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Investigation continues into Eastern Terrace death

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Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police are continuing to investigate the sudden death of a man at a residential address on Eastern Terrace in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police have now concluded a full forensic scene examination at the property, and the scene has been formally handed back to the family. Officers have completed a number of inquiries and are making very good progress in establishing the facts surrounding the man’s death.

A forensic post-mortem has been completed and the results will assist investigators in determining both the cause and the time of death. The deceased’s family have assisted Police with inquiries.

Police have completed an area canvas of the Eastern Terrace neighbourhood, which has helped piece together some of the deceased’s recent movements. In addition, a significant amount of CCTV footage has been gathered and is currently being reviewed by the investigation team.

“We’ve made substantial progress since Saturday,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Daniel Overend. “The information gathered over the past few days has significantly refined the direction of our investigation, and the team is now working with a much clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding this death.”

Officers are particularly focused on tracing the man’s activities over the past two weeks and are appealing to anyone who may have seen or spoken with him during that time to come forward.

Police would like to reassure the public that previously circulated information regarding firearms at the address was inaccurate. The deceased was a lawful and enthusiastic collector of air guns, which were stored appropriately and pose no concern to public safety.

There is still a significant amount of work to do, and the investigation team remains keen to hear from anyone who may have information that could assist. Even small details may prove crucial.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police on 105, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote file number 251004/7850.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

MIL OSI

Legislation Issues – Walk Without Fear Trust Condemns Hamstrung Judiciary Over Nganeko Killing

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Source: Walk Without Fear Trust

Eugene Bareman, Chair of the Walk Without Fear Trust, has criticised “out of touch” politicians and a constrained judiciary regarding the sentencing of coward punch killer Daytona Thompson at the New Plymouth District Court on Tuesday.

Bareman was present on the court steps as the family of the victim, Daniel Nganeko, expressed outrage over the four-year, two-month sentence. He called for politicians to fast-track proposed coward punch legislation and reform the Sentencing Act of 2002.

“A sentence of four years and two months is ridiculous for a recidivist violent offender with multiple aggravating factors, especially when the judge’s hands are tied by existing legal precedents. The system also allows multiple discounts from the starting sentencing point of seven years.

“What’s more distressing is that the judge in this case clearly wanted to impose a longer sentence but had to acknowledge that he was unable to do so due to existing legal precedents.”

Justice Paul Radich stated that there was no provocation in the offence and noted that Thompson had used considerable force in his attack.

He condemned Thompson for making a video of the dying 37-year-old, during which Thompson was heard saying, “Come around here, n*****, I’m not a kidder… I just knocked him the f*** out.” The judge described the video as cruel, callous, and a further indignity to Daniel.

Justice Radich said he could not have regard to community desire for a more severe sentence in circumstances, or contemplative legislation change.

“I must apply the law as it stands.”

He took a starting point of seven years’ imprisonment, before giving credit for Thompson’s guilty plea, his youth, the effect his imprisonment will have on his child, and background factors.

Thompson’s previous violent offending was not considered an aggravating factor in his sentence due to his earlier discharge without conviction.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Thompson was issued his first strike warning.

Bareman criticised the slow pace of legislative change regarding coward punch offences. “The Coward Punch Amendment Bill was introduced in September 2018 and was rejected by the previous government. Seven years later, people are still dying, and killers receive pathetically short sentences, revictimising families and prioritising the rights of violent offenders over victims, failing to keep communities safe.”

While welcoming the coalition government’s new coward punch laws announced in June, Bareman urged for fast-tracking the legislation to prevent further injustices. He called for an end to automatic sentencing discounts and a review of how discharges without conviction for violent offenses are treated in future sentences.

“Daytona Thompson had two years to change his behaviour; his failure to do so should have influenced today’s sentence. We must remind our politicians that they are accountable to the community they are meant to protect to prevent another family from making the horrific decision to switch off their loved one’s life support.”

