Government backs Cyclone Tam caulerpa seaweed clean-up in Northland

October 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has awarded $129,000 to Northland Regional Council to help cover the cost of removing seaweed that washed up on the region’s beaches during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam in April, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says.

“The $129,000 grant is drawn from the recently established emergency waste funding,” Ms Simmonds says.

“In the cyclone’s immediate aftermath, local hapū led the clean-up response, supported by Northland Regional Council and local volunteers, working swiftly, to remove more than 100 tonnes of the exotic and highly invasive caulerpa seaweed from the coastline.

“The cyclone’s powerful swells uprooted large quantities of caulerpa seaweed from the seabed, blanketing beaches in thick green mats.

“When washed ashore, the fast-spreading marine pest can harm coastlines and marine ecosystems, so it was essential to remove the seaweed as quickly as possible to prevent further harm,” Ms Simmonds says.

“I am very pleased to award this funding to Northland Regional Council to help cover the costs from removing this waste, and I commend the local hapū, volunteers and council staff for their swift and dedicated efforts to protect Northland’s beaches.”

Ms Simmonds says the emergency waste funding was set up to help councils with the cost of managing waste following an emergency, helping to support the community with the response.

“The Government recognises the pressure councils are under in managing the aftermath of severe weather events, and we are committed to supporting them and their communities,” Ms Simmonds says.

“As well as helping Northland, we have also been central to supporting the Tasman District Council in their recovery efforts following the extensive flooding in the region earlier this year.”

While the emergency waste funding was awarded to cover the costs of removing seaweed washed ashore by ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam, Northland Regional Council is also leading the Exotic Caulerpa Elimination Project.

Supported by $6.2 million in funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries, the project aims to develop an innovative tool to remove the invasive seaweed from the ocean floor.

For further information visit: Emergency waste funding | Ministry for the Environment

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Youth lands in Court following stolen car incident

LiveNews Publisher

October 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A stolen vehicle has landed a teenager in court following a combined effort from Police and the public.

At about 4.45pm on Wednesday, a Whangārei woman reported her vehicle stolen after visiting friends in Dargaville.

Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom, says officers quickly located the stolen car, but the driver fled.

“The vehicle’s driver was quickly identified by officers, and members of the public directed Police to a rural property they believed the youth was at.

“Police attended but the youth had already fled into nearby bush.”

Inspector Nordstrom says a Police dog team was sent to the property and tracked the teen for approximately three hours.

“However, the youth had managed to hitch a ride back into town.

“Officers located the youth in town and after a short foot chase, he was successfully arrested at about 9.20pm.”

The 15-year-old is now facing multiple charges including burglary, unlawfully taking a vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop.

Inspector Nordstrom thanked those members of the public who provided pivotal information in helping locate the youth.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the people who stepped up and helped us – their local knowledge and willingness to assist made a real difference.

“We’re committed to holding people to account for their behaviour, and thanks to that partnership, we’ve done just that.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Auckland Police shut down large-scale cannabis grow operation

LiveNews Publisher

October 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A man is facing charges after police seized over 500kgs of cannabis, during a series of search warrants executed throughout Auckland City West on Thursday 9 October.

Additionally, police located a significant amount of cash, MDMA and Ketamine.

The search warrants were part of Police’s continued effort to crack down on criminals profiting from the sale of drugs and further enquiries into others involved, continues.

Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill said “During the searches of the properties, significant commercial cannabis grow set-ups were located.

Cultivation of cannabis at this level is organised crime and the action taken by police will impact those facilitating this activity and lessen the residual harm being caused.

We’re particularly pleased to remove the MDMA and Ketamine from circulation, given the significant risk that it creates in the community”.

The 26-year-old-man is due to appear in the Auckland District Court on 15 October to face cultivation of cannabis charges and further charges are likely.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Civil Defence – Are New Zealanders overconfident about emergency readiness? New survey suggests we’re “working backwards”

LiveNews Publisher

October 10, 2025

Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

New Zealanders know more and more about the hazards they live alongside – but the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)’s Annual Preparedness survey (attached) suggests they’re not taking steps to prepare themselves and their whānau.

NEMA’s annual survey monitors how prepared New Zealanders are for emergencies, and how they respond during and after an emergency event.

This year’s survey found that although 91% of New Zealanders thought it was quite or very important to be prepared for an emergency, only 40% had taken steps to prepare themselves or their household for an emergency in the past 12 months.

Despite this, 51% of respondents felt they were very or quite well prepared for an emergency (up from 46% in 2024), and 64% believe they know a lot or a fair amount about preparing for one (a 10% increase since 2022).

“When it comes to household preparedness, confidence levels may have increased, but the number of people taking the real steps to prepare themselves has stayed the same,” John Price, NEMA’s Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management, says.

