A low-cost floating reflector to enable space-based synthetic aperture radar to detect people lost at sea is being developed by University of Auckland scientists in collaboration with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
The device could be a lifesaver in the Pacific and help New Zealand keep watch over its vast search and rescue region, covering 30 million square kilometres of water.
Vice Chief Defence Force, Rear Admiral Mathew Williams, and senior University leaders observed the latest phase of the Synthetic Aperture Radar for Search and Rescue (SAR4SaR) research programme at Omaha, north of Auckland.
“Finding a raft or small boat in the open ocean is like looking for a needle in a haystack,” said Tom Dowling, a University of Auckland scientist who is leading the project in conjunction with Defence Science & Technology (DST).
“But we aim to make the needle so shiny that it can’t be missed,” Dr Dowling said.
Small enough to fit in a small boat – even below the seat of a canoe – the device is popped open to float on the sea, reflecting electromagnetic energy back to satellites passing overhead. An artificial intelligence tool would be scanning radar data to detect the call for help.
“This innovation could be especially relevant for parts of the Pacific where many people rely on simple boats and lack access to high-end emergency gear,” said David Galligan, the director of DST, the Devonport-based scientific arm of the NZDF.
“The ocean is central to the lives of Pacific Island communities; it is an important source of food, and a means of transport,” Dr Galligan said.
“But fishers often go to sea with limited safety and communications equipment. When problems arise, they can find themselves adrift on the open ocean.”
In experiments done earlier this year, reflectors were tested for their durability and detectability from the air and space.
In tests staged from HMNZS Canterbury near the subantarctic Campbell Island, prototypes remained visible to satellites in stormy seas with gusts of 50-knot winds – more than 90 kilometres per hour.
During the week-long experiment at Omaha, the reflectors were put through a series of trials that confirmed their detectability, durability and ease of deployment.
The device’s effectiveness is made possible because of the advent of low-orbiting satellites.
Working in the University Space Institute’s fabrication facility, Dr Dowling and University engineer Ella Fasciana created prototypes in a variety of shapes – square, diamond, wedge – from materials available at local home improvement stores: aluminium foil, plastic sheeting, gaffer tape and tarpaulins.
The geometric configuration of adjoining aluminium surfaces focuses the energy of the radar signals and bounces it back to space, providing a distinctive signature for identification.
Reflectors won’t replace contemporary emergency alerting systems, such as Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons or Satellite Emergency Notification Devices. But they would be a boon for people who can’t afford such devices and a back-up for those who can.
The aim is for a low-cost device that requires no batteries or maintenance.
When small vessels go missing in the Pacific, the responsibility for coordinating the search often falls to New Zealand because this country is responsible for a zone extending from the mid-Tasman Sea, halfway to Chile, and from the South Pole almost up to the Equator.
In 2023/24 New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre conducted 489 search and rescue operations.
In many cases, search and rescue involves deploying long-range maritime patrol aircraft, such as the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s P-8A Poseidon, operated by No. 5 Squadron.
While these aircraft are vital for conducting extensive search and rescue operations, their use comes with significant operational costs. Each mission places considerable demands on both resources and the aircraft themselves, contributing to increased maintenance needs and airframe fatigue.
The Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Award finalists highlight the wide range of great work under way to keep our seafood sector productive and fisheries healthy, says deputy director-general Fisheries New Zealand Dan Bolger.
The finalists for this year’s awards include people and groups with projects ranging from reseeding initiatives and innovative fishing methods to new ways of transforming waste into value-added products.
“We’re an island nation, with one of the largest oceans in the world. It sustains the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who go fishing for fun, sport and food, and is also a significant earner, bringing in $2.2 billion dollars in exports and providing thousands of jobs all around the country,” Mr Bolger says.
“Making the most of our ocean resources requires hard work, dedication and innovation from many people from across New Zealand.
“These awards recognise the individuals, businesses, iwi organisations, and not-for-profits who are demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainability and innovation in our seafood sector.”
Fisheries New Zealand received a high number of quality entries and it was not easy for the independent panel of judges to select just 3 finalists for each category.
“The judges were pleased to see a variety of entrants including large scale enterprises and boutique businesses, and veterans of industry as well as relative newcomers, all demonstrating fresh thinking and a ‘can do’ attitude,” Mr Bolger says.