Background

Daniel Nagneko, 37, was fatally struck by Daytona Thompson on July 26 outside the Tukapa Rugby and Sports Club in New Plymouth.

Thompson, who has a history of violence, had drunk half a bottle of spirits that night tried to provoke several other confrontations.

Daniel was standing with friends on the footpath on Gladstone Rd, at 11.20 pm waiting for an Uber.

Thompson approached Daniel, and the pair began talking. Without warning he swivelled and threw a punch, which struck Daniel on his chin.

Daniel fell backwards and his head hit the edge of the footpath.

He died on July 29, after he was flown to Auckland City Hospital, where scans revealed he had suffered a fractured skull and extensive brain injuries with damage to his frontal and rear lobe.

After the attack, Thompson filmed Daniel, was challenged by bystanders and left the scene.

He turned himself in to the Police the next day. He was charged with manslaughter after Daniel’s death and pleaded guilty.

Video link to Trustee Mike Angove in conversation with Daniel’s father Te Uraura Nganeko describing the agonising decision to turn off Daniel’s life support: https://bit.ly/3IzQqU4

MIL OSI

Games – Global Report: Video Games Transcend Entertainment, Affect Positive Change in Players’ Lives

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Source: Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA)

Video games affirmed as a source of connection, stress relief and mental stimulation in one of the largest consumer surveys ever conducted of more than 24,000 video game players in 21 countries across six continents.

Sydney, October 9, 2025 – The Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA), in partnership with video game trade associations in Canada, Europe, South Korea and the US, recently released the 2025 Global Power of Play report. The report reveals the universal social and emotional benefits of video games, confirmed by both peer-reviewed academic research and a survey of 24,216 active (weekly) players (age 16+) in 21 countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom and the United States of America (U.S).

“As one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world, video games are a source of fun and entertainment for billions of players around the world. What the 2025 Global Power of Play report confirms, however, is that video games are much more than that,” said Ron Curry, CEO of IGEA.

“Combined with academic research and one of the largest consumer surveys ever conducted of video game players, the 2025 Global Power of Play Report confirms that games are more than just a source of fun and entertainment for billions of players around the world. In fact, playing video games brings immense value to the lives of global citizens, providing borderless avenues for connection, improving health and mental wellbeing and providing an important role in education.”

 

Globally, players agree on the positive social, emotional and mental benefits of game play:

  • Having fun is the top reason people around the world say they play video games (66%), with stress relief (58%) and keeping minds sharp (45%) making up the top three reasons for playing. The top three reasons Australians say they play video games are to have fun (67%), for stress relief (59%) and to keep their mind sharp (50%).

·        Seventy-seven percent of players globally say video games help them feel less stressed, 70% report reduced anxiety and 64% credit video games with easing loneliness by connecting them to others. Australians feel similarly, reporting games helps them feel less stressed (75%), less anxious (67%) and less lonely (56%).

·        Players worldwide agree that video games provide mental stimulation (81%), provide stress relief (80%) and create accessible experiences for people with different abilities (78%). Australian players are again like their global counterparts, ranking mental stimulation (82%), stress relief (81%) and creating experience for people with different abilities (76%).

 

Players around the world turn to games for broader skill development: 

·        Players agree that video games help improve creativity (77%), problem-solving (76%) and teamwork and collaboration skills (74%). Adaptability (72%), critical thinking (71%) and communication skills (67%) also rank high. In Australia the top three skills players believe are improved by playing video games are problem solving (80%), critical thinking (78%) and cognitive skills (72%).

·        Half of all players worldwide say playing video games has directly bolstered their professional education through technical or behavioral skills, and 43% report that games have influenced their career or educational path. In Australia, 39% say video games have positively impacted their careers.

·        Over half (54%) of global players feel that sports video games have sharpened their real‐world abilities in that same sport; 38% of Australians agree.

