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Aoraki/Mt Cook car park charges confirmed

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  12 November 2025

DOC Director of Heritage and Visitors Catherine Wilson says the prices are similar to those set for sites at Punakaiki and Franz Josef/Waiau where carpark charging is also being trialled.

“The prices were decided on once we reviewed all the submissions from locals, tourism operators and businesses. They’ve been set in response to submitters’ calls for an initial free period, special consideration for locals, free parking for concessionaires, and a reasonable price for both regular users and occasional visitors,” she says.

The details of the car park fees are:

  • A free parking period for 20 minutes to allow for drop-offs/pick-ups or for staying a short time.
  • An hourly rate of $5 per hour
  • A daily rate of $25 per day
  • An annual pass for locals (within Mackenzie district boundaries) of $10 per vehicle per year, which allows for unlimited access during the year
  • An annual pass for other regular visitors for $60 per vehicle per year
  • Commercial tourism operators who hold a valid concession will be granted a parking fee exemption for the duration of the pilot.

Payment machines will be installed, and cameras will record the entry and exit of vehicles. Non-payment of parking fees will incur breach notices, which will be enforced by Stellar Projects, who have been appointed to install the paid parking hardware.

DOC’s estimated combined revenue from the three pilot sites of Punakaiki, Franz Josef and Aoraki Mt Cook is expected to be approximately $1.5 million over the 7-month pilot period (December 2025 to June 2026 inclusive).

Once the pilot is completed and the outcomes have been reviewed, a decision will be made whether to continue with paid parking at the three sites, and if it should be extended to other busy sites.

Catherine Wilson says the introduction of a paid parking programme enables visitors to contribute to the conservation facilities and naturing experiences they enjoy.

“This is standard practice at many national parks overseas, and most international visitors accept this as a necessary contribution to support amazing nature sites.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Arrests in Operation Reynard – Te Puke Murder Investigation

Source: New Zealand Police

 
Please attribute the following to Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown:

Police investigating the murder of Tristan Oakes in Te Puke on 25 October 2025 have today arrested a 24-year-old Te Puke man and charged him with murder.

This brings the total number of people charged with murder to three.

In addition, Police have charged three further men, aged 29, 30, and 33, all from Te Puke, with burglary.

All six men are scheduled to appear in Tauranga District Court this afternoon, Wednesday 12 November 2025.

Police would like to thank the community for their assistance and will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre 

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Thousands of indigenous educators to meet in Tāmaki Makaurau for event

Source: Radio New Zealand

It’s the first time in 20 years the global event has returned to Aotearoa. Supplied / WIPCE

Thousands of indigenous educators and leaders from around the world are set to gather in Tāmaki Makaurau next week for the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE).

It’s the first time in 20 years the global event has returned to Aotearoa, with more than 3800 delegates expected to attend.

Hosted by Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makaurau (AUT) and iwi manaaki Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the five-day conference will be held at the Aotea Centre from 16-20 November.

The event opens with a pōwhiri on Sunday, followed by a colourful ‘Parade of Nations’ along Queen Street, where representatives from more than 20 Indigenous cultures will march in official kākahu (attire).

WIPCE Co-Chairs Dr Noe Noe Wilson-Wong, Dr Bentham Ohia, Professor Damon Salesa and Professor Meihana Durie said the gathering celebrates indigenous unity and knowledge-sharing.

“WIPCE is about celebrating and affirming a shared sense of Indigenous determination and unity,” the co-chairs said in a joint statement.

“WIPCE is also a time to draw inspiration from the power of Indigenous ceremony, language, culture and scholarship and to reimagine the future of Indigenous education through sharing our deepest experiences, our distinctive histories and bold visions for the future.”

WIPCE Co-Chair Professor Meihana Durie said WIPCE unites Indigenous educators, scholars and champions from across the world. Supplied / WIPCE

Alongside their iwi manaaki of Ngāti Whātua Orākei, the chairs said they look forward to welcoming manuhiri to Aotearoa and in particular, to Tāmaki Makaurau, “a city that is home to the largest number of Pacific peoples in the world”.

Durie said the kaupapa provides a global platform for indigenous voices and aspirations.

“Although it is clear that indigenous rights remain under immense threat, this gathering unites indigenous educators, scholars and champions from across the world,” he said.

“Amplifying indigenous voices and aspirations to transcend barriers that limit our collective potential, and more importantly, to achieve transformative inter-generational outcomes for indigenous education worldwide.”