The finalists for each category are:
Operational Innovator Award, sponsored by Fishserve
Scallop Survey Imaging and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Team, NIWA/Earth Sciences New Zealand.
Rob Ansley (Ocean Pearl Fisheries), Keith Mawson (Egmont Seafoods), Jerome Chua (Massey University), and Mark Peychers (Fiordland Lobster Company).
Aaron Pannell, Flip Farm.
Market Innovator Award, sponsored by Aquaculture New Zealand
Alex Worker, Nutrition from Water.
Clare Bradley, Agrisea.
Jake Dikstaal, Leigh Fish.
Future Leader Award
William Macdonald, Rangitāne o Wairau.
Alex Hannon, Transition Technologies Ltd.
Tamar Wells, Seafood New Zealand.
Ocean Guardian Award, sponsored by Dragonfly Data Science
Ngatiwai Ki Whangaruru Whenua Topu Trust Mohimohi Moana Project.
Fiordland Marine Guardians.
Mike Rhodes, Talley’s Limited.
Tangata Tiaki/Kaitiaki Award, sponsored by Te Ohu Kaimoana
Te Kohuroa Rewilding.
Professor Kura Paul-Burke, University of Waikato.
Whangai Mokopuna Rohe Moana Management Group.
The winner of the Supreme Sustainability and Innovation Award, sponsored by Seafood New Zealand, will be selected from winners across these categories.
New Zealand’s seafood sector is full of people finding clever ways to care for the ocean and our planet, says chief executive Seafood New Zealand Lisa Futschek.
“Fishers spend more time on the water than most, so are seeing first-hand the changes in our environment – like climate change and sedimentation. Their connection to the sea runs deep.
“These awards are a wonderful way to celebrate the mahi of not only the commercial sector but all Kiwis making a difference in this area,” says Ms Futschek.
“Congratulations to all the finalists. By sharing their stories and honouring their efforts, I am certain we will inspire even more ideas and action to help sustain and protect our moana.”
In addition, a Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Award will be presented to recognise a long-term contribution to sustainability and innovation in the seafood sector.
The winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony at Parliament on 11 September 2025.
The Government is investing in a new Biodiversity Research Centre future-proofing New Zealand’s unique natural history and providing construction jobs right now, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“We know improving the quality of New Zealand’s infrastructure is vital to growing our economy and helping Kiwis with the cost of living. Around 150 staff are expected to be on site during peak times, but the contractor expects more than 2,000 people to be involved in the project in some way.
“This is just one of the $6 billion worth of infrastructure projects our government is getting underway before Christmas.
“The new facility in Upper Hutt will house Te Papa’s natural history specimen collection containing more than 860,000 preserved specimens, including the world’s largest collection of New Zealand and Southern Ocean fishes.
“The current Tory Street facility is earthquake-prone and no longer fit for purpose. Without this investment, the collection would have faced disposal, which may have been more costly, and a devastation to science and research.
“Te Papa’s collection is a cornerstone of scientific research in biosecurity, biodiversity, and environmental science, supporting industries such as seafood, aquaculture, horticulture, agriculture, and forestry both nationally and globally.
“It includes specimens dating back over 150 years, with the oldest being a hoki fish caught in Wellington Harbour in 1869. Alongside smaller samples stored in jars, the collection features large marine species such as sharks and a colossal squid, all preserved for scientific study.”
Construction is set to begin next week, with completion expected by March 2028. The collection will be transferred shortly after, and the current facility will be decommissioned by April 2029.
The Government is investing $112.5 million over the next three years. The project is projected to cost $155.4 million overall. It previously received $42.9 million in 2022.
Feedback is being sought on proposals to cut the rock lobster catch on Northland’s east coast to allow the fishery to recover.
“Rock lobster, which plays an important role in the marine ecosystem, is prized by commercial, recreational and customary fishers,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.
“The proposals that have been developed are significant. They would reduce catch on Northland’s east coast to, in the longer term, increase the abundance and size of rock lobster in that fishery.
“It’s about allowing the fishery on the east coast to recover so there are more and bigger lobsters in Northland’s east coast fishery,” Mr Jones says.
