Safer journeys on SH1/29 – Piarere roundabout now complete

September 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

One of Waikato’s most anticipated intersection upgrades is complete, with work wrapped up at the new 60-metre roundabout in Piarere.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) began construction to upgrade the existing T-intersection of SH1 and SH29 in January 2024, following consistent community calls for a safer solution.

NZTA Acting Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Darryl Coalter says the intersection had been the scene of too many serious crashes.

“We set out to improve safety, connectivity and reliability for the people who travel on this high volume-route, which sees more than 20,000 vehicles daily.

“ A roundabout was chosen for its proven safety benefits and network resilience. It was also designed with a fourth ‘stub’ to futureproof the connection seamlessly to the planned Cambridge to Piarere expressway.”

Downer was awarded the construction contract in late 2023 and the team got to work on the significant earthworks required in early 2024. To make way for pedestrian underpasses, the ground level needed to be raised 4.5 metres, which meant moving an enormous 100,000 square metres of structural fill.

Downer Project Manager Craig Lingard says at its peak, up to 7,000 tonnes of fill was delivered daily via around 130 truck trips.

“This project has required a significant number of resources – both in terms of materials and personnel. We’re proud to have been able to source much of both locally, with 95% coming from within the region.”

Mr Lingard says more than 400 people were inducted to site and over 110,000 hours of work were logged.

The finished result is a double-lane roundabout featuring 2 pedestrian/cyclist underpasses, an improved stormwater system and upgraded street lighting and landscaping.

The project team worked closely with local mana whenua throughout the project.

At the heart of it all, Te Manu Rangimaarie (bird of peace), is a striking 12-metre-high sculpture in the centre of the roundabout, which celebrates the connection between hapū and iwi to the land and river.

The mythical manu (bird) was designed by renowned Waikato artist, the late Fred Graham and built in the Hamilton yard of Longveld, who have fabricated many of the large sculptures on the Waikato Expressway.

Mr Coalter thanks the project’s neighbours, the wider community and road users for their patience throughout construction.

“We appreciate the support we have received and hope that people enjoy this safer, more connected intersection.

“I would also like to thank the project team and contractors for their dedication to completing the roundabout as efficiently as possible.”

Mr Coalter says that as usual with large infrastructure projects like this, some minor finishing touches including surfacing and line marking will continue through the summer sealing season, however the major works are complete.

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Privacy and sharing location information for faster emergency responses

LiveNews Publisher

September 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Privacy Commissioner – Blog

Sometimes it’s critical to get information to people who want to help. But how do we balance great uses of personal information with strong protections for people’s privacy?

In August 2025 emergency services got access to device location information (DLI), a new way to find and help people when they cannot call 111 (for example if they’re injured or lost). That’s a great outcome, and it’s one enabled by the Privacy Act.

What has happened until now is that when you call 111 your network provider can often send information about your location to emergency services (ambulance services, Fire and Emergency, and New Zealand Police). This is called “emergency caller location information”, and it’s specific to 111 calls.

This sharing of information is enabled by the Telecommunications Information Privacy Code. Schedule 4 of that Code sets out the rules that enable emergency services to get this location information quickly, as well as privacy safeguards that keep it safe. The Privacy Commissioner added Schedule 4 to the code in 2017, following public consultation on the options, risks, and benefits of this sharing. The Code also enables the new device location information service.

When would device location information be used?

Sometimes there are emergencies where people need urgent help but cannot call 111, such as search and rescue situations. Or sometimes a 111 call drops out, or a call gets transferred to 111 operators without location information.

Use of DLI can help in these situations, but it also involves an intrusion on privacy, particularly when the person is not calling 111 themselves. That means it’s important there are strong safeguards around when the information is collected and how it is used.

The rules in Schedule 4 set out strict safeguards for the use of DLI by emergency responders. These safeguards include:

Sharing is limited to specific agencies: Police, Fire and Emergency, ambulance services, and organisations involved in search and rescue operations.
The threshold to use DLI is high. An emergency service provider can only request DLI if they believe it will enable them to prevent or lessen a serious threat to the life or health of the individual concerned or another individual, and that means a threat that is likely enough, severe enough, and urgent enough.
Before they use DLI, an emergency service provider needs to check it relates to the right person.
A person whose DLI is collected must be notified unless this would create a safety risk. This notification will be by a text message to the individual. This may be sent to the person at the time or later on.
All disclosures of DLI to emergency services must be logged, and the disclosure log must be reported to the Privacy Commissioner every three months.