Durie said WIPCE is all about thinking about the future, and how to navigate it collectively as Indigenous people.

“Our greatest strength comes through our unification.”

The conference will feature keynote speakers including distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai-Smith, Professor Leonie Pihama, Dr Teina Rongo and actor-producer Cliff Curtis.

The kaupapa is set to deliver a major boost to the city’s economy, generating an estimated $8.275 million. Supplied / WIPCE

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill said WIPCE will also deliver a major boost to the city’s economy, generating an estimated $8.275 million and more than 16,600 visitor nights.

“In addition, this gathering reflects our identity as the world’s largest Māori and Polynesian city, enriched by more than 200 ethnicities. We are committed to sharing knowledge that connects us all.”

For those not attending the conference, a free public festival Te Ao Pūtahi will run in Aotea Square over the week, featuring kapa haka, live music, kai and workshops – all celebrating indigenous culture.

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

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Four new appointments to the TEC Board

Source: New Zealand Government

Vocational Education Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced four new member appointments to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). 

“I am pleased to appoint and welcome Emeritus Professor Sally Davenport MNZM, Dr Uluomato’otua (Ulu) Saulaulu Aiono ONZM, Mr Simon Flood and Mr Michael (Mike) Chapman as new members of the TEC Board,” Ms Simmonds says.

“These appointments will strengthen the TEC Board and ensure it has the skills and focus to drive the implementation of the Government’s priorities for the tertiary education and training system. 

“The new members will help ensure the Board provides the expert oversight needed to guide the TEC through re-establishing regional polytechnics, focusing investment on the skills employers need, and ensuring New Zealand’s universities remain at the forefront of research and innovation.”

Dr Alan Bollard CNZM will continue as Chair of the TEC Board, with Robin Hapi CNZM continuing as Deputy Chair. 

“I would like to acknowledge and thank the four departing TEC Board members for their service: Emeritus Professor Alastair MacCormick CNZM, Deidre Shea MNZM, Kirk Hope, and Samuela (Sam) Sefuiva.

“Each has contributed meaningfully to the tertiary education system during their tenure. I especially wish to recognise the longstanding service of Emeritus Professor MacCormick, who has been a member of the Board since May 2017.”

The new Board members have been appointed for a three-year term.

“I look forward to working with the refreshed Board as we head into 2026 with a clear focus on the TEC’s delivery and investment priorities,” Ms Simmonds says.

Notes for editors:

  • Emeritus Professor Sally Davenport MNZM has had a career working and leading at the forefront of research and innovation. She has held leadership roles with Victoria University of Wellington, the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology and as the Director of a National Science Challenge. She was also a member of Board of the Productivity Commission from 2011 to 2020 and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to science in the 2018 New Year’s Honours.
  • Dr Uluomato’otua (Ulu) Saulaulu Aiono ONZM is an innovator with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for South Auckland communities. He was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit and a member of the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame for his achievements in software development and business leadership and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Otago earlier this year. Dr Aiono is Chair of The Cause Collective, a large primary healthcare organisation and Whanau Ora commissioning agency. He has also previously served as a member of the councils of the Manukau Institute of Technology and Auckland University of Technology.
  • Mr Simon Flood is the Chair of Queenstown Airport and serves as Chair or director for a range of companies and trusts in the South Island, with these roles following an offshore career in investment management with Merrill Lynch.
  • Mr Michael (Mike) Chapman is the former Chief Executive of Horticulture New Zealand and Kiwifruit New Zealand, and a former director of the industry training organisation for primary industries. Prior to his roles in the horticultural sector, Mr Chapman held leadership roles with the Commerce Commission and the Auckland District Law Society. He has also been a Commander and Solicitor in the Royal New Zealand Navy. 
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Flood protection takes shape at Hakanui Straight, SH2

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A major flood resilience milestone has been reached near Te Karaka – the Hakanui Stream is now flowing through a newly built channel and large culvert.

Work is continuing at the project site on State Highway 2 north of Gisborne, to raise a stretch of flood-prone highway by 3 metres.

When completed, the 850 metre stretch of road will also have new drainage, a new culvert and safety barriers included.

The work is being delivered by Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) and local contractors, and is one of two projects which have been added to the recovery programme funded by savings found during other projects. The other project is Rototahe on SH35.

TREC Project Manager Richard Bayley says making these improvements will reduce the risk of future flooding, making the road safer, stronger and more reliable for everyday travel.

