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Have you seen Alyssa?

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Source: New Zealand Police

Police are asking for the public’s help finding Alyssa, who has been reported missing from the Dairy Flat area.

The 16-year-old was last seen yesterday afternoon and was wearing a maroon hoody with a white zip.

Alyssa is described as between 160cm-170cms tall with brown hair and green eyes.

She is known to frequent the Dairy Flat, Hobsonville and Flat Bush areas.

Police and Alyssa’s family have concerns for her welfare and would like to find her as soon as possible.

If you have seen Alyssa or have information that might help us find her, please call 111 and quote reference number 250905/0579.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Expanding support for rough sleepers

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has announced five immediate actions to expand the support available for people sleeping rough and help them into social homes, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.

“Homelessness has been a problem in New Zealand for decades. It is rooted in our broken housing system, and becomes more severe during challenging economic times,” Mr Bishop says.

“It’s very difficult to get accurate numbers of people living without shelter because people in these circumstances often move around and avoid engaging with government services, but it’s clear that rough sleeping is a genuine problem. 

“The Government already spends more than half a billion dollars annually on a range of homelessness support programmes, including transitional housing, Housing First, Rapid Rehousing and emergency housing, among others. When added to social housing, the Accommodation Supplement and Temporary Additional Support, we spend more than $5 billion annually on housing support. But we can and will do more for rough sleepers.

“The Government will take five immediate actions aimed at supporting rough sleepers into stable housing.

“The first is to expand the Housing First programme. Housing First is a successful programme, started under the previous National-led government, which supports people experiencing chronic homelessness into permanent housing. It also provides tailored support to help people live in the home and build a better life.

“Housing First delivers results – but it there are still a lot of people identified within the Housing First programme in need of stable housing. So today we can announce that the Government will fund an additional 300 social homes for Housing First, effective immediately. The focus for these additional social homes will be rough sleepers.

“These additional social homes, likely to be mostly one-bedroom homes, will be leased from the private rental market in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch rather than built new. Leasing existing homes is a deliberate choice – it means Housing First providers can immediately begin contracting the homes and supporting people into them without the time lag caused by consenting and building. 

Minister Potaka says the second action is to provide $10 million additional funding for support services for people sleeping rough. The intention here is to provide additional funding for services that are already established and have proven success. These services are likely to be specific to certain locations – because what works in Christchurch may not work in Hamilton and vice versa. Officials will work with trusted frontline experts to identify the services this funding should go towards.

“The third action, which is already underway, is work to increase the efficiency of transitional housing. This means making sure that we have the right transitional housing properties in the right locations and with the right providers to ensure we can better support demand. There could be some rebalancing of places towards providers who have demonstrated an ability and willingness to work with rough sleepers.

“Ministers have directed officials to significantly increase this occupancy rate by ensuring transitional housing places are located in the areas with the greatest demand, reducing turnaround time between tenants, and speeding up the time it takes to move a new client into transitional housing. This will mean fewer units sitting vacant and more homeless people being housed.

“The fourth action is I expect that MSD assess all beneficiaries going into these social homes for good cause to redirect their benefit to contribute to accommodation costs. 

“Most people in social housing pay a contribution of 25 per cent of their income. Beneficiaries in social housing can choose to pay this through a direct deduction from their benefit – but many choose not to. Non-payment of rent over a sustained period can eventually result in tenancy termination and homelessness. Implementing a redirection where good cause exists was a recommendation from a frontline homelessness provider. 

“And the fifth action is to encourage Ministry of Social Development (MSD) staff to use greater discretion when assessing emergency housing applications. 

“We are not changing the requirements people need to meet to qualify for emergency housing. Those requirements are firm but fair, and to relax them risks going back to the emergency housing motel catastrophe under the previous government when thousands of families and children were consigned to live in dank motel rooms for months or even years on end.