The proposals include:
Options for seasonal or year-round area closures to the spiny rock lobster fishery on the east coast of Northland (CRA 1),
an additional option to close a small section of the CRA 2 coastline (bordering CRA 1) to the take of spiny rock lobster to avoid displacement of fishing effort, and
options to reduce the recreational daily limits for spiny rock lobster and packhorse rock lobster.
“Officials engaged with the public late last year ahead of developing these proposals, and it’s clear from feedback that we all want a healthy and thriving Northland rock lobster fishery,” Mr Jones says.
“Taking steps to increase the abundance and size of rock lobster in this fishery is good for fishers but also for the marine environment. Rock lobster helps keep kina in check so they don’t destroy important kelp forest habitat and cause bare areas of rocky reef known as kina or urchin barrens.
New Zealand Police is congratulating Fijian Police Officer Corporal Sailasa Kerekere and his dog Villain on their graduation from the Police Dog Training Centre (DTC) in Trentham today.
Corporal Kerekere marked the occasion in front of Fiji Police training Sergeant Nuimaia Lawanicina and training staff from the DTC.
This is Corporal Kerekere’s second operational dog, and he now heads back to the front line with an explosives specialist, a black Labrador called Villain.
“My first dog Hague and I worked together for two years as a drug detector team. I covered a large area with him, and this new pup Villain is a great dog too. I think he’ll be really good at his job,” he says.
The team trained at Trentham, supported under New Zealand and Fiji Police’s Partnership Programme and the Pacific Detector Dog Programme.
National Coordinator Police Dogs and Pacific Detector Dog Programme (PDDP) Manager, Inspector Todd Southall, congratulated Corporal Kerekere.
“Corporal Sailasa Kerekere has trained here in Upper Hutt for eight weeks and now the rest of his training is completed back in Fiji under the watchful eyes of advisors from the PDDP,” he says.
New Zealand Police has a close partnership with its Pacific neighbours and the PDDP is part of a commitment to increase safety across the region.
The DTC has been working with Pacific countries for much longer than the PDDP has been running, Inspector Southall says.
“About 20 years ago we started to work with some of the Pacific countries – initially the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Tonga, then later Fiji and now French Polynesia and New Caledonia has been added this year.”
The PDDP officially started in 2018, funded through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Police executed a warrant earlier today at a Wanaka address and charged a 28-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman with defrauding a person of $1,044,500 over the past two years.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye said the Tasman Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) has been investigating two suspects who first lived on the West Coast and have recently moved to Wanaka where they have been living the high life with rented properties and high end European cars.
Their lavish lifestyle has been funded with money allegedly defrauded from family, friends and associates, for cancer treatment that inquiries show was never required and never obtained.
“The TOCU has been investigating this matter for only two weeks and has acted as promptly as possible to prevent further offending on this scale.
“Inquiries to date including an ongoing financial analysis of bank accounts used by the couple which indicates there are other victims who have not yet spoken with police. We’re identifying who they are and will be investigating their complaints.”
Existing matters against the couple were filed at court in April 2024 for fraud related offending against another two victims, totalling $79,000. They will appear in the Queenstown District Court where bail is opposed.
“Members of the TOCU will continue to investigate this matter to ensure all offenders are held to account. We’re also seizing assets where possible to assist with any possible reparation, and so that potential victims are protected from further offending by this couple.
“If you feel like you have given money away to this couple that matches with some of the deceptive reasons mentioned here or have information that can assist the inquiry, contact the Tasman Organised Crime Unit.”
“We’re based in Greymouth where the team will be actively investigating your complaint. Please quote case number 241031/7310,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye.
If you believe you are, or have been, a victim of fraud, contact Police at www.police.govt.nz/use-105, or call Police on 105 and report the matter.
If you have handed over your bank details, contact your bank and immediately suspend your account.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2025 – In March of this year, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck the Mandalay region of Myanmar, causing severe casualties and widespread destruction. In response to this emergency, Singapore-based Insternity Group Pte Ltd swiftly partnered with local Myanmar enterprises Myint Mo Shyan and MyanLife to provide immediate relief through modular building technology. This joint initiative, executed in collaboration with the KBZ Foundation, fully demonstrates a firm commitment to social responsibility and long-term community support.
