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Mautohe Cathedral Cove to close as wet weather rolls in

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  18 November 2025

MetService has issued an Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Coromandel in response to two weather systems currently bearing down on New Zealand – one of which will move in over Coromandel and other parts of the North Island tonight.

That weather system, swooping down from the Pacific Ocean from the northeast, is expected to dump up to 180 mm of rain on the peninsula from Tuesday 18 November. The MetService’s rain warning is in place until 3:00 pm on Wednesday 19 November.

DOC Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly says it’s prudent to close tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove given the weather system’s expected impact.

“DOC’s priority for this site continues to be the safety of visitors and managing visitor risk. Poor weather, particularly heavy rain, exacerbates the landslide and rockfall risks at Mautohe Cathedral Cove.

“We strongly discourage people from visiting the cove while this weather system moves – the conditions make it unsafe.

“We do not want people getting hurt.”

Nick says the Mautohe Cathedral Cove closure will come into effect from 6pm on Tuesday 18 November and be in place until further notice. Decisions about whether it is safe to reopen tracks to the beach will be made once staff undertake site inspections and weather forecasts are assessed.

Sea swells are expected to increase with the weather system and anyone planning to visit Mautohe Cathedral Cove by boat should check sea conditions first and consider the risks.

Mautohe Cathedral Cove is one of Coromandel and New Zealand’s most picturesque and iconic coastal locations, famous for its rock arch. However, land around the cove is known to be potentially unstable with a noted geological and landslide risk after heavy rain events.

DOC’s Trigger Action Response Plan for Mautohe Cathedral Cove guides decision-making for track closures at the site.

Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Garbrielle. DOC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Murdered Dunedin man planned to install security cameras before death

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dunedin High Court. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Slain Dunedin man Gurjit Singh planned to install security cameras, after discovering his garage door was open weeks before his death, a friend says.

Singh was found dead on the lawn of his home in January last year, stabbed more than 40 times.

A 35-year-old man, known only as Rajinder, is on trial at the High Court for murder.

Rajinder’s defence lawyer insists he had no reason to kill his former employee and there was no animosity between the men.

Friend Jagmeet Buttar told the court Singh was not worried about security, but kept his doors locked, perhaps because he lived alone.

He bought security cameras days after finding his garage door open and had asked Buttar if he had come over to borrow some tools.

When Buttar told him he had not paid a visit, Singh said he planned to install front and backdoor cameras.

“He was not worried about security, he just wanted to just make sure if somebody come here, he can see who’s coming,” he said.

Buttar said Singh was happy, when he called in to pick up a car he had borrowed the night before he was found dead.

Singh told Buttar he was planning a three-day trip to pick up his wife, who was expected to arrive in Christchurch from India.

Buttar left before Singh got ready to go to a pizza party with friends in Helensburgh.

Buttar told the court he was working in Mosgiel the following morning, when he received a call to say that Singh was dead. He drove straight to his house, where he was stopped by police and gave a statement at the station.

Singh and Rajinder had previously worked together at Downer, which had a contract with Chorus to install fibre.

Buttar said Singh did not talk a lot about his work with Rajinder, although he mentioned that he might buy Rajinder’s car and some tools for $20-40,000.

At one stage, Singh told him Rajinder owed him money from their work together in about 2020.

Another friend and former flatmate Sunil Umat described Singh as a person who loved to crack jokes and was always laughing.

They were close friends and he was invited to Singh’s wedding in India.

They would go to the gym together, hang out, and go to BBQs every now and again, Umat said.

When asked if he knew if Singh had any problems with Rajinder, Umat told defence lawyer Anne Stevens KC that he had never brought anything up.

The trial is scheduled for three weeks.

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

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Slavery trial: Defendant’s diary of beatings read to jury

Source: Radio New Zealand

Moeaia Tuai’ is on trial in the High Court at Auckland. Gill Bonnett

A carpenter says he never saw an alleged slavery victim work at three lodges or a campground.

Suli Tuilolo has been giving evidence at Moeaia Tuai’s trial at the High Court at Auckland.

Tuai, 63, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of dealing in slaves. He also denies two rapes, assaults, eight charges of indecent assault, and six of sexual violation by unlawful connection.

Tuilolo, a lodge employee, said the complainant would only visit the lodges to play volleyball, denying he worked 50-60 hours a week in jobs that included cleaning up, repairs and gardening.

