Attributable to Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker, Area Prevention Manager:

A man has been remanded in custody following burglary and vehicle-related offending across North Canterbury and Christchurch.

The co-ordinated investigation was led by Canterbury Rural Tactical Crime Unit, working alongside multiple specialist Police workgroups.

Police allege the offending occurred over several weeks in March and April 2026, including a commercial burglary at a Rangiora building supply store, and subsequent offending linked to stolen vehicles and fuel drive offs.

As part of the investigation, Police executed a search warrant at the alleged offender’s home address, where clothing and footwear consistent with those worn during the alleged offending, along with other items of evidential value were located.

The 40-year-old man appeared in the Christchurch District Court today [8 May], on two charges of theft, one of burglary, and two of driving while disqualified. He has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 29 May.

An arrest for this type of offending brings with it a reminder to vehicle owners that stolen and counterfeit registration plates are commonly used to conceal offending.

Vehicle owners are advised to remove or obscure registration plates when advertising vehicles online, and to secure plates with tamper proof screws.

These are available at events run by our partner organisation, Community Patrols New Zealand (CPNZ), for a small donation.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

MIL OSI

Time was of the essence in Albany after a worker was allegedly assaulted trying to stop a man who hadn’t paid for groceries.

At about 6.30pm, Police were notified of a man who had allegedly attempted to leave the supermarket while concealing a number of items in bags.

Waitematā East acting Area Prevention Manager, acting Inspector CJ Miles, says the staff member approached the man to advise that he had failed to pay for the items.

“The staff member grabbed the bags, however the alleged offender punched the victim before presenting what appeared to be a knife and leaving the area.”

Police responded with urgency  “He was quickly taken into custody and the items were recovered and returned to the store”.

Waitematā East Area Commander, Inspector Aron McKeown, added: “We take matters like this extremely seriously and this arrest highlights Police’s commitment to target and hold these offenders to account.”

If you witness any retail crime, or any other crime, please call 111 if it is happening now.

For any historic offending, please make a report with as much information as possible, either online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or by calling 105.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

A 42-year-old man has been remanded in custody and will appear in North Shore District Court on Monday charged with shoplifting, possession of an offensive weapon and aggravated assault.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

A 30-year-old is facing murder charges in relation to the December deaths of Brendon and Trina Cole.

The bodies of 56-year-old Brendon Leigh Cole and 54-year-old Trina Michelle Cole were found at a rural property in Ruatiti, west of Ruapehu, on 13 December.

On Thursday, Detective Inspector Gerard Bouterey said the arrest represented a “significant milestone” in the investigation.

“While this is great result, considerable work remains and investigators will continue to pursue all outstanding lines of enquiry.

“We acknowledge that there are members of the public who may have information relevant to this investigation that has not been shared with us.

“We strongly encourage anyone who has information or knowledge of this incident, including the events, movements, or items involved, to contact us if they have not yet done so.”

During the investigation, police had determined that a semi-automatic shotgun was missing from the Coles’ address.

It has yet to be located, with investigators believing it has likely been modified – with the end of the barrel cut down.

Bouterey said finding this firearm remained a priority.

A search of the Murumuru Road scene continues, he said.

“We want to reassure the community that this investigation is ongoing and remains active.

“The cooperation shown by the community has been invaluable during our investigation, and we thank them for their support.

“We continue to follow all lines of enquiry and carefully assess information as it is received. We are committed to ensuring the safety of the wider community and at this stage, there is no information to suggest any ongoing risk to the general public.”

The accused is due to appear in Whanganui District Court today on two counts of murder.

Information for police could be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, referencing file number 251213/6207 or Operation Murumuru.

Alternatively, people could provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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

MIL OSI

A 30-year-old is facing murder charges in relation to the December deaths of Brendon and Trina Cole.

The bodies of 56-year-old Brendon Leigh Cole and 54-year-old Trina Michelle Cole were found at a rural property in Ruatiti, west of Ruapehu, on 13 December.

On Thursday, Detective Inspector Gerard Bouterey said the arrest represented a “significant milestone” in the investigation.

“While this is great result, considerable work remains and investigators will continue to pursue all outstanding lines of enquiry.

“We acknowledge that there are members of the public who may have information relevant to this investigation that has not been shared with us.

“We strongly encourage anyone who has information or knowledge of this incident, including the events, movements, or items involved, to contact us if they have not yet done so.”

During the investigation, police had determined that a semi-automatic shotgun was missing from the Coles’ address.

It has yet to be located, with investigators believing it has likely been modified – with the end of the barrel cut down.

Bouterey said finding this firearm remained a priority.

A search of the Murumuru Road scene continues, he said.

“We want to reassure the community that this investigation is ongoing and remains active.

“The cooperation shown by the community has been invaluable during our investigation, and we thank them for their support.