Traffic impact

Mr Bayley says crews are powering ahead, with a major traffic switch planned that will reopen two lanes to traffic.

“SH2 has been down to one lane while we installed culverts and built up the area alongside the highway.

“From Friday 21 November, traffic will shift onto a newly raised section so crews can start lifting the level of the existing highway, which is an exciting milestone. We’re a step closer to improving the resilience of this route.”

The traffic switch will see two lanes open to traffic, with a 30km/h speed limit in place.  This work is weather dependent, and the dates may change if needed.

From next week (Monday 17 November), the road will be down to one lane 24/7 while crews prepare for the change. Traffic management is in place. 

As the project progresses, drivers can expect further traffic switches and changes to traffic management. These will allow crews to install culverts, improve drainage, and carry out other resilience work.

Hakanui Stream realignment and new culvert in place

Hakanui stream had been diverted to allow crews to install the new 1.8 metre culvert. Before water entered its new path, Morehu Pewhairangi of Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki led a karakia to honour the mauri of the awa and acknowledge the significance of the shift.

Students from Te Karaka Area School visited the site to observe progress and take part in the blessing. Stones from the nearby Mangatū and Waikohu rivers were blessed and gifted to each crew member and local kura, who placed them at the base of the new Hakanui Stream.

“In te ao Māori, waterways are ancestors, living carriers of whakapapa and life force,” says Mr Pewhairangi.

“The karakia ensured the transition was made with cultural respect. It reflects the heart of this project: resilience built not just with rock and machinery, but with tikanga, partnership, and deep respect for the land.”

Hakanui Straight Flood Resilience

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Kevin the giraffe makes a cross-country trip

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kevin in the trailer ready to head off to Hamilton Zoo. Supplied

A curious and loving giraffe named Kevin is on a cross country road trip, travelling from Christchurch’s Orana Park to his new home at Hamilton Zoo.

He is just over two-years-old and is 4.3 metres tall and has been on the road since Tuesday, even boarding the Bluebridge Ferry last night.

The drive is no easy feat, with staff having to meticulously plan the route, avoiding low tunnels and windy roads.

Orana Wildlife Park spokesperson Nathan Hawke told Morning Report Kevin is joining a “bachelor herd” in Hamilton with 22-year-old Masamba and two-year-old Jabali.

“Kevin’s loving life but our crew are a little bit tired. He’s been an absolute trooper,” Hawke said.

Moving a giraffe is a “massive logistical exercise”, Hawke said, which involves a lot of staff including animal care and vets.

Zoo staff had to meticulously plan the route, avoiding low tunnels and windy roads, and were also reliant on good weather and calm seas to travel.

Kevin is in a specialised trailer for him that he can see out the top of.

“He’s enjoyed the scenic journey across New Zealand,” Hawke said.

Orana Park keepers will be staying with Kevin over the next few days to help him settle into his new home.

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

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Police following ‘strong’ leads in Wainoni shooting investigation

Source: Radio New Zealand

Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan said police were following strong lines of inquiry in relation to the shooting. RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon

Christchurch police are still hunting for the person who shot and badly injured a woman in the Christchurch suburb of Wainoni.

The woman was in a stable condition in hospital after being shot at a property in Shortland Street on Monday night.

The person fled in a car, in what is believed to be a gang-related shooting.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan said police were following strong lines of inquiry.

“Police would like to reassure the community this is believed to be an isolated incident with no increased risk to the public,” she said.

“The victim sustained a single gunshot and is in a stable condition in hospital. Police are concerned around the dangerous and violent act in public and have an increased presence in and around Christchurch as officers carry out reassurance patrols.”

Shortland Street woman Shirley Achari said she heard people yelling and then what she thought was fireworks on the night the woman was shot.

A neighbour heard shouting and what she thought were fireworks on the night of the shooting. RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon

“We heard but we didn’t come out to see what was happening because I thought it was a group of people shouting and yelling. Then the shooting one, we thought it was firecrackers,” she said.

Achari said she had often seen a young girl from the house going to school but otherwise did not know the family.

The shooting had come as a shock because the neighbourhood was usually very quiet, she said.

“I always tell everyone, my friends, that this is the quietest place and we are very safe and lucky to stay here in Shortland Street because we like quiet neighbours,” she said.

Police urged anyone with information to contact them on 105, quoting file number 251110/6195.

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

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Analysis: Andrew Coster’s fall from champion of progressive policing

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. Former police commissioner Andrew Coster RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Analysis – Once a liberal darling and champion of progressive policing, former police commissioner Andrew Coster has gone to ground, his reputation and legacy in tatters.