Under cross-examination, he was shown a photograph of himself and a young male complainant wearing hi-vis vests.

He denied the man worked there, but may have worn the fluorescent vest to keep warm when he visited, suggesting he played there.

“Are you suggesting that in this photograph [he] is about to go and play volleyball?” asked prosecutor Chris Howard.

“As I said previously, I’m a carpenter, I did my job,” said Tuilolo. “And I always say, he does come around and look around sometimes.”

The only time he would see the complainant was playing volleyball or seeing a young woman he liked, said Tuilolo.

Previously another witness gave evidence, saying she had never seen Tuai hit the female victim, and denying the family turned a blind eye to what Tuai was doing.

‘Blowing the whistle’

In the closing prosecution address Howard said Tuai had been controlling the two young people and their finances, holding them in modern slavery, and beating and raping the female complainant.

Neither was allowed to speak to anyone they did not know, nor to each other in case they told people about the way they were being treated, said Howard.

Tuai’s own diaries have been read to the jury, in which he sets out when beatings happened, working hours and wages, he added.

One complainant had to get a new passport to run away, the court heard, and Tuai made the other one take out a $7000 loan.

She said that after sexually assaulting her, Tuai threatened to kill her if she told anyone.

When the young woman ran away, Tuai called police claiming she had been raped by a different man and and told Internal Affairs she should be deported or lose her citizenship.

It was not a hollow threat as he might also have hoped to stop her ‘blowing the whistle’, said Howard. “The moment she stops being a money-producing asset, he wants her gone.”

The trial continues.

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

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Parents confused by what to do with potentially contaminated play sand in their homes

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kmart has withdrawn all its sand-based products. (File photo) Supplied / MBIE

A parent fielding concerns from others after testing found asbestos in a range of coloured play sand says they feel like nobody is giving them clear advice on what to do with sand in their homes.

Several schools and early learning services are closed after asbestos was found in rainbow sand from Educational Colours and coloured sand from Creatistics.

The products were recalled because Tremolite (a naturally occurring asbestos in quartz) had been found in samples during lab testing.

The recall expanded to four Kmart products over the weekend.

Kmart’s advice was to stop using the sand immediately and to wear gloves and a mask while getting rid of it according to local rules.

A Kmart spokesperson said trace amounts of asbestos were found in an Anko-brand 14-piece sand castle building set. It also recalled three other magic sand products in blue, green and pink.

A mother, Janelle Hill, told Midday Report, it felt like the buck was being passed.

She said parents were confused about how much cleaning, testing or decontamination was needed.

“You’re asked to contact your local council, WorkSafe… what does this mean when it has been played with in your whare?

“The knowledge around it is so low… what is the risk and how are we getting rid of it? What happens if it was in your house five years ago and you threw it out four years ago?”

Hill said she wanted more guidance for parents that have had the sand in their homes. She wanted to know how things should be cleaned and what should be done with your vacuum if you had vacuumed it up.

Health NZ advice

On its website, Health NZ said people did not need to take any immediate steps to manager their health if they had been exposed to the products.

“We appreciate that the presence of asbestos in products that are used by children may cause worry for parents and caregivers. We are working rapidly with other agencies to assess the health risk posed by these products and will share more information when it is available.

“At this stage we do not have enough information to quantify the risk to people’s health, but we advise people to take a precautionary approach and stop using the products.”

Health NZ said anyone using the products in their home should stop immediately and if it was still in its original container place it into a thick plastic bag sealed securely with tape.

“Place that bag or container into a second thick plastic bag, seal it securely with tape, and label it clearly as asbestos-contaminated material.”

It needed to be taken to a landfill rather than going in a normal bin, it said, and parents should contact their local council for advice on where to go.

If the sand was not in its original container, PPE should be worn while cleaning it up. It should be put in a sealed container or thick plastic bag. All surfaces surrounding where it was should be wiped down with a damp cloth.

Full information was available here.

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

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Breakbulk cargo inspections: Key findings

Source: Maritime New Zealand

Maritime NZ has conducted 28 proactive inspections across 12 ports to assess health and safety practices in the handling of breakbulk cargo – primarily logs, but also fish and kiwifruit.

These inspections were part of the ACOP Implementation Project supporting the Approved code of practice for loading and unloading cargo at ports and on ships introduced in late 2024.

