NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Department of Internal Affairs [the Department] has made significant progress in tackling scams in New Zealand, with a 62 per cent drop in reports of SMS scams in 2024 from 2023, following the Department’s investigations into scammers.
The Department’s 2024 Digital Messaging Transparency Report, published this week, details some of the actions the Department has taken to catch people perpetrating scams, including by conducting search warrants and seizing equipment.
“Scams cause serious financial and emotional harm, often preying on vulnerable people in our communities. I’m pleased the Department’s work is making a real impact in reducing scams and holding perpetrators accountable,” says Ms van Velden.
In 2024 the Department received over 103,000 reports of SMS scams, conducted six search warrants, and seized almost $400,000 worth of scam equipment as well as $162,000 in cash. One of the search warrants resulted in the arrest of a 19-year-old Auckland man and the seizure of a cell site simulator. A cell site simulator is a false cell tower which tricks nearby mobile devices into connecting to the fraudulent network so that scam text messages can be sent to the connected phones.
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson, who is the lead anti-scams Minister, welcomes the report’s findings and highlights the Government’s increasing focus on keeping New Zealanders safer from scammers.
“Online financial scams cause significant harm to New Zealanders – reported losses have been nearly $200 million a year, but some estimate this to be as high as $2 billion. Often scams affect the more vulnerable people in our community and our loved ones. We are taking action to change this. I intend to make announcements in due course on further work we intend to do to reduce scams across New Zealand,” says Mr Simpson.
“The prevalence of scams also hurts the wider economy, as people become less comfortable with transacting online. Building back people’s trust by reducing scams is part of rebuilding the economy and reducing the cost of living,” says Ms van Velden.
The report is available at: https://www.dia.govt.nz/Spam-Transparency-reports

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s ensuring some of New Zealand’s most isolated schools get the pipeline of teachers they need to teach the basics brilliantly.

“For most new teachers, school placements play a significant role in deciding where they choose to teach once they qualify as a teacher. We know rural and isolated schools struggle to fill these rolls. This Government is helping address that so more children benefit from excellent teachers in the classroom,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

$494,000 will fund “Go Rural: Isolated Placements Fund” – an initiative that contributes to the costs student teachers incur. Up to 123 student teachers in their final year of study will be eligible for a payment of $4,000 to take up a professional experience placement in a rural or isolated school.

“We know students’ factor in additional accommodation, childcare and travel costs for when they choose where they undertake their placement. This investment will make it easier for them to take up placements in some of our most unique communities.

Applications for the fund will be available in early 2026.

“This is just one of several initiatives we have put in place to ensure more Kiwi kids benefit from quality teaching and leadership in the classroom. Through Budget 2025 we are expanding the School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP) by 530 places, supporting up to 800 teachers to access an Aspiring Principal Programme and funding approximately 115,000 teacher registrations and practicing certificates.

“We are committed to supporting our incredible teachers. By growing the skills and knowledge in our workforce, our tamariki have the very best chance to thrive at school and beyond,” Ms Stanford says.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have closed a section of White Swan Road in Mt Roskill in response to an ongoing family harm incident.

Cordons are in place between the intersections with Ellis Ave and Richardson Road.

Police are attempting to engage with an individual in a nearby residence.

The community can be reassured the matter is contained, and there is no wider risk.

Further updates will follow when information is available.

ENDS.

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now advise that the death of a woman in Leslie Hills Drive, Riccarton yesterday was not suspicious.

The woman was located critically injured in a car park, likely as a result of a medical event, and tragically died while being transported to hospital.

A scene guard that was in place in the car park has been stood down and the woman’s death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Phil Wilkinson

Rotorua Police can confirm the man who was found critically injured following a crash on Edmund Road has died in hospital.

The man was found critically injured after having been struck by a motorcycle when crossing a designated pedestrian crossing.

Emergency services were called to the crash on Sunday 15 June at around 2.15pm, where the man was located and transported to hospital.

Sadly, as a result of the injuries received in the incident the 24-year-old man died in hospital yesterday surrounded by family.

Police and Victim Support are providing support to his family at this difficult time.

We are still working to determine the circumstances of the crash, and the events leading up to it.

Investigators are continuing to comb through evidence and information provided by the public, and urge anyone with information who has not yet contacted us to please do so.

A number of people were in the area and witnessed the crash, and we would like to speak with them and obtain any video and still images people may have of the incident.

Today, Police are releasing four additional images of the motorcycle and its rider, in the hope that members of the community will recognise them and contact Police.

The motorbike is believed to have been damaged in the crash, with damage to the front fairing. Family, friends, neighbours will notice a difference in the motorbike with either damage, changes to the bike or a motorbike that had previously been ridden in the street is now not being seen in the neighbourhood.

If you are the rider or know who the rider is, please get in touch with us – do the right thing. The events of this incident will be weighing heavily on the rider’s mind. It is important that they come forward and speak to us.

Police are thankful for the positive response from the community and the information that has been provided so far.

As the man’s family are dealing with the death of their loved one, we ask that any information is sent to Police to ensure the family can grieve in private.

You can provide information online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number 250615/1168.

You can also provide information through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 7, Stillwater is currently closed at the intersection with Taylorville Road following a crash.

Just after 12pm, Police were notified that a vehicle had collided with a stationary vehicle.

One person has sustained minor injuries.

Diversions are in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced new sanctions on crucial enablers of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.