 

Video games are not only a popular vehicle for lasting connections with children, family members and friends, but also are an avenue to forge new relationships:

·        Nearly two-thirds (62%) of players worldwide agree that video games create spaces for positive connections with others. 

·        Across the world, younger players (ages 16-35) use games to make and build relationships, with 67% saying they have met a good friend, spouse or significant other through video games. Nearly three in four (73%) of that same age group say video games help them feel less isolated and lonely by connecting them to other people.

·        More than half of players globally (55%) say that video games positively impact their relationships with their children, and 68% play with their children in-person at least monthly. 43% of Australian players say games positively impact their relationship with their children.

 

Profile of the global video game player (age 16+): 

·        The global video game player is 41 years old on average and is about just as likely to be male (51%) as female (48%). 

·        There are several countries where significantly more women than men play video games, including Brazil (57% to 43%) and South Africa (58% to 41%). In Australia it is 51% female to 48% male.

·        Globally, the majority (55%) of players play on mobile devices. Action and puzzle games are the top two favored genres in 20 of the 21 countries surveyed.

 

Access the complete 2025 Global Power of Play report at www.igea.net

 

 

About the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA)

IGEA (Interactive Games & Entertainment Association) is the peak industry association representing the voice of Australian and New Zealand companies in the computer and video games industry.  IGEA supports the games industry’s business and public policy interests through advocacy, research and education programs. For more information, please visit www.igea.net          

The Power of Play Report Methodology

The global survey was conducted by AudienceNet*, gathering 24,216 responses across 21 countries on six continents: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Participants were aged 16-65+, and all qualified as active gamers, defined as playing video games for at least one hour per week via console, PC/laptop, tablet, mobile, or VR. Quotas and screening criteria ensured a minimum of 1,000 active gamers per country. All respondents were recruited via professionally accredited consumer research panels.

*AudienceNet is a fully-accredited global consumer research company, currently conducting nationally representative research in 52 countries. As a Market Research Society (MRS) Company Partner, AudienceNet is bound by the MRS Code of Conduct, as well as GDPR in relation to the collection and handling of consumer research data.

MIL OSI

Animal Welfare – Two-week consultation on pig welfare law is a mockery of due process – SAFE

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Source: SAFE For Animals

SAFE says the Government is making a mockery of due process by allowing just 14 days for the public to comment on major animal welfare law changes that will keep mother pigs in cages indefinitely.
The Animal Welfare (Regulations for Management of Pigs) Amendment Bill has now been referred to the Primary Production Select Committee, which opened public submissions today but with a deadline of 23 October.
“Two weeks is nowhere near enough time for people to consider complex legal changes that will shape animal welfare in Aotearoa for decades to come.” says SAFE CEO Debra Ashton.
The Bill seeks to amend the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to explicitly permit farrowing crates and mating stalls – cages already ruled unlawful by the High Court in 2020 for preventing pigs from expressing normal behaviours such as nesting, turning around, and caring for their piglets.
SAFE says the short consultation period undermines public trust and falls far short of the standards of open, democratic decision-making that New Zealanders expect.
“There is enormous public interest in this Bill,” says Ashton.
“Polling released this week by SAFE and Verian shows that three in four New Zealanders oppose the use of farrowing crates, and 73 percent support a complete ban.”
“People deserve a fair opportunity to have their say, not a consultation window that shuts almost as soon as it opens,” says Ashton.
SAFE has written to the Primary Production Committee urgently requesting an extension to the deadline, so the public can properly consider what’s at stake.
“This is not how democracy should work, and it’s the animals who will pay the price.”
SAFE is Aotearoa’s leading animal rights organisation.
We’re creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
  • Farrowing crates and mating stalls are narrow, metal enclosures that prevent mother pigs from turning around, nesting, or caring for their piglets, depriving them of the ability to display normal behaviours as required under the Animal Welfare Act.
  • In 2020, the High Court ruled in favour of NZALA and SAFE, declaring that the minimum standards and regulations permitting farrowing crates and mating stalls were invalid and unlawful. The Labour-led government at the time initiated a five-year phase out, due to end in December 2025.
  • The Bill would amend the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to permit the ongoing use of farrowing crates and mating stalls for the decade, with minimal changes implemented from 2035.
  • A nationally representative poll conducted by Verian in September 2025 is attached. It found that 74% of New Zealanders oppose the use of farrowing crates, 73% support a complete ban, and 90% believe the Government has a duty to ensure welfare rules comply with the Animal Welfare Act.

