First Responders – Fire in the Tongariro Forest Park

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November 8, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters supported by helicopters are tackling a large vegetation fire in the Tongariro Forest Park, which is covering an estimated 50 hectares.

Trampers in the Mangatepopo Hut are being advised to remain there.

State Highway 47 has been closed near the junction with SH48, with a large build-up of traffic reported. Please avoid the area or delay travel until information about detours is available from the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

Crews from six fire brigades plus a command unit are at the scene or on their way, and three helicopters with monsoon buckets are working, with a fourth being used for aerial observation.

The fire was reported at 3.15pm. We have no information about how it started.

MIL OSI

Kiwis to have their say on Herds of Special Interest

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November 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealanders will soon be able to have their say on plans to manage sika and wapiti deer as the country’s first two Herds of Special Interest (HOSI), Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has confirmed.

Mr Meager announced the draft plans alongside Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the Sika Show in Hamilton’s Mystery Creek, which is New Zealand’s largest annual hunting trade event.

“The plans outline a proposed new approach to managing wapiti deer in parts of Fiordland National Park and sika deer in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks. These changes will allow hunter-led conservation groups to sustainably manage herd numbers and create opportunities to drive economic growth in those areas,” Mr Meager says.

“Hunting is a valued tradition among many Kiwi families and communities. Better, healthier deer herds provide opportunities for both domestic and international visitors. The appeal for hunting in New Zealand is only growing, and establishing these herds as HOSI represents a logical and exciting economic opportunity.

“The draft management plans contain strategies for the management of recreational hunting, fostering partnerships and community stewardship, alongside professional deer control and recovery of meat, and social and ecological monitoring.

“Conservation values remain protected. Herd management plans aim to keep deer numbers at a level which enhances the recreational hunting experience while maintaining and improving natural biodiversity and forest health.

“Hunters are one of our biggest conservation assets, and these plans acknowledge the contributions the hunting community makes to maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

“The plans were developed following proposals I received from the Central North Island Sika Foundation and Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, supported by the Game Animal Council. I thank the organisations for their dedication and contributions to this process.

“I encourage hunters, conservationists, and all interested New Zealanders to read the draft plans and share their views on how we can use herd management to achieve better conservation and hunting outcomes.”

MIL OSI

Road closed, Lake Terrace, Lake Taupō

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November 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police

Lake Terrace at the corner of Matuku Street in Two Mile Bay, Taupō, is closed following a single-vehicle crash.

Police were called to the crash around 12.45pm. One person has sustained serious injuries and are being provided medical assistance.

The Serious Crash Unit have been advised of the collision.

Motorists should expect delays and follow diversions in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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HKFindLawyer Launches Hong Kong’s First “Work Injury Occupation and Injury Compensation Database” Empowering Workers to Understand Their Rights and Compensation Process

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MIL OSI

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November 8, 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 November 2025 – HKFindLawyer.com has officially launched Hong Kong’s first “Work Injury Occupation and Injury Compensation Database”, a comprehensive online resource based on the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance.

The database covers a wide range of occupations — including construction workers, cleaners, delivery riders, and office staff — as well as common workplace injuries such as falls, burns, back pain, and hearing loss. It aims to help the public understand their legal rights, claim procedures, and compensation options in different work-related injury scenarios.

Developed in collaboration with experienced Hong Kong lawyers, the database transforms complex legal concepts into clear and practical guidance. It also includes case studies, medical treatment tips, and reference materials for compensation calculation.

Members of the public can freely access the following pages:

A spokesperson for HKFindLawyer.com said:

“Our goal is to help workers understand their rights clearly when faced with a work injury, without being misled or confused by insurers. By identifying their occupation and type of injury, they can easily see the next steps for compensation.”

In addition to the new database, the website also provides several practical tools, including:

Work Injury Compensation Calculation Guide
Permanent Loss of Earning Capacity Percentage Table
Work Injury Claim Step-by-Step Guide

By combining public legal education with lawyer-matching services, HKFindLawyer.com aims to promote legal awareness in Hong Kong and help more individuals access professional legal advice free of charge.

Hashtag: #HKFindLawyer

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

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

Name release – fatal crash, Matamata

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November 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on the intersection of Waharoa Road East and Pohlen Road on 30 October.

The man was Michael Plowman, 51, of Matamata.

Our thoughts are with Michael’s friends and family at this difficult time.

Police continue to investigate the crash.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Rural Support Trust funding boost to further help storm-hit southerners

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November 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has announced further funding to help farmers and growers recover from significant storm damage in Southland, and the Clutha and Hurunui districts, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson say.

“Severe weather late last month caused significant damage to powerlines, farm buildings and infrastructure, irrigators, fences, and trees across these southern areas,” Mr McClay says.

“Widespread and prolonged power outages left hundreds of dairy farms without mains power. They had to use generators to milk cows and pump water.

“The North Canterbury, Otago, and Southland Rural Support Trusts played a vital role on-the-ground supporting farmers and growers. The severe weather, which was classified as a medium-scale adverse event, hit during an already busy time of the year on-farm.

“We’re providing up to $70,000 across the three Trusts so they can continue their important work supporting and coordinating recovery efforts.

“Some farmers and growers will face many months of cleanup work to get back on track. This funding will enable the Trusts to make sure people who need support can get it.”

Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the funding is on top of $250,000 already announced by the Government to support storm-affected communities across Southland, Kaikōura, Hurunui, and Clutha.

“As an Otago farmer, I know the important role the Trusts play during adverse events,” Mr Patterson says.

“I saw their work first-hand while on-the-ground in Clutha during last month’s severe weather.

