Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
State Highway 2 in Clareville is blocked after a vehicle hit a power pole, resulting in the pole and lines coming down across the road just north of Carterton.
It happened about 9:15am, and fortunately no one was significantly injured.
There are diversions in place off the highway and these are likely to remain in place until the afternoon.
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Source: New Zealand Government
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says funding from the Mental Health Innovation Fund will support an additional 560 young people in Rotorua to get mental health and addiction support and help provide a range of courses and workshops focused on upskilling people in the community to better support youth.
“Mental health and wellbeing is a prominent issue for many young people across the country, and we’re committed to helping young Kiwis get the support, they need, when they need it,’ Mr Doocey says.
“I’m pleased that this new funding for the Rotorua Community Youth Centre Trust will enable them to expand their team and scale up the valuable work it does to support young people and help them reach their full potential.
“The Trust provides free, youth-centred primary health, mental health, and social services to young people.
“The Trust is the sixth successful recipient of the first round of the Fund, with Youthline, the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, MATES in Construction, the Mental Health Foundation and Wellington City Mission already announced, I intend to announce other successful providers in the coming weeks.
“The Mental Health Innovation Fund was set up to provide $10 million over two years to support non-government organisations (NGOs) and community providers with extra funding to scale-up existing time-limited projects or initiatives that aim to improve mental health and addiction outcomes in New Zealand.
“This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in grassroots initiatives through non-governmental and community organisations that deliver mental health and addiction support.
“I expect the next round of funding for the Innovation Fund will open in about the middle of this year, which will be another opportunity for organisations to seek additional funding,” Mr Doocey says.
Source: New Zealand Government
A Bill to reduce travel times, increase efficiency, and help boost economic growth and productivity on our busiest roads has passed its first reading in Parliament today, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“Being stuck in traffic is a waste of time and money. In any given peak hour traffic jam there are people stressed about running late for work, parents trying to get the kids to school on time, couriers and truckies getting frustrated as their runs get further and further behind time, and tradies losing money because they can’t get to as many jobs on time,” Mr Bishop says.
“Congestion is a tax on time and productivity, and New Zealanders are very over having to pay it.
“A report released by Auckland Council today shows that by 2026, traffic congestion will cost Auckland $2.6 billion per year, and that Aucklanders already sit in traffic for 29 million hours per year, which averages out to 17 lost and wasted hours per Aucklander.
“Frankly, no-one running a business or juggling work and family can afford to lose 17 hours of potentially productive time.
“Modelling shows that successful time of use charging – charging motorists to travel on certain roads at peak times – will encourage people to change the time or mode of travel, and could reduce congestion by up to 8-12 per cent at peak times.
“Successive governments and a select committee inquiry in 2021 have all agreed that time of use charging is something we need to do to reduce congestion. This Government is getting on with it.
“The Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill will enable the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and local authorities to develop charging schemes for our most congested roads.
“The Bill requires NZTA to lead the design of schemes in partnership with local councils to ensure motorists benefit from the design of the schemes across their region’s roading network.
“By enabling local solutions within a nationally consistent framework, we are tackling network productivity head-on while enhancing economic productivity and quality of life for all New Zealanders.
“The legislation is not about raising revenue but maximising the efficiency of the roading network. Any revenue that is collected will first be used to pay for the scheme’s costs and then reinvested to improve transport in the region.
“While time of use schemes will help manage congestion and increase productivity in our cities, it is not a standalone solution. The Government will continue to prioritise investment in growing and maintaining our transport network, including through the Roads of National Significance and Regional Significance, and major public transport projects, to enable Kiwis and freight get to where they need to go, quickly and safely.”
Enabling time of use schemes is a commitment under the National-ACT Coalition Agreement, and the first reading of the Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill was an action in the Government’s 2025 Quarter 1 Action Plan.
The Bill will be referred to the Transport and Infrastructure Committee where the public will have an opportunity to make submissions. The Government intends to pass the legislation before the end of 2025.
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government has taken decisive action to address the inequitable state of school property to ensure better outcomes for all students.
“It is crucial that the school property portfolio is managed effectively so students can continue to benefit from safe, warm, and dry learning environments,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
“After a Ministerial Inquiry found the Ministry’s School Property function unfit for purpose, the Government is delivering improved efficiency and performance by prioritising warm, safe, and dry learning environments, maintaining existing school assets, and accelerating cost-effective new builds using standard designs and offsite manufacturing.”
Since the release of the Inquiry there has been:
A 35 percent increase in the number of standard or repeatable designed buildings delivered.
A 28 percent reduction in the average cost of each classroom, from $1.2m to $0.87m.
