NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealanders can now access trusted primary healthcare around the clock, no matter where they are in the country, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.  

“A new 24/7 digital health service, launched today, means people can have virtual consultations with New Zealand-registered doctors and nurses, anytime, anywhere,” Mr Brown says.  

“This is about making sure Kiwis can get the medical help they need when they need it, especially when they can’t get a timely appointment with their regular general practitioner (GP), or outside normal clinic hours.”  

The service connects patients to clinicians through trusted providers using secure digital technology. Doctors and nurse practitioners can assess symptoms, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and provide referrals – all from wherever the patient is. 

Since its pilot launch in May, nearly 4,500 New Zealanders have already accessed the digital service, which is now fully available to the public.

“This means people can receive professional medical advice and treatment when they need it – no matter where they are or what time it is, including: 

• A mother with a sick child in the middle of the night
• Someone waking up with a sudden rash on a public holiday
• A farmer in rural New Zealand needing help after hours
• A family on holiday in a different part of the country
• Someone not enrolled with a local GP. 

“It also helps ease pressure on emergency departments by treating non-urgent issues earlier and in the right setting. 

“This digital service is giving people greater access to the care they need, but does not replace the critical role of GPs, who are responsible for their patients’ continuity of care. It ensures care is available when and where it’s needed, helping bridge the gap when traditional access to a GP isn’t possible. 

“That’s why providers will be required to send clinical notes back to a patient’s GP after an appointment. This ensures safe, consistent treatment and strengthens follow-up care, and is about delivering connected care New Zealanders can trust. 

“At the same time, we’re backing GPs with a record up to 14 per cent funding boost this year to support the critical work they do in our communities. 

“Our Government is focused on ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare. That includes investing in digital solutions to make primary care more responsive and connected,” Mr Brown says.  

The 24/7 online GP service is now live at info.health.nz/onlinegp, with full details on pricing and how to access care through approved providers, including their operating hours. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police is celebrating the opening of the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) Auckland Campus.

The RNZPC Auckland Campus was formally opened this morning by Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Minister of Police Mark Mitchell and Associate Minister of Police Casey Costello.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says the new facilities leased from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University allow Police to hold senior training courses and have the added bonus of a recruit wing.

“I have made it clear my expectation is for high standards. That starts the moment a recruit walks into Police College and continues throughout their policing career.

“To ensure those expectations are met and our front line is supported, ongoing training is essential, and the Auckland Campus will be important for holding our senior courses.

“In recent years we have had to provide more senior courses online and in districts to improve efficiency and to free up space for recruit training at RNZPC in Wellington.

“However, that is not possible for some courses and bringing people together in person is an important opportunity for staff to learn from each other as well.”

Since signing the lease, a huge amount of planning and organisation has gone into making the space fit-for-purpose in time for courses to begin on 30 June. The first senior course at the Auckland Campus, a Leadership and Development group conference, has begun. 

The facility includes multiple classrooms, a locker room, storage space, offices, car parks and dorm rooms. Police also has access to other facilities including the gym and recreation centre.

RNZPC Auckland is also being used for recruit wing 390 which has 40 recruits.

The Patron for Wing 390 is former Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Sir John Key.

Commissioner Chambers says: “Being away from home for 20 weeks to attend recruit training in Wellington has been a deterrent for some people wanting to join Police.

“Offering training in Auckland is one of the things we can do to attract as many quality applications as possible.

“Aside from appealing to people who live in Auckland, Wing 390 has a large number of recruits from Northland who will be based in the dorms.

“Northland has been one of our priority districts for recruitment and offering training closer to home has been a real drawcard.”

The Auckland recruits will need to spend about five weeks in Porirua for elements of training we cannot do in Auckland, but being able to do the bulk of the course in Auckland gives them their chance at a career they wanted.

“We will consider the possibility of future recruit wings later in the year depending on demand and the schedule for senior courses,” Commissioner Chambers says.

“Having a Police College campus in our largest city is a significant opportunity for us to continue developing world-class police officers and growing our frontline police presence.

“New Zealand Police offers exciting career progression and more than 30 different career paths.

“Whether you’re taking your first steps into the workforce or considering a career change, the best time to apply is right now.”

If you are ready to start your training for one of the most rewarding careers there is, visit newcops.govt.nz to apply today.

ENDS.

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Counties Manukau District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray:

Police are formally releasing the name of the man who died in a fatal crash in Manurewa on Friday, 27 June.

Today, he can be named as Iu Toalua, aged 45, of Auckland.

Police extend our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

A 56-year-old man has been charged with driving dangerously causing death, dangerous driving causing injury and driving while forbidden has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Manukau District Court on 18 July.

Police enquiries will continue, and further charges cannot be ruled out as we investigate further.

While matters are before the Court, we can advise that parties in both vehicles were known to each other.

Police are continuing to ask any witnesses with information or footage to come forward.

If you have information, please update Police online now or call 105.

Please use reference number 250627/8090 or cite ‘Operation Highbury’.