“This gap between perception and action leaves many New Zealanders vulnerable during emergencies. Your safety is your responsibility, because there may not be a cavalry on the way when you need it.

“In an emergency, professional first responders like Police, Fire and Emergency and Civil Defence staff have to focus on rescues and helping the people who are most at risk – they can’t waste valuable time helping people who haven’t done their bit.

“If you haven’t prepared, you could be putting other people at risk. Being prepared will prevent harm to you and those you care about.”

NEMA has been surveying New Zealanders about emergency readiness since 2006, and the results show that preparedness increases by 10-15% after major events like the Canterbury quakes or Cyclone Gabrielle, but decreases after that.

“If you’re waiting for an emergency to happen before you start preparing for one, you’re working backwards,” Price says. “It can feel overwhelming at first, but creating a plan doesn’t have to happen all at once.

““Making a plan is easy, quick, costs nothing, and will make a huge difference in an emergency. Just ask some simple questions – like where to go, who needs our help, and who can help us.

“You can start small and build it up gradually – every step you take makes a difference for you and your community.”

John Price encouraged New Zealanders to join over 700,000 others in signing up to next week’s ShakeOut earthquake drill and tsunami hikoi – and to take the opportunity to make a plan for your household.

The survey also highlighted the role of public education campaigns, and how they prompt New Zealanders to take action. Nearly half of New Zealanders recall NEMA’s “Long Strong, Get Gone” advertising campaign, and 42% of those who saw it took action or spoke to someone about preparedness.

The “Flood Waters are Deep Trouble” campaign – heavily-targeted ads that run during severe weather events – also prompted action among 64% of those who saw it.

To learn more about how to prepare your household for an emergency, visit NEMA’s Get Ready site atgetready.govt.nz.

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Agenda for November 2025 Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (PTAC) meeting

LiveNews Publisher

October 10, 2025

Source: PHARMAC

Information on what the Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (PTAC) will be considering at its upcoming meeting on 13 and 14 November 2025.

Applications

Nivolumab (branded as OPDIVO), for people with bladder cancer

The Committee will discuss an application for the funding of nivolumab with cisplatin chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma.

Application for nivolumab for people with bladder cancer(external link)

Semaglutide (branded as OZEMPIC) for people with type 2 diabetes

The Committee will discuss a new application for the funding of semaglutide for treatment of insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes.

Application for semaglutide for people with type 2 diabetes(external link)

Anifrolumab (branded as SAPHNELO) for people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

The Committee will discuss a new application for the funding of anifrolumab for the treatment of severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Application for anifrolumab for people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)(external link)

Bevacizumab (branded as Vegzelma) for people with a blood vessel condition

The Committee will discuss two new applications for the funding of bevacizumab for severe hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

Application for bevacizumab for people with a blood vessel condition(external link)

Subcutaneous (SC) Pembrolizumab (branded as KEYTRUDA SC) for all funded indications where the intravenous formulation (IV) is funded

The Committee will discuss a new application for Subcutaneous pembrolizumab for use in the same conditions where intravenous Pembrolizumab is currently funded.

Application for subcutaneous (SC) pembrolizumab for all funded indications where the intravenous formulation (IV) is funded(external link)

Subcutaneous Vedolizumab (branded as ENTYVIO) for people with the bowel diseases ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease

The Committee will discuss a new application for the funding of subcutaneous vedolizumab for the maintenance treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Application for subcutaneous vedolizumab for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease(external link)

Tezepelumab (branded as TEZSPIRE) for people with long term sinus inflammation and polyps

The Committee will discuss a new application for the funding of tezepelumab for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Application for tezepelumab for people with long term sinus inflammation and polyps(external link)

Consideration of biosimilar tocilizumab

The Committee will discuss the evidence for transition from reference tocilizumab to biosimilar tocilizumab for intravenous and subcutaneous use.

Advisory meeting agenda setting

The scheduling and agenda setting process for advisory meetings considers multiple factors. We aim to balance the relative priorities of clinical advice needed across indications, the factors for consideration for each application (for example unmet health need), the time since applications were received and the internal and advisor resource available to support each meeting.

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Hang Lung Properties’ Malls Deliver Strong Performance During National Day Golden Week

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October 10, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Chinese Mainland Tenant Sales and Footfall Achieve Double-Digit Growth Hong Kong Footfall Shows Steady Uptick

HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 October 2025 – Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00101) (“Hang Lung” or the “Company”) today announced strong preliminary operational results from its properties in the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong during the first four days (October 1-4) of the 2025 National Day Golden Week. The Company’s Mainland malls demonstrated robust performance with significant growth in both tenant sales and footfall, while its Hong Kong malls also saw a steady increase in visitor traffic.