“We continue to follow all lines of enquiry and carefully assess information as it is received. We are committed to ensuring the safety of the wider community and at this stage, there is no information to suggest any ongoing risk to the general public.”

The accused is due to appear in Whanganui District Court today on two counts of murder.

Information for police could be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, referencing file number 251213/6207 or Operation Murumuru.

Alternatively, people could provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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

Police can confirm a 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged in relation to the deaths of Brendon and Trina Cole on Murumuru Road in December 2025.

Detective Inspector Gerard Bouterey says this arrest represents a significant milestone for the investigation team and Police are pleased to have this result for the Brendon and Trina’s families.

“While this is great result, considerable work remains and investigators will continue to pursue all outstanding lines of enquiry.

“We acknowledge that there are members of the public who may have information relevant to this investigation that has not been shared with us.

“We strongly encourage anyone who has information or knowledge of this incident, including the events, movements, or items involved, to contact us if they have not yet done so.”

As part of enquiries, Police have identified that a semi-automatic shotgun should have been at the Murumuru Road address, but this was not located during the initial scene examination or in subsequent searches. Investigators believe the firearm may have been modified, with the end of the barrel cut down.

While Police have not yet located the shotgun, the recovery of this firearm remains a priority.

Police are also in the process of completing a search at the Murumuru Road scene as part of the ongoing investigative work.  This activity is being conducted to ensure all potential evidential opportunities are thoroughly examined as the investigation progresses.

“We want to reassure the community that this investigation is ongoing and remains active.”

“The cooperation shown by the community has been invaluable during our investigation, and we thank them for their support.

“We continue to follow all lines of enquiry and carefully assess information as it is received. We are committed to ensuring the safety of the wider community and at this stage, there is no information to suggest any ongoing risk to the general public.”

The 30-year-old man is due to appear in Whanganui District Court today charged with two counts of murder.

Information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, referencing file number 251213/6207 or Operation Murumuru.

Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

A Police investigation will continue into the events leading to a person’s death in the Far North overnight.

Cordons remain in place on Ngapipito Road heading into tonight, with a large scene examination taking place today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Christan Fouhy, of Northland CIB, says investigation staff will remain present in the area.

“Our investigation is still in the very early stages in piecing together the events that have led to these two males coming off these dirt bikes,” he says.

“Our scene examination on Ngapipito Road and a nearby rural property have been ongoing today.

“We expect a post-mortem examination to be carried out tomorrow on the deceased male.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Fouhy says the second male located with serious injuries near Moerewa remains in hospital.

He is now in stable condition.

Police were first called to the area between Moerewa and Kaikohe at around 11.10pm after a male was located deceased.

“We expect cordons to remain in place into tomorrow as our investigation staff carry out their work,” Detective Senior Sergeant Fouhy says.

Police will continue to provide further information as our investigation allows.

Anyone with information regarding Tuesday night’s events is asked to contact Police online or via 105 using the reference number 260506/1270.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker, Canterbury Rural Area Prevention Manager:

Police have arrested an 18‑year‑old man following a series of thefts from vehicles, burglaries and fraudulent use of bank cards across Canterbury.

The man is facing over 20 dishonesty charges including burglary, theft ex car, unlawful interference with a motor vehicle, possession of goods used to commit dishonesty offences, and using bank cards to obtain goods dishonestly.

The offending occurred across Pegasus, West Melton, Casebrook, Christchurch and Hanmer Springs, with vehicles targeted overnight and personal property stolen.

Items stolen included wallets, electronics, bank cards, and house and vehicle keys. Police allege the stolen bank cards were then used to make fraudulent purchases at various retail and fuel outlets throughout Canterbury.

In one case house keys with address information were allegedly stolen from an unlocked vehicle in Hanmer Springs, then used later that same night to burgle a residential address in Christchurch.

Following thefts from vehicles and burglaries in Hanmer Springs, the Hanmer Rural Police identified the offender and located stolen property.

The investigation was led by Canterbury Rural Tactical Crime Unit. Enquiries linked a number of complaints across the wider Canterbury district.

Police acknowledge the strong collaboration between specialist investigators and frontline rural staff in bringing the man before the court.

The man has appeared in the Christchurch District Court and has been remanded in custody until his next appearance.

Many of these offences were opportunistic, some involving unlocked vehicles with valuables left inside. Police remind the public to lock their vehicles at all times, remove valuables from sight, and never leave bank cards or keys inside cars.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Please attribute to Inspector Porima Rangitutia, Area Commander, Otago Coastal

Police have arrested four youths after they stole a vehicle and later stole petrol from local service stations.

Overnight on Monday 4 of May Police received reports that a Nissan vehicle had been unlawfully taken from a residential address in Caversham.

Throughout the day yesterday the stolen vehicle was reported to have conducted petrol drive-offs from at least two Dunedin petrol stations. 

