Warrant to arrest: Vaea Folau

September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Vaea Tangitau Folau, 33, who has a warrant for his arrest.

Police believe someone may have information on his whereabouts.

Folau is known to frequent the Glen Eden and wider Auckland areas.

Anyone with information is urged not to approach him and instead to call 111 immediately and quote file number 250818/9639.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Mismatched plates spark Police attention

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A vehicle caught with mismatched plates has left two people facing a variety of charges.

At about 12.45am, Police observed a Toyota Corolla with two different number plates travelling along Eastdale Road, Avondale.

Auckland City West Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Guy Baldwin, says officers confirmed the vehicle was stolen and also allegedly linked to an aggravated robbery in Dargaville.

“Officers signalled for the vehicle to pullover, however it failed to do so.

“It briefly fled before stopping on Eastdale Road where two people exited and attempted to flee on foot.”

Senior Sergeant Baldwin says Police quickly took the pair into custody without further incident.

“We acknowledge the concern incidents like these can cause to the wider community and reiterate our commitment to holding these offenders accountable.

“We will continue to work hard to ensure our community can be safe and feel safe.”

A 58-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court today charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and aggravated robbery.

A 27-year-old man is facing charges of unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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New Zealand’s tyre recycling scheme celebrates 1st anniversary Nearly 4 million tyres recovered for recycling

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: Tyrewise

1 September 2025 – Tyrewise, Aotearoa New Zealand’s first regulated product stewardship scheme for tyres, is celebrating its first year of operation with nearly 4 million end-of-life tyres collected for recycling or repurposing into other useful products and over 5,000 registered partners across the country.

“Tyrewise isn’t just New Zealand’s first regulated product stewardship scheme, it’s also the most successful product stewardship scheme in the country to date,” says Adele Rose, CEO of 3R Group, Tyrewise Scheme Managers.

The scheme has surpassed its targets for tyres collected and processed into tyre-derived materials since it began operating on 1 September last year, Adele says. “That’s encouraging, as it has a target of 80% of tyres recycled and repurposed into other useful products within Aotearoa New Zealand by its fourth year, and over 90% by its sixth year.”

As part of the strategy to develop end markets and support the domestic economy, expressions of interest in funding were recently invited. This attracted over 60 applications across research and development, emerging markets, and community development categories.

“It’s exciting to see such an interest in the fund. A major goal of Tyrewise is to help develop innovative, high-value onshore uses and unlock the value in the circular economy for end-of-life tyres. Tyres are going from being a waste stream to a resource which creates jobs and adds value to the New Zealand economy, rather than being illegally dumped, stockpiled or landfilled,” Adele says.

Mark Gilbert, Chair of Auto Stewardship New Zealand, which governs the Tyrewise scheme, says the success of the scheme comes down in large part to its registered partners. “Those registered partners, the importers, retailers, tyre fitters, transporters, recyclers and public collection sites make up the scheme. Without them doing the mahi, what we have achieved so far wouldn’t be possible, and we thank them for their work thus far and look forward to continuing the momentum,” Mark says.

Tyrewise operates a nationwide collection and recycling system, funded through a Tyre Stewardship Fee which is charged on all new tyres sold in the New Zealand market, replacing previous ad hoc disposal fees. Critically, this has removed the impact of free riders who don’t participate under a voluntary scheme.

It means members of the tyre industry around the country have access to a collection service through a network of registered partner transporters, with retailers retaining end of life tyres from customers for collection. Members of the public can also dispose of up to five tyres at a time for free at public collection sites around the motu.

About Tyrewise

Tyrewise is Aotearoa’s first regulated product stewardship scheme. It minimises the environmental impacts of end-of-life tyres by working with the whole tyre industry to ensure tyres are collected from registered partners so they can be recycled and repurposed into other useful products.

The scheme is accredited by the Ministry for the Environment, and is operated by Auto Stewardship New Zealand, a not-for-profit trust which acts as the Product Stewardship Organisation. It is funded by the tyre stewardship fee charged on imported tyres.

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Asia NZ Foundation – Mekong Dialogue offers a timely forum for enhancing regional stability and cooperation

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation

The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono, in partnership with Thailand’s Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS Thailand) will convene the Mekong Dialogue in Vientiane, Laos from 3-5 September, as part of the Foundation’s Track II programme.

The Foundation’s chief executive Suzannah Jessep will lead the New Zealand delegation, which includes senior foreign relations, trade, defence and climate change specialists.

“The Mekong region stands at a critical crossroads. Geopolitical rivalry, rising protectionism, and weakening multilateralism are reshaping the region’s economic, political and security environment. Extreme weather events, natural disasters and resource pressures are adding further complexity,” says Jessep.

“At the same time, Myanmar’s civil conflict, alongside pressing transnational challenges such as trafficking, demand thoughtful, collective responses,” she adds.