Strong Performance in Mainland Portfolio with Sales and Foot Traffic Growth

Hang Lung’s Chinese Mainland portfolio under the signature “66” brand is located in nine major cities

Fuelled by a series of engaging marketing campaigns and effective member promotions during the National Day Golden Week, total tenant sales across Mainland malls rose by approximately 15% year-on-year for the first four days. Heartland 66 in Wuhan and Grand Gateway 66 in Shanghai saw particularly strong growth, with tenant sales climbing by over 70% and 50%, respectively. Member sales were also a key driver, with a year-on-year increase of nearly 20% over the four-day period.

Notably, on National Day (October 1) alone, tenant sales across the Mainland portfolio surged by more than 20% year-on-year, with 70% of the Company’s operating malls recording double-digit growth. Heartland 66 in Wuhan hosted the Central China debut of the popular IP “ButterBear” Autumn Baking Workshop, which attracted customer traffic and helped tenant sales more than double compared to the same period last year.

Heartland 66 in Wuhan attracted customer traffic with the popular IP “ButterBear,” with tenant sales on National Day more than doubling from last year

Overall footfall at Mainland malls improved by 3% year-on-year from October 1-4. In particular, Center 66 in Wuxi and Heartland 66 in Wuhan recorded growth of over 20%.

During the first four days of the National Day Golden Week, footfall at Center 66 in Wuxi increased by over 20% year-on-year

Tenant Sales

↑ Approx. 15% yoy

Heartland 66 ↑ over 70% yoy
Grand Gateway 66 ↑ over 50% yoy

Visitor Traffic

↑ 3% yoy

Center 66 and Heartland 66 ↑ over 20% yoy

Hong Kong Portfolio Sees Footfall Recovery, Peak Galleria Jumps Over 20%

In Hong Kong, Hang Lung’s retail portfolio recorded a 4% year-on-year increase in footfall during the first four days of the Golden Week, reflecting an improvement in local consumer sentiment. The Peak Galleria performed exceptionally well with footfall surging by 26% year-on-year, contributing significantly to the overall footfall growth.

The Peak Galleria performed exceptionally well during the National Day Golden Week, with footfall increasing by 26% year-on-year during the first four days

Hashtag: #HangLung

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

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

Judicial appointments announced

LiveNews Publisher

October 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced several High Court and Environment Court appointments.

The appointees will sit in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. Those appointed are:

Owen Paulsen

Justice Paulsen, currently an Associate High Court Judge, becomes a High Court Judge. He graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws in and began his career at Harman & Co, where he was a partner from 1991-1998.

From 2000-2001 Justice Paulsen was an adjudication and mediation member of the Employment Tribunal while also in sole practice as a litigation lawyer, and from 2001-2014 was a partner in Cavell Leitch Law. In 2011 he graduated from the University of Auckland with a Master of Laws (Commercial Law) (First Class Honours).

From 2015-2019 Justice Paulsen was Lord Chief Justice of the Kingdom of Tonga, the professional head of the Tongan judiciary, the President of both the Court of Appeal and the Land Court, and an advisor to His Majesty King Tupou VI on the Privy Council in land cases. While in Tonga he was awarded an official Honour by the King of Tonga making him a member of The Most Devoted Royal Household Order of Tonga.

Justice Paulsen was appointed an Associate Judge of the High Court in 2019. His appointment as a High Court Judge is effective from 15 November 2025 and he will sit in Christchurch.

Helen Wild

Helen Wild has been appointed an Associate High Court Judge and will sit in Auckland from 16 February 2026.

Associate Judge Wild graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Laws in 1987. She worked at Simpson Grierson from 1988-1996, becoming a Senior Associate in 1992. 

In 1997 she joined the Auckland District Health Board as Legal Counsel. She became a Principal with Chapman Tripp in 2002, before returning to Simpson Grierson as a Special Counsel in 2005.

From 2007-2015 Associate Judge Wild was Senior Counsel with Television New Zealand. She joined Anderson Creagh Lai Limited as a Director in 2015.

Associate Judge Wild joined the Auckland Council as litigation and dispute resolution manager in 2016 and since 2020 has been the Council’s principal legal advisor and head of the legal team.

David Caldwell

Judge Caldwell graduated from the University of Canterbury and was admitted to the bar in 1989. He was a partner at Lane Neave and then at Tavendale and Partners in Christchurch, before joining Bridgeside Chambers in 2016.

He has extensive experience as a litigator and mediator in both employment and resource management law.  He has been appointed as an independent commissioner by territorial and regional councils for numerous consent and plan change applications.

Judge Caldwell will be sworn in on 15 December 2025 and will sit in the Environment Court in Wellington.

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New deal deepens NZ-Singapore partnership

LiveNews Publisher

October 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have launched the New Zealand-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in Auckland today.