MIL OSI

Advocacy – Hijacked Solidarity: Bringing the Focus Back to Palestine – PFNZ

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Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The pro-Palestine movement began – and must remain – a movement for 

people: for families living under occupation, for those denied safety and dignity, and for a nation struggling for justice. It was never meant to be a stage for political theatre. It was meant to be a platform for humanity.

But lately, that purpose has been lost. In New Zealand, as in many other countries, parts of the movement have been hijacked and used not to help Palestinians, but to advance political agendas and media profiles.

Recent events have made this clear. A protest outside Winston Peter’s home, followed by an attack on the same property, turned a humanitarian cause into a
law-and-order story. 

The focus shifted from Gaza’s suffering to the drama outside a Wellington house. Soon after, opposition leaders began calling for government intervention to free three New Zealanders kidnapped after joining a flotilla to Gaza, a mission they knew would likely be intercepted! 
Their courage deserves respect, but the political noise that followed reduced a complex issue to domestic point-scoring.

These moments reveal a worrying trend: the spotlight has moved from
Palestinians to politicians. From human rights to headlines. 

From justice to performance. When solidarity becomes about self-promotion or anger, it loses its moral force, and Palestinians, unfortunately, pay the price.

Another issue is how Palestinians are repeatedly portrayed only as victims. Yes, the people of Gaza suffer deeply under Israeli occupation and Hamas’s control, but they are not helpless. They are teachers, doctors, engineers, and artists. They are people of resilience, not just pain. When politicians and activists reduce them to victims, they invite pity instead of partnership. And pity, when politicized, becomes a tool, one that turns genuine solidarity into political drama.

We must say it plainly: solidarity that feeds ego or outrage is not solidarity at all. It is appropriate. Palestine is not a prop, and Gaza is not a stage.

Real solidarity is calm, disciplined, and focused on people, not politics. It does
not rely on vandalism, threats, or drama. It focuses on action that makes a real
difference. If you truly want to stand with Palestine, there are clear, constructive actions that matter:

1. Donate wisely: Support trusted humanitarian agencies that send food,
medicine, and aid directly to Gaza. Every dollar can help rebuild lives.

2. Lobby respectfully: Write to MPs urging support for humanitarian efforts
like backing ceasefire resolutions, expanding emergency visas for displaced families, expanding aid, and upholding international law. Change comes through persistence, not provocation.

3. Sign credible petitions: Add your name to campaigns that demand access for aid workers and accountability for war crimes. Numbers and civility both matter.
4. Protect safety: Never share private addresses or threaten anyone. Violence and harassment only weaken our message and our moral ground.
True solidarity is built on principle, on respect for law, human rights, and life
itself.

Palestinians do not need saviours; they need partners. 

They need global allies who listen, support, and empower them to lead their own struggle. As poet Rafeef Ziadah reminds us, “We teach life, sir.” That line is not about despair; it is about dignity. It tells us that even under siege, Palestinians still create, educate, and love life.

Here in New Zealand, we have an opportunity to show what mature, meaningful solidarity looks like. We can reject the politics of spectacle and rebuild a movement grounded in unity, freedom, peace, cooperation, and truth. We can turn slogans into consistent support, and anger into collaborative action.

Palestine deserves better than to be used as leverage in domestic politics. The
world does, too. Let us make it clear, let’s return the focus to where it belongs,
to the people who live, struggle, teach, and hope under unimaginable pressure, to the Palestinians.

