New accommodation a collaborative success

September 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

A joint effort to build new accommodation in Buller using local labour, local procurement and local businesses has been warmly welcomed by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones.

Mr Jones officially opened the 10 units at Reefton Campground today.

The units are the result of a partnership between Buller District Council, Development West Coast and Endura (formerly Federation Mining).

“These units, which will ultimately increase Reefton’s accommodation offerings for locals and tourists, are a shining example of what can be achieved when private and public bodies work collaboratively for the betterment of their region.

“An understanding of what it takes to get things done, easing the regulatory path and a shared vision for the result, and we now have a brilliantly executed local asset,” Mr Jones says.

“If all councils and local bodies could work like this in co-operation with industries that seek to lift up the local economies in which they do business, imagine what could be achieved.”

The build provided employment for 50 local workers, and many West Coast businesses were involved, boosting the local economy.

Endura, which contributed $350,000 to the project, will lease the community-owned units for its staff working on the Snowy River mining project for at least three years. Thery will eventually be used for visitor accommodation, supporting the booming local tourism industry.

While in Reefton today, Mr Jones also visited the Reefton Powerhouse, a historic small-scale hydro scheme that has been restored, supporting the town and district and providing a new tourism attraction.

Mr Jones also toured Reefton Distilling Co, a highly successful business established with the support of the former Provincial Growth Fund.

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State Highway 6 Spooners Saddle to close for forestry storm recovery works

LiveNews Publisher

September 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Three weeks of daytime road closures are on the cards for State Highway 6 at Spooners Saddle.

Daytime road closures and a local road detour will be in place on weekdays, 7:30 am to 5 pm from Monday, 22 September to Friday, 10 October. The highway will be fully open outside these hours

Rob Service, System Manager Nelson/Tasman, says the closure is required so that plantation trees blown down in the recent storm can be removed by the forestry owner – OneFortyOne NZ Limited.

“This is important work that the forestry owners need to do. Removing the windfallen trees also helps reduce risk to the highway should there be more bad weather.”

Treefalls on SH6 at Spooners Saddle, July 2025.

A local road detour will be available via Wai-iti Valley Road, Stock Road, Valley Road, and North Road.

Mr Service warns it will add to travel times.

“Drivers can expect the closure and detour to add up to ten minutes to travel times. So, anyone travelling south from Nelson to Murchison and the West Coast must factor this in.”

“We appreciate that delays can be frustrating. However, after the July floods, there still remains a lot of clean-up work to do across the region, and this will continue to affect state highways. Please be patient on the roads as work continues,” Mr Service says.

Drivers must take extra care on the detour route. Local roads suffered significant damage during the recent floods. It is essential road users drive to the conditions and obey all speed limits and traffic management in place.

Contractors will also make the most of the closure to continue post-flood repairs on State Highway 6 between Belgrove and Kohatu. This will include clearing drains and culverts, as well as repairing slip catch fences on Spooners Saddle.

Works schedule and detour route

Monday, 22 September to Friday,10 October. Weekdays, 7:30 am to 5 pm.
SH6 CLOSED between 7:30 am and 5 pm. Outside these hours, SH6 will be fully open to all traffic.
Local road detour via Wai-iti Valley Road, Stock Road, Valley Road, and North Road. This will add 10 minutes to travel times.

View larger map [PDF, 371 KB]

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Major Content Update ‘Unconditional Love Phase 1’ Arrives in Persona5: The Phantom X

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September 12, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 September 2025 – Persona 5: The Phantom X has officially released Version 2.0, titled “Unconditional Love Phase 1.” This significant update introduces a wealth of new content, including a brand-new main story chapter, a new playable Phantom Thief, a new palace, a new area to explore, and a variety of in-game events and bundles.

The Version 2.0 update introduces the newest 5 Star Phantom Thief, Ayaka Sakai, voiced by Yui Makino. Ayaka Sakai is a shy college student and musician who plays rhythm guitar. Despite her band’s breakup, her passion for music remains, leading her on a new journey.