A 34 percent increase in funding for school maintenance.
The Ministry has also increased the number of new classrooms it delivered in 2024 by 140 when compared to 2023.
“One example was Wellington Girls’ College, where 14 classrooms over four, two-storey modulars were delivered in just 12 weeks at a cost of around $550,000 per classroom. This represented a 35% saving on the current value for money cost per classroom.”
Jerome Sheppard has been appointed Chief Executive of School Property as part of the phased approach to address the recommendations of the report.
“Mr Sheppard brings expertise in delivering infrastructure to have responsibility for all operational aspects of school property, and I look forward to working with him to ensure we can achieve better outcomes for all schools.”
The decisions on the final form of the Ministry’s School Property function will be made later this year.
“This Government is committed to delivering a world leading education in classrooms that give Kiwi kids the best chance to succeed so they can grow up and live the lives they want,” Ms Stanford says.
Notes for editor:
The Report of the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property: Microsoft Word – Report of the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property – Final draft.docx
The New Zealand Super Fund has marked its 20-year relationship with private equity investment manager Direct Capital with a commitment to invest $50 million in its latest fund, Direct Capital VII LP (DCVII).
This commitment will take the Super Fund’s total exposure to Direct Capital (including undrawn commitments) to just over $330 million, equivalent to some four percent of the Super Fund’s net asset value.
Direct Capital is New Zealand’s largest Private Capital investor. Over more than 30 years, Direct Capital has raised over $2.2 billion to invest in successful private companies.
DCVII was raised during November and December 2024, raising $525m to invest in medium-sized New Zealand and Australian businesses looking for capital to fund growth or to support a change in ownership.
The Super Fund’s Head of External Investments and Partnerships, Del Hart, said Direct Capital had a strong track record of financial performance and a well-deserved reputation for creating value in its investee companies.
“Direct Capital gives us a way to invest in local businesses that helps those companies to grow and develop, generates good returns for our portfolio, and contributes to New Zealand’s GDP.”
At the end of the 2024 financial year, the Super Fund had $8.4 billion invested in New Zealand assets, some 11 percent of its total investments by value.
This included a 42 percent stake in Kaingaroa Timberlands, the Super Fund’s largest single investment, significant investments in agriculture and horticulture, as well as shareholdings in NZX-listed companies through various mandates and in private companies via funds such as those managed by Direct Capital.
Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 05 March 2025
The taonga were released on the predator-free island in Fiordland’s Tamatea/Dusky Sound on Friday, after two days in acclimatisation aviaries on the island.
The manu were bred and raised at The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust and Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch before being flown to Invercargill, where they were met by representatives from Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka on behalf of Kaitiaki Rōpū Ki Murihiku.
Joshua Kingipotiki and Alex Taurima from Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka accompanied the manu on their helicopter journey to the island, welcoming them with karakia and waiata.
“Being part of this release was a big learning experience and rather humbling, as it was the first time that I have been in the presence of kākāriki karaka,” Joshua Kingipotiki says.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kākāriki Karaka Species Representative Yvette Couch-Lewis says it is exciting to have mana whenua representatives from Ōraka-Aparima leading the tikanga and kawa of welcoming the kākāriki karaka onto the motu, with assistance from a kaitiaki ranger.
“Ngāi Tahu is definitely on a journey with this manu,” Yvette Couch-Lewis says.
“Kākāriki karaka are our smallest parrots, but they have a great deal of mana and are proof that the best things can come in small packages.”
“For me it is a very emotional process seeing these manu, which have been born and raised in captivity, being released into the wild. There is a sense of amnesia associated with engaging with this manu because we haven’t had the opportunity in generations to observe them in their natural environment.
“Translocations such as this are important because they build the population up so that one day we can engage with kakariki karaka again.”
DOC Kākāriki Karaka Operations Manager Wayne Beggs says setting up a secure new wild site is a huge step forward for the recovery of the species.
“Kākāriki karaka are extremely vulnerable to introduced predators, so finding safe places for them to live and breed in the wild is vitally important for the species’ survival.
“The predator-free beech and rimu forest on Pukenui/Anchor Island should be a great site for kākāriki karaka to flourish.”
Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust (ICWT) CEO Rob Kinney says the last six months of intensive husbandry by staff at ICWT is a testament to their dedication and expertise in caring for this critically endangered bird species.
“We are proud of our partnership with DOC and our involvement in this important conservation project.”
The vision of the recently released kākāriki karaka recovery strategy, Te Ara Mōrehu, is that kākāriki karaka will be thriving independently in the wild, with ten self-sustaining populations in the Ngāi Tahu takiwā in the next 20 years.