At about 4.40pm Police received multiple calls from members of public reporting the stolen vehicle being driven dangerously, tail-gaiting and braking erratically.

The vehicle was then located by Police on North Road and followed at a distance.

After a short time monitoring the vehicle, it was successfully spiked in Waitati, and the vehicle came to a stop on SH1 north of Dunedin.

Four youths were taken into custody without incident.

The driver will be charged with Unlawfully takes a motor vehicle, and theft charges relating to the stolen petrol.

All four will be referred to police Youth Aid services.

Anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from this incident can contact Police.

Information can be provided via 105, either by phone or online at police.govt.nz/use-105, selecting ‘Update Report’.

Please reference police file number 260505/9609.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

MIL OSI

The Government has agreed to progress with disestablishing the Broadcasting Standards Authority and investigate self-regulation options, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“New Zealand’s media landscape has changed dramatically, but our regulatory settings have not kept up.

“The BSA regime was designed for a broadcasting environment that is rapidly disappearing. Today, audiences move seamlessly between traditional broadcasting, on‑demand services, podcasts and online platforms – yet only a small portion of that content is subject to the BSA’s regulatory oversight. It doesn’t make sense.

“The current framework can create inconsistencies and unfair outcomes for media providers, with similar content treated differently depending on whether it is broadcast live or accessed on demand.

“Print media already self regulates through the New Zealand Media Council, and some broadcasters have opted to be part of it. Our expectation is the media council will become the primary regulator for journalism. 

“I’m confident that greater industry self-regulation is the most practical way to level the playing field across platforms, and can provide an appropriate level of oversight to maintain ethical journalistic standards and audience trust.

“Several other pieces of legislation, including the Criminal Procedure Act, make reference to the BSA and other relevant provisions contained in the Broadcasting Act 1989. Legislation to repeal the provisions relating to the BSA will be drafted in the coming months. The BSA will continue in its role until legislation is passed into law.”

MIL OSI

Gangs, drugs and firearms across Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa were targeted last week, resulting in nine people appearing in court, with further arrests likely.

Operation Tar, an investigation led by the Gang Disruption Unit, saw prevention and enforcement teams working together to target gangs, drugs and firearms while also supporting affected communities.

Detective Inspector James Keene, Eastern District Police, says the operation focused on both enforcement and prevention.

“This was a coordinated, intelligence-led operation with community safety and wellbeing at its core,” Detective Inspector Keene says.

“Our aim is not only to disrupt organised criminal activity, but to reduce the harm it causes to whānau and communities.”

The operation involved ROCC, Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities, a Police-led, multi‑agency initiative designed to disrupt the influence of organised crime and strengthen communities. The approach has been successfully used several times around the country.

Eastern District investigations teams, with support from the National Organised Crime Group, carried out search warrants and seized drugs, firearms and cash. At the same time, a dedicated team identified whānau affected by the offending and connected them with agencies able to provide support aimed at addressing the underlying issues and vulnerabilities that contribute to ongoing harm.

“We know the impact of gang-related offending often extends well beyond the immediate criminal activity,” Detective Inspector Keene says.

“For example, we know that methamphetamine addiction continues to harm individuals, whānau and communities.

“Alongside enforcement, we worked to identify people and whānau who had been affected and linked them with the support they need.”

A hub was established in Hawke’s Bay, with qualified staff deployed from across the country to support the operation and engage with affected whānau. The team worked closely with Police Intelligence to identify those impacted and most in need of assistance.

During the operation, Police located 17 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, more than $30,000 in cash, approximately four kilograms of cannabis, and 15 grams of methamphetamine.

Seven DNA compulsion orders were served, a drug testing morning was undertaken for people on bail and Wanted to Arrest enforcement action was taken.

A further nine people have been arrested and face a range of charges, including drug dealing and firearms offences. Further arrests are likely.

“Operations like this demonstrate the value of a joined‑up approach,” Detective Inspector Keene says.

“96% of whānau engaged by the ROCC team chose to take up support.”

“Disrupting gangs and reducing the availability of drugs and firearms remains a priority for Eastern District Police.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Police have searched the property and bank accounts of a farmer missing for over four months.

Kevin Belling, 62, was last seen at his Motu Rimu farm on Friday 9 January and was reported missing on 18 January.

Detective sergeant John Kean said police were continuing their investigation, and had completed extensive searches of Belling’s property.

Officers also checked his bank accounts and phone records, but it failed to shed light on his possible whereabouts, Kean said.

“We continue to appeal to anyone who has any information that could help us find him,” Kean said.

“Police urge the community to be vigilant and check their rural properties for any signs of Kevin.”

If you have information that could assist in the search to locate Belling, contact police online at 105 or call 105, using reference number 260118/6964.