Players can now dive into Chapter 3 of the main story, where they will team up with Riko to solve new problems and challenges. This chapter also unlocks a new palace, Dam, and the new explorable area of Kichijoji, where players can discover rewards and more.

To celebrate this major content release, the operations team has prepared a series of events and rewards for all players.

7-Day Login Event: Log in for seven days during the event to earn a total of 20 Platinum Tickets and 20 Platinum Milicoins.
New Update Reward: Log in to claim 60 Thief’s Cognitite Shards, which can be redeemed for a specific Thief’s Cognitite.
Mission Completion Rewards: Complete objectives in the new Chapter 3 content to earn Meta Jewels, Joy Medals, and the exclusive event item, Mizuhiki Knots.

Additionally, fan-favourite Phantom Thieves, Ren Amamiya, is returning to idol contracts. During this limited-time event, players have an increased chance to obtain these highly sought-after characters. Don’t miss this opportunity to add them to your team!

Persona5: The Phantom X is now officially available for download on iOS, Android, and PC platforms in Southeast Asia.

– App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6745494137
– Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=sea.com.iwplay.p5x
– PC: https://p5x.pse.is/PCDL

https://www.p5x-sea.com/
https://www.facebook.com/P5XSEA/
https://www.instagram.com/p5xsea/
https://www.youtube.com/@P5XSEA
https://discord.com/invite/8NurAJ6YKT

Hashtag: #P5X #P5 #persona5x

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

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

Heritage – Honouring New Zealand’s service in Malaya and Malaysia

LiveNews Publisher

September 12, 2025

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

A national commemoration will be held at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington at 11am on Tuesday 16 September 2025, to honour the service and sacrifice of New Zealanders who served in military operations in Malaya and Malaysia between 1948 and 1966.

“At least 4,000 New Zealanders served in military operations in Malaya and Malaysia, spanning two major conflicts: The Malayan Emergency from 1948 to 1960 and the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation from 1963 to 1966,” says Brodie Stubbs, Manager Memorials and Commemorations at Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

“The Malayan Emergency, which arose out of an attempt by the Malayan Communist Party to overthrow British colonial rule, lasted for 12 long years.

“The Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation began three years after the end of the Emergency. The ‘Confrontation Campaign’ in Borneo saw New Zealand forces, alongside Commonwealth forces, support Malaysia against cross-border incursions by Indonesian troops.

“In 1966 a peace treaty was signed and the last New Zealand service personnel withdrew from Borneo in October of that year.

“The New Zealand Roll of Honour records the names of twenty personnel who lost their lives during these operations. Many more returned with experiences that would shape the rest of their lives.

“This commemoration is a moment to reflect on the courage and commitment of those who served in Malaya and Malaysia over almost two decades.

“Nau mai ki Pukeahu, please join us on 16 September to honour the legacy of those who served and deepen our understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand’s military history,” says Stubbs.

About the event

People wishing to attend this year’s commemoration are asked to arrive at the Hall of Memories at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park by 10.45am for an 11.00am start.

Please note that the Carillon Tower is currently closed for seismic strengthening. The Hall of Memories was strengthened in 2015 and is safe to enter.

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Arts – Four cash grants awarded to support local writers

LiveNews Publisher

September 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa PEN NZ Inc (NZSA)

The 2025 Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) and New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa PEN NZ Inc (NZSA) Research Grants have been awarded to four writers in Aotearoa.

The $5,000 grants support local writers who wish to undertake research for a fiction or non-fiction writing project.

The judging panel, Siobhan Harvey, Vasanti Unka and Vaughan Rapatahana said, “Allowing authors funding and time to undertake research into the development of their creative writings is a true gift. We honour Copyright Licensing New Zealand and the New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa PEN NZ Inc for the collective administration of these research grants and, therein and more broadly, the assistance provided to New Zealand writers and writing. It was an honour to judge each of the 46 applications for this year’s grants. We do encourage all New Zealand authors to submit to the CLNZ/NZSA grants in future.”

Join us in congratulating the CLNZ | NZSA Research Grants 2025 recipients!