Inspection findings

  • 22 inspections found no compliance issues.
  • Six inspections led to nine voluntary agreements to improve safety practices.
  • Common issues included poor coordination between Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs), inadequate management of suspended loads, and lapses in personal protective equipment, seatbelt use, and fall protection. Inconsistent use of traffic markings across ports also poses risks to mobile workers.
  • In some cases, risk management principles aren’t being consistently applied and there is heavy reliance on administrative controls without proper monitoring.

Positive developments

We’re seeing some positive examples of innovation and good practices. Some companies, like C3 and Qube, have adopted auto-tally systems and log grapples, reducing worker exposure to moving plant and suspended loads. We’re also seeing innovative use of technology to manage traffic and plan operations, like Napier Port’s Port Activity Map.

What’s next?

Maritime NZ has produced a report about its breakbulk cargo inspections. For a copy, please email [email protected]. 

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Pouākai boardwalk improvements underway

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  18 November 2025

The Taranaki Crossing project is a partnership involving DOC, Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit (Kānoa), Ngā Iwi o Taranaki and hapū which has seen several tracks across Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki upgraded. The Pouākai Hut has also been replaced.

The Taranaki Crossing is funded by the Provincial Growth Fund ($16.4 million), which is administered by Kānoa. Additional funding to support the project has been provided by DOC ($5.2 million).

Jacqui King, Taranaki Iwi representative, says the commencement of the final stage is a very exciting milestone for all partners involved.

“Mana whenua have been working tirelessly with our DOC and Kānoa teams to ensure each project – within the broader Taranaki Crossing project – is focused on protecting ngā maunga and providing manaaki (support) for manuhiri (visitors) throughout their journey.”

Jacqui says: “As kaitiaki (guardians) of this whenua, we hold a deep responsibility to care for this special place that sustain us all. This unique wetland is a taonga — a treasured ecosystem, rich with life and meaning.

“Over time, the growing number of visitors has placed stress on this delicate environment, and it is our duty to ensure it remains healthy for future generations.

“The extended and renewed boardwalk will allow people to continue to experience the beauty and mauri (life force) of this special place, without harming the fragile Taiao (water, soils and habitats) that lie beneath.”

Jacqui says the project partners look forward to welcoming visitors who share our respect of this unique landscape – those who walk gently, who listen and who understand that true connection to our natural word, comes with care.

“Patience and support from manuhiri (visitors) during this time of rebuild will help us improve the infrastructure to protect this special place so it can continue to thrive and inspire all who visit, for generations to come.”

DOC’s Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki Regional Director Tinaka Mearns says the tarns are a sensitive and significant wetland feature within Te-Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, offering visitors dramatic views of both the Pouākai Range and Taranaki Maunga.

“For many enjoying the walk, it’s a chance to get the iconic image of the maunga reflected in the tarns’ water,” Tinaka says. “It really is a fabulous peaceful location, which makes it so popular with visitors.”

Tinaka says about 120 m of boardwalk across the tarns will be replaced. At 1.2 m wide, the new boardwalk will be nearly twice as wide as the existing structures and will be elevated above the sensitive tarns at heights between 20 cm and 90 cm.

The construction will take about nine weeks – good weather allowing – and will mean staged closures of different sections of the boardwalk while work is completed. There will be no detours, to keep visitors off the sensitive plants which are found across the tarns, and people enjoying the walk are asked to alert contractor staff to their presence.

Tinaka says: “We do want to acknowledge the replacement of the boardwalk will mean some delays, and visitors may not be able to get that special photograph they’re after.

“But we’re confident the investment and this part of the project will deliver a memorable experience for visitors who’ll be out naturing when the work is completed – and we’d encourage them to come back another time.”

The Taranaki Crossing feasibility study in 2017 identified the project as expected to generate $3.70 million annually for the region’s economy in years to come.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Alleged burglars caught in the act

Source: New Zealand Police

It was a busy night for burglars in Manurewa overnight, with Police ruining the fun for a handful of alleged criminals.

Just after 11.30pm, a number of residents phoned Police to report a group of people attempting to enter properties on Avonglen Court, Wattle Farm Road and Glencalder Place.

Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Warrick Adkin, says shortly after another member of the public called Police in relation to a vehicle that was in the process of being abandoned.

“The vehicle hadn’t been reported stolen at the time, however a phone call to the registered owner confirmed it was stolen.

