Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Inspector Peter Raynes:
Police were notified of an incident near Manurewa train station at around 6pm this evening.
Emergency services are currently responding.
Police would like to reassure the community that there is no risk to public safety and advise that an increased Police presence can be expected in the area for some time.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has emphasised New Zealand’s commitment to Pacific regionalism during the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiji today.
“New Zealand is a steadfast and long-standing advocate for Pacific regionalism, as a founding member of the Pacific Islands Forum and host of the inaugural Forum Leaders Meeting in Wellington in 1971,” Mr Peters says.
“In these uncertain geo-strategic and challenging economic times, it is more important than ever that the region stands together and sets our own agenda – rather than being pressured or even dictated to by external influences,” Mr Peters says.
“At the same time, the scale of the challenges we face as a region make it imperative that we are welcoming and encouraging of the interest of dialogue and development partners who wish to work with the Pacific for mutual benefit.”
Mr Peters welcomed the report of the High-Level Persons Group into Pacific regional architecture, which was presented at today’s Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
“The issues facing the Pacific are so urgent and important that we need our regional organisations working as effectively and efficiently as possible in advancing our collective interests. This report offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform our regional architecture so that it’s fit-for-purpose for tackling today’s acute challenges.”
During today’s meeting, Mr Peters also offered New Zealand as a host of the 2027 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.
“New Zealand last hosted the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in 2011, so we feel it is important to put our hand up again,” Mr Peters says.
“While the 2027 host will ultimately be a decision for Forum Leaders to make in the Solomon Islands next month, we wanted to make clear that New Zealand is ready to serve as host again.”
While in Suva, Mr Peters also held a range of bilateral discussions with Pacific counterparts.
Source: Media Outreach
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2025 – Clean energy solutions provider Gentari yesterday marked the groundbreaking of the Maryvale Solar & Energy Storage project (Project Maryvale), a key milestone in delivering reliable, low-carbon energy for New South Wales (NSW).
Gentari & PCL leaders break ground at Maryvale Solar & Energy Storage Facility
Project Maryvale is a next-generation hybrid renewable energy facility that integrates a 243 MWp solar installation with a 172 MW/409 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). Once operational, it can deliver up to 172 MW of dispatchable clean electricity – enough to power around 82,000 homes annually – while helping to avoid up to 615,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. At the peak of construction, the project is expected to create up to 360 jobs and unlock local opportunities across the regional supply chain.
“Project Maryvale represents our commitment to accelerating Australia’s energy transition with reliable, dispatchable renewable energy,” said Claire Elkin, Head of Gentari Australia. “As one of the first large-scale DC-coupled solar and storage projects in the country it embodies our ambition to deliver clean energy solutions at scale while supporting grid resilience.”
Secured under NSW’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap
Project Maryvale was awarded a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) under the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. Administered by ASL as the NSW Consumer Trustee, the LTESA provides financial certainty through an option of an energy price floor. This mechanism helps to de-risk the project and facilitate financing.
The project is strategically located within the Central-West Orana REZ – one of the priority zones identified by the NSW Government to accelerate renewable energy development. This region offers strong solar resources and is designed to accommodate large-scale generation and supporting infrastructure.
Maximising the Value of Green Energy
The Maryvale Solar & Energy Storage System will support a reliable renewable energy by enhancing grid stability and efficiency. The system will offer dispatchable renewable energy by firming its own solar output and dispatching it into the grid when it is most needed.
Additionally, the system can provide essential ancillary services, which are critical for maintaining grid stability. Together, these functionalities position the BESS as an asset not only for project economics but for overall grid resilience.
Leading Deployment of DC-Coupled Hybrid Solutions
Project Maryvale stands as one of the largest DC-coupled solar and battery hybrid projects under construction and represents a significant step forward in the integration of renewable energy and storage technologies. The DC-coupled solar and storage allows the project to maximise excess solar generation by directly charging the BESS while delivering smoother, scheduled generation.
