NZ-AU: Perseus secures approvals for underground mining at Yaoure

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September 19, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Construction has begun on the State Highway 2 (SH2) Melling Transport Improvements Road of Regional Significance that will create a safer, more resilient and accessible transport system in Lower Hutt, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Turning the sod on the Melling Interchange is a huge step forward for a project that has been a long time coming. It’s going to be transformational for Lower Hutt – reducing congestion, improving safety, boosting public transport and active transport, and driving economic growth,” Mr Bishop says.

“After so many years of waiting, it’s exciting to see the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), working with AECOM and Fletcher Construction, getting shovels in the ground.

“This project is part of a wider programme led by central and local government to boost economic growth in Lower Hutt, while also strengthening resilience and protection against floods and severe weather.

“Every day around 40,000 vehicles travel north and south of Melling on the state highway, making it one of the busiest intersections in Lower Hutt and a major choke point for commuters and freight.

“The project will deliver a new grade-separated Melling interchange and a bridge over the Hutt River, alongside upgrades to walking and cycling routes. It will also improve access to buses and trains through relocating the Melling train station south of its current site, complete with new park-and-ride facilities.

“The wider $1.5 billion RiverLink programme also includes major flood protection works and city centre revitalisation, with funding contributions of about $1 billion from NZTA, $295 million from Greater Wellington Regional Council, and $180 million from Hutt City Council.”

The Melling interchange and bridge construction is expected to be complete in 2031, with demolition of the old bridge to follow in 2032.

Foreign Minister to travel to New York as UN turns 80

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September 19, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Foreign Minister Winston Peters is travelling to New York this weekend to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

“The 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations is an important moment for reflection about the state of the international, rules-based system that New Zealand has long championed,” Mr Peters says.

“New Zealand was a founding member of the United Nations and we have always argued that all states – no matter their size – should have a say in how the world operates. But there is no doubt that the scale, complexity and persistence of the challenges facing the world are putting immense stress and strain on the United Nations. New Zealand, working with partners, needs to continue to press for reforms to ensure the United Nations can rise to the world’s challenges as humanity enters the second quarter of the 21st Century.”

While in New York, Mr Peters will attend the Two State Solution conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, participate in a number of thematic and geographic events, hold a range of bilateral meetings with Foreign Minister counterparts and senior UN officials, and deliver New Zealand’s national statement to the UN General Assembly.

“Major conflicts – including in Ukraine, Gaza, South Sudan and Myanmar – loom large as world leaders gather in New York next week. Our time in New York will be an ideal opportunity to gather information about how a broad range of partners are viewing and tackling the challenges facing the world – to help inform our own policy positions on a number of issues.

“This includes the complex issue of the recognition of Palestine, which New Zealand has approached cautiously and deliberately over months. Next week’s engagements will help us to finalise New Zealand’s position on this important issue, drawing on the latest available information.”

Mr Peters departs for New York on Sunday 21 September, and will return to New Zealand on Tuesday 30 September.

Remediated mine becomes new Reefton attraction

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September 19, 2025

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date: 19 September 2025

The new public recreation area includes 22 km of tracks to and within part of the previously closed and rehabilitated OceanaGold Globe Progress mine site just outside of Reefton.

The Globe Hill Track and Globe Progress Mine tracks and visitor facilities, including a shelter, interpretation panels telling the story of the site, and toilets, have been developed by OceanaGold after almost 10 years working the area in search of gold. They provide a distinctive experience where people can get into nature and learn about the area’s recent mining heritage says Chris Hickford, DOC Greymouth District Operations Manager.

“This area offers a unique look at the mine site rehabilitation following mining activity. It will be a great addition to the already popular visitor experiences Reefton offers and attract people to the area.

“The tracks have been built to deliver great opportunities for walkers and bikers to get “naturing”. The track to Globe Progress starts on the outskirts of Reefton benefiting visitors and the local community, who can enjoy this new recreation asset right on their doorstep.”

Alison Paul, OceanaGold Senior Vice President, NZ Legal and Public Affairs says the company is really pleased with the end result.

“The tracks are the result of extensive work with DOC and iwi. It’s a great addition to the local track network, as well as opening up the rehabilitated mine site to the public.”

Part of OceanaGold’s agreement with DOC to access the area required the company to ensure the site was restored once operations concluded in 2016. As well as removing mine infrastructure and landscaping, the area has been extensively replanted with plants grown from seed taken from the area.

OceanaGold continues to work on mine remediation and water treatment at the site while this is necessary, including maintaining and using the otherwise closed access road while this work is underway.

Find out more about the Globe Progress Mine tracks:

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

Funding to support events marking Waitangi Day

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September 19, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Up to $300,000 of contestable funding is now available to support community events celebrating our national day and commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund supports community groups as they reflect on our shared history and the contributions of all cultures represented in New Zealand today.

“It supports events that bring New Zealanders together to recognise and celebrate all aspects of our national identity, on our national day, including the Treaty of Waitangi and its signing.

“This is a day that should be commemorated not only at Waitangi where the Treaty was first signed, but throughout the country – recognising that the Treaty itself travelled across our country.

“Many well-established events are delivered by communities across the country each year, which are treasured by the thousands of New Zealanders who attend them. New applicants are always welcome and encouraged to propose new ways for New Zealanders to participate in Waitangi Day events in their community.

“I encourage community groups, tangata whenua, and local councils to work together to organise local events that bring people and community together on our national day.”

Applications for the Fund are now open and close on Monday 20 October 2025.

New Dunedin Hospital construction contract signed

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September 19, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown has today announced that the contract for the construction of Dunedin Hospital’s new inpatient building has been signed with CPB Contractors Limited.