Information could also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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

Attributable to Detective Sergeant John Kean,

Police continue to investigate the disappearance of Kevin Belling who went missing from his Motu Rimu farm in Kapuka on 9 January.

With the assistance of Land Search and Rescue, Police have completed extensive searches on his property however we have not yet located Kevin.

Other enquiries, including the checking of bank and phone records, have failed to shed light on the possible whereabouts of Kevin.

Police and Kevin’s family’s concerns for Kevin grow as time passes.

We continue to appeal to anyone who has any information that could help us find him.

Police urge the community to be vigilant and check their rural properties for any signs of Kevin.

If you have information that can assist in the search to locate Kevin, please contact Police online at 105 or call 105.

Please use the reference number 260118/6964.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

The Coroner has ruled a man was acting in self-defence, during a fracas that left one person dead in Northland five years ago.

Trevor Ruatoto, 28, was taken to Bay of Islands hospital in July 2021 with injuries to his left arm and the side of head.

He was left with security at the entrance, unresponsive, before being flown to Auckland Hospital where he died an hour later.

A Coroner’s finding has revealed details of what happened to him, and why no one was charged following his violent death.

Coroner Rachael Schmidt-McCleave said Ruatoto had been living in Northland at the time with his partner and three children.

He had recently move back to live with his mother.

Ruatoto and two others had visited a property to smoke cannabis on the afternoon of 9 July before leaving.

The trio went and visited friends, travelling to an address on Te Tii Road between 2.30am and 3am on the next morning.

Coroner Schmidt-McCleave said police were unable to determine why the three men went to the Te Tii property, but suspected it was related to buying drugs, a debt owed or a planned confrontation with another man living at the address.

Shortly after they arrived, there was a fight between Ruatoto and a man at the property, Ash Rankin, the Coroner said.

Ruatoto was tackled by Rankin, sending him falling into a glass sliding door.

He was injured, and driven to hospital by the two men he had spent the previous afternoon with.

“Medical staff immediately attended to Mr Ruatoto as he did not have a pulse,” Schmidt-McCleave said.

“CPR was commenced and Mr Ruatoto was subsequently resuscitated, and air lifted to Auckland Hospital.”

Staff at Auckland Hospital performed CPR once again, but Ruatoto had suffered cardiac arrest and could not be revived.

He was pronounced dead just before 10am.

A post-mortem found the cause of his death was penetrating, sharp force injuries to the medial left arm near his elbow.

Methamphetamine and cannabis were also found in his blood.

Forensic pathologist Dr Charley Glenn concluded Ruatoto’s injuries were “very consistent with an accidental fall into a glass door”.

Police investigated Ruatoto’s death, determining Rankin was not criminally liable for what happened.

They said Rankin had acted in self-defence.

“Police found there was no evidence to suggest Mr Rankin intentionally acted to cause harm to Mr Ruatoto, or that the incident was premeditated,” the Coroner said.

“I am satisfied that the evidence before me establishes that Mr Ruatoto was involved in an altercation with Mr Rankin, which resulted in Mr Ruatoto accidentally falling through a glass sliding door and sustaining a fatal injury to his arm.”

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

The Coroner has ruled a man was acting in self-defence, during a fracas that left one person dead in Northland five years ago.

Trevor Ruatoto, 28, was taken to Bay of Islands hospital in July 2021 with injuries to his left arm and the side of head.

He was left with security at the entrance, unresponsive, before being flown to Auckland Hospital where he died an hour later.

A Coroner’s finding has revealed details of what happened to him, and why no one was charged following his violent death.

Coroner Rachael Schmidt-McCleave said Ruatoto had been living in Northland at the time with his partner and three children.

He had recently move back to live with his mother.

Ruatoto and two others had visited a property to smoke cannabis on the afternoon of 9 July before leaving.

The trio went and visited friends, travelling to an address on Te Tii Road between 2.30am and 3am on the next morning.

Coroner Schmidt-McCleave said police were unable to determine why the three men went to the Te Tii property, but suspected it was related to buying drugs, a debt owed or a planned confrontation with another man living at the address.

Shortly after they arrived, there was a fight between Ruatoto and a man at the property, Ash Rankin, the Coroner said.

Ruatoto was tackled by Rankin, sending him falling into a glass sliding door.

He was injured, and driven to hospital by the two men he had spent the previous afternoon with.

“Medical staff immediately attended to Mr Ruatoto as he did not have a pulse,” Schmidt-McCleave said.

“CPR was commenced and Mr Ruatoto was subsequently resuscitated, and air lifted to Auckland Hospital.”

Staff at Auckland Hospital performed CPR once again, but Ruatoto had suffered cardiac arrest and could not be revived.

He was pronounced dead just before 10am.

A post-mortem found the cause of his death was penetrating, sharp force injuries to the medial left arm near his elbow.

Methamphetamine and cannabis were also found in his blood.