Social Impact and Local Engagement
Gentari is committed to delivering lasting value to the local Maryvale community. This includes establishing a community benefit fund, investing in workforce and industry capability development, and supporting regional infrastructure and housing initiatives in collaboration with local authorities.
Through ongoing engagement with First Nations communities, local businesses, education providers, and government stakeholders, Gentari aims to foster inclusive participation and build long-term partnerships based on trust, openness, and shared benefit.
Project Maryvale adds to Gentari’s clean energy portfolio in Australia, which now includes 814 MW of solar and solar hybrid projects installed and under construction across the country.
The project is being delivered by PCL Construction’s Solar Division, appointed as the EPC contractor, while the PV modules and BESS system are being free-issued through direct procurement from Tier 1 suppliers — Trinasolar for the solar modules and Contemporary Amperex Technology Australia Pty Ltd , a globally recognised OEM, for the BESS. Notice to Proceed on the construction of this project was given in January 2025 and construction on site is now underway.
Hashtag: #Gentari #ProjectMaryvale #SolarEnergy #BatteryStorage #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #NetZero #AustraliaEnergy #GreenInfrastructure
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government’s second RMA Amendment Bill has passed into law, bringing in sweeping changes to many of the handbrakes on New Zealanders’ lives, helping to drive economic growth, and laying the groundwork for job creation,” RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says.
“The Resource Management Act (RMA) has been holding New Zealand back for decades. It has let successive governments and councils say ‘no’ to progress, ‘no’ to development, and ‘no’ to building the houses, infrastructure, clean energy and other important projects that New Zealanders need to get ahead,” Mr Bishop says.
“Our full replacement for the RMA will be introduced to Parliament this year, be passed into law next year, and be in effect by 2027- but in the meantime, through this Amendment Bill, we’re making it quicker and simpler to consent renewable energy, boost housing supply, and reduce red tape for the primary sector.
“The Bill contains five broad packages of changes which will remove roadblocks and cut red tape holding back progress for:
“We also added a new provision which requires Auckland Council to allow even greater housing and development around key stations benefitting from City Rail Link investment, to ensure Aucklanders reap the full benefits of this transformational investment into the city.
“We added changes to ensure a more cost-effective transition between the current RMA and the upcoming new planning system by putting a stop to councils making RMA plan or policy statement changes until the new system is in place in 2027. There will be some exemptions for important work that aligns with Government priorities, or for activities such as managing natural hazards.
“Alongside this change, we added a new a new regulation making power that will allow the responsible Minister to recommend changes or even removal of parts of council RMA plans and policy statements that are proven to be holding back economic growth, development, or job creation.
“This week we also took urgent action to prevent what could have amounted to a ‘stop work’ notice for thousands of New Zealand farmers, by further amending the Bill to broaden what water discharges can be allowed as a permitted activity.
“And, to the great excitement of countless Wellingtonians, we added a provision that removes heritage protections from the unsafe and derelict Gordon Wilson Flats in Wellington, clearing the way for the flats to be demolished so that new student accommodation can be built.”
“This legislation is part of our wider three-phase RMA reform programme. In Phase One, before Christmas last year, we repealed the previous government’s overly complex RMA changes.
“Phase Two is now well underway, with our Fast-track one-stop shop up and running, the biggest package of national direction changes in New Zealand’s history being worked through with decisions due before the end of this year, and this second Amendment Bill delivering meaningful improvements.
“Phase Three will see the complete replacement of the RMA with two new laws that better reflect the importance of private property rights. The new planning system legislation will be introduced to Parliament before the end of this year, pass into law next year, and be in effect by 2027.”
The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill will be enacted the day after it receives royal assent, which is expected in the coming days.
Note to editor:
See attached fact sheet for a summary of changes to be enacted through the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill.