Coster is on leave from his role as chief executive of the government’s Social Investment Agency after a damning Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report identified “serious misconduct” among the upper echelons of police.

An employment process is now underway with the Public Service Commission.

Speaking at Parliament on Tuesday evening, Attorney General Judith Collins said the IPCA report identified a massive failure of leadership: “If this was me being named in this report, I would be ashamed of myself.”

Judith Collins speaking at Parliament on Tuesday. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Police Minister Mark Mitchell said Coster should “be held to account”, and the minister who appointed Coster to his current position, Nicola Willis, said she was “shocked and appalled” by the IPCA’s findings.

Coster has declined to speak to media. A spokesperson provided a brief statement to RNZ: “this is now an employment conversation”.

Coster’s fall …

The IPCA report paints a picture of a group of police executives seemingly blinded by loyalty to one of their own.

Coster and others dismissed repeated complaints from a young woman about former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming over many years, going back as far as 2018, but particularly in 2023 and early 2024.

Jevon McSkimming RNZ / Mark Papalii

Neither Coster, nor McSkimming, disclosed the allegations to the Public Service Commission when McSkimming was going through the appointment process for that deputy role in early 2023.

An investigation into the woman’s claims was finally launched in mid-2024, but only after police had already charged the woman with causing harm through the deluge of emails she had sent to McSkimming’s work email.

But the IPCA report said that investigation was not properly conducted and that it was was only notified of the allegations in October 2024.

That same month, Coster wrote to the IPCA to raise concern that its inquiries could “increase Jevon’s victimisation” and harm his chances during the appointment process for the top commissioner job.

Soon after, Coster convened a meeting with key players within police to ensure “natural justice” for McSkimming and to bring the investigation to “a rapid and premature conclusion”.

One staffer told the IPCA: “it was quite clear that [Coster] was very invested in Jevon becoming the next Commissioner.”

The IPCA report said senior decision-makers held “an entrenched view” that McSkimming was a victim rather than offender and were “unduly preoccupied” with protecting his future career prospects.

…after his rise

Coster was appointed as police commissioner in early March 2020, the youngest in the service’s history at age 44.

At the time, then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern commended Coster’s “positivity, inclusion and integrity”.

That word – “integrity” – comes up repeatedly in politicians’ descriptions of Coster.

He had not been considered a frontrunner for the top job, but boasted an impressive resume with considerable leadership experience within the police, as well as in law and with the Ministry of Justice.

Coster quickly got offside with the National Party – then in opposition – clashing with leader Simon Bridges and police spokesperson Mark Mitchell.

Bridges publicly declared Coster to be a “wokester” and suggested he was soft on gangs. Mitchell was openly critical of Coster’s advocacy for a “policing by consent” model.

But after National’s success in the 2023 election, new-prime minister Christopher Luxon took a different position, telling RNZ: “I’m not Simon Bridges, if you haven’t noticed.”

Coster continued with his five-year term as police commissioner, but finished up about six months early to take up a new role as Secretary for Social Investment.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell speaking at Parliament on Tuesday. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

It was seen as a win-win, with Mitchell keen to appoint a replacement more in line with his tough-on-crime rhetoric. In a social media, Mitchell said Coster had “served with integrity” and would be outstanding in the new role.

Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis said she was delighted by the appointment, having seen his “passion” for improving the lives of New Zealanders.

Luxon told reporters Coster had done an “exceptionally good job” as commissioner: “He has delivered big time for us.”

Then-Acting Public Service Commissioner Heather Baggott said Coster was a “proven leader with a pragmatic, realistic and delivery-focused approach to achieving change”.

“He is a highly respected and impressive public service leader who has considerable experience delivering initiatives to address complex social issues.”

Labour was also in favour of the appointment, with Carmel Sepuloni also noting his “integrity” and work ethic.

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

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Media Advisory: Police graduations in Porirua and Auckland

Source: New Zealand Police

Media are invited to attend the graduation ceremonies of recruit wings 389 in Wellington and 390 in Auckland this week.

The ceremonies mark the recruits’ completion of their initial training course and attestation as Police Officers.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and Associate Minister of Police Hon Casey Costello will attend both ceremonies, alongside the respective wing patrons.

Graduation of the New Zealand Police Cameron Leslie 389 Recruit Wing will take place at Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua at 10am tomorrow, Thursday 13 November.