Forensic pathologist Dr Charley Glenn concluded Ruatoto’s injuries were “very consistent with an accidental fall into a glass door”.

Police investigated Ruatoto’s death, determining Rankin was not criminally liable for what happened.

They said Rankin had acted in self-defence.

“Police found there was no evidence to suggest Mr Rankin intentionally acted to cause harm to Mr Ruatoto, or that the incident was premeditated,” the Coroner said.

“I am satisfied that the evidence before me establishes that Mr Ruatoto was involved in an altercation with Mr Rankin, which resulted in Mr Ruatoto accidentally falling through a glass sliding door and sustaining a fatal injury to his arm.”

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

More than half a million dollars discovered in a traveller’s belongings and linked to organised crime overseas has led to the seizure of property, vehicles and tens of thousands of dollars.

Police said the latest seizures, made last week, came about after Customs staff initially uncovered A$550,095 concealed in items being brought into Aotearoa by a person returning from overseas.

As a result one person was charged with non declaration of cash and money laundering, the seized money was confiscated, and Operation Set began November last year.

Customs investigators found the initial seized cash had likely come from crime in Australia, and was among funds being invested into property in New Zealand, police said.

A raid in the Gisborne suburb of Mangapapa on Wednesday resulted in confiscation of a residential property, five vehicles, funds held in bank accounts and another $42,000 of cash, under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act.

Asset Recovery Unit team leader Julie Vernon said collaborative work between Customs, the Ministry for Primary Industries and police had prevented the proceeds of overseas crime from being used to “establish an asset base and expand their influence here in New Zealand”.

“Police will continue to target and restrain assets linked to overseas criminal offending, with the aim of stopping organised crime from gaining a foothold in our communities,” Vernon said.

New Zealand Customs Manager of Investigations Dominic Adams said the outcome demonstrated the value of the strong partnerships between the agencies.

“This is another example of joint agency work bringing offenders to account. We won’t allow New Zealand to become a destination for ill gotten gains,” Adams said.

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

Police have seized property, vehicles and cash as part of a multi‑agency operation targeting drugs and money laundering in Gisborne.

Last week, a search warrant was executed at a residential address in the Gisborne suburb of Mangapapa as part of Operation Set, an investigation led by Police’s Asset Recovery Unit with support from Gisborne Police, New Zealand Customs and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

The Hastings‑based Police Asset Recovery Unit has now concluded Operation Set, which originated from a Customs investigation late last year.

The investigation began in November 2025 after MPI Quarantine Officers detected AUD $550,095 in cash concealed within the personal effects of a returning New Zealander at the border. Customs’ subsequent investigation determined the cash was likely derived from criminal offending in Australia and formed part of funds later reinvested into property in New Zealand.

Customs seized the cash and have charged the individual with non‑declaration of cash and money laundering.

As a result of Wednesday’s search warrant in Mangapapa on 29 May, Police seized the residential property under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act, along with five motor vehicles, funds held in bank accounts and $42,000 cash located at the address.

Asset Recovery Unit Team Leader Julie Vernon says Operation Set highlights the effectiveness of coordinated inter‑agency work.

“This operation illustrates how collaboration between government agencies not only intercepts illicit profits obtained offshore, but also prevents criminals from using overseas funds to establish an asset base and expand their influence here in New Zealand,” she says.

“Police will continue to target and restrain assets linked to overseas criminal offending, with the aim of stopping organised crime from gaining a foothold in our communities.”

New Zealand Customs Manager of Investigations Dominic Adams says the result demonstrates the value of strong partnerships.

“This is another example of joint‑agency work bringing offenders to account,” he says.

“Strong collaboration between Customs, MPI and Police has prevented illegal proceeds from circumventing border controls and safeguards. We won’t allow New Zealand to become a destination for ill‑gotten gains.”

Investigations into Operation Set are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Police have appealed for sightings for a boy missing from Hamilton.

Eleven-year-old TJ was last seen at Glenview Community Centre on 29 April.

Police and his family were concerned for his wellbeing.

If you have seen TJ or have information regarding his whereabouts, contact police at 105, using reference number 260428/3750.

Information could also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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

Farmers need to be paid to start using methane-busting technology in their herds and on their land, agri-climate leaders say.

Their comments follow earlier warnings from industry and the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment that, without penalties or incentives, there are few reasons for farmers to invest in some of the tools.

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts said the government would work with farmers to “maximise the emissions reduction innovation underway” but would not be drawn on whether the government was looking at subsidies or other incentives.

Last year, the government scrapped its previous plans to put a tax on agricultural methane by 2030 and weakened the country’s 2050 methane emissions reduction target.

Instead, it opted for a market- and industry-led approach, with Watts saying that widespread uptake of the new mitigation tools would be “critical”.

The government-industry partnership AgriZeroNZ had so far invested $78 million into developing methane-inhibiting technologies such as vaccines and genetics.