ENDS

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has today introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill to the House of Representatives.
“The Online Casino Gambling Bill will introduce a regulatory system for online gambling in New Zealand, which will prioritise harm minimisation, consumer protection, and tax collection,” says Ms van Velden.
Cabinet has previously agreed to introduce new legislation to regulate the online casino gambling market, which is currently unregulated in New Zealand. Key features of the Bill include:

Up to 15 licences for online casino gambling operators will be auctioned
Companies applying for a licence will need to provide detailed information to the regulator, including on their business plans for New Zealand
Licensed operators will be allowed to advertise, with restrictions
Unlicensed operators will be prohibited and fines up to $5 million may be applicable for breaking the law

Detailed regulations about advertising and harm minimisation standards are currently being developed and will set out the specific requirements that operators must abide by.
“The Bill will proceed to select committee later this year and New Zealanders will have the ability to have their say through the select committee process.”
The introduction of the Bill meets action 21 on the Coalition Government’s Quarter Two Action Plan. The Bill is publicly available here: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2025/0178/latest/LMS1449135.html

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is introducing specific coward punch offences to ensure perpetrators receive tougher sentences, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“A ‘coward punch’ gets its name for obvious reasons. These attacks affect everyday Kiwis and are often committed by cowardly attackers, who strike when the victim is distracted. 
“We know how dangerous they are. People can be killed or suffer lifelong brain injuries, yet perpetrators often receive lenient and insufficient sentences.
“This fulfils a commitment in the National/New Zealand First coalition agreement, to introduce legislation to create an offence for anyone who injures or kills someone with a coward punch.
“Specific offences will ensure the consequence reflects the gravity of the crime.
“It builds on our plan to restore law and order, which we know is working, and will help reduce the number of victims of violent crime.”
The charges and penalties are:

An assault offence for one punch attacks which cause grievous bodily harm with associated maximum penalties of:

Eight years imprisonment when the offender intended to cause injury or acted with reckless disregard for safety,
Fifteen years imprisonment when the offender intended to cause grievous bodily harm.

A culpable homicide offence for a one punch attack which results in death with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Both new offences will be added to the Three Strikes Regime. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police is speaking with a man in connection with a homicide investigation underway in Ōtāhuhu.

Enquiries began after a callout to Beatty Street at about 8.30pm on Sunday night, to reports of a person being seriously injured.

A man was transported to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

Detective Inspector Karen Bright, of Counties Manukau CIB, says the investigation team took a man into custody this afternoon.

“We are currently speaking to the 31-year-old as part of our enquiries,” she says.

“This is positive progress in our investigation and at this point we are not seeking anyone else.”

Police anticipate confirmation of charging decisions tomorrow morning.

“Other aspects of our enquiry will continue, with a scene examination and a post-mortem examination to be carried out,” Detective Inspector Bright says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is encouraging rugby fans to plan ahead for extra traffic and potential delays as thousands descend on Dunedin for the test match between the All Blacks and France this Saturday.

“A lot of people will be travelling to the city ahead of the big match, particularly on State Highway 1 from Christchurch, and with it also being school holidays, the roads are going to be busy. So, give yourself plenty of travel time,” says NZTA Otago journey manager Nicole Felts.

“If you are travelling from outside of Dunedin, be aware of the weather forecasts and check out our Journey Planner site so you know about any state highway closures or restrictions in place. It looks at this stage like there might be some rain about Dunedin leading into match day. And at this time of year, there’s always a chance of snow, ice, or flooding from heavy rain causing disruption on roads leading to Dunedin.”

“Remember in winter driving conditions to think about adjusting your speed and travelling distances, being visible and avoiding sudden braking or turning movements.”

Winter driving advice 

The areas in and around Forsyth Barr Stadium and Dunedin’s Octagon and hospitality areas will also be busy in the lead-up to the test match.   

“Parking restrictions will be in place around Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday, including the temporary closure of parts of Anzac Avenue, Frederick Street and Ward Street,” Miss Felts says.

“Remember the closer you park to the stadium, the longer it will take you to leave the area after the match.”

Otago Regional Council and Dunedin City Council are providing a variety of free buses and parking facilities for rugby fans on the day of the match.

Free buses for match ticket holders will be available on four Orbus services that stop near the stadium. Free buses from the Octagon will run in a loop from outside the Dunedin Public Art Gallery to the Forth Street Bus Hub starting at 4.30pm, and continuing until kick-off. Return trips to the Octagon will begin at 9.30pm from the Forth Street Bus Hub. Train, and Park and Ride services, will also be available.  

More information

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government today classified the flooding across the Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough regions as a medium-scale adverse event unlocking extra support for flood-affected farmers and growers Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson say.

“Last week’s deluge damaged infrastructure such as livestock fences, culverts, and tracks, and left pasture and orchards covered in silt and flood debris,” Mr McClay says.

“The Government is making up to $100,000 available to support and coordinate recovery efforts, including up to $20,000 for the Top of the South Rural Support Trust. The remainder of the funding will be made available to other organisations that work with farmers and growers on-the-ground.

“Today’s classification unlocks further support for farmers and growers, including tax relief. It also enables MSD to consider Rural Assistance Payments and activating Enhanced Taskforce Green.”

This funding is on top of $100,000 already contributed by the Government to the Mayoral Relief Fund.

Mr Patterson is encouraging flood-affected farmers and growers to seek support if they need it and to monitor the weather forecast.

“It’s important to help those farmers and growers and rural communities now facing a big clean-up effort, such as fixing damaged fences,” Mr Patterson says.

“The government, via Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) On Farm Support will continue to work closely with sector groups and the Rural Support Trust to determine where the need is and how the funding will be allocated.

“Farmers and growers will face many months of work to get back on track. We will continue to assess what further support is needed to assist recovery efforts.

“There is a risk of further rain this week. We are encouraging farmers to stay informed through MetService forecasts and to take necessary precautions, such as moving livestock to higher ground.”

Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died after a crash involving a truck and car on Cambridge Road in Waipa.

Emergency services were called to the scene, between Storey and Cox roads, about 11.25am.

Despite the best efforts of first responders, the driver of the car died at the scene.

Police are providing support to the person’s family.

The section of Cambridge Road remains closed and the Serious Crash Unit is carrying out a scene examination.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre