Source: Worksafe New Zealand
Check out our latest guidance and resources to help you ensure a healthy and safe work environment for you and your workers.
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Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
A Dargaville calf rearer has been fined $15,000 over his poor treatment of calves, with 13 found dead, and others having to be euthanised.
Vivian Philip Flett (50) was sentenced (26/9/25) in the Dargaville District Court on 5 charges under the Animal Welfare Act following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Mr Flett was also ordered to reimburse MPI $4,312.63 for associated veterinarian costs.
Following a complaint, MPI animal welfare inspectors inspected the animals at the farm over the course of 3 visits.
“Thirteen dead calves were discovered in paddocks during animal welfare inspections and 6 others had to be euthanised. We also found that most of the calves weighed between 20kg and 50kg less than they should have been.
“We weighed 250 calves during our inspections and all but 12 were underweight.”
“These welfare problems were avoidable if Mr Flett had been providing sufficient feed and meeting the physical health and behavioural needs of his animals,” says MPI regional manager, animal welfare and NAIT compliance, Brendon Mikkelsen.
The farm lacked quality pasture and some of the calves struggled to eat supplementary feed, which was mouldy hay and whole kumaras.
“It was Mr Flett’s responsibility to do the right thing by his animals. In this case that means providing quality supplementary feed, identifying health problems and seeking timely veterinary help, all of which he failed to do. When we find evidence of animal neglect – we take action,” says Brendon Mikkelsen.
Animal welfare is everyone’s responsibility and MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 008 333.
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
Source: New Zealand Police
Multiple firearms were found hidden at a Puriri Street property when Whanganui police teams executed a search warrant last week.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Carey Priest from the Whanganui Criminal Investigation Branch says items were found throughout the house, shed and in a roof space.
“Officers found a significant number of items and arrested four people, one of whom had a warrant out for her arrest.
“The seizure of these items is an excellent result from a combination of Police teams including the Armed Offenders Squad, Criminal Investigation Branch, Offender Prevention Team and Tactical Crime Unit.
“Nine firearms were seized ranging from .22 calibre rifles, through to .308 calibre and other high-powered rifles.
“A small cannabis growing operation was also found at the address.
“Some of these firearms had been stolen during a burglary the day prior, other items stolen during that burglary were also recovered,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Priest.
Suspicious or illegal activity should be reported to 111 if it’s happening now. If it’s after the fact make a report online or call 105.
Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Source: Maritime New Zealand
Maritime NZ marked World Maritime Day on 25 September by bringing sector leaders together for an event in Wellington, highlighting the theme ‘Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity’ – set by the International Maritime Organization.
The event showcased the Maritime Digital Transformation (MDT) initiative – a partnership between Toitū Te Whenua – Land Information New Zealand and Maritime NZ – focused on developing high-tech navigation tools that leverage data to bring economic benefits and improve safety, sustainability, and resilience across New Zealand’s maritime sector.
Maritime NZ Chair Dame Jo Brosnahan opened the event, reflecting on the sector’s role in connecting New Zealand to the world and the need to embrace innovation and shared purpose.
A video message from Hon James Meager, Associate Minister of Transport, and Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Land Information, reinforced the importance of collaboration in unlocking digital opportunity.
Maritime NZ Chief Executive Kirstie Hewlett outlined the strategic significance of the MDT initiative, noting that over 99.7% of imports and 80% of exports by volume travel by sea. She emphasised the ocean’s central role in trade, tourism, aquaculture, and energy, and how the MDT project will help reduce emissions, improve safety, and support economic growth.
“Digital transformation is helping us navigate risks and unlock opportunities for safety, sustainability, and growth,” she said.
LINZ Chief Executive Gaye Searancke highlighted the initiative’s momentum and impact, emphasising that the programme was one of the few that received new funding in Budget 2025, which is a testament to the value and necessity of the work.
LINZ Kaihautū for Customer Delivery Jan Pierce added that the initiative is now in early implementation, with joint governance underway, key roles being recruited, and sector engagement ramping up.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, reflecting the sector’s appetite for innovation and shared purpose.
Source: New Zealand Government
State-Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown has today announced a series of appointments and reappointments to two companies in the State Owned Enterprises portfolio.