Some, such as low-methane sheep genetic selection and effluent pond treatments, were available now, while others are still in much earlier stages of development.

Overall, the government has committed $400m to accelerate development and commercialisation.

At the annual Agriculture and Climate Change conference in Wellington last week, AgriZeroNZ chief executive Wayne McNee said some of the technologies had a commercial benefit because they also improved animal productivity.

However, many – including a methane-inhibiting capsule or ‘bolus’ being developed by New Zealand company Ruminant Biotech – did not.

“In the absence of productivity improvement, which is often quite hard to prove, there will need to be an incentive,” he said.

Speaking to RNZ afterwards, he said there were already some industry incentives available for the lowest-emitting dairy farmers.

“But to get broader-scale adoption, there’ll need to be a reason for farmers to use them,” McNee said.

“If there’s a productivity improvement, great, that”ll be a key driver. If there’s not, there’ll need to be some sort of payment to the farmer to take the technology up.”

Other countries had used direct subsidies, or made use of voluntary carbon markets.

AgriZeroNZ was “looking at all options”.

“It’s part of our role to get the tools available, but also part of our role to work with farmers and others to get them used.”

Methane – which is a short-lived gas but has a huge warming effect while it exists in the atmosphere – makes up roughly half of New Zealand’s emissions.

Almost all of it comes from farms, especially the burps and breaths of ruminant animals like cows and sheep.

Only 40 percent would use methane vaccine – survey

A 2025 survey of farmers by the Bioeconomy Science Institute (formerly Manaaki Whenua Landcare) found only seven percent of dairy farmers who responded said reducing their emissions would be a major focus in the next two years.

Only 40 percent of respondents planned to use a methane vaccine, if it became available.

Ruminant Biotech market access director George Reeves told the conference that New Zealand risked losing its global competitiveness unless it developed a “robust, long-term, scalable incentive for methane abatement”.

He told RNZ that did not necessarily have to be taxpayer-funded.

Instead, New Zealand could use voluntary carbon markets, or set up a scheme similar to one being developed in Australia, where farmers could earn carbon units by reducing their emissions intensity.

Ruminant Biotech planned to launch its bolus for certain types of beef cattle later this year and expected that “early adoption is going to be okay”, Reeves said.

However, he wanted to see a broader incentive scheme in place by 2028.

AUT industry fellow and climate economist David Hall said a direct government subsidy scheme for deployment of some tools would make sense while they were still new and did not have general buy-in.

“In the economics of innovation, that’s recognised as a justified and reasonable cost.”

Once the tools had a market foothold, that direct support could be withdrawn, and a low-level price on emissions introduced to keep driving uptake, he said.

Incentive to use potential methane vaccine removed

In a speech to a DairyNZ forum in March, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton raised concerns about both the timeframe and uptake of some promised technologies.

He pointed out that the government’s baseline emissions projections relied on at least 37 percent of dairy cattle receiving a methane vaccine – which were still at ‘proof-of-concept’ stage – by 2030.

“I personally find this assumption heroic,” he said.

“Not only do we not yet have such a vaccine, but the government’s decision to abandon a price on methane removes the incentive to use one should it materialise.”

Significant taxpayer funding was being invested into vaccines and other technologies.

“Taxpayers are entitled to ask why this outlay should continue if the vaccines are not going to be adopted,” he said.

Subsidies could be a pragmatic approach, “but the quid pro quo has to be uptake”.

In a submission on the amended emissions reduction plan last year, industry group DairyNZ also called the assumptions about uptake “ambitious”.

“DairyNZ has consistently encouraged government to be cautious when making assumptions on technology availability, efficacy and uptake.”

Incentives were essential, but the tools also needed to be practical to implement, and must not affect food safety or threaten overseas trade, the organisation said.

In a written statement, Watts said the government had “increasing confidence in the technology pipeline” and expected to see the first tools that AgriZero had invested in available this year.

“While emission predictions inherently carry some uncertainty, the government is committed to working with the agriculture sector to boost productivity while lowering emissions,” he said.

There would be ” range of opinions” on any new technology, he said.

“However, I have heard from many in the sector who support the development of new methane inhibitors and other incentives that increase production while reducing emissions.”

He did not answer questions about whether any policy work had been commissioned on an incentive or offset scheme, or what would drive uptake in the absence of any productivity gains.

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

NEGERI SEMBILAN, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 May 2026 – Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) has formalised a strategic collaboration with MILA University through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), marking a significant step in enhancing academic progression pathways for students.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting diploma graduates in continuing their studies at degree level, while ensuring a smoother and more structured transition into higher education.

A Strategic Collaboration for Student Progression

The agreement was formalised by Dr. Chua Ping Yong, Chief Executive Officer of MCKL, and Mr. Cao Qi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MILA University, in the presence of representatives from both institutions.