Rosetta Allan with project ‘The Good Uncle’

Rosetta Allan is a novelist, essayist, and manuscript assessor based in Tāmaki Makaurau, with a strong interest in how family, addiction, and moral responsibility intersect.
The Good Uncle, my novel in development, explores the pull of generational loyalty through the story of a woman determined to save her brother from relapse—and from the grip of a charismatic uncle with a criminal past.

Set between the Kaipara Harbour and inner-city Auckland, the novel navigates buried secrets, personal agency, and the long shadow of familial harm. With support from the CLNZ | NZSA Research Grant, which I am very grateful for, I’ll be deepening my research into addiction recovery, family justice systems, and the emotional aftermath of intergenerational trauma.

The 2025 judging panel said – “this literary fiction project about whānau set in the Kaipara offers insight upon navigating bureaucracy and personal trauma. The applicant offered an extensive and cogent outline of grant use including Environmental Fieldwork at the Kaipara Harbour and Urban and Systemic Research in Auckland (CYF/Oranga Tamariki offices, Family Court etc). The resulting novel will undoubtedly be authentic and impactful.”

Taryn Dryfhout with project Ngā Tini Ara o te Tamariki: A Complete History of Adoption in Aotearoa New Zealand

Taryn Dryfhout is a Māori academic, teacher, and writer whose work explores the intersections of adoption, western frameworks, and Māori worldviews. She is currently completing a PhD that examines Māori worldviews and cultural adoption.

Taryn will be working on the first comprehensive account of the history of adoption in Aotearoa New Zealand.

From the earliest examples of informal care arrangements in early colonial history, to the introduction of formal adoption laws, and the enduring Māori practice of whāngai dating back to before the arrival of the British, this book will trace how New Zealanders have cared for and raised children across generations. It will explore the legal, cultural, and personal dimensions of adoption, including stories of love, loss, identity, and belonging, while capturing the social forces that have shaped these practices over time. The book will offer a rich and inclusive account of how New Zealanders have formed, nurtured, and redefined family over time.

Taryn’s work aims to bridge scholarly research and accessible storytelling, contributing to meaningful conversations about care, identity, and indigenous knowledge systems in Aotearoa.

The 2025 judging panel said – “this is a project of national significance, aiming to be the first book the first book to offer a full, accessible account of the history of adoption in this country. A complex project, the grant will help enable travel and accommodation for fieldwork and archival access across the motu, as well as conducting face-to-face interviews with people, including Māori participants. We look forward to seeing the resulting publication”

Jacquie Mcrae with project Wākainga, a historical novel set in Aotearoa, in 1863

Jacquie Mcrae (Tainui and Ngāti Koata) is an award-winning fiction writer, published by Huia. She has a master’s in creative writing and mentors for the New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (PEN NZ) and Māori Literature Trust on Te Papa Tupu. She is on the Michael King Writers Centre board.

History happened but how we view it depends on who is telling the story.

This historical novel is Ika’s story, a young boy who leaves his home, on Rangitoto ki te Tonga (D’urville island) in 1863 to go to war in the Waikato. Ika’s view of the world was based in mātauranga māori (traditional māori knowledge.) He looked to his ancestors and te taiao (the natural world) to guide him. At the battle of Rangiriri he saw many of his whanau die, including his mother and father. Some managed to swim the river to safety but 180 others were taken prisoner, marched to Auckland and held captive on a ship, anchored in the Waitematā harbour. They were never charged with anything but held onboard for eight months before the ship was taken to Kawau island and from here they escaped. This novel looks at the loss of life, land, and freedom and the impact this had.

The 2025 judging panel said – “this project will be the author’s third book. Publisher support is provided for an intriguing book about Ika, a thirteen-year-old boy who leaves his home, on Rangitoto ki te Tonga (D’urville island) to go to war in the Waikato. This grant will allow the author to extend initial personal whakapapa research through access to the Auckland Library’s Governor Grey’s collection and archival footage and voice recordings housed in both Ngāti Koata head office in Whakatū and the National Library of NZ. We can’t wait to read this novel.”