DLI is not about collecting new information on people’s location, or about tracking individual devices. It’s about getting information that network providers already hold to emergency services quickly, with good safeguards, where this helps to prevent or lessen a serious threat to someone’s life or health.

A great example of good privacy practice

At OPC, we often talk about good privacy practices being “how to, not don’t do”. We think that the story of device location information is a great example, and we’ll be keeping an eye on it to make sure that the goal of upholding New Zealanders’ privacy is met as it rolls out in practice.

How it works

by James Ting-Edwards, Senior Policy Advisor Ι Kaitohutohu Tuakana Kaupapahere

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Work-based learning provision funding

LiveNews Publisher

September 12, 2025

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

On this page:

Overview of the changes to work-based learning
What is work-based learning?
Work-based learning is a unique part of the vocational education and training sector. Not all learning completed by employed people is work-based learning.
In work-based learning:

Learners study mainly in the workplace with provider-supported self-directed learning.
Learners are employed in the area they are learning about.
Learners are supported by both the provider and their employer, which is documented in formal agreements.
The provider has a relationship directly with the employer (as well as the learner).

Learning that is completed extramurally and uses a workplace as a context for assignments is not work-based learning.
If you are unsure whether your planned programme meets the requirements of work-based learning, please see Work-based mode. You can also contact us on 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz.
What are the changes to work-based learning from 2026?
From 2026 the work-based learning system in New Zealand will start to transition to a new model. As part of the vocational education and training reform, Te Pūkenga and workforce development councils (WDCs) will be disestablished. Industry skills boards (ISBs) will be established from 1 January 2026 to manage standards-setting and associated functions that were previously managed by WDCs. Institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) will be reestablished as either stand-alone or federated entities, and the work-based learning divisions that are currently in Te Pūkenga will transfer to an Industry Skills Board for up to two years. It is expected that, during this two-year period, delivery of the work-based learning will be transferred to providers. This could be ITPs, wānanga or PTEs. In some cases, the expectation is that industry-led PTEs will take on delivery.
Delivery of funded work-based learning will require approval from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). The ISBs will ensure that the new network of provision for work-based learning is supported by industry. Any TEC approval for new work-based learning before the new system, which includes the establishment of the ISBs, is in place will require providers to evidence that they have worked with stakeholders that are, or represent, the majority of the relevant industry. This will be a high bar to reach.
Before you submit the enquiry form to be considered for work-based learning, please read this page in detail. 
Who can apply for TEC funding for work-based learning in 2026?
The number of providers able to receive TEC funding for work-based learning will relate to the required network of provision for work-based learning. TEC’s knowledge of the network of provision needed for a sector will be informed by industry. TEC will work with ISBs to understand industry’s view on the network of provision that is required from January 2026.
Decisions about additional providers, or expansion of current providers’ provision for 2026, will only occur in exceptional circumstances. We will apply a high test for industry support when considering any new work-based learning provision until we receive information from ISBs.
The test for industry support will require providers to supply evidence that they have worked with stakeholders that are, or represent, the majority of the relevant industry. Stakeholders must support them as an additional provider needed to support the network of provision.
We encourage providers to read this guidance information about what we are looking for in work-based learning before they begin preparing for future work-based learning opportunities.
How can I apply for funded work-based delivery?
We will run a two-step initial process for providers that want to be considered for funding for work-based learning.
Step 1 – An initial expression of interest
Spend some time understanding the requirements of both TEC and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) in relation to work-based learning. Engage with industry stakeholders and determine if there is industry support for your planned delivery. When you have a plan on how you could successfully deliver work-based learning, complete this enquiry form (DOCX 963 KB). We will review the form and get in touch with you.
Step 2 – The full application process
We will work with you to determine when you have completed enough of the preparatory work to submit a full application. At this point we will request further details from you directly.
Timelines
In a fiscally constrained environment, new work-based learning provision needs to be allocated from currently available funding. We will therefore align any possible approvals with our funding cycle.
We expect you to be familiar with all of the expectations and requirements contained on this webpage. The enquiry form may not ask for all of this information, but we expect you to have plans in place to meet these should your enquiry progress to a full application.
August 2025
As part of the investment round, we will look at any providers that are immediately ready to deliver work-based learning in 2026. To be considered for this round, please submit the enquiry form on or before 18 July. Any providers that we assess as ready to submit a full application will be asked to submit this between 1 and 22 August.
April 2026
Once we know how 2026 delivery is trending, we will have another review of providers that may be ready to deliver work-based learning.
When you submit your enquiry form, we will talk to you to see whether you meet our expectations of being ready to deliver. Completing the enquiry form does not guarantee that we will grant funding. All funding decisions consider a wide range of factors, including the total funding available.
This is an interim process to identify any providers that have the necessary industry support to be involved early. We will review the new work-based learning provider process when ISBs are in a position to provide us with information about the network of provision.
Providers new to or wanting to expand work-based learning provision
Providers that will need to submit an enquiry form include those that are:

currently funded by TEC, but not for work-based learning
currently funded by TEC for work-based learning, but want to expand their work-based learning provision into qualifications or credentials that they are not currently funded for
not currently funded by TEC but want to receive TEC funding for work-based learning.

Providers wanting to increase their provision for programmes and/or credentials that they already received work-based learning funding for will not need to submit an enquiry form. These requests can be managed through the investment round and additional funding request processes.
The transition of learners and provision that is currently managed by Te Pūkenga work-based learning divisions is a separate process. More information will follow.
Industry endorsed network of provision
Industry will play a strong role in determining the requirements for the network of provision for work-based learning. Industry will provide information on the requirements for their industries to ensure that they are well supported. We want to ensure the network of provision for work-based learning meets the needs of industry and provides high quality, stable provision for learners.
In most cases, we want to give Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) an opportunity to stand up and gather information about the network of provision industry want for their sectors before we approve new providers.
NZQA and WDC/ISB approvals and endorsements
The enquiry form will require you to provide us with details of the credentials and qualifications that you would like to deliver as work-based learning.
If you progress to the full application, you will need to seek or confirm the necessary accreditation for the credentials and programmes you wish to deliver. If you already deliver a programme through a provider-based approach that you now wish to deliver as work-based learning, you will need to seek updated programme accreditation through NZQA if you are approved for new work-based delivery.
You will need to work with the relevant Workforce Development Council (WDC)/ISB to gain endorsement for your programme. This endorsement ensures that the programme you deliver is aligned with industry needs and will need to be submitted to NZQA when seeking accreditation.
Pastoral care and learner support
We expect all providers to have systems in place to support learners. For further information see Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 – NZQA.
TEC also has learner support expectations in line with our Ōritetanga Learner Success work.
Providers that do not receive TEC funding
Any provider that is new to TEC funding (or has not been funded in over 12 months) will have to go through the new provider process as well as the enquiry and application to deliver funded work-based learning.
Our new provider requirements include:

For further information on the requirements to apply for TEC funding, see Application to receive TEC funding.
Expectations and requirements of work-based learning providers to deliver high-quality learning with employers
Work-based learning requires providers to support employers to deliver training on the job. This function requires different skills, relationships and resources to provider-based learning, where the learning is delivered directly by the provider.
The 2023 guidelines issued by NZQA provide detailed information on how to ensure the quality of your work-based learning. See Work-based training guidelines – NZQA.
The following points provide guidance on key considerations for work-based learning delivery. We will expect you to be able to:

support employers to deliver high-quality training and education. This may mean capability building that develops subject matter experts into effective educators, assessors or workplace mentors
ensure that the learner support and pastoral care every learner gets is of a high standard, including in environments where the learning is primarily delivered by the employer, not the provider
provide learning and assessment materials that are appropriate to the learning environment and support best-practice delivery
implement and manage the relationship between the provider and the employer to ensure all the conditions and expectations set by TEC are understood and met in the workplace
plan to have regular and constructive contact with the trainers, assessors and supervisors working with your learners
ensure you have staff with specialist technical skills to support the learning in the different contexts in which it will be delivered
provide specialist support for learners, especially learners with the most need who may be struggling to complete their training
understand the reporting requirements and practicalities of assessment and moderation in non-campus-based settings
provide periodic engagement directly with the learner (preferably face-to-face) that supports them in their training and sufficient pastoral care
adhere to specific requirements when delivering apprenticeships, including section 376 of the Education and Training Act 2020 and the Code of Good Practice for NZ Apprentices.