The recovery programme thanks tourism operator RealNZ and specialist insole company Formthotics for their significant donations which made the translocation and follow-up monitoring possible.
“RealNZ’s purpose is to help the world fall in love with conservation, and one of our flagship events aligned to this purpose is our annual Conservation Ball, aligning with the Department of Conservation to identify key projects that would benefit from our support,” says RealNZ CEO Dave Beeche.
“It’s incredible to see the funds raised from the 2023 Conservation Ball in action, assisting with the translocation of these critically endangered manu to Pukenui Anchor Island.”
Wayne says a lot of planning, effort, and cost goes into a translocation like this, and its success relies on a range of people and groups working together.
“We plan to do more translocations in the future. The NZ Nature Fund is raising money for this work and the public can contribute through their website.”
The kākāriki karaka recovery programme is supported by The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, Orana Wildlife Park, Canterbury University, Mainpower, and the NZ Nature Fund.
Kaitiaki Rōpū Ki Murihiku represent the four southern Ngāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga: Te Rūnanga o Hokonui, Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka, Waihōpai Rūnaka, and Te Rūnaka o Awarua.
With about 450 left in the wild, kākāriki karaka are the rarest mainland forest bird in Aotearoa. The population naturally fluctuates based on environmental conditions.
They were once plentiful across the country but proved an easy meal for introduced predators and were affected by habitat loss, which saw their numbers dwindle.
Because they nest and roost in holes in trees, kākāriki karaka are extremely vulnerable to rats, stoats and cats.
The species was twice declared extinct in the past (in 1919 and 1965) before being rediscovered in the late 1980s.
Anchor Island/Pukenui is already home to a range of threatened bird species including kākāpō.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Government
Boosting our nursing workforce will deliver immediate benefits to people seeking care, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.“Kiwis will get better access to primary healthcare under our Government’s plan to empower more nurses to deliver timely, quality services in local communities.“Strengthening this important workforce is vital to ensuring New Zealanders get the care they need, when they need it.“Cabinet has agreed to:
Increase the number of training places for nurse practitioners specialising in primary care to 120 a year.
Support advanced education for up to 120 primary care registered nurses.
“New Zealand nurses already have the expertise to provide high-quality care in local communities. By increasing their skills and qualifications, more patients can be seen sooner, and pressure on doctors is eased.“Nurse practitioners are highly skilled professionals who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medicines and develop treatment plans. They often manage more complex healthcare needs, giving New Zealanders greater choice and better access to health services.“The Government will invest $34.2 million over five years to fund 120 nurse practitioner training places in primary care each year from 2026. “An additional $21.6 million over four years will accelerate advanced tertiary education for up to 120 primary care registered nurses annually, bringing healthcare closer to home.“Registered nurses who obtain advanced qualifications can become registered nurse prescribers and may choose to continue their training to become nurse practitioners.“This allows more Kiwis to get ongoing care, including prescriptions, without needing a doctor’s appointment.“A stronger health workforce that we can retain is critical. We know that making primary care an attractive place to work for doctors and nurses keeps healthcare local for patients. “These initiatives build on our plan to attract and recruit up to 400 graduate registered nurses a year into primary care roles, and train and hire more doctors,” Mr Brown says.
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Motorists in Matamata are advised of a collision between two vehicles on a railway crossing in the town.
It happened at the intersection of Firth and Tainui Streets just before 8:50am, and is understood to involve a car and a light railway vehicle.
There do not immediately appear to be any injuries of note.
Traffic control is in place for motorists, however drivers are advised to avoid this intersection for the time being.
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Source: New Zealand Government
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden is welcoming the introduction of a new ‘hash’ database to counter digital violent extremism and protect the wellbeing of investigators.
“One of the many roles of the Department of Internal Affairs is preventing the spread of illegal objectionable material that encourages violent extremism. This new database will increase the efficiency of this work and better safeguard the wellbeing of the staff who deal with this content,” says Ms van Velden.
The database works by assigning a unique identifier, called a ‘hash’, to each piece of illegal content. These hashes can then be used to identify files that have already been classified as illegal, reducing the time required to individually identify material and preventing investigators from being repeatedly exposed to disturbing content.
The Department has the authority to issue ‘take-down notices’ to have the illegal material removed from online sites, including social media. The Department reports that most platforms promptly comply with such requests to remove the content. The database is also a useful tool in investigations into individuals found in possession of illegal material.
The database has been designed to be shared with the New Zealand Police, Customs Service, Security Intelligence Service, and international law enforcement agencies. The Department of Internal Affairs report that it has received positive feedback from partner agencies.