The Dialogue is being held in person for the first time since 2019, after a pause during the Covid-19 pandemic. Jessep says bringing people back together in person allows relationships to deepen in a way that only face-to-face engagement can achieve. Resuming these dialogues is an opportunity to build on the progress made before the pandemic and ensure cooperation across the region continues to grow stronger.

The delegation will join their regional counterparts in discussions on geopolitical rivalry, the role of ASEAN, the implications of Myanmar’s ongoing crisis, Thai-Cambodia border tensions and broader regional cooperation.

“The Dialogue is an important opportunity for scholars, policymakers and practitioners from both the Mekong region and New Zealand to come together, discuss shared challenges and generate actionable insights and recommendations for governments and regional organisations,” says Jessep.

In addition to the dialogue in Laos, the New Zealand delegation will spend a day in Bangkok participating in local speaking events and holding meetings with a range of experts, officials and other senior contacts.

The Foundation’s director of research and engagement, Dr Julia Macdonald, says: “This is a timely trip, particularly in light of recent events in the region. It provides us with a first-hand view of both the challenges and opportunities, and the chance to share those insights back home when we return.”

Delegation includes:

Suzannah Jessep – chief executive, Asia New Zealand Foundation

Dr Tracey Epps – trade law specialist

Dr Julia Macdonald – director of research and engagement, Asia New Zealand Foundation

John McKinnon – chair, New Zealand China Council

Mike Swain – visiting fellow, Centre for Strategic Studies, Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka.

Simon Watt – barrister and specialist in climate change and sustainability law

Track II Programme

The Foundation’s Track II programme supports informal diplomacy with thinktanks in Asia on issues and challenges facing the region. Our ‘informal diplomacy’ dialogues mostly have an international relations focus – with agendas touching on political, security, economy and trade. Some dialogues may have specific themes relating to other areas of shared interest – such as environment, climate change, energy or social issues, for example.

Established in 1994, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is New Zealand’s leading provider of Asia insights and experiences. Its mission is to equip New Zealanders to excel in Asia, by providing research, insights and targeted opportunities to grow their knowledge, connections and experiences across the Asia region. The Foundation’s activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through eight core programmes: arts, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, media, research, Track II diplomacy and sports.

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Weather News – Meteorological spring has arrived – MetService

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 1st – Friday 5th August – Winter wrapped up with some of the harshest winds recorded in August.

Southerly winds are ushering in cooler air, leading to frosty mornings in places.

Severe gale southwesterly winds are expected for Stewart Island today, where a Strong Wind Warning has been issued.

Strong Wind Watches are in place for Hawke’s Bay (south of Hastings), the Tararua District, Dunedin, Clutha, Southland (south of Gore), and the Chatham Islands.

Road Snowfall Warnings are in effect for Arthur’s Pass (SH73), Lindis Pass (SH8), Crown Range Road, and Milford Road (SH94) over the next two days.

Today’s weather:
The start of meteorological spring brings calmer, more settled conditions to the North Island, with mostly light showers and plenty of sunshine in the east. In contrast, the South Island woke to cloudier skies and showers, some heavy with thunderstorms and gusts up to 90 km/h on the West Coast, as a cold front moved up the island.
That front will sweep quickly up the country, followed by a second front that will prolong rain and snowfall in the South Island. Cooler southerlies trailing behind will drop overnight lows, leading to widespread frosts.

Looking ahead:
By midweek, a high-pressure system will bring more settled conditions nationwide. However, the West Coast of the South Island will continue to see rain, possibly heavy at times, persisting into Thursday, while the rest of the country stays mostly settled.
The week ahead looks mostly calm with plenty of sunshine, aside from a few light showers this evening and possibly again Tuesday afternoon.
MetService Meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube says, “This is good news for participants and supporters at the Zespri AIMS Games, which runs through to Friday 5 September in Tauranga Moana.”

Watches & Warnings (next two days):

Strong Wind Warning – Stewart Island: 11am – 6pm Monday, 1 Sept

Strong Wind Watch – Hawke’s Bay (south of Hastings) & Tararua District: 11am – midnight, Monday 1 Sept

Strong Wind Watch – Dunedin, Clutha, Southland (south of Gore): 1pm – 8pm, Monday 1 Sept

Strong Wind Watch – Chatham Islands: 5am – 10 am Tuesday, 2 Sept

Road Snowfall Warning – Arthur’s Pass (SH73): Midnight Monday – 10am Tuesday, 2 Sept

Road Snowfall Warning – Lindis Pass (SH8): 6am – 8am Tuesday, 2 Sept

Road Snowfall Warning – Crown Range Road: Midnight Monday – 9am Tuesday, 2 Sept

Road Snowfall Warning – Milford Road (SH94): 10pm Monday – 9am Tuesday, 2 Sept

Expect possible damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Please keep up to date with the most current information from MetService at http://bit.ly/metservicenz

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Business – Open Country Acquires Miraka

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: Open Country

Open Country announced it has finalised a deal to acquire 100% of Miraka Limited (Miraka).

