Northland News – Voting papers on way

By

-

September 9, 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

Voting papers for next month’s local body election will begin arriving in people’s mailboxes from today, Tuesday 09 September.

Dale Ofsoske, the Northland Regional Council’s Electoral Officer, says voting papers will be delivered to registered voters from 09-22 September 2025.

Local body elections are conducted by postal voting, and papers must be put in the mail no later than Tuesday 07 October to ensure they arrive in time to be counted.

“After that date however, you can hand deliver your voting paper to a ballot box up until midday on Election Day, Saturday 11 October.”

A list of ballot box locations can be found via your local district council website.

Mr Ofsoske says anyone who does not receive voting papers by 22 September should contact the Northland Regional Council electoral office by phoning (0800) 922 822 or emailing specialvotes@electionservices.org.nzand requesting a Special Vote.

Special Votes can also be obtained from dedicated district council offices in Whangārei, Kaipara and the Far North. (Visit their websites for locations nearest to you.)

Twenty-three people have been nominated for the regional council, however, due to only one nomination in the Mid North General Constituency the sole candidate, Geoff Crawford, has been declared elected unopposed.

This leaves 22 people contesting the remaining eight seats on council; six general seats and two Māori seats.

To help voters make an informed choice, the Northland Regional Council also recently invited candidates to film a 90-second video addressing three questions:

Why do you think you’re right for the role?

In your view, what’s the biggest challenge facing our region?

What are your top priorities for council/Northland for the next three years?

Meanwhile, as well as voting for those who will represent them around the council table for the next three years, all voters will also be able to vote on whether to keep or remove the Northland Regional Council Māori constituency, Te Raki Māori.

MIL OSI

Animal welfare – One year on: Animals still dying on notorious Southland mud farm – SAFE

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 9, 2025

0

Source: SAFE For Animals

Exactly one year ago, SAFE helped expose shocking footage of dead and dying sheep on a Southland mud farm. Today, new footage from the very same farm shows that nothing has changed.

Filmed between 5-6 September, the footage shows a sheep likely struggling to give birth, her lamb’s head visibly stuck. The farmer pushes her to the ground, drags her through a fence, and takes her out of sight to a nearby bush. She is seen upright and alert, but moments later appears lifeless. What happened to her afterwards remains unknown.

The next day, at least two dead newborn lambs were found lying in mud.

SAFE Campaign Manager Emma Brodie says the actions of the farmer are unconscionable and may well be criminal.

“This sheep was dragged out of sight at the very moment she most needed help. Not knowing what happened next is every bit as disturbing as what we did see.”

SAFE says the incident shatters the myth that animal deaths on mud farms are simply the result of bad weather.

“This is the exact same farm where sheep were filmed dead in mud one year ago. At the time, Federated Farmers tried to excuse it as poor weather. But this year has been significantly drier – and still, animals are dying.”

“These conditions are not the product of an extreme weather event, they’re the result of a farming practice that is dangerous by design,” says Brodie.

Mud farming forces animals to live, sleep, and give birth in paddocks saturated with mud, faeces, and urine. SAFE says this is an inherent violation of New Zealand’s animal welfare laws, which require that animals’ basic needs be met, and that they be handled in ways that prevent unnecessary pain and distress.

“No animal should ever be condemned to give birth or die in mud. These conditions are completely inconsistent with the obligations set out in the Animal Welfare Act. MPI knows the risks, yet its failure to enforce the law has enabled systemic neglect on these farms,” says Brodie.

SAFE is urging the Government to take decisive action and end mud farming in Aotearoa. More than 17,000 people have already signed SAFE’s petition calling for an end to the practice.

“This is not about one bad farm, or one bad season. It is the inevitable outcome of mud farming everywhere, and it will keep happening until the Government ends it.”

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.

All images and footage are credited to Matt Coffey.

Footage from 5-6 September 2025 showing a farmer dragging a sheep through a fence while in labour and dead lambs in mud.