At Kiwi Group Capital Ltd, David McLean has been reappointed as Chair for a one-year term commencing 1 November 2025. Scott Pickering has also been appointed as a director for a three-year term beginning 1 October 2025.
At NZ Post, Alastair Bell and Grant Stapleton have been appointed as directors for three-year terms starting 22 September 2025.
“These appointments reflect the Government’s commitment to ensuring our State Owned Enterprises are led by individuals with the expertise and vision to deliver for New Zealanders. Strong governance is critical to the success of these organisations, and I am confident these appointees will provide the leadership required to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Mr Brown says.
Kiwi Group Capital Ltd – biographies
New Zealand Post Ltd – biographies
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 29 September 2025
The hut, built in the 1930’s as accommodation for a family who lived at Big River, was later owned by the winding house operator of the Big River Mine, who walked off his job in 1942, causing the closure of the mine.
Once the mine closed, people started to leave Big River. The hut then came to be owned by the Rooney’s, a couple from Reefton who used it as a holiday house until the 1970’s. It’s now a landmark at the historic mining site in Victoria Forest Park.
As the sole remaining domestic dwelling at Big River, Rooney’s Hut provides a snapshot of what life would have been like in the isolated settlement. The hut has three rooms, one of which was added in the 1940’s. Life would have been very basic with no running water or electricity.
Department of Conservation Heritage Ranger Casey Rhodes worked on the hut and learnt about its history. He says establishing the Big River mine in the 1880’s was a huge undertaking.
“Because of its location they had to build 22 kilometres of road which they blasted and chipped out of the rock to find the best way here. Big River is a site where there was coal to operate the boilers, they had timber and a sawmill, and they had the gold. Even though it was isolated, it was self-contained, which makes it quite special. They had everything they needed to get the gold out of the ground.”
Casey says they have stabilised rather than restored the hut, with the aim of keeping its historic character for visitors to the site to enjoy.
“We’ve removed the exterior cladding, dug out the foundation and put in drainage channels around the hut, strengthened up the frame and subfloor, wrapped the entire structure in building wrap and then replaced the cladding in the same position we found it. We’ve also reinstated the veranda. This work means the hut will continue to be a landmark at this important location for the foreseeable future.”
People can help protect historic sites like Big River by getting out naturing in them and learning about and sharing the interesting stories the sites hold.
Before automation, winding house operators were a critical member of the mine staff, their job required intense concentration and timing, as they operated the buckets and lifts that brought people and material from the bottom of the mine to the surface. With no radio communication, the operator relied on marks on the wire driving rope and preset timings to operate the mine. Mistakes could cost lives.
Big River is a popular destination for four-wheel drivers and mountain bikers, who access it on Big River Road, from Reefton. People can also visit Big River from Waiuta, on a historic track that used to link the two townships. Rooneys Hut is not available for overnight stays, but people can stay at the Big River Hut.
More about the history of Big River
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Police
Wellington Police’s Search and Rescue squad was called into action on Sunday following a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) activation in the Little Akatarawa River area, Upper Hutt.
The Rescue Coordination Centre requested assistance after the beacon was activated by a tramping group deep in the bush. Upon arrival, Police SAR teams discovered a patient had fallen from height into a steep and narrow canyon, sustaining moderate injuries.
Thanks to a coordinated response involving Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR), Canyon Search and Rescue, and the Wellington Free Ambulance Rescue Response team, the patient was safely moved from the challenging location to a suitable site for helicopter extraction.
Wellington District Search and Rescue Duty Officer Constable Jago Dellow says this was a significant team effort in difficult terrain. “The combined expertise of our volunteers and emergency services ensured the patient received urgent medical care.”
The tramping group was well-prepared and carrying multiple PLBs.
“If they hadn’t had a beacon, it could have taken hours to reach an area with cell phone coverage,” says Constable Dellow. “This incident highlights the importance of carrying multiple forms of communication and letting someone know your plans before heading into the outdoors.”
As summer approaches, Police are reminding outdoor enthusiasts to plan ahead and be prepared:
– Before heading into the outdoors, make sure you’re properly equipped. That means packing enough warm clothing, food, and shelter to handle unexpected conditions — and carrying at least two reliable forms of communication. One of those should ideally be a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), which can alert emergency services even when you’re far from cell coverage.