Today’s announcement is part of this Government’s ongoing support of Rural Support Trusts across the country.

“Budget 2025 confirmed $4 million of funding over four years including an additional $1m to further boost the important work they do in rural New Zealand,” Mr McClay says.

Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

MIL OSI

Road closed, Kokotau Road, Parkvale

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November 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police

Kokotau Road is closed following a serious crash involving cyclists this morning.

Police were called to the cyclist crash at around 11:30am.

Initial indicators are that there are serious injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised and the road is expected to be closed for some time, while emergency services work at the scene.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Operation Kererū – Hutt Valley Police crack down on anti-social road user activity

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November 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police

Hutt Valley Police successfully disrupted a planned anti-social road user gathering in Lower Hutt last night, issuing dozens of infringements, handing out pink and green stickers, and seizing a car and some fireworks.

The night started in Queensgate where around 200 cars had gathered for mental health initiative Gumboot Friday.

Police used this as an opportunity to engage positively with the group around the good cause.

The group then moved towards Paremata, where a checkpoint was set up nearby by Police.

“We checked every car leaving, and found some to be showing signs of intended anti-social road user behaviour, such as being seen with boot-loads of spare tyres and even one towing a dedicated skid car,” says Hutt Valley Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Gareth Barnes.

“A core remaining group of around 50 then attempted to set up at Thorndon, Seaview, Melling, Harcourt Werry Drive, Naenae, and Fergusson Drive,

“We were one step ahead of them every time, and the group were never able take hold of any one location,” Acting Inspector Barnes says.

Police issued dozens of infringement notices, including speed and licence breaches, around 10 pink and green stickers were issued, one car was seized, and fireworks that had been shot from a sunroof were surrendered to Police.

“Last night’s operation went down without a hitch; this comes down to the great planning and execution from the team and I would like to commend all those involved in their efforts.

“Police are committed to disrupting any and all anti-social road user behaviour – it is reckless and wreaks havoc on our communities.

“We will continue to take action to proactively prevent this kind of activity,” says Acting Inspector Barnes.

Police urge the public to report any unlawful or dangerous road user activity as soon as possible, by calling 111 if it is happening now or through 105 if it is after the fact.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

New life-saving bypass machines for Auckland

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November 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Cardiothoracic patients from across New Zealand will benefit from eight new state-of-the-art heart and lung bypass machines at Auckland City Hospital, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This is a major step forward in cardiothoracic care for the country’s main centre for complex heart and lung surgery,” Mr Brown says.

“Auckland City Hospital performs more than 1000 cardiac surgeries and around 50 heart and lung transplants each year. For these patients, the new machines mean safer surgery, fewer cancellations, and better outcomes when they need some of the most complex and lifesaving procedures.”

The phased replacement of the hospital’s ageing fleet of bypass machines was approved in 2024, with all eight new machines now fully operational following a total $3.2 million investment.

“These machines give frontline health teams access to the latest technology available elsewhere in the world, ensuring patients undergoing open-heart surgery, heart and lung transplants, or other complex procedures receive the highest standard of care.”

The adult and paediatric machines provide individualised, goal-directed therapy using advanced monitoring systems to optimise oxygen delivery during surgery. This allows perfusionists, the highly skilled specialists who operate the machines, to tailor treatment precisely to each patient in real time.

“Alongside the bypass machines, next-generation Blood Parameter Monitors, essential for closely monitoring patients during surgery, are now fully supporting surgical teams to deliver the highest standards of care.

“Investing in this modern equipment not only supports our skilled clinicians but also strengthens the hospital’s ability to deliver lifesaving care for years to come.

“It means patients can have confidence that when they need complex heart or lung surgery, the best technology and expertise are ready and available right here in New Zealand.”

MIL OSI

McClay to promote trade in China, UAE, India, Singapore and Australia

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November 8, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay left yesterday to visit China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, Singapore and Australia to strengthen trade relationships and promote New Zealand’s interests on the world stage.

In China he will lead a trade mission for the final days of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) – the world’s largest – and will promote New Zealand’s unique ‘Grass-Fed’ standard. This will be followed by a visit to Beijing for political discussions.

This visit reflects the importance New Zealand places on our trade and economic relationship with China. China is our largest trading partner, with two-way trade exceeding the $40 billion mark in the year ending June 2025.

The Minister will then travel to the UAE for meetings, following the entry into force of the New Zealand-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in August.

“Our trade agreement with the UAE provides exporters with greater options and better access into this growing market,” Mr McClay says.

Mr McClay will then travel to India to hold Ministerial trade negotiations with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. This follows Minister Goyal’s visit to New Zealand this week.

Whilst in India Mr McClay will also lead a forestry and wood processing trade mission and speak at the trade Partnership Summit, an annual global conference that brings together world leaders, policymakers, and industry executives, hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry.

“This will be my sixth visit and reaffirms our commitment to negotiating a high-quality trade agreement with India opening up access to their 1.4 billion consumers during this term of Parliament,” Mr McClay says.

He will then travel to Singapore as a founding member to join 12 other countries for the first in-person Ministerial meeting of the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT-P).

Mr McClay says this represents a real opportunity for New Zealand to work with like-minded economies to reduce costs and give greater certainty to kiwi exporters through simplified trade rules.

In Australia Mr McClay will attend the annual Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) ministerial meeting and the first CPTPP- EU and CPTPP- ASEAN Dialogues.

“The partnership represents more than 15 percent of global GDP and includes some of the world’s most dynamic economies,” Mr McClay says.

Mr McClay says all these visits are part of the Government’s plan to double the value of exports over 10 years, creating jobs and increasing incomes for all New Zealanders.

MIL OSI