Funding conditions
All work-based learning is funded from the Delivery at Levels 3–7 (non-degree) on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework and all industry training (DQ3-7) Fund. You will need to understand and meet all the funding requirements of DQ3-7. For details of our funding conditions, see Funding conditions by year.
Work-based learning data specifications and requirements
The information you collect from learners will need to meet our requirements. The data and technical requirements differ from those for provider-based provision. You may need to obtain or update your learner management software to meet these requirements. Please explore this fully as it may change the date from which you will be able to offer provision. To fully understand these requirements see our data specifications and the TEC API portal.
Considerations to guide provider readiness for work-based learning
Below is a list of requirements that you should review when considering applying for funding for work-based learning. This is not an exhaustive list but provides guidance on the aspects you will need to consider and address to be capable of delivering work-based learning.
TEC and NZQA requirements

Has your organisation been registered by NZQA as a private training establishment, or is it an institute of technology and polytechnic or wānanga?
Enquiry stage

Do you meet our financial standards? Please read Financial viability requirements for TEC-funded PTEs
Full application

Do you have NZQA approval and/or accreditation for the work-based learning credentials and programmes you wish to deliver?
Full application

Do you understand and will you meet all the funding requirements of the DQ3-7 (non-degree) Fund? For details of our funding conditions, see Funding conditions by year.
Full application

Support from industry

Have you worked with an ISB or WDC to connect with and understand industry needs and preferences?
Enquiry stage and full application

Have you worked with the industry associations that represent the majority of the industry?
Enquiry stage and full application

Have you worked with the major employers in the industry?
Enquiry stage and full application

If your industry comprises many small employers, what action have you taken to ensure you have considered their voice?
Enquiry stage and full application

Can you substantiate from industry stakeholders that there are enough learners and employers to support additional provision of work-based learning?
Full application

Quality provision

Have you read through the NZQA work-based training guidelines?
Enquiry stage

Have you established systems to track learners and employer engagement?
Enquiry stage and full application

Have you established workplace assessment procedures to support learners and employers?
Enquiry stage and full application

Do you have staff who have worked or currently work with learners and employers in a work-based learning setting?
Enquiry stage and full application

Have you implemented systems to meet NZQA’s Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021?
Full application

Technology

Have you read through the information on our data specifications and the TEC API portal?
Enquiry stage

Do you have access to DXP Ngā Kete?
Enquiry stage

Have you arranged/are you arranging access to DXP Ngā Kete?
Full application

Do you have or will you have staff with experience with the data requirements for work-based training?
Enquiry stage and full application

Do you have or will you have staff with the technical experience with DXP Ngā Kete?
Enquiry stage and full application

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Update 7 – Critical incident, Waitomo

LiveNews Publisher

September 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

The scene examination of the camping areas believed to have been used by Tom Phillips and his children is nearing completion today.

The investigation team is continuing to work at pace with poor weather forecast for the next few days. They are working through areas of dense bush and difficult terrain where the sites were located.

Waikato Acting District Commander Andrea McBeth says while the scene examination is wrapping up, this phase of investigation work remains in its early stages.

“We have a dedicated team working meticulously to examine the items that Police have collected from the sites. These items will be critical into determining who exactly has been helping Tom.

“The campsites will be dismantled following the conclusion of the scene examination and the key items will be secured as evidence.”

Cordons remain in place on Te Anga Road, however these are expected to be stood down for the road to re-open later today.

“We want to again thank the communities who have been impacted by this major operation throughout the week. Locals have been cooperative throughout a week of major disruption as we have worked through the areas of interest.

“Extra staff who were brought into the Marokopa and King Country remain in the district and are on hand to provide assistance with reassurance for the community.

“The events of this week are unprecedented, and we understand there has been a lot of angst amongst the community, and the investigation team is committed to leaving no stone unturned as enquiries continue,” says Acting District Commander McBeth.

A number of investigations remain ongoing including the critical incident investigation, and as such, Police are unable to comment on specific details of the investigation.

“Our injured officer continues to recover in hospital, and I want to take this opportunity to thank members of the community for the huge outpouring of support for him and all our staff.