“Delivering this inpatient building is a key priority for the Government. In January this year, I gave the people of Dunedin certainty that it would be built on the old Cadbury site, and in July construction work resumed,” Mr Brown says.

“Under the previous government’s plans, the project risked a $3 billion blowout. We’ve reset the approach and strengthened planning to ensure we actually deliver the safe, modern hospital that Dunedin and the surrounding Otago and Southland regions deserve.

“The $1.88 billion New Dunedin Hospital programme is New Zealand’s single biggest health infrastructure project and an economic boost for the region.

“Construction of the inpatient building will provide more than 900 FTE jobs and contribute around $100 million annually to Dunedin’s economy at the peak of construction.

“I am pleased to confirm CPB Contractors Limited as the main construction partner for the delivery of this building.

“CPB has been involved from the early days, working closely with Health New Zealand’s design team on pre-construction activities. With their experience in New Zealand and Australia, we are pleased to have a contractor in place who has the appropriate experience to manage a project of this scale and complexity – approximately 72,000 sqm of space.

“This project is highly complex, which is why we have also put in place a Crown Manager to oversee delivery and ensure CPB completes it on time and within budget.”

Construction resumed at the former Cadbury site in July, beginning with foundations and pile caps. A crane will be in the sky mid-next year, with the hospital due for practical completion in 2030 and open to patients in 2031.

“This Government’s record investment reflects our commitment to delivering a modern, fit-for-purpose hospital that meets the needs of future generations and can adapt to changing models of care.

“With the main contractor now in place, the people of Dunedin, Otago, and Southland can finally look forward to the modern, world-class hospital they need, and now will get,” Mr Brown says.

Warrant to arrest – Junior Nelson

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September 19, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are working to locate Junior Israel Nelson, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.

Nelson, 53, is wanted in relation to burglary and retail offending and is believed to be in the wider Auckland or Northland regions.

If you have seen Nelson or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250826/9163.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Police aware of planned gang event in Hawke’s Bay

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September 19, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Senior Sergeant Andrew Knox, Eastern Area Response Manager:

Police are aware of a planned gathering of gang members in Waipawa on Sunday and Monday.

As is standard with these events, Police have been proactively engaging with the organisers to ensure activity remains lawful and public disruption is minimalised.

Police would like to reassure Waipawa residents that plans are in place to ensure safety during the planned event.

If anybody witnesses any illegal or dangerous activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report via 105 if it is after the fact.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

Celebrating 132 Years of Women’s Suffrage

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September 19, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The 132^nd anniversary of Suffrage Day is a tribute to all those who have contributed to New Zealand’s progress for women and girls, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says.

“New Zealand can be very proud of what we have achieved, and we should all celebrate and honour the suffrage legacy, 132 years since New Zealand became the first nation where women gained the right to vote.

“This Government is proud to be driving real outcomes for women and girls in New Zealand.

“In the last 12 months, New Zealand’s gender pay gap has decreased from 8.2 percent to 5.2 percent – the lowest it has been since reporting began in 1998.

“Last year I launched the first ever government-backed gender pay gap calculation toolkit to support business to address their gender pay gaps. We continue to have strong engagement from the business community as we develop the second iteration of resources.

“Women’s representation on public sector boards remains strong at above 50 percent for the fifth year in a row, and women continue to be well-represented in Board chair positions at 44.5 percent.

“In May I launched the new Free to Lead toolkit to support women and their employers tackle the impact of online harm and support women to engage online with confidence.

“Improving health outcomes for women and girls is also a priority. Recent Government initiatives to support women’s health include extending free breast screening to women aged 70-74, funding of $4.9 million to ensure women and their families have better access to mental health support in under-served regions, and funding to grow the rural health workforce, including frontline rural mental wellbeing services.

“I’m spending Suffrage Day in Christchurch – the heart of the suffrage movement – attending events that reflected on how far we’ve come, and what we have yet to do to achieve true equality.

“I want all women to have equal choice and equal opportunities across all areas of life. This Suffrage Day I say thank you to all women and girls for your many contributions that make New Zealand a better place.”

Tourism Minister to lead delegation to China

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September 19, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston will travel to China on Monday to lead an industry delegation on a tourism-focused trade mission.

The delegation will travel to Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing to meet with Chinese airlines, e-commerce platforms and tourism industry professionals.

“The mission will promote New Zealand’s tourism sector, meet with local travel-trade businesses and organisations to better understand the Chinese market, and strengthen our relationship with China,” Louise Upston says.

“China is New Zealand’s third largest tourism market, with nearly 250,000 arrivals in the year ending July 2025.

“This mission will build on the positive momentum of the Prime Minister’s visit in June. It will strengthen the relationships we’ve developed with key trade partners and promote New Zealand as a fantastic year-round destination.”

The Minister will also travel to Beijing to meet with Minister of Culture and Tourism, Sun Yeli.

Industry delegates are from the aviation, accommodation and hospitality, cruise and visitor attraction sectors, as well as tour operators.

“This mission also builds on our efforts to increase the number of Chinese visitors to New Zealand, by making it quicker, easier and cheaper for Chinese nationals to come to New Zealand via Australia from November, if they hold an eligible Australian visa,” Louise Upston says.

“New Zealand visitor visa offerings for Chinese nationals are more generous than other groups of travellers, reflecting the importance of the relationship with China.

“Most Chinese visitors receive a five-year multiple entry visitor visa, making it easier for Chinese visitors to return to New Zealand. Average processing times for Chinese visas are currently the fastest they’ve ever been at five working days.

“Smoothing their passage to New Zealand will help us grow the economy by boosting the tourism sector, connecting friends and family, and strengthening trade and business relationships.”

The Minister and her delegation will be in China from September 23-27.