Search warrant uncovers weapons stash

New school lunch programme serves communities and taxpayers

By

-

November 7, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that from Term 1 2026 the new school lunch programme will deliver affordable, nutritious lunches, on time to contributing primary schools every day.

“As schools open in 2026, the programme will deliver nutritious meals to around 242,000 students, every school day,” Mr Seymour says.

“From term 1 2026 all contributing primary schools (years 0 – 6) will transition to the same cost-efficient model as other schools in the programme. This two-stage approach was agreed to by Cabinet in 2024.

“Suppliers were invited to apply for the Healthy School Lunches Request for Proposals in July. Today we have announced, ten suppliers (listed at the end of this release) were contracted to deliver lunches to 188 contributing primary schools.”

Suppliers are contracted to deliver school lunches which cater to standard special diet lunches. They will use sustainable packaging and user-friendly ordering systems. Suppliers will distribute meals to their schools and manage surplus meals and waste.

“The regional approach was found to best meet the needs of contributing primary schools in New Zealand. For example, many small primary schools serve remote communities. Having multiple suppliers means the programme can deliver to these schools, while saving the taxpayer an expected $145 million in 2026,” Mr Seymour says.

“The ten suppliers have been part of the programme for several years. They bring the experience, systems, and track records to deliver nutritious lunches that students enjoy every school day.

“For example, when floods close the roads Café Mahia still finds a way to deliver lunches to two isolated schools in Wairoa. They have the know how to deal will the unique asks of the region.

“The weighted average meal cost across all suppliers is $3.46, which is based on the per meal cost of suppliers between $3 and $5 per lunch. Suppliers require different price points based on the unique parameters of their region as well as remote location and size of the schools included.

“No increase to funding is required for this, it is funded by efficiencies made in the wider programme through more flexible ordering. This Government gave schools the ability to order to demand, so if parents can provide their children with lunch the school doesn’t need to order a taxpayer-funded one.

“Under the Labour-led government, lunches cost up to $8.68 per student. Through innovation and embracing commercial expertise, we’re delivering a better programme, saving taxpayers approximately $145 million per annum compared to how Labour funded it.

“Since the beginning of Term 1 2025, the Programme has delivered over 30 million nutritious meals, to 242,000 students, in over 1,000 schools.

“The government is also providing food for up to 10,000 two-to-five-year-olds attending low-equity, community-based early learning services. This is funded by savings found in the lunch programme.

“Some suppliers in the existing programme will be affected, and I appreciate this will be tough. However, the emphasis of the programme is to ensure students get healthy meals at an affordable cost to the taxpayer.”

The new suppliers for contributing primary schools are listed below. More information on individual suppliers is available in the attached information sheet.

Appresso Pro Foods
Montana Group
Ka Pai Kai
KDJ Catering
Cafe Mahia
Star Fresh
University of Canterbury Student Association (UCSA)
Knuckles (The Food Company)
The Y Gisborne
Pita Pit and Subway

Good progress on Great Walks but avalanches persist

By

-

November 7, 2025

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date: 07 November 2025

Windfall clearance and track repair work is well underway on the Milford Track following the recent storm but the avalanche hazard is still too high to safely allow work at some bridge sites.

DOC Operations Director Southern South Island Aaron Fleming says until the avalanche risk has substantially decreased, the bridges can’t be reinstalled.

“We have rangers from outside the region on the ground helping with the recovery.

“Safety is always our number one priority and right now the risk is too high. Staff are seeing daily avalanches in the upper Clinton, with heavy snow loads beginning to melt. As well as a risk to people, it wouldn’t make sense to install a bridge directly in the path of a predictable avalanche.”

Staff are still working towards a November 19 reopening for the Milford Track however will be in direct contact with booked hikers if further delays are expected.

The alpine sections of the Kepler and Routeburn tracks remain closed until snow and avalanche conditions improve. The DOC website continues to be updated regularly as new information comes to light, and DOC will continue to notify people booked of any delays or closures, says Aaron.

“Anyone heading backcountry into alpine areas should be aware of the heightened avalanche risk following the late spring snowfall. It’s not just Great Walks impacted.