Graduation of the New Zealand Police Sir John Key 390 Recruit Wing will be held at the Barfoot and Thompson Stadium in Auckland at 11am on Friday 14 November.

Details about statistics, prize winners and other recruits will be shared after graduation.

Media are requested to confirm their attendance at either ceremony by emailing the Police Media Centre: media@police.govt.nz

389 Wing Patron:

Cameron Leslie MNZM is a Kiwi Paralympian and Wheel Black from Whangārei.

He has broken world records and won gold medals at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games.

He debuted for New Zealand in 2006, and after having spent most of his career as a medley swimmer he switched to becoming a sprinter before the recent Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. At those Games, Cameron’s best finishes were two 4th placings where

he missed the podium by 0.13 and 0.24 of a second.

Cameron was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2009 New Year’s Honours, for services to swimming.

In wheelchair rugby Cameron is known as a mid-point player. This means he carries the ball a lot and is one of the generals on court. Recently he competed in Adelaide for the Wheel Blacks against teams from all over the world.

Among some of Cameron’s proudest achievements are helping the Wheel Blacks qualify for the 2020 Summer Paralympics, which Cameron did not attend due to Covid and the birth of his second child, and being a finalist for the global sporting awards The

Laureus Awards in 2023.

Currently Cameron lives in Whangārei with his wife and three children while working for Swimming New Zealand as the Disability and Para Swimming Participation Manager.

390 Wing Patron:

The Right Honourable Sir John Key was the 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2008 to December 2016, successfully leading the National Party to three election victories before retiring from politics at the end of 2016.

He led the country through the aftermath of the global financial crisis and a series of devastating earthquakes in Christchurch.

Sir John entered politics after a successful career in investment banking including nearly a decade in New Zealand, primarily with Bankers Trust, and a decade offshore with investment bank Merrill Lynch in London, Singapore and Sydney.

Sir John is married to Bronagh and has two adult children, Stephie and Max. He loves to cook, watch rugby, travel and play golf. He also has his helicopter pilot licence.

In 2017 he was made a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, which brings with it the title of Sir John.

He was also recognised by the Australian Government and has been appointed an Honorary Companion in the Order of Australia.

The University of Canterbury awarded Sir John an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce in 2017. He graduated from the university in 1983 with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accountancy.

Sir John keeps busy by contributing to several boards, he chairs the Board of Oritain Global (NZ) and the Advisory Board for Bolt Group (Australia), and he is an advisor to a range of organisations. He also engages in public speaking events throughout New Zealand, Australia and the world.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Fire crews put in ‘grunt’ work to dampen down Tongariro fire hotspots

Source: Radio New Zealand

Diggers at work at the site of the fire on Tuesday. RNZ/Jimmy Ellingham

Combined Fire and Emergency and Department of Conservation crews are continuing to put in the ‘grunt work’ on Wednesday dampening down hotspots in the aftermath of the fire that tore through almost 3000 hectares of Tongariro Park at the weekend.

FENZ incident controller Nigel Dravitski said the headquarters for the fire response had shifted to Whakapapa Village as responsibility for its management transitioned to DOC.

About 35 crews were flying out to the fire ground in a helicopter based at the Chateau Tongariro car park.

“There’s good conditions today so we’ve got crews that have entered the fire ground and are continuing to do their monitoring and controlling.”

Dravitski said they were looking for sources of heat or fire from 30m back from the fire across its 35 kilometre perimeter.

“It involves a lot of hard mahi, so digging out and turning out holes. They have things called scotty packs, so they can squirt water into those holes to cool them and take the energy out of them.

“Just really a whole lot of grunt work to be honest.”

Dravitski said crews had a successful day on Tuesday following up on thermal imaging data.

“The crews covered a wide area of the fire scene and it was pleasing there was not a lot of sources of fire, so no active flames or smoke but some heat spots that were very minor in the context of the landscape.

He said so far thermal imaging had found very few areas of concern.

Firefighters were continuing to battle the Tongariro National Park wildfire on Monday. Fire and Emergency NZ

FENZ investigations into how the fire started continue to be focused on a stretch of State Highway 47 close to the entrance of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

“That continues to be a point of interest for them and they are continuing their investigation at that point, so we are securing that scene while so they can undertake those tasks.”

A police officer was on site and dozens of coloured flags could be seen planted on the scorched bush beside the road.

Dravitski said any results from that investigation would be some days away.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing and tracks in the vicinity of Whakapapa Village remain closed until at least Monday next week.

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