Footage and images from September 2024 showing dead and dying sheep and lambs on the same Southland mud farm.

MIL OSI

Environment Events – KASM, Greenpeace invited to submit on Fast-Track seabed mining application

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 9, 2025

0

Source: Kiwis Against Seabed Mining (KASM)

Kiwis Against Seabed Mining (KASM) and Greenpeace today welcomed the invitation from the Fast-Track expert panel considering the seabed mining application to make a submission on the project.

KASM comment:

“We will bring critical evidence to the process that nobody else can, such as our expert on the pygmy blue whale population residing in the South Taranaki Bight, so it makes sense for the panel to invite us to take part. It’s good to see the panel recognise the value and legitimacy of our contribution which draws on over a decade of involvement on this issue,” said KASM Chairperson Cindy Baxter.

“It’s critical that this panel has all the relevant evidence before it to make this decision – we all need to do our collective best within an awful process that shouldn’t be happening in the first place. Trans Tasman Resources has already had this bid to destroy our moana rejected by the highest court in the land, but ducked out of the process, clearly thinking the Fast-Track would be an easier bar to clear.”

Greenpeace comment
“This would be a brand new destructive activity and this project would be the first in the world of its kind. Given Trans Tasman Resources’ parent company has been promoting a much bigger site of 877 square kilometres to its shareholders, it’s clear this first application sets a critical precedent,” says Greenpeace seabed mining campaigner Juressa Lee.

“We’ve been involved in this process for the past 12 years, and we represent literally tens of thousands of people who’ve signed our various petitions calling for a ban on seabed mining. “

The two organisations welcomed the panel’s extensive list of interested parties: it has called on a wide range of voices to make submissions on the application. They have 20 days to make their submission.

MIL OSI

Advocacy – Keep Your Eyes on Gaza: A People Being Exterminated

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 9, 2025

0

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

New Zealand The Palestine Forum of New Zealand urgently draws attention to the escalating catastrophe in Gaza, where entire families are being left homeless and exposed under relentless bombardment.

In just 72 hours:

Five high-rise buildings (more than seven floors, containing 209 apartments) were bombed. Each apartment sheltered at least 20 people, meaning over 4,100 children, women, and the elderly are now homeless.
More than 350 tents were destroyed. Each tent sheltered around 10 displaced people, meaning 3,500 people lost their last refuge.

The catastrophic toll:

In total, around 550 families, nearly 7,600 people, have been left in the open, without food, water, or shelter, struggling against hunger, heat, and death.

“This is not collateral damage. This is the systematic extermination of a civilian population,” said a spokesperson for the Palestine Forum of New Zealand. “Every day, the world watches in silence as thousands of innocent lives are destroyed. The time for statements has passed; urgent action is required.”

Call to action:

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls on humanitarian organizations, governments, and the international community to act immediately to stop the annihilation of Gaza’s people and to provide urgent relief.

MIL OSI

Appeal for information on East Taieri-Allanton Road fatal crash, Dunedin

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 9, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Detective Darrin Healy:

Dunedin Police are appealing for the public’s help following a fatal crash on 4 September.

Around 1.30pm, Police were called to a crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle on East Taieri-Allanton Road.

Sadly, one person died at the scene.

Police would like to hear from any motorists who were travelling on East Taieri-Allanton Road, State Highway 1, near J.Tee’s Golf and Function Centre, between 1:20pm and 1:30pm that day.

In particular, Police are interested to hear from you if you may have seen an orange Suzuki Swift or a white and black motorcycle leading up to the time of the crash.

Police are also looking to speak to the driver of a white van with black and white chevron stripes on the back half (pictured).

We have no reason to believe this driver had any involvement in the crash, however, they may have information that can assist with our investigation.

If you can assist with these enquiries, or have dashcam footage from this time, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing the file number 250904/9509.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

International meetings to grow defence, security

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 9, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister Responsible for the GCSB and NZSIS Judith Collins is this week representing New Zealand at the annual Five Country Ministerial meeting in London.