“It’s not the start of the summer hiking season we’d hoped for, but we are working hard to get things up and running for people to get back out naturing as soon as possible and we’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

Transporting New Zealand backs the introduction of average speed cameras

By

-

November 7, 2025

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Transporting New Zealand is welcoming news from the NZ Transport Agency that it will begin operating its first average speed camera in December, with another 16 sites to follow over the next year. The first site is located on Matakana Road in Warkworth, Auckland.

Average speed cameras (also known as point-to-point cameras) work by calculating a vehicle’s speed along the length of road between two cameras at either end. They measure the time a vehicle takes to travel between the two cameras and calculate the average speed. Drivers will only get a ticket in the mail if their average speed between the two cameras is over the posted speed limit.

The cameras can also distinguish between light and heavy vehicles, meaning that on 100km/h and 110km/h roads, trucks and buses will be measured against their maximum permitted limit of 90km/h.

“Average speed cameras are in operation in many other countries including Australia, and it makes sense that they be introduced here too as another tool to support speed compliance,” says Transporting New Zealand Policy & Advocacy Advisor Mark Stockdale.

“There’s also an element of fairness to average speed cameras, as drivers may inadvertently speed – such as when overtaking a truck – and could be caught by a single camera at that point. Whereas with average speed cameras, if they button off and moderate their speed over the rest of the road corridor, they should be within the average speed when you include slowing down for corners and not receive a ticket,” Stockdale says.

All of the sites destined for average speed cameras will have ‘average speed camera area’ signs posted before each camera to warn motorists to check their speed, while longer routes will have supplementary warning signs placed along the road corridor.

About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.

Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4,700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

Exceptional Police work leads to two arrests

By

-

November 7, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Inspector Danny Kirk, Area Commander for Tairawhiti:

Exceptional work by Police staff has led to two Mongrel Mob members being charged after an incident in Wairoa yesterday afternoon.

Around midday, two Detectives were conducting enquiries at an address on Black Street which was subject to arson attack last week. While on the street, they were alerted to a vehicle of interest.

That same vehicle, then cut in front of a separate patrol unit who was in the area and then failed to stop for Police when signalled to do so.

Police followed the vehicle and saw it pull into an address on Jellicoe Street and all occupants of the vehicle fled on foot.

Police found a loaded rifle near the car and as such cordons were put in place. Our Gisborne Armed Offenders Squad, police dog unit and other officers quickly attended and four men were located and arrested.

All men were patched members or prospects of the Mongrel Mob.

A 24-year-old man has now been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and failing to stop for Police.

A 19-year-old man has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Both are due in Gisborne District Court today.

Police are now awaiting forensic testing and further charges are likely.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Crash, Harbour Bridge Northbound

By

-

November 7, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are in attendance at a crash on the Harbour Bridge this morning.

Police were called to the single vehicle crash at about 11.17am.

Northbound lanes two and three have been closed while crews respond.

One person has sustained minor injuries.

Motorists are being advised to expect delays.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Life-changing cancer care closer to home in Taranaki

By

-

November 7, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Patients across Taranaki now have access to world-class cancer care closer to home with the official opening of the Taranaki Cancer Centre, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This centre marks a major milestone for patients and families across Taranaki,” Mr Brown says.

“It delivers modern, patient-focused cancer care in a purpose-built facility designed to meet the region’s needs, now and into the future.”

At the heart of the new centre is Taranaki’s first Linear Accelerator (LINAC), enabling local delivery of radiation therapy for the first time. This cutting-edge technology precisely targets cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, improving both treatment outcomes and patient comfort.

“Each year, around 300 Taranaki patients require radiation therapy. Until now, many had to travel to Palmerston North for multiple appointments, adding stress and disruption to already challenging circumstances.

“With this new facility, up to 80 percent of radiation treatments can now be delivered locally, with only one planning visit required outside the region.”

The centre also increases access to chemotherapy, now available five days a week instead of four. This improvement will enhance access to cancer medications and streamline treatment schedules for patients.

The $56.1 million facility also includes:

10 chemotherapy chairs (up from eight)
Eight outpatient family rooms with video-conferencing
Two isolation rooms
Dedicated family spaces to support patients and family throughout their care journey

The Taranaki Cancer Centre is in addition to the wider $462.6 million redevelopment of Taranaki Base Hospital, which is modernising and expanding healthcare infrastructure across the region. The new East Wing building is nearing completion, offering increased capacity and state-of-the-art facilities for both patients and clinicians.

“We are focused on building a modern, resilient, and future-ready health system for New Zealanders.

“This new cancer centre will reduce long journeys for treatment, give patients more time with their loved ones, and support better health outcomes, while providing clinicians with the modern facilities and technology needed to deliver world-class care – right here in Taranaki.”

Christmas Season – Santa comes to Auckland Museum this Christmas

By

-

November 7, 2025

Source: Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum

Santa Claus is setting up his southern hemisphere study at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum, bringing a touch of North Pole magic to Tāmaki Makaurau this holiday season.

From Saturday 22 November to Sunday 21 December, families can visit Santa’s Study at Auckland Museum to meet the man in red, take photos, and share their Christmas wishes. The cosy space, complete with festive décor and twinkling lights, will be open on weekends from 9.15AM to 4.30PM, offering an enchanting new way for Aucklanders to experience the season.

Because he’s travelling light, he doesn’t have his photographic gear, so make sure you bring your own phone or camera if you’d like to capture the moment. Santa’s chief elf will be on hand to help or take an ’elfie.

Beyond Santa’s Study, Auckland Museum will be alive with festive sights and sounds throughout November and December. The four-metre tall Grand Foyer Christmas Tree returns as a sparkling centrepiece to seasonal celebrations, alongside a North Pole Mailbox where children can post their wish lists straight to Santa himself.

Each weekend, families can take part in free Festive Whānau Weekends featuring Christmas crafts, choir performances, and holiday fun for all ages.

Victoria Travers, Director of Audience Engagement, Auckland Museum, says, ‘We’re giving Santa a home away from the North Pole, so he can meet his Auckland fans while he gets some important work done.’

‘Auckland Museum is already such a special place for families, and this gives our visitors a unique opportunity to make magical memories, all while exploring our galleries and enjoying the festive atmosphere with crafts and performances celebrating the holiday season.’

FESTIVE WHĀNAU WEEKENDS AT AUCKLAND MUSEUM

22 NOV – 21 DEC 2025

VISIT SANTA’S STUDY
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 9.15AM – 4.30PM, 22 NOV – 21 DEC

Exciting news for fans of the jolly white-bearded, red-suited man! For the first time, you can visit Santa Claus at Auckland Museum in his private study. For a limited time only, we’ll be offering this affordable option to meet Father Christmas with your excited little ones. For more information and to book a special session with Santa Claus, click here.

FREE CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 10AM – 3PM, 22 NOV – 21 DEC
ORIENTATION SPACE, TE AO MĀRAMA SOUTH ATRIUM

Get your festive creativity flowing with our hands-on craft activity. Decorate your own wooden bauble to take home as a keepsake, or as a gift for someone special in your life.

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
SATURDAYS, 12PM, 22 NOV – 21 DEC
GRAND FOYER

Join us at midday on Saturdays for a festive musical treat. Among the wonderful acoustics of the Museum’s Grand Foyer, an eclectic blend of local choirs from Tāmaki Makaurau will perform seasonal classics and favourites from their own songbooks.

Choir Performance Schedule:

Saturday 22 November, Auckland Korean Choir
Saturday 29 November, Vocālis
Saturday 6 December, Handel Consort & Quire
Saturday 13 December, All Together Now
Saturday 20 December, Stimmung Choir

MUSEUM CHRISTMAS TREE & SANTA’S MAILBOX
FROM 22 NOV, GRAND FOYER

From Saturday 22 November, our stunning four-metre tall decorated Christmas tree will be on display in the Grand Foyer.

It’s not too late for your little (or not so little) ones to write their Santa wish lists and post them into the Museum’s dedicated North Pole mailbox by the Christmas tree.

For more information and bookings to visit Santa, click here: https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/visit/whats-on/kids-and-family/visit-santa-s-study?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MediaRelease%3ASantacomestoAucklandMuseum&utm_content=version_A

Economy – Treasury’s 2025 Investment Statement published

By

-

November 7, 2025

Source: The Treasury

– Our balance sheet has more than doubled in size over the last decade

– The growth in size and complexity of the balance sheet means it is more important to manage it effectively.

– Over the next ten years, assets and liabilities are projected to increase at a slower rate.

– The strength of the balance sheet is likely to deteriorate if current policy settings do not change.

– We need to manage our assets better, ensure we’re investing in the right assets, and improve our understanding and management of risk we’re exposed to.

The Treasury has published its final stewardship report, He Puna Hao Pātiki Investment Statement 2025. It describes the current state and value of the Crown’s significant assets and liabilities, how they have changed, how they are expected to change, and any differences since the previous investment statement. It also explores how more effective management of the Crown balance sheet can help ease tough fiscal choices in the future.

Over the past decade, both assets and liabilities have doubled, and the composition of the balance sheet has changed. It has become more complex with more entities and asset types. It also faces ongoing risk with climate change and geopolitical tensions, reflecting the need for effective management of public resources.

“The balance sheet provides a clear picture of the country’s resilience. As demands on public services and investment have changed, the balance sheet has become increasingly important, and challenging to manage,” said Secretary for the Treasury, Iain Rennie.

Without policy change, spending is projected to increase much faster than revenue over the next 40 years, which will put downward pressure on net worth. This could reduce the Crown’s ability to borrow to fund investments, provide adequate services to future generations, and maintain a buffer against adverse shocks. The Investment Statement looks at opportunities to help address these challenges by improving balance sheet management.

“The Investment Statement shows we need to improve our asset management – to get more value from existing investments, ensure we’re investing in the right assets, and improve our risk management and understanding,” said Iain Rennie.

The Treasury’s stewardship documents collectively demonstrate the key fiscal challenges ahead. To navigate these challenges, a wide range of levers, including the balance sheet, will need to be utilized effectively. This involves making the most of government-owned assets to deliver policy objectives efficiently, investing wisely, actively recycling assets to maximize public benefits, and improving the Crown’s ability to absorb and respond to shocks when they occur.

Key figures and findings:

– Net worth is now $191 billion but projected to fall to $168 billion by 2027.

– Assets rose from 108% to 136% of GDP between 2014 and 2024.

– Liabilities rose from 74% to 90% of GDP between 2014 and 2024.

– The central government owns $571 billion in assets, and owes $380 billion of liabilities.

– Social assets provide important public services like transport, housing and education but we’re not managing these assets well.

o The average age of our hospitals is 45 years old but have a typical life of 50 years.

o A third of our schools are over 50 years old, and there is evidence of varying quality.

– Commercial assets are important but inconsistent performers. We think it would be prudent to clarify the purpose of government ownership for each commercial entity.

– The financial portfolio is well managed, and investment assets have exceeded the expected rate of return, but high rates of return are unlikely to be sustained as global stock market returns normalise.

– Our liabilities are growing rapidly as we continue to take on debt, while financial assets form a significant portion of total assets.

– With the rapid increase in the size of the financial portfolio we need a better understanding not only of the risks around parts of the portfolio, but to also understand our financial risk at a holistic level.

Fleeing rider comes unstuck

By

-

November 7, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A rider who fled from Police and recklessly rode through reserves and walkways in South Auckland has come unstuck.

At about 9.15pm, Police observed a motorbike travelling along Great South Road, Takanini with a lapsed licence dating back to 2019.

Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says officers attempted to stop the motorbike to enquire into the registration.

“The rider has failed to stop and instead performed a U-turn on Manuroa Road and fled.

“The Police Eagle helicopter has quickly gained observations of the motorbike as it drove dangerously across South Auckland for nearly two hours.”

Inspector Hoyes says the rider drove through a number of reserves and walkways before getting stuck in wet grass in Sharland Park.

“He has then attempted to flee on foot before eventually giving up and being taken into custody.

“Other road users and members of the public should not expect to have their safety put at risk as it was last night.

“This is a good example of great Police work from staff across Tāmaki Makaurau who brought this incident to a safe conclusion and held this person to account for their reckless actions.”

A 41-year-old man, who also had two warrants to arrest, will appear in Manukau District Court today charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop as well as a number of other charges.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police