Through this collaboration, a clear articulation pathway is established for MCKL students to continue their academic journey at MILA University, enabling a smoother transition into undergraduate studies with greater confidence and direction.

Expanding Opportunities Through Articulation Pathways

As part of this collaboration, students from selected MCKL diploma programmes have the opportunity to progress into MILA University’s bachelor’s degree programmes in Computer Science and Business Management.

The pathway covers diploma fields such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Digital Business, Digital Marketing, and Financial Technology, ensuring that students from diverse academic backgrounds have access to relevant progression pathways.

Strengthening Industry-Relevant Education Through Collaboration

Beyond academic progression, this collaboration underscores a mutual commitment to delivering industry-relevant education that equips students with practical skills and real-world competencies. By aligning curriculum pathways and fostering closer engagement between both institutions, MCKL and MILA University aim to ensure that graduates are not only academically prepared but also adaptable to evolving industry demands. This partnership creates opportunities for enhanced learning experiences, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and professional application, and ultimately empowering students to thrive in a competitive global workforce.

For over four decades, MCKL has built a strong reputation for nurturing students who not only excel academically but also develop the values, character, and critical thinking skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. With a student-centred approach, the college emphasises holistic education, balancing academic rigour with personal growth, leadership development, and community engagement, so that graduates are well-prepared for both university and life beyond the classroom.

Original Source: MILA University
Original Article: MILA University Strengthens Academic Pathways Through Collaboration with MCKL
Website: https://www.mila.edu.my

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Police have arrested four people in connection with a recent series of burglaries affecting homes and businesses across the Feilding area.

The arrests are part of Operation Thor and follow a spike in reported burglaries and shoplifting incidents over recent weeks.

Search warrants were executed at several local addresses over the past week, resulting in the recovery of stolen property and the identification of those alleged to be involved.

One man, age 38, is facing 11 new charges including multiple burglaries and shoplifting offences and will appear in Palmerston North District Court tomorrow 2 May.

Another man, age 49, is remanded in custody and will appear in Palmerston North District Court on 2 June on one charge of burglary.

Another man, age 48, is remanded in custody and will appear in Palmerston North District Court on 9 June on one charge of burglary and one charge of being unlawfully being in an enclosed yard.

One woman, age 38, is remanded on bail to appear in Palmerston North District Court on 19 May on one charge of burglary.

Sergeant Mike Linton says the arrests reflect the strong commitment to holding offenders to account and restoring community confidence.

“These incidents have had a real impact on local residents and businesses.

“Our team remains committed to targeting those hurting our community and have worked tirelessly to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought before the court.

“We hope these arrests provide reassurance to the Feilding community.”

Police continue to encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour, or who has information that may assist ongoing investigations, to contact Police on 105 or via the online portal, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Attribute to Senior Sergeant Gary Iddenten, Gore Police:

Gore Police are appealing for information following an aggravated burglary at a rural property on Mataura Island Road, Mataura Island in the early hours of Tuesday morning 28 April.

At about 6.50am intruders were disturbed at the property.

An altercation followed between a victim and an unknown man.

During the struggle, the unknown man may have sustained an eye injury.

The offenders fled the property with a significant amount of property.

One alleged offender is described as a man, aged approximately 18 to 20 years old, gaunt in appearance with sores on his face, who was wearing a dark hoodie.

Enquiries indicate a Mazda Bounty utility is possibly linked to this incident.

Police are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour in the area, or who knows someone with a recent eye injury, which may be linked to this incident.

Police would also like to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage in the wider Mataura Island area from the morning of the offence.

Police are continuing enquiries to identify and locate those responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105.

Please quote reference number 260428/5019.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111

ENDS

MIL OSI

The mother of a young man who fell to his death while on drugs says legislation now going through Parliament could save lives, and politicians had the “power to make a difference”.

A member’s bill by Green MP Kahurangi Carter passed its first hurdle on Wednesday night. The legislation would prevent low-level drug prosecutions against those who call in suspected overdoses or bad drug reactions.

Shelley O’Dwyer’s son Jacob Gunnell died in 2022 after a negative reaction to LSD and a police statement told her emergency services were not called.

She told RNZ she believes if those with him at the time knew they would not “get in trouble” and called for help, “he could still be with us”.

“How would you feel if you had to live for the rest of your life knowing that you should have actually rang an ambulance and now that person’s passed away,” O’Dwyer said.

The New Zealand Drug Foundation has long called for change in this area, and executive director Sarah Helm said the law change could make a “big difference”.

“New Zealand loses three people every week to completely preventable, unintentional overdose, and that is a huge number of people,” she told RNZ.

Helm said currently people hesitate or fail to ring 111 or call for help in the event of an overdose or acute drug harm situation.