“All our officers involved in the event have asked for privacy and as such, we ask media to desist with visits to our officers’ homes.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Police on the beat in Henderson

LiveNews Publisher

September 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have launched Auckland’s first suburban beat team, which began patrolling the Henderson CBD this week.

This marks the second beat team for the country’s largest policing region, focused on increasing police visibility and engagement in one of West Auckland’s bustling CBDs.

The Henderson Beat Team was formally introduced to the community today, with Police Minister Mark Mitchell and other key partners joining Waitematā Police for the occasion.

“Today marks an important step forward for policing in Henderson,” Waitematā West Area Commander, Inspector Simon Walker says.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to being present, engaged, and responsive in the spaces where people live, work, shop, travel, and connect.”

Inspector Walker says visible and approachable policing helps prevent crime and builds public confidence.

“When Police are visible and approachable, it not only helps prevent crime but also fosters a sense of safety and confidence that allows the community to thrive.”

The new team includes a Sergeant and six experienced Constables. All new recruits posted to the area will also spend time with the Beat Team, further strengthening its presence.

“Our officers will be regularly patrolling public spaces, engaging with businesses, and connecting with locals. They’ll be a familiar and trusted presence in the Henderson CBD,” Inspector Walker says.

“Everyone has the right to be and feel safe in Henderson. Behaviour that undermines that—whether through crime, antisocial conduct, or intimidation—will be dealt with appropriately and effectively.

“We will hold people accountable for behaviour that falls short of community expectations, while also working alongside our partners to understand and address the underlying drivers of antisocial behaviour.

“This balanced approach is key to creating lasting change and ensuring our public spaces remain safe and inclusive for everyone.”

Even before their official deployment, the team was already making an impact.

Inspector Walker says the team had been getting experience alongside the Auckland City Beat Team when they sprang into action when heading back to base.

“A job came over the radio with a shoplifting taking place at West City, which the team deployed to and located two teenage girls truant from school.

“They’d stolen more than $200 worth of product, which has been returned. They will be held to account while also working to understand why they weren’t in school.”

On Monday, the team also arrested an alleged prolific shoplifter near The Boundary shopping centre.

The 37-year-old woman faces 10 shoplifting charges alongside a fraud offence, with Police opposing her bail.

“We all have a role in keeping our communities safe, and we’re up for the challenge of working together to make Henderson a safer place.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/Nz Police

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Durra brand Tahina recalled due to possible Salmonella

LiveNews Publisher

September 12, 2025

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Aldiery???s Mediterranean Market Limited in its recall of a batch of Durra brand Tahina due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

Durra brand Tahina (800g) with a best-before date of 06/04/2027 and a batch marking of Lot No. 78 is affected by this recall.

“Salmonellosis can be serious, so it???s important that people do not eat the affected product. You can return it to the place of purchase for a refund. If that???s not possible, throw it out,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

The affected product is sold in a few ethnic supermarkets in Auckland, Hamilton, and Wellington.

Up-to-date information on the affected product, photographs, and retailers of this product are available on the New Zealand Food Safety recall page.

Food recall: Durra brand Tahina

“Symptoms of salmonellosis can appear within 12 to 72 hours and include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Illness usually lasts between 4 and 7 days but, in more severe cases, it can go on for up to 10 days and cause more serious illness,” says Mr Arbuckle.

If you have consumed any of this product and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.

New Zealand Food Safety has not received any notifications of associated illness.

The product has been imported from Jordan. It has been removed from store shelves and has not been re-exported.

“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Aldiery???s Mediterranean Market Limited to understand how this happened and prevent its recurrence,” says Mr Arbuckle.

The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the New Zealand Food Safety food recall page.

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

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Putting Patients First: Modernising health workforce regulation: Summary of submissions

LiveNews Publisher

September 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

12 September 2025

Regulating the health workforce is essential to ensuring that health practitioners are qualified, competent and provide safe care.

The Government is reviewing how we can modernise health workforce regulation to better support patients and providers. The focus is on how changes to regulation can improve efficiency while maintaining safety and public confidence.

A discussion document titled Putting Patients First: Modernising health workforce regulation was developed by the Government and feedback was sought between 28 March and 30 April 2025.

Analysis of these views is provided in four main sections:

views on patient-centred regulation
views on streamlined regulation
views on right-sized regulation
views on future-proofed regulation.