– Plan your trip carefully and always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. These simple steps can make all the difference in an emergency.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Emergency services are responding to a crash involving two vehicles on State Highway 1 at the Tauranga-Taupō bridge between Heuheu Parade and Hingapo Road.
Police were called to the scene around 11.25am.
At this stage six people are reported to have suffered moderate to serious injuries.
The road is blocked in both directions and motorists are advised to delay travel and avoid the area.
ENDS.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Road users can expect to see significant upgrades along Northland’s vital transport routes this summer, with contractors for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) out renewing 204 lane kilometres* of state highway.
It’s the second year of the largest-ever investment in state highway maintenance for the region.
“Northland’s state highways are crucial for connecting communities, supporting local businesses, and keeping freight moving efficiently, which is why we’re investing $258.6 million for state highway maintenance and pothole prevention, and an additional $3.5 million for managing road subsidence, between 2024 – 2027,” says Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Jacqui Hori-Hoult.
The 2025-2026 season (September – May) includes 25 lane kilometres of major road rebuilds, 8 lane kilometres of asphalt resurfacing and 171 lane kilometres of chipsealing.
There will be major works on State Highway 1 (SH1), State Highway 10 (SH10) and State Highway 12 (SH12), spanning the region from north of Woodhill and Warkworth to Te Reinga Wairua (Cape Reinga).
“The region’s roads face unique challenges, including heavy rainfall and the demands of high-volume traffic. By renewing the network, we strengthen road pavements, improve surface durability, and enhance overall network resilience, so Northlanders can travel safely and reliably year-round,” Ms Hori-Hoult says.
NZTA schedules work during the spring and summer months to take advantage of warmer, drier weather which helps sealants set properly and last longer. It’s about ensuring a quality surface.
“This means road users will sometimes experience temporary full road closures to enable multiple teams to work at the same time. We appreciate roadworks are inconvenient, but doing the work this way is more efficient and minimises disruption in the long term,” Ms Hori-Hoult says.
Most work is undertaken at night or outside peak travel periods to reduce the impact on road users.
The work is weather dependent and some dates may change.
| Location |
Type of work |
Dates |
Traffic Impact |
|
SH1 Towai |
Rebuild |
Jul–Nov 2025 (12 weeks) |
Day: stop/go, speed restrictions |
|
SH10 Oromahoe |
Rebuild |
Oct–Nov 2025 (6 weeks) |
Day/Night: stop/go, speed restrictions |
|
SH1 Akerama |
Rebuild |
Oct–Dec 2025 (8 weeks) |
Day: contraflow, speed restrictions |
|
SH1 Whakapara (2 sites) |
Rebuild |
Nov 2025 (3 weeks) |
Night: stop/go, speed restrictions |
|
SH1 Brynderwyn Hills |
Resurfacing |
13–16 & 20–23 Nov 2025 (2x 4-day super weekends) |
24/7 full closure, detours |
|
SH1 S of Uretiti & Waipu |
Resealing ×2 |
Nov 2025 (2 weeks) Dec 2025 (1 week) |
Day/Night: stop/go, speed restrictions |
|
SH12 Baylys Coast Rd, Dargaville |
Rebuild |
Nov–Dec 2025 (5 weeks) |
Day: stop/go, speed restrictions, 24/hr traffic management |
|
SH12 Dargaville (Blong/Galvin/Hodgson-Wallace) |
Rebuilds ×3 |
Blong: Sep–Nov 2025 (6 weeks) Galvin: Jan–Feb 2026 (5 weeks) Hodgson–Wallace: Mar–Apr 2026 (6 weeks) |
Day: stop/go, speed restrictions, 24/hr management |
|
SH12 Paparoa township |
Rebuild |
Jan–Mar 2026 (8 weeks) |
Day: stop/go, speed restrictions |
Further information, including maps, project updates, and weekly e-newsletters, is available via:
Source: New Zealand Police
Emergency Services are attending a serious Crash on Botany Road, Auckland.
Police were called at 10.20am after a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle.
One person has been transported to hospital in a serious condition.
Botany Road is closed between Millhouse Drive and Golfland Drive.
Police are advising motorists to use alternate routes as road closures may be in place for some time.
The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance and an investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the crash.
ENDS.
Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police