“We know from coronial cases that people do hesitate and that that causes death.”

The law change would “remove that fear of prosecution that stops people from calling for help”, Helm said.

She said this was one of the “key planks” to prevent overdose, and currently there were not enough interventions to do so.

“We can expect to see, unfortunately, more overdose fatalities over the coming years because of the increase of the potency and volatility of the drug market.

“So every intervention we can get in place will help to protect New Zealand from that,” Helm said.

The bill passed its first reading on Wednesday night, with only National and New Zealand First opposed.

ACT’s Todd Stephenson said Carter pulled off a “feat” for a first-term Green MP, “She’s going to get the support of the ACT party on first reading to send this to the select committee.”

Carter’s bill makes narrow amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act, the Bail Act and the Parole Act.

It specifies someone calling for help during a suspected overdose would not be charged for low level offences such as personal possession or use of drugs, possession of drug utensils, or a breach of parole conditions relating to drug use

The Bill does not protect drug dealing, violent offending or Crimes Act offences and it preserves accountability for serious criminal behaviour.

Ultimately – it is designed to stop people from hesitating if they are in doubt.

Carter, speaking first during the debate, said normally when someone calls an ambulance to save a life, “they’re considered a hero”.

“When someone is trying to help their friend experiencing an overdose – that should remain the case.”

Labour’s Camilla Belich spoke in support, referencing evidence by the NZ Drug Foundation highlighting witnesses hesitancy to call for help as a contributing factor in drug deaths.

She said that evidence showed there was a “need” for the Bill.

“This is not about providing avenues for people to avoid arrest in cases of serious crime,” Belich added.

Speaking for ACT, Stephenson said under the current settings it was “sometimes unclear” if you reach out for help what the consequences were.

He said he wanted to make sure that when something does go wrong, people do not hesistate in calling emergency services, “because if you can get help quickly, drug overdoses can be attended to and people can actually survive”.

“It does actually matter how quickly people get medical attention.”

He emphasised it was not a “soft on crime” bill.

Speaking for Te Pāti Māori, Oriini Kaipara said for too long “our laws have created silence where there should have been action, they’ve created hesitation where there should have been urgency”.

She also said that Māori were almost three times more likely to die from an accidental overdose than non-Māori, and highlighted that Māori were “overpoliced, overcharged and over-represented in convictions for low level drug offences”.

“This bill directly addresses inequity.”

New Zealand First’s Casey Costello raised concerns about the Bill, while acknowledging the wider societal issue.

“It is important that we communicate the need to always seek help.

“I think it is a very sad indictment on our society that we have a message that is taken up by anyone, that they would defer or refuse to call help on the risk of a low level drug offence. I hope that we are a better society than that.”

However, Costello said in her experience it was not fear of prosecution that prevented people from seeking help, but a lack of knowledge, awareness and appreciation of the severity and seriousness of people’s conditions.

“I challenge the idea of legislating out discretion for police officers. For anyone who is involved in these situations, I have more faith in our police officers than I think is demonstrated here.”

She said it was not a law of clarity, but a law of complexity, and asked who the discretion would apply to in a particular situation.

National MP Rima Nakhle said her party was not supporting the Bill, “not because we’re politicking” or because the party did not care about O’Dwyer’s experience.

Nakhle said perceptions mattered, and it mattered if the government was seen to say, “someone can escape criminal prosecution because they thought about themselves more than thinking about that person that was overdosing and could die.”

Fellow National MP Sam Uffindell said police do routinely use discretion on minor posession in instances where lifesaving help is sought.

“Health services treat anyone in a crisis without refusing them or without billing.”

The Bill would now be considered further by the Health Select Committee, where the public would also have an opportunity to have their say.

O’Dwyer had been shocked to learn her son had taken drugs.

At 24 years old, she said Gunnell had “everything going for him”.

She described him as happy, social, positive, entrepreneurial, and fit: a Les Mills instructor and a team leader at a council gym in Auckland. She also said he was a great cook.

O’Dwyer learnt Gunnell had an adverse reaction to LSD. Reports later told her he was “all hot and flustered and he didn’t look well”.

“On CCTV, we found out later on that he’d run across the road at Symonds Street, and he just basically jumped off Symonds Street Bridge,” she said.

She later had to identify his body at the morgue, “I was in total shock.”

“It’s like an out of body experience.

“You see it in the movies, you see it on the news and – it’s just the worst thing right, for any parent to live through that and having to live it every day.

“It was just so sudden and tragic.”

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

MIL OSI

The fragile, temporary ceasefires, between the United States and Iran, and between Israel and Lebanon, must be replaced by an enduring, sustained, and comprehensive regional ceasefire that covers all countries affected by this conflict, to avoid further catastrophic civilian suffering and pave the way for justice, respect for international law and long-term human rights protection for all, Amnesty International said today.

MIL OSI