“But MSD staff can and do use their discretion when assessing emergency housing applications. Together with Social Development Minister Louise Upston, we are making it clearer to those staff that they should feel empowered to use their good judgement and common sense when determining whether someone should qualify.”

“The Government is committed to delivering the right homes, in the right places, with the right supports for rough sleepers. These five actions will help to deliver on this commitment,” Mr Potaka says.

Notes to editor:

Housing First

Housing First is a programme that helps people who have been homeless for at least a year move into permanent housing. It’s designed for those sleeping rough or in places not meant for living, like cars or garages, and who have complex needs such as mental health or addiction issues. 

Once housed, people get tailored support for as long as needed. People can access Housing First through referrals from health, mental health, income support, police, education, probation, iwi and community services. It’s available in regions like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Rotorua, Tauranga, Whangārei, Nelson, Blenheim, Hawke’s Bay and the Far North.

Read more about Housing First

Transitional housing programme

Transitional housing provides short-term accommodation for people and whānau who urgently need a place to stay. It’s designed to help those who’ve lost their rental, can’t stay with family, or are moving out of emergency housing. It includes new builds, repurposed homes and leased properties. 

Read more about transitional housing

Explanation of Accommodation Supplement

The Accommodation Supplement is a weekly payment to help people with their rent, board or the cost of owning a home.

Read more about the Accommodation Supplement

MIL OSI

Restoring democracy to Auckland’s transport

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Source: New Zealand Government

The most significant reforms to transport in Auckland since 2010 will restore democratic accountability and ensure Aucklanders can hold their elected representatives responsible for transport policies, Transport Minister Chris Bishop, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown say.

“Late last year we committed to this significant change to transport governance and delivery arrangements in Auckland. It will deliver better outcomes for Aucklanders and help to restore confidence in Auckland Transport,” Mr Bishop says. 

“Auckland’s transport system needs strong, appropriate governance to ensure people and goods can move across the city efficiently and safely, while ensuring value for money from every dollar spent by central government and Auckland Council. 

“Responsibility for most transport functions will shift from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council, including all policy and planning work. The Council will become the road controlling authority and deliver transport capital projects while maintaining transport infrastructure,” Mr Bishop says.

“Auckland Transport will become a smaller transport council-controlled-organisation so it can focus on its core role of delivering high-quality public transport services for Aucklanders.

“These changes mean that Auckland Council’s elected members will be directly accountable to the public for most transport decisions that affect the daily lives of Aucklanders.

“The Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Bill establishes the Auckland Regional Transport Committee, which will comprise an equal share of Auckland Council elected members and Ministerial appointees anlongside an independent chair.

“The Committee will prepare a 30-year transport plan for Auckland, building on the previous Auckland Transport Alignment Project started by the last National Government, which will steer investment and shape the future of transport in Auckland.

“This aligned approach between central government and Auckland Council is critical for delivering the transport system Aucklanders deserve.”

“The Bill also gives local boards some new powers to ensure local accountability and that local communities have a say. They’ll make decisions on local and collector roads including setting speed limits, closing roads for events, managing parking and creating cycleways.

“Arterial roads, and the city centre, will be the responsibility of the Governing Body of Auckland Council, consisting of the Mayor and 20 Councillors.

“This is great news for Auckland. This Government is committed to improving transport in Auckland and putting decision-making back in the hands of Aucklanders. This will boost productivity and economic growth by providing for better accessibility, reduced congestion and increased urban density.

“I would like to thank Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown for his collaborative engagement with the Government as we worked to reset Auckland’s transport governance arrangements.”

Auckland Minister Simeon Brown says the changes are about delivering the modern, reliable transport system the city deserves.

“For too long, Auckland Transport has failed to listen to Aucklanders and take their views into account. That’s why we’re changing the law,” Mr Brown says.

“By putting decisions back in the hands of elected representatives, we’re restoring democratic legitimacy and ensuring Aucklanders can have a direct say in the transport policies that shape their city.”

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has championed reform and has welcomed the Bill.