“This annual meeting recognises the common issues facing the five countries – New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the UK and the US – and our joint commitment to addressing them through research, engagement and working together,” Ms Collins says.

“We will be discussing a range of common challenges and emerging issues, including countering terrorism, approaches to state threats, border security and tackling child sexual exploitation and abuse.”

“While in the UK I will also meet with counterparts in the UK Intelligence and Defence communities, as well as with the UK public service on public service productivity, including digital government and artificial intelligence.

“The GCSB and NZSIS have strong, enduring intelligence relationships with their UK counterparts and other Five Eyes partners.

“This directly contributes to the safety and security of our two countries, as well as broader global security efforts.

“New Zealand can’t work in isolation when we are dealing with national security – we must always work with our international partners.

This week of engagements reaffirms New Zealand’s steadfast dedication to global security and the collective effort required to address these in an increasingly complex and dynamic international environment.”

MIL OSI

Another step forward for Takitimu North Link Stage 2, extending highway to Ōmokoroa

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 9, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A long-awaited step forward is confirmed for the new 4-lane state highway west of Tauranga, between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa, as applications for statutory approvals are lodged for Stage 2 of the Takitimu North Link project under the Fast-track Approvals Act, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) confirms.

This comes as contracts are being awarded for design of this Road of National Significance, and work is underway to refine the design where Stage 1 and 2 meet at Te Puna, helping align both stages and reduce re-work under Stage 2.

“This moment represents the culmination of considerable mahi and tautoko (support) by many over recent years. We acknowledge the commitment and support from our stakeholders over the project’s history, as well as the clear need for improved reliability, resilience and safety on this stretch of State Highway 2,” says Susan Collins, NZTA Regional Manager System Design.

Stage 2 extends Takitimu North Link Stage 1, currently in construction between Tauranga and Te Puna, onwards to Ōmokoroa. The project will improve reliability and resilience for those travelling through the Western Bay sub-region, particularly at Ōmokoroa, Whakamārama, Te Puna and Tauranga.

“Delivering a project of this size and scale comes with its challenges, from managing the sensitive coastal environment to landholdings and complex stormwater requirements.

“Reaching the pre-implementation phase is no small feat, with several structures and a major interchange to be designed for the proposed 7.1km 4-lane state highway to be built.

“We are looking forward to working on the design with local authorities including Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and local hapū Pirirākau and Ngāti Taka, recognising the important role this infrastructure will have in the future prosperity of the region” says Ms Collins.

People passing through the area will see a programme of ground investigations beginning later this year, with key sites near Snodgrass, Ainsworth and Te Puna Quarry, and Munro roads, and near Te Puna Stream.

Tolling has been confirmed to support construction and maintenance costs, and funding for construction will be considered following further work in consenting and detailed design, which is currently in progress.

Notes to the editor

The Stage 2 (Te Puna to Ōmokoroa) project is a Road of National Significance project and is an extension of Stage 1 between Tauranga and Te Puna. It will include:

a new 4-lane state highway with median and side barriers
overbridge for local traffic at Plummers Point Road / Barrett Road
overbridge for local traffic at Snodgrass Road / Te Puna Quarry Road
grade separated interchange at SH2 / Ōmokoroa Road
4 million cubic metres of earthworks
ecological restoration areas
connection to the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 (currently in construction)
existing SH2 highway retained as a local road.

Takitimu North Link project

Takitimu North Link Stage 2: Te Puna to Ōmokoroa

The application documents are published online at fasttrack.govt.nz(external link)

This page outlines the Fast-track approvals process(external link)

Statement provided by Ngāti Taka hapū spokesperson

“Ngāti Taka hapū representatives have been working alongside NZTA Waka Kotahi on Takitimu North Link Stage 1 and developing Stage 2 for many years. This Kaupapa acknowledges our Mana and History, strengthens the relationships we have, and recognises the contribution and values we each bring to the table.”