The photo shows the completed modular houses, which are now occupied as offices. From left to right at the donation ceremony are: Barbie Tsai (CEO of Insternity Group), Saw Dino Ku (MD of Myint Mo Shan), U Aung Ko Win (Chairman of KBZ Group), and U Nyo Myint (Vice-Chairman of KBZ Group).
Innovative Modular Housing: A Fast, High-Quality Solution for Reconstruction
Insternity Group and Myint Mo Shyan have long been advocates for sustainable and socially impactful architecture. As Myanmar’s only one-stop lifestyle platform combining e-commerce with food, travel, and other discount vouchers, MyanLife has a long history of dedication to philanthropy and is committed to enhancing local leisure experiences. Following the disaster, the three parties immediately launched their relief efforts. In Mandalay, the application of modular construction allowed for the rapid deployment of offices and residential units, which played a crucial role in restoring infrastructure and maintaining the continuity of services in the affected areas.
In the initial phase, Insternity Group and Myint Mo Shyan constructed modular offices and dormitories for the KBZ Foundation to ensure uninterrupted operations. MyanLife, leveraging its extensive charitable experience, helped coordinate relief resources and assess community needs, ensuring that reconstruction efforts precisely addressed the actual needs of the affected population. These high-quality units feature durable structures, effective insulation, and ventilation systems, and are designed to be flexible for emergency or transitional needs.
Financial Stability Supports Community Recovery
The KBZ Foundation’s new modular office facilities are now fully operational, with employee dormitories expected to be completed in the coming weeks. This development ensures the continued provision of essential financial services and economic support, highlighting the critical role of modular solutions in disaster resilience and sustainable reconstruction.
Working Together to Rebuild Hope
Saw Dino Ku, Managing Director of Myint Mo Shyan, said, “When the earthquake struck Myanmar, I was determined to provide the fastest and most effective response for the victims. The concept of modular buildings, with their potential for significant impact, immediately came to mind. I immediately contacted the CEO of my partner, Insternity, and the MyanLife team to discuss the possibility of collaborating and donating for the earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar. We all saw the potential and decided to build and donate a ‘modular building’ for the KBZ Foundation’s disaster response center in Mandalay. Why modular? Compared to traditional timber-framed construction, it offers faster construction time, potentially lower costs, and higher energy efficiency. We believe this unique approach to emergency relief can make a significant difference.”
Barbie Tsai, CEO of Insternity Group, stated, “In the face of tragedy, we must respond not only with speed but also with empathy. Our goal is to rebuild hope through construction—creating not just shelters but foundations for a new future. Together with our partners, we stand proudly with the people of Mandalay.”
MyanLife also leveraged its long-standing charitable experience to serve as a community link, helping to integrate relief resources and assess the actual needs of affected communities to ensure that humanitarian aid provides maximum benefit. Later this year, MyanLife plans to launch more charitable initiatives to continue supporting vulnerable groups.
Corporate Social Responsibility and a Sustainable Future
This cross-national collaboration demonstrates the power of international cooperation and corporate compassion. The joint efforts of Insternity Group, Myint Mo Shyan, MyanLife, and the KBZ Foundation show how socially responsible business practices can play a key role in emergency recovery, community reconstruction, and building long-term resilience. By combining Singapore’s expertise in architectural technology, Myanmar’s local implementation capabilities, and MyanLife’s deep-rooted philanthropic experience, this model of cooperation sets a new benchmark for future disaster response.
Innovative Modular Housing: A Fast, High-Quality Solution for Reconstruction
Insternity Group and Myint Mo Shyan have long been advocates for sustainable and socially impactful architecture. As Myanmar’s only one-stop lifestyle platform combining e-commerce with food, travel, and other discount vouchers, MyanLife has a long history of dedication to philanthropy and is committed to enhancing local leisure experiences. Following the disaster, the three parties immediately launched their relief efforts. In Mandalay, the application of modular construction allowed for the rapid deployment of offices and residential units, which played a crucial role in restoring infrastructure and maintaining the continuity of services in the affected areas.
In the initial phase, Insternity Group and Myint Mo Shyan constructed modular offices and dormitories for the KBZ Foundation to ensure uninterrupted operations. MyanLife, leveraging its extensive charitable experience, helped coordinate relief resources and assess community needs, ensuring that reconstruction efforts precisely addressed the actual needs of the affected population. These high-quality units feature durable structures, effective insulation, and ventilation systems, and are designed to be flexible for emergency or transitional needs.