Sam Alfa
Governor
Palestine Forum of New Zealand

MIL OSI

Gisborne pair caught with 157 undersize pāua

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Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

A pair of Gisborne fishers are likely to face prosecution after they were found with 157 undersize p??ua.

Fishery officers stopped the pair this week while doing catch inspections at Waihau beach, also known as Loisels beach, about 40 kilometres north of Gisborne.

“All p??ua recovered was undersize with the smallest at 60mm ??? less than half the legal size of 125mm,” says Fisheries New Zealand district manager Gisborne, Whakat??ne, and Central, Jordan Cooper.

“Our fishery officers patrol a large coastal area and with summer on the way and more people expected to be fishing you can expect to regularly see us along the coasts and beaches.

“The daily limit per person is 5 p??ua. This is in place to ensure sustainability. People who take more than their share are stealing from us all.

“The rules are there for a reason ??? to keep our shared fisheries sustainable into the future and when we find evidence of these rules being deliberately broken, we will take action,” Ms Cooper says.

MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 476 224)

Download the free NZ Fishing Rules Mobile App for the latest rules in the area you intend to fish, including areas that are closed and gear restrictions for fishing.

NZ Fishing Rules mobile app

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz 

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328. 

MIL OSI

Mountain biker rescued after hypothermia sets in

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Source: New Zealand Police

A mountain biker’s extreme training session took a dangerous turn when he became stranded in Northland bush, losing daylight and becoming hypothermic.

Northland Police SAR lead, Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, says the biker had set off from Kerikeri on Saturday.

“He was aiming to push his limits on the Department of Conservation tracks in the Waimamaku Range,” he says.

“Unbeknown to him, he missed a crucial turnoff and underestimated the terrain and weather conditions.”

The alarm was raised by the stranded mountain biker at about 8.30pm that night.

“Fortunately, the man had enough cell phone coverage and was able to speak with Police,” says Detective Sergeant Overton.

“We were able to get his exact location via GPS on the phone.”

The biker had intended to bunker down overnight and ride out the following day, however Police made the decision to rescue him as he only had light clothing, no shelter and the weather conditions were rapidly deteriorating.

A coordinated response was launched, involving Police and Far North LandSAR volunteers.

“The tracks proved extremely challenging, with the team taking 2.5 hours to walk just 5km to reach the lost person about midnight,” he says.

“By the time we reached him the biker was in a bad way.

He was soaking wet with hypothermia already setting in and struggling to walk.”

With helicopter extraction not possible due to poor weather, the team worked quickly to warm and feed the man before beginning a slow and steady walk out, which took another four hours.

“A farmer, whose property borders the ranges, helped bring the man the last few kilometres across paddocks to his home where he gave him and the rescue team hot drinks,” Detective Sergeant Overton says.

“The biker did the right thing by calling Police and staying put.”

Despite the successful outcome, the incident has prompted a warning Police of the importance of thorough preparation when undertaking activities in isolated or challenging environments, either on land or at sea.

“With summer approaching and longer days people want to get out and about and enjoy Northland’s great outdoors.

“People need to make sure they have adequate clothing, navigation tools, and know what the weather forecast is.

“They should also have some kind of communication device like a phone and in case of an emergency situations having an EPIRB could save a life.”

Detective Sergeant Overton expressed thanks to the farmer and the Far North LandSAR volunteers for their help.

“Police train together with the LandSAR volunteers for these scenarios,” he says.

“The teams know how to work together efficiently, making real-life rescues faster, safer, and more effective.”

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Milford Track opening delayed due to avalanche damage

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Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  09 October 2025

DOC bookings for the track from 28 October – 11 November will be cancelled and refunded. Hikers beyond those dates will be advised as soon as possible if further delays are likely.

DOC Operations Director Aaron Fleming says significant snow and rain throughout September have caused large avalanches on the Milford Track changing watercourses, damaging bridge footings and track infrastructure, and covering sections with ice and rock debris.