“Singapore is one of our closest partners. As small states, it’s important we work side-by-side to keep trade open, strengthen security, and defend the rules-based order,” Mr Luxon says.

“The CSP we signed today is designed to back business, grow investment, and help more New Zealand firms scale from Singapore into Asia.

“What this boils down to for Kiwis is more jobs and higher incomes.

“Through the CSP, we have committed to tackling the next generation of challenges together, from supply chain resilience and digital trade, to climate change and maritime security,” Mr Luxon says.

The CSP will drive deeper cooperation across six pillars: Trade and Economics; Defence and Security; Science and Innovation; People-to-People links; Climate and Green Economy; and Supply Chains and Connectivity.

“Prime Minister Wong’s visit has not only marked 60 years of diplomatic ties between our two countries – it has set the direction for the next chapter of our partnership.”

As part of today’s announcements, New Zealand and Singapore also concluded a first-of-its-kind Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) to help keep essential goods moving in times of crisis.

Prime Minister Wong departs New Zealand tomorrow.

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Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa – Outdoor Access Commission Announces New Chief Executive

LiveNews Publisher

October 10, 2025

Source: Herenga ā Nuku – the Outdoor Access Commission

The Board of Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Wildy as its new Chief Executive Officer. Dr Wildy will succeed Ric Cullinane, who has retired after a tenure as a long-serving and highly respected leader of the organisation.

Herenga ā Nuku is the Crown agency responsible for enhancing free, certain, enduring, and practical public access to the outdoors. The Commission works to protect and extend access to the outdoors for walking, biking, horse riding, fishing, hunting, and other forms of recreation, ensuring that New Zealanders can enjoy the outdoors.

Dr Wildy brings over 27 years of public sector leadership experience, with a strong background in governance, strategic transformation, and operational delivery. He is currently serving as Director: National Intelligence at New Zealand Police, where he has led significant national initiatives in intelligence and public safety.

Dr Wildy began his career in the New Zealand Army, serving in various roles both nationally and overseas. He is a graduate of the New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (History)-awarded with placement on the Dean’s List-as well as a Master of Strategic Studies with Merit.

Dr Wildy is also a tramper, hunter, angler and advocate for the outdoors. His connection to the land and outdoor recreation aligns with the values of Herenga ā Nuku.

The Board is confident that Dr Wildy’s strategic leadership, collaborative approach, and appreciation for nature will guide the organisation into an exciting new chapter. We look forward to working with him to continue strengthening public access to the outdoors.

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Māori Unity, Focus, and a Progressive Path Forward – Mike Smith

LiveNews Publisher

October 10, 2025

Source: Mike Smith: Keep the Journey Moving — Māori Unity, Focus, and a Progressive Path Forward

Veteran Māori activist Mike Smith is urging Te Pāti Māori and the Toitū te Tiriti group to move swiftly into the next phase of their political journey, saying now is not the time to stall or look backwards.

“There are always potholes along the road,” said Smith. “We try to avoid them, but sometimes we hit one. When that happens, we shouldn’t stop and drive back and forward over it. If you get a flat tyre, don’t keep driving on the rim—change the tyre and keep going. This is not about the potholes or the tyres. It’s about the journey and the destination—and most importantly, it’s about the whānau in the back seat.”

Smith said he’s encouraged to see Te Pāti Māori refocusing and repositioning as the year draws to a close.

“It’s good to see and hear that Te Pāti Māori is refocusing—it’s perfect timing to carry that energy into the new year. The kaupapa of Māori advancement is bigger than any single organisation. This is the moment to strengthen our collective resolve, not lose momentum.”

As part of this renewed push, Smith is calling for cross-party collaboration among Māori Members of Parliament from Te Pāti Māori, the Greens, and Labour, to deliver a solid, unified campaign agenda heading into next year’s elections.

“We need to start talking and working together now to shape a campaign platform that reflects the shared priorities of our people—tino rangatiratanga, justice, and a fair future for our mokopuna,” he said.

At the same time, Smith is calling on the Māori movement itself—including community organisations, hapū networks, and advocacy groups—to tighten its organisation and deliver a coherent, progressive development agenda capable of being enacted both inside and outside of government.

“Our strength lies not just in who we elect, but in how we organise. The movement must stay focused on building solutions—economic, social, and cultural—that can be delivered whether we’re in government or not. The next phase of our journey must be grounded in unity, discipline, and purpose.”

Smith emphasised that the political road ahead will not be smooth, but the focus must remain on the destination and the wellbeing of the whānau who depend on the movement’s leadership and courage.

“The road will always have bumps, but if we stay united and keep our eyes on the horizon, we’ll reach the destination our ancestors dreamed of. The most important thing is that we keep driving—together.”

Mike Smith
Veteran Activist and Climate Leader
Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu

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