“This is a major victory for the people of Auckland. The bill restores democratic control of transport to elected members and local communities,” Mayor Brown says. 

“Auckland Transport costs around one and a half billion dollars a year to run, while transport capital investment represents more than a third of the council’s 10-year budget. But under the existing law we don’t get to tell AT what to do. The Bill finally makes it clear that AT should do what council tells it to do and hands power back to the people’s elected representatives.”

The Bill will have its first reading in September and is expected to pass into law in March 2026. A six-month transition period will follow, with the new arrangements expected to be in place by September 2026 or earlier.  

Notes to the Editor:

The Bill provides for Auckland Council to develop an Auckland Roading Classification Framework, with the approval of the Minister of Transport, which will identify which roads in Auckland are classified as local, collector, arterial or city centre.

Legislation will now refer to Auckland Transport as the transport council-controlled-organisation (CCO) and will specify that the primary function of the transport CCO is to provide public transport services in Auckland.

Transitional provisions in the Bill guide transition to the new arrangements over a six-month period. Auckland Council will be required to appoint a transition director who will be responsible for preparing and executing a transition plan for the transport CCO and Auckland Council.

MIL OSI

Help us find Te Anihana Pomana

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Source: New Zealand Police

Auckland City Police are renewing appeals for information as concerns grow over the whereabouts of missing woman Te Anihana Pomana. 

Te Anihana, 25, was last seen leaving Sky City Hotel in central Auckland at 5.06am on 21 August.

“Since then, there have been no sightings despite exhaustive efforts to locate her over the past week,” Detective Senior Segeant Martin Friend, Auckland City Police, says. 

“As time passes, we are increasingly concerned for her wellbeing.”

Today, Te Anihana’s mother, Catherine Anderson, travelled from Dunedin with close friends to join Police in central Auckland.

Police are delivering flyers to businesses in central Auckland this morning in the hope of jogging the memory of anyone who may have seen or been in contact with the missing woman.

“We do not believe Te Anihana is the victim of foul play at this stage. But we do have a vulnerable person who has not made contact with her family in two weeks,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.

“It’s important that we find Te Anihana so that we can resolve this for her anxious situation for whānau, friends and loved ones.”

“Any piece of information could be pivotal in progressing Police enquiries,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says. 

Police can confirm Te Anihana was heading onto Victoria Street West at the time she was last seen.

“Despite extensive CCTV enquiries since then, we have not had further confirmed sightings of her in central Auckland,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.

“To the best of our knowledge, Te Anihana is not carrying a phone and we cannot discount that she may have access to some cash.”

Police are asking anyone with urgent information to call 111.

Anyone with information that can assist Police is asked to call 105.

Please use the reference number 250718/6582.

ENDS.

Statement issued on behalf of Catherine Anderson:

Kia ora everyone,

I’ve travelled from Dunedin with my friends to be here today and very grateful to see you here. 

Thank you.

I’m very grateful to Police who are trying so hard to find my precious daughter.

Te Anihana has been missing for more than two weeks now and we are here because we are determined to find her. 

Te Anihana is a much-loved daughter, sister, niece, friend and mokopuna and we want to find her, take her home and keep her safe.

As a mum, I’m appealing to anyone who has any information about Te Anihana to contact Police.

She maybe in Auckland, but we know she has travelled extensively since mid-July and visited Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, Kaeo, Kerikeri and wider Northland.

Someone must have seen her, and our goal is to find her.

Te Anihana, if you see this, we all love you, we miss you, please let us know you are okay. 

To anyone with information, please share it with police as soon as possible.

Thank you.

Timeline of Te Anihana’s known movements:

Police are providing a known timeline of Te Anihana’s movements in recent weeks.

– Early August: Travelled from Dunedin to Christchurch with her father.

– 2 August: Arrived in Auckland and received treatment at Middlemore Hospital for existing injuries, later being discharged.

– Early August: Moves between multiple hostels, hotels and bedsits.