“Because of ongoing avalanche hazards, our team haven’t been able to get onto the track to fully assess the damage and begin repairs,” says Aaron.

“Safety of our staff and the public is our number one priority, and with wintry conditions persisting here in the South we’ve made the call to delay the opening now, to give those booked as much notice as possible.

“Staff will begin the repair work once conditions improve and the debris melts enough to allow safe access.”

Avalanche conditions and other weather disruptions can occur at any time of the year and travel insurance is recommended for all hikers.

“The Milford Track traverses through the heart of Fiordland National Park. It’s a spectacular place for naturing, but it can be an unforgiving place when it comes to the weather. On average, it receives between 7-8 m of rainfall a year, making it one of the wettest places in the world.

“We know this delay will be disappointing for those booked but safety is at the heart of our decision.”

DOC plans to reopen the track on 11 November 2025, weather conditions and repairs permitting. At this stage, the Routeburn and Kepler are not affected, and have later opening dates.

There are plenty of fantastic alternative tracks across the region to explore. Hikers are encouraged to reach out to a DOC Visitor Centre for the latest in weather and track conditions and check the DOC website for trip inspiration.

People should always check forecasts, pack extra warm and weather appropriate gear and be prepared for all conditions, at any time of year.

Hikers impacted by the closure will be contacted by the DOC booking team.

Background information

The Milford Track is the three-night four-day hike through Fiordland National Park. During the summer Great Walk season, bookings are essential.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

Arrest following arson in Massey

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Source: New Zealand Police

A specialist scene examination is continuing at a property in West Auckland today, following a suspicious fire this morning.

Police arrived at the address in Colwill Road, Massey at about 5.30am to execute two search warrants and upon Police approach one of the properties erupted in fire.

Detective Inspector Albie Alexander, of National Organised Crime Group, says Police believe the house may have been deliberately set on fire.

“It was one of two properties of interest suspected of involvement in manufacturing  drugs. 

“Members of the National Organised Crime Group Clan lab investigations team, supported by the Armed Offenders Squad, Clan lab response team and FENZ, were in attendance to execute the warrant.

“However, upon Police arrival it’s believed one of the occupants deliberately set fire to the property.”

Detective Inspector Alexander says FENZ and PHF Science are assisting with detailed examinations of the properties, and so far have located early signs of drug manufacturing at the properties.

“Careful planning is undertaken before an operation of this nature and taps into expertise that helps minimise risk to staff involved.

Safety is at the forefront of our planning.

“Today, all the planning paid off. 

“There is still a lot of work to do but we are satisfied with today’s result.”

Four people, aged 39-54, were removed from the properties.

One person was transported to hospital in a moderate condition after sustaining a dog bite and burns to their hands and feet.

A 54-year-old man has been charged with arson, producing/manufacturing methamphetamine, injuring a Police dog and resisting Police.

A bedside hearing will be held at a later date.

The Police dog has not sustained any long term effects from this morning’s incident.

As the matter is before the court, Police are limited in providing further comment. 

ENDS.

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

MIL OSI

Further arrest in Kaea Karauria homicide investigation

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Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Detective Inspector Martin James:

As the investigation into the fatal stabbing of Kaea Karauria continues, Hawke’s Bay Police have today arrested another person.

A 17-year-old male was arrested in Napier this morning and has been charged with theft and demands with menace.

He is scheduled to appear in Napier Youth Court on 15 October.

This has been a complex investigation. Despite a number of arrests already, we are continuing to follow up on all information received, to ensure that all those involved – either directly or indirectly – are held to account.

We are very grateful to those people in our community who have done the right thing and provided information to help us bring justice for Kaea’s whānau. 

Anyone with information who has not yet spoken to us is urged to call 105, or make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”.

Please quote the file number 250511/1317 in all reports.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

MIL OSI

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