This latest round of sanctions targets actors involved in Russia’s military-industrial complex, supporters from North Korea, Iran, and Belarus, as well as vessels that are part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’.

“New Zealand must continue to hold Russia and its enablers accountable. Military support from actors in North Korea, Iran, and Belarus has helped Russia sustain its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,” Mr Peters said.

These new sanctions target a further 18 individuals and entities who have been assisting Russia’s war efforts.

In addition, 27 ‘shadow fleet’ vessels have also been designated. Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ enablers are involved in illegal activities to avoid sanctions, including through the transport of Russian oil at above the G7 Plus oil price cap, which New Zealand adopted last year.

“The designation of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ reflects a joint effort with likeminded international partners to prevent sanctions evasion and to maintain the pressure on Russia in support of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine,” Mr Peters says.

Since the Russia Sanctions Act entered into force in March 2022, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on more than 1,800 individuals, entities, and shipping vessels, along with a range of trade measures. 

More information about sanctions, travel bans, and export controls against Russia, as well as diplomatic, military and economic support to Ukraine, can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website here

Source: New Zealand Government

Today’s surprise economic result is great news for workers, families and businesses, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said today.
“Stats NZ reported today that the economy grew 0.8 per cent in the first three months of the year, twice the rate forecast by the Treasury and the Reserve Bank a short time ago. 
“This is the second consecutive quarter in which growth outstripped forecasters’ assumptions and confirms the economy was gaining momentum late last year and at the start of this year.
“Since then, global conflict has increased and new tariffs have been introduced, but New Zealanders should take heart that the country is back on track after six years of economic mismanagement that fuelled inflation, discouraged investment and ratcheted up prices.
“I know many households and businesses are still doing it tough but the steps the Government has taken to stop wasteful spending, grow the economy and provide more support to households are paying dividends. So are the efforts of the private sector.
“It is also pleasing to see that Gross Domestic Product per person grew by 0.5 per in the quarter, the highest rate since September 2022 and the second consecutive quarter of growth after eight quarters of negative or no growth.  
“Inflation is down, interest rates are down, and many families have a little more money in their pockets. 
“That money is flowing through to business tills aided by the steps the Government has taken to reduce red tape, incentivise investment and boost tourism, and the export records being set by New Zealand farmers and growers,” Nicola Willis says.     

Source: NZCTU

Data released by Stats NZ today shows that the economy grew on a quarterly basis by 0.8% but fell on an annual basis by 1.1% said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney. “This is positive data for the first quarter of this year, but the fact that the economy is about the same size it was in March 2023 tells you that essentially we have had almost zero economic growth (0.3%) over the past two years.”

“GDP per capita ($52,872) is now lower than it was in March 2022 ($53,100). It took another fall on an annual basis of 2.4%. There were falls in 11 of the 16 sectors of the economy annually – led by construction (-9.3%), wholesale trade (-3.6%) , and business services (-2%). Both goods producing industries and service industries saw contraction this year.”

“The data shows that workers incomes aren’t keeping up with profits. Stats NZ shows that compensation of employees rose 1.5% this quarter before inflation. Gross operating surplus and gross mixed incomes (a broad measure of profit) rose 2%. Employee compensation was revised down in the December quarter to -0.2%.”

“The lack of business confidence in the economy is present in the business investment data. Business investment fell this year. Non-residential building investment fell 2.9%. Transport equipment purchases fell 6%. Households are feeling it to, with purchase of durable goods being lower than they were in December 2023,” Renney said.

“This data shows us how far we fell over the past year in economic terms. The growth in GDP this quarter is welcome – but the economy is still smaller than at the election in real terms. With more recent data suggesting that the economy is struggling to grow, there is a real danger that we return to slow, no, or negative growth.”

“It’s time for the Government to realise that its economic growth plan isn’t working. There are 23,000 more people on Jobseekers this year. 48% of workers in New Zealand got a pay cut in real terms. Business and consumer confidence are at levels associated with recessions. One quarter of data shouldn’t blind the government of the need for change.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

A total of 180 overseas-trained doctors have expressed interest in a new Government-funded training programme aimed at boosting New Zealand’s primary care workforce, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“New Zealand needs more doctors – particularly in primary and rural healthcare care settings – and this Government is taking action to make that happen,” Mr Brown says.
“That’s why we’ve launched a new two-year training programme to support up to 100 additional overseas-trained doctors across the country.”
Announced in March, the programme supports qualified international doctors to become registered in New Zealand, with a particular focus on those wanting to enter general practice roles – creating a clear pathway for doctors already in the country and ready to contribute to our health system.
“It makes no sense that overseas-trained doctors already living here, ready and willing to work in primary care, are held back simply due to a lack of supported clinical training opportunities. We are changing that.”
Applications for the programme closed on 31 May, with 184 expressions of interest received – well exceeding the number of places available. The first group of 10 overseas-trained doctors will begin in Waikato this July, with Health New Zealand currently working to match the remaining placement locations with district and primary care providers.
“This strong response shows the scale of untapped potential in New Zealand. These doctors are eager to work where they are most needed – and this Government is opening the door for them to do so.
“I’ve also requested advice from Health New Zealand on how to provide clear, structured pathways for doctors who have passed the NZREX to begin practising under limited scopes while they wait for a placement in general practice training.
“This is part of our broader plan to strengthen primary and rural healthcare and ensure New Zealanders get timely access to the care they need, no matter where they live,” Mr Brown says.