Pauline (Vaeluaga) Smith with project – My New Zealand Story: The Dawn Raid Apology (Working Title)

Pauline (Vaeluaga) Smith is an author and educationalist of Samoan, Tuvaluan, Scottish and Irish descent based in the seaside town of Aparima/Riverton.
Her first book My New Zealand Story: Dawn Raid, was a finalist at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young People in the Esther Glen, Junior Fiction and Best First Book categories. It was the winner of the Best First Book for 2018 and gained a Storylines Notable Book award.

The project My New Zealand Story – The Dawn Raid Apology is a companion text to her first book. This new work will combine the journey of her first-hand experience along with her Polynesian Panther colleagues to advocate for and secure a full, formal, public apology for the Dawn Raids. The grant will be critical to supporting interviews, research and development of this manuscript to bring the history and importance of the apology to life.

The 2025 judging panel said – “this is an exciting and commendable YA fiction follow up to the author’s My New Zealand Story Dawn Raid. In addition to composing the proposed work from firsthand experience, the author will use the grant to provide time and resources to meet with and interview several key people who worked towards getting The Dawn Raid’s apology.

CLNZ and NZSA are delighted to assist New Zealand authors in their research efforts. Research Grants are funded through the CLNZ Cultural Fund, which derives its revenue from a 2% share of domestic licensing income and from overseas revenue.

CLNZ and NZSA would like to thank the 2025 Judging Panel – Siobhan Harvey, Vaughan Rapatahana and Vasanti Unka.

The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa is proud to be administering the awards in 2025.
Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) plays a key role in making creative rights valuable assets for all New Zealanders, be they rightsholders like writers, publishers and artists, or users of creative works such as educators, students and businesses. CLNZ manages the Cultural Fund, which derives its revenue from licensing income.

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (NZSA) is the principal organisation representing over 1800 writers in Aotearoa New Zealand. Founded in 1934, we administer prizes and awards, provide professional development opportunities, offer mentorship and assessment programmes, and have a national network of branches. NZSA collaborates across the book sector to make NZ writing and NZ writers more visible. We advocate for writers’ rights and champion fair reward. NZSA is a not-for-profit incorporated society and a registered charitable entity – CC61705 www.authors.org.nz

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Aviation – Unlicensed helicopter flights lead to conviction – CAA

LiveNews Publisher

September 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Civil Aviation

12 September 2025 – A helicopter pilot has been convicted for flying without a license or certificate and obstruction.

The defendant had, since early 2020, advertised and undertaken paid scenic flights around the Alexandra and Clyde area of the South Island without an Air Operator’s Certificate and without the correct pilot licence.

In 2021, the defendant failed to appear in court to answer charges and was found guilty on all counts in his absence. After protracted legal proceedings the defendant was sentenced at the Dunedin High Court.

“CAA prosecutions are uncommon but, when necessary, they are pursued to protect the integrity of New Zealand’s aviation system and the public who rely on it,” said CAA Deputy Chief Executive, Dean Winter.

“This individual repeatedly disregarded the rules that exist to keep aviation safe for everyone. The vast majority of our aviation community operates responsibly and professionally, so when someone deliberately tries to game the system, we will hold them to account.”

The CAA’s intervention prevented further unsafe flights, including instances where members of the public were at risk.

“In aviation tourism, passengers rightly expect that all operators are meeting the safety standards the law requires when they step onto an aircraft.” said Winter.

“This case is a reminder that aviation safety rules exist to protect everyone, and ignoring those rules has consequences.”

The CAA will continue to investigate and take appropriate action against serious breaches of aviation law where safety is compromised.

Details of charges

The defendant was sentenced in the Dunedin High Court with the following charges:

operating an aircraft without an Air Operator’s Certificate (Civil Aviation Act, section 46);
obstruction (Civil Aviation Act, section 50);
failing to produce or surrender documents (Civil Aviation Act, section 50A); and
flying an Australian-registered aircraft in New Zealand without the requisite pilot licence (Civil Aviation Rule 61.5(c)).

