Source: New Zealand Police
Due to a large fire in Tongariro National Park, State Highway 47 is closed while emergency services work at the scene.
State Highway 47 is closed at the intersection of State Highway 46 at the northern end, and State Highway 48 at the southern end.
Motorists are advised to turn around or delay travel, as there are no alternative routes in the immediate area.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
A person has been found deceased following a fire in Hamilton East this morning.
Emergency services attended a Wellington Street address just after 6am, where a house was on fire.
Sadly, a person was located deceased at the property.
A scene guard remains in place, and Police will work alongside Fire and Emergency New Zealand to help determine the circumstances of the fire.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealanders will soon be able to have their say on plans to manage sika and wapiti deer as the country’s first two Herds of Special Interest (HOSI), Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has confirmed.
Mr Meager announced the draft plans alongside Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the Sika Show in Hamilton’s Mystery Creek, which is New Zealand’s largest annual hunting trade event.
“The plans outline a proposed new approach to managing wapiti deer in parts of Fiordland National Park and sika deer in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks. These changes will allow hunter-led conservation groups to sustainably manage herd numbers and create opportunities to drive economic growth in those areas,” Mr Meager says.
“Hunting is a valued tradition among many Kiwi families and communities. Better, healthier deer herds provide opportunities for both domestic and international visitors. The appeal for hunting in New Zealand is only growing, and establishing these herds as HOSI represents a logical and exciting economic opportunity.
“The draft management plans contain strategies for the management of recreational hunting, fostering partnerships and community stewardship, alongside professional deer control and recovery of meat, and social and ecological monitoring.
“Conservation values remain protected. Herd management plans aim to keep deer numbers at a level which enhances the recreational hunting experience while maintaining and improving natural biodiversity and forest health.
“Hunters are one of our biggest conservation assets, and these plans acknowledge the contributions the hunting community makes to maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
“The plans were developed following proposals I received from the Central North Island Sika Foundation and Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, supported by the Game Animal Council. I thank the organisations for their dedication and contributions to this process.
“I encourage hunters, conservationists, and all interested New Zealanders to read the draft plans and share their views on how we can use herd management to achieve better conservation and hunting outcomes.”
Source: New Zealand Police
Lake Terrace at the corner of Matuku Street in Two Mile Bay, Taupō, is closed following a single-vehicle crash.
Police were called to the crash around 12.45pm. One person has sustained serious injuries and are being provided medical assistance.
The Serious Crash Unit have been advised of the collision.
Motorists should expect delays and follow diversions in place.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Media Outreach
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 November 2025 – HKFindLawyer.com has officially launched Hong Kong’s first “Work Injury Occupation and Injury Compensation Database”, a comprehensive online resource based on the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance.
The database covers a wide range of occupations — including construction workers, cleaners, delivery riders, and office staff — as well as common workplace injuries such as falls, burns, back pain, and hearing loss. It aims to help the public understand their legal rights, claim procedures, and compensation options in different work-related injury scenarios.
Developed in collaboration with experienced Hong Kong lawyers, the database transforms complex legal concepts into clear and practical guidance. It also includes case studies, medical treatment tips, and reference materials for compensation calculation.
Members of the public can freely access the following pages:
A spokesperson for HKFindLawyer.com said:
“Our goal is to help workers understand their rights clearly when faced with a work injury, without being misled or confused by insurers. By identifying their occupation and type of injury, they can easily see the next steps for compensation.”
In addition to the new database, the website also provides several practical tools, including:
By combining public legal education with lawyer-matching services, HKFindLawyer.com aims to promote legal awareness in Hong Kong and help more individuals access professional legal advice free of charge.
Hashtag: #HKFindLawyer
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on the intersection of Waharoa Road East and Pohlen Road on 30 October.
The man was Michael Plowman, 51, of Matamata.
Our thoughts are with Michael’s friends and family at this difficult time.
Police continue to investigate the crash.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government has announced further funding to help farmers and growers recover from significant storm damage in Southland, and the Clutha and Hurunui districts, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson say.
“Severe weather late last month caused significant damage to powerlines, farm buildings and infrastructure, irrigators, fences, and trees across these southern areas,” Mr McClay says.
“Widespread and prolonged power outages left hundreds of dairy farms without mains power. They had to use generators to milk cows and pump water.
“The North Canterbury, Otago, and Southland Rural Support Trusts played a vital role on-the-ground supporting farmers and growers. The severe weather, which was classified as a medium-scale adverse event, hit during an already busy time of the year on-farm.
“We’re providing up to $70,000 across the three Trusts so they can continue their important work supporting and coordinating recovery efforts.
“Some farmers and growers will face many months of cleanup work to get back on track. This funding will enable the Trusts to make sure people who need support can get it.”
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the funding is on top of $250,000 already announced by the Government to support storm-affected communities across Southland, Kaikōura, Hurunui, and Clutha.
“As an Otago farmer, I know the important role the Trusts play during adverse events,” Mr Patterson says.
“I saw their work first-hand while on-the-ground in Clutha during last month’s severe weather.
Today’s announcement is part of this Government’s ongoing support of Rural Support Trusts across the country.
“Budget 2025 confirmed $4 million of funding over four years including an additional $1m to further boost the important work they do in rural New Zealand,” Mr McClay says.
Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Source: New Zealand Police
Kokotau Road is closed following a serious crash involving cyclists this morning.
Police were called to the cyclist crash at around 11:30am.
Initial indicators are that there are serious injuries.
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised and the road is expected to be closed for some time, while emergency services work at the scene.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.
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Source: New Zealand Police
Hutt Valley Police successfully disrupted a planned anti-social road user gathering in Lower Hutt last night, issuing dozens of infringements, handing out pink and green stickers, and seizing a car and some fireworks.
The night started in Queensgate where around 200 cars had gathered for mental health initiative Gumboot Friday.
Police used this as an opportunity to engage positively with the group around the good cause.
The group then moved towards Paremata, where a checkpoint was set up nearby by Police.
“We checked every car leaving, and found some to be showing signs of intended anti-social road user behaviour, such as being seen with boot-loads of spare tyres and even one towing a dedicated skid car,” says Hutt Valley Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Gareth Barnes.
“A core remaining group of around 50 then attempted to set up at Thorndon, Seaview, Melling, Harcourt Werry Drive, Naenae, and Fergusson Drive,
“We were one step ahead of them every time, and the group were never able take hold of any one location,” Acting Inspector Barnes says.
Police issued dozens of infringement notices, including speed and licence breaches, around 10 pink and green stickers were issued, one car was seized, and fireworks that had been shot from a sunroof were surrendered to Police.
“Last night’s operation went down without a hitch; this comes down to the great planning and execution from the team and I would like to commend all those involved in their efforts.
“Police are committed to disrupting any and all anti-social road user behaviour – it is reckless and wreaks havoc on our communities.
“We will continue to take action to proactively prevent this kind of activity,” says Acting Inspector Barnes.
Police urge the public to report any unlawful or dangerous road user activity as soon as possible, by calling 111 if it is happening now or through 105 if it is after the fact.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