– 18 August 2025: Checked into SkyCity Hotel, Auckland, at 11.11pm.

– 20 August 2025: Seen on CCTV boarding WX1 bus from Hobson Street at 6.37pm. Believed to have travelled to Lincoln Road, Henderson, then return to City.

– 21 August 2025: Confirmed sighting via CCTV leaving SkyCity Hotel at 5:06am, leaving all of her belongings behind.

– 21 August 2025: Confirmed last sighting seen on Victoria Street West at 5.16am.

– 29 August 2025: Police released CCTV footage of Te Anihana’s last known movements. This footage can be obtained by emailing media@police.govt.nz

ENDS.

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

MIL OSI

New Zealand sea lion symposium to strengthen connections

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Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  05 September 2025

The inaugural New Zealand sea lion/pakake/whakahao Symposium/Wānanga is being held to develop and strengthen connections between people and sea lions across Aotearoa. 

DOC Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming says celebrating and strengthening connections between people and sea lions is more important than ever. 

“Connection to nature is a unifying value embraced by all New Zealanders. New Zealand sea lions are among the rarest in the world and it’s a privilege to share our coastlines with them,” he says.

“We want to celebrate and inspire people to take action – whether by finding out more about them, learning how to share the beach with them safely and respectfully, or getting involved in their conservation, everyone has a part to play.”

The free event will include talks from mana whenua representatives, researchers, fisheries and conservation managers, and will cover a range of topics including mātauraka Kāi Tahu, sea lion diet, archaelogy, disease investigations, road management, and fisheries bycatch mitigation. 

Aukaha Sea Lion Action Plan Community Liaison Kate Stevens West says after years of online meetings, the group’s members and supporters are excited to meet kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) again.

“This free weekend wānanga brings together mātauraka Māori, science, and community to explore how we can connect with and protect sea lions into the future. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re already involved or just curious to learn more.”

The afternoon session will be a series of facilitated discussions to build connection and discuss what we can do for sea lions in the coming breeding season. 

In addition, Tūhura Otago Museum will be showing us some of the pakake taoka they care for. 

Background information

How you can register for this free event

When: Saturday 13 September 8.30 am to 4.30 pm

All participants are required to register with Tūhura Otago Museum first. 

To register for this free event, please visit: https://checkout.roller.app/otagomuseum/products/sealionsymposium?date=20250913#/sessions

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

Government Cuts – Disestablishing IR’s Māori research team will disadvantage whānau – PSA

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Source: PSA

The PSA is criticising Inland Revenue’s move to shut down its dedicated kaupapa Māori research domain, Te Mana Rangahau.
“It’s regressive, short-sighted, and a gutting blow to the Māori-Crown relationship. A clear signal that Inland Revenue is turning its back on meaningful engagement with whānau Māori,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi acting Kaihautū Māori, Marcia Puru, says.
Inland Revenue plans to shut down Te Mana Rangahau and push the work to a broader Customer Interventions group from 1 September, without first building the cultural capability needed to do it effectively.
“Instead of following its own research to embed Tiriti based, values-driven change, it’s reverting to a transactional, compliance-heavy model that prioritises punitive debt collection over the holistic, intergenerational wellbeing of whānau Māori.
“This is not just a reshuffle, it’s a dismantling of kaupapa Māori leadership inside Inland Revenue,” Puru says.
“Te Mana Rangahau is part of a wider Kaupapa Māori ecosystem within Inland Revenue focused on supporting Māori aspirations and carrying Māori voices right into the heart of strategic decision-making. Scrapping the team sends a loud message that those voices don’t matter. Let’s be clear: this is a cultural rollback and the team feels disrespected and aggrieved.
“The years of hard work done gave Inland Revenue the tools to make better, fairer strategic decisions. Now they’re throwing that progress out the window clearly prioritising more Western-led approaches.”
The PSA says this move reflects a wider political agenda that ignores evidence, guts kaupapa Māori leadership, and leaves whānau Māori further behind, many of whom are already facing economic hardship.
“The PSA is very concerned that Inland Revenue is not protecting its dedicated kaupapa Māori space. We’d like to see them recommit to working with Māori and not against them.
“Above all, Inland Revenue must stay focused on work that produces Tiriti based, values-drive change, and continue uplifting the cultural capability of its entire organisation.”