“The investigators in the Digital Violent Extremism team do incredible work preventing the spread of illegal terrorist content. I’m pleased that this new hashing database will ease the burden on them, as well as increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department.”
New Plymouth, New Zealand – 5 March 2025: Family-owned equipment hire company, Kennards Hire, is expanding its footprint into New Plymouth, opening its first branch in the Taranaki region with the strategic acquisition of Kiwi Hire Group.
Following recent openings in Napier and Taupō, the move into New Plymouth marks Kennards Hire’s 31st branch in New Zealand, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to building local communities and industries across the country.
The origins of Kiwi Hire Group go back to 2016 when the Potter family first started building up the business. Over the years, it grew into a trusted name in the Taranaki region, providing specialist gear to local businesses, construction professionals, and DIY customers.
Previously owned and operated by Brad and Christine Potter, the husband-and-wife team will now continue to manage the new Kennards Hire branch. The Potter duo was also delighted to have the majority of the Kiwi Hire Group decide to join the Kennards Hire family in this new chapter.
Brad Potter, Branch Manager of Kennards Hire New Plymouth, said: “Through this acquisition, our goal is to ensure that our customers, and staff, continue to be well looked after. Kennards Hire is a family-owned business with the same aligned values as Kiwi Hire Group – and this has made all the difference.
“Beyond that family connection, our combined expertise and an expanded range of quality equipment will allow us to provide the best possible service to the community for many more years.”
Speaking about the acquisition, Tom Kimber, General Manager of Kennards Hire New Zealand, said: “Following recent branch openings in Taupō and Napier, this new location establishes a key foothold on the west coast of the North Island. Its strategic positioning enhances connectivity between major regional centres, including Taupō, South Waikato, Palmerston North, and Whanganui, enabling us to better support local businesses and communities.
“What makes this expansion even more special is the strong family connection between our businesses. Like Kennards Hire, Kiwi Hire Group is a family-run company built on a foundation of trust, expertise, and customer-first service. We’re proud to continue their legacy and bring our shared values to the New Plymouth community.”
In partnership with KidsCan, Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading charity dedicated to helping children affected by poverty, Kennards Hire New Plymouth will be actively supporting the local community, including partnerships with 11 schools in the region through the KidsCan School Buddy Programme.
Talking to this community engagement, Brad Potter said: “Kiwi Hire Group has always championed our local community, and now, as part of the Kennards Hire family, those values will live on – whether through sponsoring local events like Americarna or supporting schools through the KidsCan partnership. We are immensely proud to contribute to this commitment.”
Christine Potter, Assistant Branch Manager of Kennards Hire New Plymouth, also added: “Becoming part of the Kennards Hire family marks an exciting new chapter in our journey. It will enable us to share our expertise, strengthen the team, broaden our offerings to the local community, and above all, continue delivering outstanding service to our customers.”
The new branch will offer a wide range of high-quality equipment hire products and services as well as access to specialty branches in the region, all made easier through Kennards Hire’s online booking platform.
To celebrate the new opening, Kennards Hire is teaming up with The Rock Taranaki and hosting a Tradie Breakfast at the Kennards Hire New Plymouth Branch, 643 Devon Road on the 7th of March, from 6:30am to 8:30am. For more information, visit the event page here: https://www.rova.nz/events/the-rock-taranaki-kennards-hire-new-plymouth-tradie-breakfast
About Kennards Hire:
About Kennards Hire – New Zealand Kennards Hire is a family-owned and operated company that has been in the hire industry for more than 75 years, with over 215 sites and branches across New Zealand and Australia. Since 1948, its diverse product range extends from general hire equipment for the home renovator and professional tradesperson to specialist equipment and heavy machinery used on some of the largest civil infrastructure and commercial construction projects in two countries. Eden Park Icon Partner, Forsyth Barr Stadium Partner, proud member of the Family Business Association, Member of Hire Industry Association New Zealand, major supporter of KidsCan and Springboard Community Works. Kennardshire.co.nz
Kennards Hire New Plymouth is now open at open at 643 Devon Rd,
About the KidsCan School Buddy Programme:
KidsCan is supported by Kennards Hire and the Kennards Hire Foundation.
Kennards Hire has been running the KidsCan School Buddy Programme since 2014, to help enhance learning environments by offering essential equipment, expert guidance, and volunteer support. Today, up to 367 KidsCan-affiliated schools across the country benefit from this Programme.
To find out more about the valuable work that KidsCan does, visit their website: https://www.kidscan.org.nz/