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Health workforce regulations to put patients first

LiveNews Publisher

September 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Patients will get faster access to care under new changes to modernise health workforce regulation, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Outdated and bureaucratic red tape is holding back our health workforce and keeping patients waiting too long for care,” Mr Brown says.

“These changes are about putting patients first. By streamlining regulation, recognising overseas qualifications more quickly, and making regulators more accountable, we’ll get more health professionals into the workforce sooner, reduce wait times, and improve access to care across the country.

“Regulatory decisions directly affect how many doctors, nurses, and other health professionals are available to patients. These changes aim to speed up access to care and support new ways of delivering health services, while keeping patient safety front and centre.

“Right now, patients and the Government have almost no way to ensure 18 different regulators are working in the same direction. These changes give patients a voice and let us set clear expectations across the system, so regulators focus on improving access to care.”

Mr Brown says the changes will align New Zealand with Australia, where Health Ministers direct regulators to ensure workforce needs are considered. They will also give Ministers tools to set clear expectations to support new models of care and streamline registration so qualified professionals can start work more quickly.

“The responsibility for setting clinical standards and scopes of practice will always be with regulatory authorities who will continue to be responsible for maintainting patient safety. This is about making sure the system is joined up, responsive, and working for patients.

“By listening to patients and setting system-wide expectations, we’ll make it easier to attract, train and retain the workforce New Zealand needs to deliver access to timely, quality care.”

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Boots stay on the ground in Nelson Tasman

LiveNews Publisher

September 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is providing an additional funding boost of $300,000 to support the ongoing clean-up work in the Tasman district resulting from the significant rainfall events in June and July 2025.

“Enhanced Taskforce Green programme was activated in July, enabling MSD to employ local job seekers to assist farmers and growers to recover from this event.” Louise Upston says.

“Additional funding of $300,000, on top of the original $500,000, will enable local job seekers to continue the clean-up and return to those properties that need more support. Extending the programme until December 2025 will support these job seekers with the cost of living and give them work experience and the opportunity to transition to seasonal horticulture work without returning to benefit.”

Since starting the programme, 60 properties have been registered with MSD as requiring support due to severe or major property damage. Enhanced Taskforce Green provides support of up to three days for each property.

“Landowners, farmers and growers are praising the incredible work that the crews have been doing from clearing fence lines to removing silt from paddocks. Their commitment to supporting the community has been warmly received.

“This is one of several supports across government contributing towards the district’s economic recovery and resilience after a natural disaster, while also supporting local job seekers gain skills and work experience.”

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Police cracking down on hunters without permission, Wairarapa

LiveNews Publisher

September 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Wairarapa Police would like to remind the public that trespassing on private land to hunt is illegal and carries consequences.

Police take reports of people shooting from the roadside, poaching, and spotlighting on farmland and forestry blocks very seriously and participating in such activities could cost you your firearms licence.

Wairarapa Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Gill Flower says the rules around firearm use have changed and are strictly enforced.

“We understand how passionate people are about hunting, but the old times of being able to shoot a deer on your way into a spot, or from the road are over.

“We don’t want hunters to make a mistake that may end up with your firearms licence being revoked,” she says.

When you hunt without permission, and cross someone’s land, you are putting yourself and other legal hunters at risk.

Lawful hunting parties are often not expecting to come across other hunters when they are operating on private property. The chance of a hunting-related injury, or even death, increases significantly for all involved.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe on their property; if someone came onto your property uninvited with a firearm, you would be concerned too.

“With Spring grass and better weather arriving, we know hunting activities will increase – and so will Police presence.

“Police will be actively patrolling rural areas with pine forestry and access to local forest parks, with particular focus on illegal hunting with spotlights, and CCTV will also be operating in high-risk areas,” Senior Sergeant Flower says.

Information on the rules around hunting can be found on Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority: Hunting access and unlawful hunting activities | Firearms Safety Authority New Zealand

“We understand majority of hunters are following the rules and don’t want the ones participating in illegal activities to ruin it for everyone.

“So, we urge you to please report any suspicious activity to Police immediately, including suspicious vehicles or people in your local area – this will also assist us with where our patrols need to be,” she says.

You can report any illegal hunting activities by calling 111 if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact.

If you see trespassers on your property with firearms, do not approach them, call Police immediately on 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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