Financial Stability Supports Community Recovery
The KBZ Foundation’s new modular office facilities are now fully operational, with employee dormitories expected to be completed in the coming weeks. This development ensures the continued provision of essential financial services and economic support, highlighting the critical role of modular solutions in disaster resilience and sustainable reconstruction.
Working Together to Rebuild Hope
Saw Dino Ku, Managing Director of Myint Mo Shyan, said, “When the earthquake struck Myanmar, I was determined to provide the fastest and most effective response for the victims. The concept of modular buildings, with their potential for significant impact, immediately came to mind. I immediately contacted the CEO of my partner, Insternity, and the MyanLife team to discuss the possibility of collaborating and donating for the earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar. We all saw the potential and decided to build and donate a ‘modular building’ for the KBZ Foundation’s disaster response center in Mandalay. Why modular? Compared to traditional timber-framed construction, it offers faster construction time, potentially lower costs, and higher energy efficiency. We believe this unique approach to emergency relief can make a significant difference.”
Barbie Tsai, CEO of Insternity Group, stated, “In the face of tragedy, we must respond not only with speed but also with empathy. Our goal is to rebuild hope through construction—creating not just shelters but foundations for a new future. Together with our partners, we stand proudly with the people of Mandalay.”
MyanLife also leveraged its long-standing charitable experience to serve as a community link, helping to integrate relief resources and assess the actual needs of affected communities to ensure that humanitarian aid provides maximum benefit. Later this year, MyanLife plans to launch more charitable initiatives to continue supporting vulnerable groups.
Corporate Social Responsibility and a Sustainable Future
This cross-national collaboration demonstrates the power of international cooperation and corporate compassion. The joint efforts of Insternity Group, Myint Mo Shyan, MyanLife, and the KBZ Foundation show how socially responsible business practices can play a key role in emergency recovery, community reconstruction, and building long-term resilience. By combining Singapore’s expertise in architectural technology, Myanmar’s local implementation capabilities, and MyanLife’s deep-rooted philanthropic experience, this model of cooperation sets a new benchmark for future disaster response.
Hashtag: #InsternityGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SonicWall’s latest release features built-in Zero Trust, embedded warranty, and co-managed services empowering partners to deliver scalable, smart security with simplicity and confidence
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2025 – SonicWall today introduced nine new firewalls as part of its Generation 8 portfolio, taking a pivotal step in delivering a cybersecurity platform purpose-built for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and the customers they serve.
This announcement underscores SonicWall’s commitment to delivering integrated cybersecurity solutions that address today’s threat landscape from the endpoint to the local network to the cloud. The Generation 8 portfolio strengthens SonicWall’s ability to deliver simplified, scalable, and affordable solutions, empowering partners to offer uncompromising, world-class security. SonicWall’s latest firewalls combine advanced protection, intelligent cloud management, Zero Trust security, and expert-backed services for a single monthly price.
“We’re not just delivering a new set of high-performance firewalls, we’re preparing our partners and their customers for the latest threats and market requirements,” said Bob VanKirk, President and CEO of SonicWall. “Our new firewall lineup is just one part of a broader, unified platform strategy. With SonicWall Unified Management, embedded ZTNA, the SonicSentry managed services team, and the industry’s first built-in cyber warranty, we’re helping partners shift from resellers to high-value security providers. This launch arms our partners with the tools they need to win more business and strengthen customer trust by providing market-leading cybersecurity protection.”
More Than Firewalls: A Unified, MSP-Ready Cybersecurity Platform
The Generation 8 refresh is part of SonicWall’s integrated approach to deliver outcomes, not just infrastructure. SonicWall’s platform combines hardware, software, managed services, flexible billing, and deep third-party integrations to help partners scale efficiently and protect customers at every edge.
Key platform features include:
SonicWall Unified Management – A single cloud console to manage firewalls, network policies, access controls, and accounts, reducing operational complexity.
Built-in ZTNA – Every firewall come with embedded licenses for next-gen secure remote access, making modern cloud access control easy to deploy.