Source: Tom Kay, Choose Clean Water
The Government’s attempt to justify last-minute changes to the Resource Management Act appear to contradict New Zealand’s commitments under our Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, say freshwater campaign group Choose Clean Water.
On Tuesday, the Government issued a press release stating that its last-minute changes to the Resource Management Act, which would allow agricultural and industrial pollution of waterways to continue where it’s causing “significant adverse effects on aquatic life”, are “Urgent economic action to protect exports”.
The Government is aiming to change a long-standing and fundamental part of New Zealand’s environmental law designed to protect fresh waterways from severe damage (ie, the loss of fish and other wildlife).
“What this means is that ongoing, severe pollution is being made legal at the stroke of a pen and that appears to directly contradict our obligations under our EU Free Trade Agreement,” says Tom Kay, Choose Clean Water spokesperson.
“A recent court decision on the Southland Land and Water Plan concluded that farming that was causing serious harm to rivers and other waterways could not simply be allowed as a permitted activity without a resource consent. This meant other councils who had similar permissions in their plans, like Waikato, are likely also allowing farming where it is causing significant degradation too.”
“But rather than do something to address this severe pollution, the Government is trying to cover it up by calling it “routine on-farm activities”, and trying to make the problem disappear by weakening the law and stating this is to “protect exports”.
“There are clauses in our Free Trade Agreement with the EU about not weakening environmental protection in order to encourage trade.”
Our European Union Free Trade Agreement states,
“Each Party shall strive to ensure that its relevant law and policies provide for, and encourage, high levels of environmental and labour protection, and shall strive to improve such levels, law and policies.”
“A Party shall not weaken or reduce the levels of protection afforded in its environmental or labour law in order to encourage trade or investment.”
“A Party shall not, through a sustained or recurring course of action or inaction, fail to effectively enforce its environmental or labour law in a manner affecting trade or investment.”
“A basic reading of the Free Trade Agreement would suggest that the Government’s last-minute changes to the RMA, as well as its other efforts to weaken environmental law, directly contradict the clauses relating to environmental protection.”
The Ministers’ press release says they are making the changes because “The Waikato region generates 20% of the nation’s primary exports,” and “If we don’t act, the economic heart of New Zealand’s primary sector could grind to a halt.”
However, Kay says, the Government has not mentioned the potentially irreversible and intergenerational damage that could be done to waterways—such as groundwater underneath Canterbury that many rely on for drinking water—by allowing this pollution to be swept under the rug.
Given the consequences of these changes on people’s health and well-being, the places we live, and our international trade obligations, Ministers Bishop, McClay and Hoggard must issue a vastly more detailed explanation on the impacts of their changes to environmental protections for the state of our water and our trade agreement.
“There have been other instances where MFAT has advised we may breach these environmental obligations. How much can the Government weaken environmental law before there are international consequences?”
“If so-called “routine on-farm activities” in New Zealand lead to the severe pollution of our freshwater, then our agricultural industry lobby groups aren’t the international leaders they say they are.”
“The Government must drive and support more widespread improvement of farming activities, council enforcement, and accountability. They can not just magic away the problem by taking away environmental protection that safeguards all New Zealanders, the places we live in, and the water we all rely on.”
Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)
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.
“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.
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.
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
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
Market Innovator Award, sponsored by Aquaculture New Zealand
Future Leader Award
Ocean Guardian Award, sponsored by Dragonfly Data Science
Tangata Tiaki/Kaitiaki Award, sponsored by Te Ohu Kaimoana
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.
Find out more about the Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards
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.
Source: New Zealand Government
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.
Source: New Zealand Government
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:
“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.
“I’ve made dealing with kina barrens a priority. Last year, I introduced new tools to help tackle kina barrens, and in April I closed the inner Hauraki Gulf to rock lobster fishing.”
Consultation on the Northland proposals starts today, and people have until 5pm on 22 September 2025 to make a submission.
More information, including how to make a submission, can be found on MPI’s website.