Open Country CEO Mark de Lautour said the opportunity to purchase Miraka happened quickly and made sense for the business.

“We have admired the Miraka location and milk supply network for a long period given it sits nicely between our Whanganui and Waikato operations. While we are still completing our recent Mataura Valley Milk acquisition, we were immediately interested when the opportunity came along to look at Miraka.

“We really believe that our 100% NZ-owned company culture, strong customer relationships and scale makes this a good, strategic fit. The shareholders of both Miraka and Open Country believe the deal provides clear benefits for the combined business.”

Open Country currently operates four dairy ingredient manufacturing sites around New Zealand, located in Horotiu, Waharoa, Whanganui and Awarua. It will soon add a fifth site, Mataura Valley Milk near Gore, once its conditional acquisition agreement with current shareholders is finalised.

De Lautour said the acquisition of Miraka bolsters Open Country’s footprint across the Central North Island.

“If you look at where our plants are based, we already have a very strong presence in northern Waikato and Taranaki/Manawatu. Adding Miraka, which is geographically located in the middle of these two areas, gives us a solid footprint into the southern Waikato.

“Over time, the ideal geographic position of Miraka means Open Country can optimise our milk collection across the wider region. Our increased scale throughout the Central North Island allows us to realise some important efficiencies.”

Founded in 2010, Miraka became operational with its first batch of milk powder exports in August 2011 and has grown its production to around 300 million litres of milk per year.

Miraka will continue to operate under its current name and brand in the market, and all milk supply contracts remain in place.

“Even though the Miraka team will operate under its own brand, we will work hard to ensure their suppliers and staff feel a part of the wider Open Country team.”

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Police and athletes mark countdown to Special Olympics National Summer Games

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

At sunrise this morning, Special Olympics athletes and members from New Zealand Police lit the Flame of Hope at the Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch. The event took place to mark the 100-day countdown to the National Summer Special Olympics Games to be held at the new Wolfbrook Arena from Wednesday 10 until Sunday 14 of December.

The Flame of Hope will now traverse the country in collaboration with Police during the traditional Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to get local communities excited about the games. The Torch Run is the traditional lead-in event for every National Summer Games around the world, where local police officers and local athletes carry the Flame of Hope through their cities to raise awareness for the games and allow the community to show their support.

“Lighting the Flame of Hope means that the games are just around the corner, so we hope Christchurch is ready for the biggest party of the year,” says Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey.
The National Summer Games is the four-yearly pinnacle event for over 1200 Special Olympics athletes with an intellectual disability, representing 42 clubs, and competing in 10 sports and six venues across the city, supported by over 500 coaches and thousands of families and supporters.

Scholey encourages Christchurch people to get involved in the games and not to miss one of the most exciting and unique sports events in the country.

“The National Summer Games are unlike any other event, from the opening ceremony at Wolfbrook Arena on December 10 until the Closing Ceremony Disco, which is the highlight for most athletes, so we hope people will come along to experience unforgettable memories and support our athletes,” says the chief executive.

Scholey says Christchurch is clearly embracing the games as over 600 volunteers have already signed up to help the athletes compete and move around the city.
“That is one of the biggest responses we have ever had, so anyone who wants to get involved should not wait too long to sign up as a volunteer.”

“Inspector Rupert Friend from New Zealand Police says “We are proud to take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement here. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into Opening Ceremonies of local competitions. The Torch Run has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising platforms including Polar Plunges. We held two plunges in Wellington and Christchurch this year where a total of $26,000 was raised for our New Zealand athletes.
The LETR is a worldwide organisation and celebrated this year raising $1 billion to support the athletes of Special Olympics. We encourage all kiwis to come out and show their support at Torch Run events up and down the country from October to December leading up to the games.”

The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run starts in Northland on October 4 and travels all the way down to Southland, before it ends up in Christchurch in the week before the games start.

“We can’t wait for all the teams to arrive in our city, and show off our fantastic new sports venues,” says Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger.
The Special Olympics athletes will be the first athletes to enjoy the brand-new Parakiore complex that will host the swimming and basketball competitions. “We have been working closely with Special Olympics New Zealand and we are confident this event will be a huge success,” says Mayor Mauger.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Contact for New Zealand Police: Inspector Rupert Friend phone 0211911263.

Contact for Special Olympics: media manager Coen Lammers on 021-730239 or coen@lammers.co.nz

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Update: Body located near Fitzroy Beach

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have identified the male who was located deceased on the shoreline at Fitzroy Beach, New Plymouth this morning.

