is unknown.

Stew has urged for the skipper of that vessel to make contact, or for anyone who saw it in the marine reserve to get in touch with DOC and quote CLE Works number CLE-10533.

The second incident occurred on 16 November, when a member of the public alerted DOC staff to a 6.5 m Stabicraft in the Tonga Island Marine Reserve – northwest of Nelson.

“The Stabicraft’s occupants were seen catching fish in the marine reserve at about 12:45 pm,” Stew says.

“DOC was supplied with video and a still image of the vessel and its occupants.”

Marine reserves are “no take” areas and any kind of fishing is strictly prohibited.

The name of the Stabicraft vessel is not known – but Stew says it is black, with a distinctive blue trim.

Anyone who can identify the vessel, its skipper – or saw it in the marine reserve on 16 November – is urged to contact DOC and quote number CLE-10534.

Any information shared with DOC is treated confidentially and can be provided anonymously. Stew says there are now more people keeping an eye on the two marine reserves, through the launch of a new Coastwatch group comprising staff from several central and local government agencies and local residents.

The call for public information on the two incidents coincides with DOC issuing a reminder of the marine reserve rules. Newly released data shows offences in marine reserves spike during summer. Marine reserves in the Nelson-Tasman area feature prominently in the data on rule breaches.

DOC has a range of enforcement tools available for breaches of the marine reserve rules. The most serious breaches can result in prosecution and even jail sentences.

“If you’re naturing in our marine reserves, it’s vital you follow the rules,” Stew says.

Anyone who sees or suspects illegal activity in a marine reserve should call 0800 DOC HOT. Information valuable to DOC includes details of any fishers on land, or any boat involved, descriptions of those aboard, where and when it was seen – and the nature of the alleged activity. Any information offered by the public is valuable, including photographs and videos.

Background information

For more information on the benefits of marine reserves: Purpose and benefits of marine reserves

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Detective Sergeant Christoper Allemann, New Plymouth CIB:

Police can now name the man who was killed on St Aubyn Street in New Plymouth on 19 November.

He was Martin James Mooney, aged 68, from New Plymouth.

A man charged with Mr Mooney’s murder has been remanded in custody, to appear in New Plymouth High Court on 5 December.

The investigation into Mr Mooney’s death is ongoing and we would like to hear from any potential witnesses who we have not yet spoken to.

If you have information which might be relevant to our investigation, please contact us via 105 and quote file number 251119/8652.

Note for media: The photo attached has been provided by Mr Mooney’s family for use by media.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Open banking goes live today, opening the door to faster loan approvals, easier bill management, and personalised budgeting insights, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson says.

“From budgeting tools to faster mortgage comparisons and low-cost payment options, the opportunities and innovations presented by open banking are endless,” Mr Simpson says. 

“Open banking makes it easier to switch banks by giving customers a safe, regulated way to share their financial information.

“It will make mortgage applications faster by allowing third-party services to securely gather the right financial documents in one place, especially helpful for people with accounts across different banks.

“Budgeting becomes easier too. Instead of trawling through statements, secure open banking tools can highlight spending patterns, help you stay on top of bills, and identify ways to reach your savings goals.

“Small businesses will also benefit from more choice in financial management and invoicing tools, helping them get paid faster and access innovative, lower-cost payment solutions. 

“How can customers get started with open banking? Simply give consent when you use a bank or financial service that supports it, and your data is shared securely under the new regulated system.”

Open banking in New Zealand is supported by a set of regulations, established under the Customer and Product Data Act 2025. 

“The regulations, released in October, align with global best practice and build on successful models in Australia and the UK, where open banking has sped up home loan approvals and enabled new consumer-friendly apps,” Mr Simpson says. 

“Importantly, the regulations ensure that security of consumer data is paramount. Data can only be shared under the customer’s explicit consent, and third-party requestors (such as fintechs) must be accredited by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

“Accredited data requestors will receive MBIE’s ‘accreditation mark’, which they can display to show they are trusted and verified.

“Open banking will accelerate innovation and enhance competition in the banking sector, creating opportunities for fintechs and smaller players to deliver services that traditional banks have been slow to offer. 

“I encourage fintechs to get their accreditation applications in as soon as possible to help Kiwis benefit from open banking.” 

Notes to editor: 

Regulated open banking officially begins on 1 December 2025. This is the first step in a phased roll-out of innovative, secure open banking in New Zealand.
The new open banking regulations, released in October, require the four major banks – ANZ, ASB, BNZ, and Westpac – to have certain open banking systems ready by today, 1 December 2025. Kiwibank will need to be ready by June 2026 for payments, and December 2026 for other open banking services. All other banks and deposit-takers can opt in voluntarily from today.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is providing regulatory oversight of this regime, including the accreditation process.
MBIE is now accepting applications from organisations wanting to become accredited data requestors. 

More information is available on MBIE’s website.

Source: New Zealand Government

Tasman’s popular Great Taste Cycle Trail is on track to reopen the iconic Spooners Tunnel section by the end of December, following significant progress on repairs to storm damage earlier this year. 

“Having Tasman’s Great Taste Trail ready for summer means more people can enjoy one of New Zealand’s most scenic rides. It’s great news for visitors and the local community,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“Since I announced $1.6 million from the New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund for repairs in September a huge amount of work has been completed. 

“Getting most of the trail back up and running for summer and accessible to a wide range of cyclists will be a big boost for local businesses, including bike hire and tour operators, cafes and accommodation providers.

“Since the storm damaged the track, a major on-road detour means the trail hasn’t really been suitable for families or beginner cyclists. 

“Now the Southern section from Kohatu to Spooners Tunnel is back open, restoring a popular stretch of the trail and the northern section from Spooners Tunnel to Belgrove is on target to re-open by the end of the year. 

“Bringing the trail back gives locals and visitors alike the chance to enjoy the outdoors and experience everything Nelson Tasman has to offer.” 

An on-road detour will remain between Wakefield and Belgrove while plans for future repairs are finalised. 

Tasman’s Great Taste Trail is one of 23 Great Rides that make up Ngā Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trails. More than 2 million people use these rides each year, contributing an estimated $1.28 billion to regional economies.