MIL OSI

Advocacy – International Day of Charity: Solidarity with Palestine

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Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand joins the international community in marking the International Day of Charity.

Charity is not only about financial assistance – it is about compassion, solidarity, and standing with those most in need. Around the world, individuals and organisations dedicate themselves to uplifting vulnerable communities, easing suffering, and building a more just and humane society.

Today, as we reflect on the meaning of charity, our hearts turn to Palestine, where generations of families live under occupation and blockade. In Gaza and the West Bank, shortages of food, medicine, shelter, and clean water have become daily realities. More than half the population are children, and they carry the heaviest burden of this ongoing humanitarian crisis.

On this International Day of Charity, the Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls on New Zealanders to:

  • Show solidarity with the Palestinian people through charitable giving and humanitarian support.
  • Raise awareness of the urgent and ongoing needs in Palestine.
  • Advocate for justice and dignity, recognising that true charity includes striving to remove the root causes of suffering.

As the UN reminds us, charity brings people together, strengthens bonds of solidarity, and creates inclusive communities. This spirit of compassion must extend to the people of Palestine, who deserve peace, security, and a future of hope.

Palestine Forum of New Zealand stands committed to ensuring that New Zealand’s voice for justice and humanity continues to echo strongly, especially on this International Day of Charity.

Maher Nazzal
Palestine Forum of New Zealand

MIL OSI

Advocacy – Dental Advocacy Group “Seeing Significant Unmet Need” on Dental in Nationwide Roadshow, Begins Second Part of National Tour

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Source: Action Station
A dental advocacy group is reporting soaring unmet need for dental care as it begins the second part of a national roadshow on dental challenges in New Zealand.
Dental for All will travel to the Far North next week, alongside events in Auckland through the week, before travelling to Tauranga, Whakatāne, the East Coast, Gisborne, Napier, and Flaxmere.
The group has just completed a trip from Wellington to Rotorua, which included seven town hall discussions.
“What we’ve been seeing and hearing is significant unmet need among adults who are locked out of getting dental care,” says Hana Pilkinton-Ching, spokesperson for the Dental for All coalition.
The coalition includes Te Ao Mārama (the Māori Dental Association), dentists and oral health therapists, unions (including E tū, ASMS, and Workers FIRST Union), and poverty action groups.
“The adult dental system is in crisis, with costs continuing to rise, and during this prolonged cost of living crisis we want to see all political parties commit to bring dental into the public healthcare system to ease the pressure on families,” adds Pilkinton-Ching.
Dental for All is calling for free, universal, Te Tiriti o Waitangi-consistent dental. It has commissioned research showing that the existing dental system costs the country $2.5bn in lost productivity and $3.1bn in reduced quality of life, while it would cost $1-2bn to bring dental into the public healthcare system.
The group supports the establishment of an adult community dental service, which could consist of a network of community clinics with salaried dentists and oral health therapists, along with tino rangatiranga for Māori over oral health.
“Working in South Auckland, we’re witnessing a growing oral health crisis. It’s time our health system took urgent, equity-focused action that is grounded in accountability and community partnership and ensures everyone has access to the care they need,” says Chanae Ihimaera, Senior Lecturer/Kaiwhaako in Oral Health at Auckland University of Technology.
The second leg of the roadshow includes a free dental day at Auckland University of Technology’s south campus on Sunday 7 September, involving 9 volunteer dentists and 4 volunteer oral health therapists.
The roadshow continues with a major event at the Auckland City Mission on Thursday 11 September, where City Missioner Helen Robinson will speak, as well as visits to marae, Māori oral health providers, and community venues.
  • More details on the major events on the second leg of the Dental for All roadshow (running 7-17 September 2025) are available here.
  • FrankAdvice’s research, showing (on a conservative estimate, using the CBAx tool) that the current dental system is costing the country $2.5bn in lost productivity and $3.1bn in reduced quality of life, is available online here.