“The Police Eagle helicopter arrived quickly and observed a group of three people allegedly trespassing on properties and stealing clothing items.”

Inspector Adkin says Eagle directed staff on the ground to the suspects, who were taken into custody without incident.

“A 27-year-old man charged with burglary will appear in Manukau District Court today and two others, both 15, have been referred to Youth Aid.

“Police will continue to deploy a range of resources and tactics to respond to this sort of offending so that we can hold people to account.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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PM backs minister’s ‘pragmatic’ call to spend Kāinga Ora money on local bridge

Source: Radio New Zealand

Chris Bishop. Supplied

Senior minister Chris Bishop is rejecting criticism over a funding decision shifting Kāinga Ora money to a walking and cycling bridge in his electorate that he campaigned on, which the government cancelled.

Bishop – the minister for housing and transport, and Hutt South MP – agreed in March this year to Lower Hutt City Council’s request to reallocate funds earmarked for stormwater upgrades for the CityLink Bridge, a project he campaigned on.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins criticised the move, saying it did not pass the “sniff test” and was a “questionable and unaccountable” shifting of money.

The bridge between Melling Railway Station and Lower Hutt city centre was part of the wider RiverLink project.

The money was part of Kāinga Ora’s Infrastructure Acceleration Funding agreement with Lower Hutt City Council, designed to support housing developments by upgrading water infrastructure in the city.

Bishop said shifting the funds was a “pragmatic decision” driven by Lower Hutt City Council.

He said the council had come to him having identified an “underspend” with the infrastructure money and asked to transfer that to the CityLink Bridge.

“It’s actually pretty straightforward – the council asked for it, we agreed.”

He said the government had agreed to a similar request Hamilton City Council made last year, asking if money allocated for a cycleway could be put into water infrastructure instead.

Asked whether he should have recused himself from the Lower Hutt decision, Bishop said it was not unusual to make decisions impacting multiple portfolios and electorates.

“I don’t think there’s a conflict there.”

But Hipkins slammed the move as a “very questionable process”.

“It certainly doesn’t pass the sniff test in terms of having one minister, moving money from one portfolio that he’s responsible for, to another portfolio that he’s responsible for, for a project which he campaigned on in his own electorate, which his government cancelled.”

He said the government should not be re-allocating money away from stormwater upgrades to “prop up” a project it cancelled.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he backed Bishop’s decision as “pragmatic”.

“Also he took advice from the Cabinet Office and acted accordingly on that advice.”

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

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Dunedin homicide: Police seeking to identify man pictured

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating the death of a man in North Dunedin would like to speak with the man pictured as he may be able to assist in our enquiries.

A 36-year-old man was located deceased at a North Dunedin address on Great King Street at around 2pm on Friday 3 October.

“We believe that the man in the picture may have valuable information that can assist in our investigation,” says Detective Sergeant Reece Munro.

“While we have no reason to believe this man had any involvement in this matter, we are eager to speak with him as he may have crucial information.”

It is believed the man walked south on Great King Street, between St David Street and Union Street West at around 11am the day of the incident.

“We would also like to speak with anyone who may have information and is yet to speak with us.”

Detective Sergeant Munro says a 25-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Dunedin District Court on 16 December, charged with murder.

Information can be provided online through 105.police.govt.nz, clicking ‘Update Report’ or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number 251003/5165.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Speak up about family violence

Source: New Zealand Government

As a nation we must speak up and support each other to fix our nation’s tragic history of family violence. 

“All of us have an important part to play in preventing and responding to family violence, leading change and supporting friends and family to be safe and heal,” says Karen Chhour, Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence. 

“While government must lead any legal response to crimes, there is much we can do as communities and individuals to educate ourselves and help others. 

We know that people right across communities can see the signs of family violence, as communities and individuals it is on us to ask if a person is OK and help them get the support they need.   

I want people to seek help if they need it, and I want the helpers to know what to do if someone discloses violence to them. 

When people recognise that someone is experiencing violence, they should respond so that the affected person can get to safety and be supported to heal. 

People from all parts of society can be affected by family violence, and they usually seek help from family or friends before accessing more formal support services. 

If you want to help but don’t feel able to alone, there are services in nearly every community across the country who can help.

There is no shame in seeking help even if you think it’s not serious or the abuse has been going on for a long time. There are services that can help you, there’s great courage and strength in asking for help,” says Minister Chhour.