SonicSentry Co-Managed Security – Optional 24/7 monitoring, patching, and monthly reporting, backed by SonicWall experts.
Backed by a Cyber Warranty – Industry-first embedded $200K coverage with every managed firewall through Managed Protection Security Suite (MPSS).
“Today’s MSPs and MSSPs need more than just great technology, they need support scaling their business,” said Jason Carter, Chief Revenue Officer at SonicWall. “From flexible licensing to co-managed security services, we’re giving partners every advantage to grow margins, differentiate offerings, and meet their customers’ evolving needs.”
Debasish Mukherjee, Vice President of Sales, APJ at SonicWall said, “MSPs and MSSPs especially in the APJ region are under increasing pressure to deliver stronger security outcomes while scaling efficiently across diverse markets. SonicWall’s new Generation 8 platform directly addresses this challenge, combining intelligent firewalls, cloud-native management, and built-in Zero Trust into one, unified solution. It’s built for today’s real-world needs, enabling partners to lead with confidence while helping customers stay secure and ahead of evolving threats.”
Next-Gen Firewalls Engineered for Performance, Built for Growth
SonicWall’s Generation 8 release features eight new firewall models, ranging from the ultra-compact TZ280 to the high-performance NSa 5800, each engineered to deliver best-in-class security, performance, and scalability for small offices, distributed environments, and mid-sized enterprises.
Every model is equipped with cloud-native management built for service providers through SonicWall Unified Management, built-in Zero Trust capabilities, the latest SonicOS enhancements, and is protected by SonicWall’s industry-first embedded cyber warranty. Additionally, the entire Generation 8 lineup can be purchased with MPSS, enabling co-managed security services delivered by the SonicSentry team of security professionals.
Designed for Real-World MSP Use Cases
From cloud-first organizations and remote workforces to distributed enterprises, SonicWall’s platform adapts to the real-world challenges of partners and their clients. Use cases include:
SMB and mid-market security with embedded Zero Trust
Multi-tenant environments with centralized oversight
Compliance-friendly co-management with built-in monthly health reports
Full-stack offerings with warranties and optional cyber insurance coverage up to $1M
Enabling Recurring Revenue and Simplified Service Delivery
SonicWall offers both self-managed APSS and fully co-managed MPSS security bundles, all available via monthly billing options with no minimums or long-term commitments – ensuring partners can flexibly serve clients while building predictable recurring revenue.
For more information, visit: www.sonicwall.com.
Hashtag: #SonicWall
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Police have made two arrests over an aggravated robbery in Onerahi on Monday afternoon.
Whangārei CIB have been investigating after a woman’s bag was taken from her near an alleyway on Ross Street on 11 August, around 3pm.
“A woman’s bag was taken after a weapon was allegedly presented at her,” Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer says.
“Enquiries have been underway to locate the two young males allegedly involved in this crime.
“This resulted in us locating two males, aged 14 and 16, yesterday.”
Police have charged the 14-year-old male with aggravated robbery and breaching bail.
He will be appearing in the Whangārei Youth Court today.
The 16-year-old has been referred to Youth Aid.
Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says an Onerahi address was searched as part of enquiries.
“Crucially, we have located a laptop that was in the woman’s bag at the time,” he says.
“This is a great result in both holding these two males to account, and recovering the laptop as I know it contained irreplaceable university material.
“Police and the community will not tolerate violence or other intimidation.”
Police can today release the name of a man who died in Ruakākā on Monday.
He was local man, 29-year-old Matthew George Taylor.
Matthew leaves behind a partner and three young children.
“They are all struggling to come to terms with their loss,” Sergeant Simon Craig, from Ruakākā Station, says.
“What should have been morning exercise in good conditions has turned into a tragedy.”
His family have asked for privacy as they continue to grieve.
Police have established that Matthew had gone kayaking in the sheltered Ruakākā estuary.
“A search operation got underway after Matthew failed to return home,” Sergeant Craig says.
“Matthew was located a few hours later by Ruakākā Surf Lifesaving Club members in the estuary a short distance from where his upturned kayak was found.”
Police acknowledge those involved in the search for Matthew.
A rāhui has been put in place by Patuharakeke kaumātua over the Ruakākā River, which lifts this afternoon.
Police are referring Matthew’s death to the Coroner.