MIL OSI

A+ credit rating will boost social housing delivery

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Source: New Zealand Government

News that the Community Housing Funding Agency has achieved an A+ credit rating from S&P Global will mean more social homes can be delivered more cost effectively, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Currently, Community Housing Providers (CHPs) account for 16 per cent of our social homes, or around 14,000 houses, while Kāinga Ora provides about 73,000 social homes. 

“Organisations like The Salvation Army, Accessible Properties NZ Ltd, and Te Āhuru Mōwai Ltd Partnership, among others, do a great job providing housing and other support to people in need. This Government wants the CHP sector to grow and thrive. 

“My ambition for the social housing system is for a level playing field between CHPs and Kāinga Ora. The underlying ownership of a house – whether public or private – should be irrelevant. What matters is the provision of warm, dry homes to those who need them, along with social support if required.

“We call this competitive neutrality. In some areas and for some people, CHPs are the answer. In other areas, Kāinga Ora will be the way to go. But while KO’s borrowing is done through the Crown, CHPs have until recently had to access debt from the private market at higher rates meaning it’s been more expensive for them to deliver social homes. 

“Earlier this year, the Government moved to level the playing field between Kāinga Ora and CHPs by establishing Crown lending facilities of up to $150 million for the Community Housing Funding Agency (CHFA). This support was conditional on CHFA obtaining a credit rating. 

“I’m pleased that CHFA has today received an A+ credit rating from international ratings agency S&P Global. 

“This credit rating means they will be able to access capital more easily at lower rates. This means they can pass those savings on to CHPs who can then deliver social housing at lower costs. 

“This very good credit rating will unlock lower borrowing costs for CHFA and for CHPs, meaning they’ll be able to deliver more social homes for less.

“For many CHPs, it will mean headline interest rates reduce by up to 1.00%, lowering their annual interest bills by 15-20%. 

“Lowering the borrowing costs for CHPs will have two key benefits.

“For existing and soon-to-be-signed social housing contracts including those funded through Budgets 2024 and 2025, CHPs moving to new loan terms financed by CHFA could save up to $75,000 over the 20 to 25-year average term of existing contracts. CHPs can reinvest these savings into social programmes and will require less upfront and ongoing funding from the Crown to compete to build new social and affordable housing places.

“For new CHP social housing, the Government is expected to save $115k-$120k per house over the life of a 25-year IRRS contract[1]. This means we can do more to help people in need with the same amount of funding. 

“For example, in Budget 2024, $140m funded 1,500 CHP social housing places – but with 1% cheaper borrowing rates, that same amount could fund 1,767 places, an 18% increase of 267 houses.

“Getting value for every taxpayer dollar we spend is a core priority for this Government, so it’s encouraging to see that the Crown’s loan to CHFA is resulting in more efficient social housing delivery and better value for taxpayers.”

[1] Assumes a 1% in interest rate saving over the full term of the contract.

Note to editor:

The Community Housing Funding Agency (CHFA) brings together philanthropists, fund managers, Government funding and leading charities to tackle New Zealand’s social housing challenges.

CHFA was launched by Community Finance in 2024 and aggregates the finance requirements for CHPs around New Zealand, unlocking lower cost finance at scale to support the delivery of social housing. It is the largest lender to CHPs in New Zealand.

MIL OSI

Fatal crash: Taieri-Allanton Road/SH1, Allanton

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Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm that one person has died following a two-vehicle crash on East Taieri-Allanton Road/SH1 at around 1:30pm yesterday.

One other person sustained moderate injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit attended, and the road has now reopened.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI

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