We send our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. Police are providing ongoing support.

We would like to thank the members of the public who provided information to Police.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the death are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Pharmac confirms continued access to Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: PHARMAC

1 September 2025

Media release Medicines COVID-19

Pharmac has secured a new supply agreement with Pfizer to continue funding the Comirnaty brand of COVID-19 vaccine.

This means Comirnaty will remain the main funded vaccine in New Zealand from 1 February 2026 through to at least 30 September 2027, with options to extend until 2029.

The vaccine will continue to be available in a range of doses for infants, children, and adults. A new prefilled syringe for adults will also be introduced, making it easier for health professionals to administer the vaccine. This decision follows a competitive procurement process and advice from the Immunisation Advisory Committee.

“We’re pleased to confirm ongoing access to Comirnaty for New Zealanders,” says Director Pharmaceuticals Adrienne Martin. “The introduction of prefilled syringes will help streamline the vaccination process and support our health workforce.”

Pharmac has updated its proposal after listening to feedback from clinicians and the public.

“In June, we invited people to share their views and received nearly 2,100 responses. We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute – your insights help shape our decisions,” says Martin.

Pharmac received a wide range of views about the COVID-19 vaccine during consultation, both supporting and disagreeing with the use of vaccines, which it has shared with respective agencies such as the Ministry of Health. The Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine, funded by Pharmac, has been approved by Medsafe as meeting New Zealand and international standards of safety and effectiveness.

Some people supported securing a future vaccine supply and introducing prefilled syringes. Others requested private access for those not currently eligible, and some highlighted the need for updated variant or combination vaccines.

Views on eligibility varied, some advocated for broader access for children under 12, while others preferred a more targeted approach. In response, Pharmac has made important changes to ensure more people who are at most need of protection can access it:

Children under 12 who are severely immunocompromised or at high risk of serious illness will now be eligible for extra doses every 6 or 12 months respectively.
Children and young adults aged 12–29 who are severely immunocompromised or at high risk of serious illness will be able to receive updated vaccines every 6 months.

“People wanted to make sure those who need the vaccines the most could access it,” says Martin. “These changes reflect our commitment to protecting those most at risk.”

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PSA condemns Pharmac move to dismantle Te Tiriti policy and Māori protections

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: PSA

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi opposes Pharmac’s in-principle decision to remove its Te Tiriti o Waitangi Policy, saying it would be a clear breach of legal obligations, a rollback of Māori protections, and a continuation of structural harm to Māori staff and health equity.

“Pharmac’s decision in principle to completely wipe out its Te Tiriti policy is yet another example of this Government pursuing ideology to the detriment of some of our most disadvantaged communities,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi acting Kaihautū Māori, Marcia Puru, says.

“The Policy gives Pharmac a structure around how it can be an active partner in Te Tiriti. Removing it would make the agency less responsive and accountable to improving Māori health equity.

“It would undermine the Māori experts and voices within Pharmac, clearly telling kaimahi that improving Māori health outcomes is no longer a priority.”

Māori Directorate dismantled

Earlier this year, Pharmac disestablished its entire Māori Directorate, dissolving its internal leadership structure for Māori health equity.

These changes left Māori staff without dedicated leadership, a clear strategy or a culturally safe internal framework.

The in-principal removal of Te Tiriti Policy now compounds this harm effectively wiping out Te Tiriti accountabilities across the organisation.

“This wasn’t just a restructure, it was a dismantling of Māori-decision making power and a silencing of Māori expertise within Pharmac,” Puru says.

The Pharmac Board justified its decision in principle to remove the policy “in light of current Government direction”, citing the Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Bill.

Pharmac is a Crown agent and is legally bound to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, give effect to section 7 of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, and honour Māori-Crown relationships under the Public Service Act 2022 (ss 14-17).

Removing the Te Tiriti policy without consultation or engagement puts the agency at risk of non-compliance with these statutory obligations.

“It is reckless and pre-emptive to scrap a Māori equity framework while legislation is still under review. Pharmac is sending a dangerous message that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is optional.

“This decision is a dangerous precedent to set for a government agency who has a lot of power over the health of New Zealanders.

“But unfortunately, this is far from the first time this Government has removed specialist teams and told the public service to focus on ‘need, not race’ – a completely false directive that ignores the lived experience of Māori.”

The PSA says that removing Te Tiriti Policy also impacts upon staff. The union’s collective agreement includes cultural safety provisions for kaimahi Māori.

“The removal of Te Tiriti policy would weaken protections and support for Māori staff members. Losing those cultural safety provisions would be an unacceptable, and huge, step down for kaimahi.

“We stand with our Māori members. This is not just about one policy, this is about dismantling the very structures that protect Māori health, rights and leadership. We will not allow Te Tiriti o Waitangi to be undermined by political direction or agency silence.”

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