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini – Our strength is not as an individual, but as a collective. We look forward to the next steps together.”

Statement provided by Pirirākau hapū spokesperson

“Pirirākau has walked alongside NZTA Waka Kotahi for more than 2 decades in the planning of the Takitimu North Link. The corridor traverses our ancestral rohe, connecting the high-growth centres of Ōmokoroa and Tauranga, and enabling the broader western Bay of Plenty region to flourish.”

“For Pirirākau, this whenua is not just land, it is imbued with whakapapa, kōrero tuku iho, and the legacy of our tūpuna. The corridor follows traditional routes that once connected our coastal kāinga to inland settlements and strategic pathways linking Pirirākau with our whanaunga in Waikato.”

“All our lands in this area were unjustly confiscated by the Crown in 1863, following the battles of Pukehinahina and Te Ranga. Yet despite that history, we remain committed to advancing positive outcomes for our hapū and the wider community.”

“Through this project, we look forward to continuing our relationship with NZTA, building not just a road, but a future that acknowledges the past, respects our cultural identity, and supports the prosperity of all who call this place home.”

MIL OSI

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Action Plan 2025-2028

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 9, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

9 September 2025

The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Action Plan 2025-2028 was developed by the Ministry of Health as part of renewed focus on FASD, announced in February 2024.

It is a health-led plan, with cross-agency support and shared accountability, including across justice, and social service sectors, with a focus on:

growing awareness and preventing harm
supporting individuals and families across the life course
building an informed and capable workforce.

The plan has four main sections.

FASD Action Plan roadmap: 2025-28 – sets out the strategic direction for addressing FASD over the next three years.
Context – outlines the need for an FASD Action Plan and background to its development.
Strategic outcomes and priority actions – outlines the actions that agencies will be focused on to contribute to improved outcomes for FASD.
Monitoring and evaluation – sets out expectations and a timeframe for activities that will provide assurance over delivery of the Action Plan.

The FASD Action Plan 2025-2028 will help ensure a coordinated, system-wide approach to addressing the impacts of FASD in Aotearoa New Zealand.

MIL OSI

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Community Engagement Insights Report

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 9, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

9 September 2025

The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Community Engagement Insights Report provides an overview of targeted engagement undertaken by five community organisations: Kookiri ki Taamakimakaurau Trust, Māori Coalition for Te Iho Tātai-ā-Rongo (FASD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – Care Action Network Aotearoa (FASD-CAN), Alcohol Healthwatch and the Village Collective.

The community engagement process was carefully designed to be inclusive and accessible: people took part all over New Zealand and each organisation tailored their engagement approach to reflect the cultural and social dynamics of the communities they serve.

This report honours the voices of those communities and the aspirations and priorities of the FASD community across New Zealand. This includes recommendations and insights to inform the Government’s renewed focus on FASD.

MIL OSI

String of charges following flee through South Auckland

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

September 9, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police

A fleeing driver incident in Papakura last night has left one Black Power member without wheels.

At about 11.30pm, a Subaru Legacy passed a Police patrol unit at speed on Beach Road.

Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says the Subaru entered the motorway and was signalled to stop but failed to do so.

“Police did not pursue the vehicle as it turned its lights off and drove north on State Highway 1.

“Officers on the ground worked in conjunction with Police Camera Operators as the vehicle continued on and took the State Highway 20 exit.”

Inspector Hoyes says the Subaru came to a stop just after the Puhinui Road on-ramp where officers attempted to take the driver into custody.

“The man has resisted arrest and OC spray was used.

“He was taken into custody without further incident and his vehicle has also been impounded.

“This kind of unsafe driving puts both other motorists and the occupants of the car at risk of serious injury, or worse, and we will continue to take action.”

A 36-year-old man will appear in Papakura District Court today charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop, possession of an offensive weapon, resisting Police and driving with excess breath alcohol.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI