Transporting New Zealand backs the introduction of average speed cameras

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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.

MIL OSI

Exceptional Police work leads to two arrests

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November 7, 2025

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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.

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Crash, Harbour Bridge Northbound

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November 7, 2025

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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

MIL OSI

Life-changing cancer care closer to home in Taranaki

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November 7, 2025

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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.”

MIL OSI

Christmas Season – Santa comes to Auckland Museum this Christmas

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November 7, 2025

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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

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Economy – Treasury’s 2025 Investment Statement published

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November 7, 2025

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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.

MIL OSI

Fleeing rider comes unstuck

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November 7, 2025

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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

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Redundancy Issues – Economic vandalism exposed – $10.7m redundancy cost to axe Callaghan Innovation experts – PSA

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November 7, 2025

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Source: PSA

The Government has spent $10.7 million in redundancy payments to dismiss 209 workers at Callaghan Innovation, with more than half of these being scientists and researchers whose skills New Zealand desperately needs.

Details released to the PSA under the Official Information Act reveal the staggering cost to date of the Government’s reckless and short-sighted approach to cutting science funding.

Between November 2023 and September 2025, the Callaghan Innovation workforce has been slashed from 367 jobs to just 158 – a reduction of 57% in just two years with more workers to be laid off as the organisation eventually closes its doors next year.

“The Government talks big about investing for economic growth but is happy to spend $10.7 million to get rid of the very people we need to drive innovation and productivity – this is economic vandalism,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. “This is a waste of money.”

Of the 209 roles cut at Callaghan Innovation, 114 are scientists and researchers, including the Chief Scientist.

The job losses also include the 15 strong Frontier Ventures team of industry experts hired from the private sector who were helping young companies navigate the commercial world and prepare them to scale up and succeed. They were shown the door, just one day after this year’s so called ‘Growing the Economy’ Budget.

“This is an obscene waste of money from a government which claims to want to spend taxpayer money wisely. But more importantly, this is a critical loss of expert scientists and researchers who had more to give New Zealand. It will set New Zealand back for years.”

Former Callaghan Innovation scientist Ben Wylie-van Eerd who was made redundant this year said: “I don’t understand why the Government was so determined to shrink the science sector, that it thought spending $10m to get rid of these skilled people who still had so much to give made sense.

“These are talented scientists and engineers. Many of my colleagues have moved overseas and have been snapped up quickly by organisations in Europe and Australia where their skills are valued. Sadly, I don’t think they’ll be looking to come back any time soon.”

All up the Government’s cuts have cost the jobs of more than 650 scientists across the science system, on top of cuts to various science funds.

“Countries that succeed, invest in their scientists and researchers – the Government prefers to pay them to leave. This won’t help New Zealand get back on track. It’s a disgrace,” said Fitzsimons.

The redundancy payments breakdown (June years):

– 2023/24: $2.87m – net reduction of 36 roles

– 2024/25: $5.72m – net reduction of 162 roles

– 2025/26 to date: $2.10m – net reduction of 11 roles

Total redundancy cost: $10.69m

Total net reduction in roles since October 2023: 209

– Scientists and researchers lost: 114

Recent statements

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New appointments to the Charities Registration Board

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November 7, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Julie Hardaker and Leighton Evans have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says.

“I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. They bring excellent legal and regulatory expertise in the administration of trusts, foundations and other philanthropic entities as well as strong governance and executive experience.”

“The appointments and promotion will strengthen the Board’s capacity to make balanced and timely decisions, ensuring it can continue to operate effectively even in complex situations.”

“I’d also like to congratulate Jane Wrightson on her promotion to chair of the Board. Ms Wrightson will be replacing outgoing chair Gwendoline Keel.”

“I look forward to working with the new members as they begin their terms and I would like to thank the outgoing members of the Board Gwendoline Keel and Roger Miller, for their contribution to the work of the Board and the wider charities sector.” Ms Upston says.

The Charities Registration Board is an independent body responsible for decisions about the registration and deregistration of charitable entities. There are over 28,000 registered charities in New Zealand.

Julie Hardaker is a lawyer and company director. Ms Hardaker has a very good understanding of the importance of a regulatory and legal framework for the sector’s continued operation. This understanding comes from her legal work which requires evidence-based decision making in legal, quasi-judicial and regulatory environments.
Leighton Evans is the Chief Executive of the Rata Foundation and has very well-developed governance and decision making experience. He also has a good understanding of the group decision making processes and the need for decisions to be bias free. Through his role as a Justice of the Peace where he has made decisions in the Traffic Court, he has a good understanding of the interpretation of regulations and the law.
Jane Wrightson was appointed to the Board in 2025 and has good experience and skills in quasi-judicial and wider statutory decision making. Her promotion to the Chair of the Board will bring skills in balancing competing tensions and applying a principled and practical lens to legal frameworks and complex problems.

MIL OSI

Gumboot Friday continuing to deliver results

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November 7, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is pleased to celebrate Gumboot Friday today, a fantastic initiative helping thousands of young people access free mental health support faster.

“In July I announced that in the first twelve months of Government funding, Gumboot Friday delivered more than 30,000 free counselling sessions, supporting over 10,000 young New Zealanders who might not otherwise had timely access to support,” Mr Doocey says.

“I’m pleased to update that since then, Gumboot Friday has delivered over 10,700 free counselling sessions and supported a further 4,350 young people.

“This means that since Government funding began, over 40,700 sessions have been delivered, supporting more than 14,350 young New Zealanders.

“In July, I also announced that more than 700 qualified counsellors were registered on the Gumboot Friday platform, an increase of 175. They’ve since scaled up even further, with another 80 counsellors joining, bringing the total to 810.

“This gives young people more choice in who they see and ensures that when someone reaches out, they’re seen when and where they need it.

“This is exactly why Gumboot Friday received Government funding, they’ve shown their capability to keep scaling up nationwide so even more young people can get the support they need.

“There aren’t many organisations that can move our young people off waitlists and into counselling often within just a few days.

“Mental health concerns are one of the biggest issues facing young New Zealanders today. I want to thank the team at I Am Hope, who work tirelessly to give our young people the support they need.

“This powerful partnership between Government and a grassroots organisation is making a real difference, supporting the Government’s mental health plan for faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response.”

Last year, the Government committed $24 million over four years to Gumboot Friday under the National–New Zealand First coalition agreement to scale up support for young people across the country.

MIL OSI