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United Terra Enterprises PLC Announces Closing of USD 150 Million Senior Notes

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September 12, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SCHAAN LIECHTENSTEIN – EQS Newswire – 12 September 2025 – United Terra Enterprises PLC (“UTP”) announced today the closing and issuance on September 10, 2025 of USD 150 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due September 10, 2030 (“Notes”), in a private offering that is exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Notes bear interest of 11.5% per annum which will be paid semi-annually on March 10 and September 10 to noteholders of record one business day prior to the relevant interest payment date during their term. The Notes have been assigned CUSIP H8969NAA1 / ISIN USH8969NAA12 and are traded electronically through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, Euroclear and Clearstream Banking.

The Notes were issued outside the United States to persons that are not U.S. persons as defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”). In addition, the Notes may not be offered, sold, delivered, or otherwise made available to any investor in any Member State of the European Economic Area that does not qualify as a qualified investor within the meaning of Art. 2 (e) Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 (“Prospectus Regulation”) except pursuant to an exemption from a requirement to publish a prospectus under the Prospectus Regulation.

The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction.

The Notes are not rated by any rating agency.

UTP is undertaking no obligation to list the Notes on an exchange.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission nor any other U.S. or non-U.S. securities authority, has approved or disapproved the Notes or passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the Notes or the accuracy or adequacy of the offering memorandum. The offering memorandum has not been approved by any authority in its capacity as competent authority under the Prospectus Regulation or any other regulation.

UTP engaged Abalone Capital Ltd and Countryserv International Inc. as Co-Dealers and Lead Managers for the Notes.

For additional information, please contact Peter Krempin either via email info@unitedterra.enterprises or by telephone at +423 236 40 10.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, about UTP and UTP’s industry that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding the expected closing of the offering of the Notes and the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes, and effects thereof, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “going to,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” or “would” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. UTP cautions you that the foregoing may not include all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release.

You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. UTP has based the forward-looking statements contained in this press release primarily on its current expectations and projections about future events and trends, including its financial outlook, macroeconomic uncertainty, and geo-political conflicts, that it believes may continue to affect UTP’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties related to: UTP’s financial performance; the ability to attain and sustain profitability; the ability to generate and sustain positive cash flow; the ability to attract and retain users, partners, and advertisers; competition and new market entrants; managing UTP’s growth and future expenses; compliance with new laws, regulations, and executive actions; the ability to maintain, protect, and enhance ‘s intellectual property; the ability to succeed in existing and new market segments; the ability to attract and retain qualified team members and key personnel; the ability to repay or refinance outstanding debt, or to access additional financing; future acquisitions, divestitures, or investments; and the potential adverse impact of climate change, natural disasters, health epidemics, macroeconomic conditions, and war or other armed conflict, as well as risks, uncertainties, and other factors described in “Risk Factors” in UTP’s offering memorandum. In addition, any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on assumptions that UTP believes to be reasonable as of this date. UTP undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

Disclaimer

This press release does not constitute or form part of any advertising, offer, recommendation or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for, any securities in any jurisdiction, nor shall part, or all, of this press release or its distribution form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or investment decision in relation to any securities. This press release is not a prospectus. Any offers of the Notes will be made only by means of an offering memorandum regarding the offering of the Notes.

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS (AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933)), OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD BE UNLAWFUL OR WOULD BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS

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

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

Additional two youths charged with murder after death of Kaea Karauria

LiveNews Publisher

September 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Inspector Dave De Lange:

Hawke’s Bay Police have charged an additional two youths with murder following the homicide investigation into the death of 15-year-old Kaea Karauria.

The two youths are 16-years-old and will both appear in Napier Youth Court later today.

This follows a 15-year-old being charged with murder earlier this week, and a 21-year-old woman and a teenage girl that have also been charged with wilfully attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to this matter.

Police are not ruling out further arrests and are continuing to investigate the tragic death of Kaea.

We want to bring justice and peace for Kaea’s family, so we strongly urge anyone in the community to come forward with information about the murder.

Information can be reported via our 105 service, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 250511/1317.

We have also set up a phoneline for those wanting to share information about the incident and people can leave a message on 0800 852 525.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Safer journeys on SH1/29 – Piarere roundabout now complete

LiveNews Publisher

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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