Laws to keep firearms out of the wrong hands come into force

March 4, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Changes to the Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) regime take effect today (Sunday 2 March).
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says the Firearms Prohibition Order regime has been expanded to help Police to keep firearms out of the hands of gangs and other high-risk offenders.
“This is part of our commitment to reduce violent crime, restore law and order, and keep communities safe.
“Our changes target gangs and organised crime groups. We have expanded the qualifying criteria for the court to make an FPO, given police a new search power to monitor compliance with an FPO, and established a process which allows an FPO to be modified or removed,” Mrs McKee says.
Minister for Police Mark Mitchell says changes to the Act strengthen the existing FPO regime by sending a strong message that the Government is committed to addressing violent crime and enforcing consequences for gangs.
“This Government takes law and order seriously and we have shown we will not back down. These changes complement other tools we’ve already given Police to disrupt gangs and organised crime,” Mr Mitchell says.
“The changes in the Act mean courts will be able to issue FPOs to any gang member or associate convicted of a significant offence, and Police will have practical tools to ensure people with FPOs are complying with them.”
Firearms Prohibition Orders (FPOs) are made by the court when offenders have committed serious violent offences. They are in force for 10 years – prohibiting offenders from holding a firearms licence, and from being around or accessing firearms. Breaching the conditions of an FPO is a criminal offence, and offenders that do breach conditions can be liable for up to seven years in prison.
“This is not an extra punishment. It is about monitoring compliance with the order that has already been placed upon them, and of course, the ultimate outcome is about making our communities safer,” Mrs McKee says.

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Reminder: Rock scaling works planned for State Highway 65, Higgins Bluff

LiveNews Publisher

March 4, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Drivers travelling on the inland route, State Highway 65, between Murchison and Springs Junction will need to detour from next week with resilience works planned on the highway at Higgins Bluff.

Contractors will be onsite on the Shenandoah Highway near Ariki, from Monday, 10 March, when they will begin rock scaling work on a five-kilometre section of the state highway.

They will remove overhanging rock and debris from the cliff face above the highway. The project is about reducing rockfall risk and improving the highway’s safety, long-term resilience, and its reliability – particularly during severe weather events.

Because rock scaling can only be done safely during the day the work will require daytime road closures.

Full highway closures will be in place on State Highway 65, between 7am and 7pm, from Monday 10 March to Friday 14 March. It means drivers heading south to Springs Junction will have to detour via

State Highway 6 O’Sullivan’s Bridge to Inangahua Junction, then via State Highway 69 to Reefton and State Highway 7 to Springs Junction.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi is working with the freight industry, the local community, and the local school to ensure those affected by this work can plan in advance.

This is a significant detour and will require around 45-minutes extra travel time. Drivers should plan their journeys accordingly.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi acknowledges the closure will create delays and disruption for drivers. However, it is necessary as it is not safe to have traffic driving through the project site when rocks are being removed from the cliff face.

Following the road closures, work will continue under stop/go and 30 km/hr temporary speed limits from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, until March 28. During this time anchors and mesh rock-protection will be installed on the bluff face.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi is working with the freight industry, the local community, and the local school to ensure those affected by this work can make arrangements in advance.

Works schedule:

Full road closure. Monday, 10 March to Friday 14 March, 7am – 7pm.
The road will reopen to two lanes outside of work hours, except at Higgins Bluff which will remain under stop/go and a 30km/h reduced temporary speed limit.
During work hours the detour route will be via State Highway 6 O’Sullivan’s Bridge to Inangahua Junction, then via State Highway 69 to Reefton and State Highway 7 to Springs Junction.
Allow an extra 45 minutes travel time when travelling on the detour route.
Emergency services will be accommodated through the closure.
Following the closures, work continues under stop/go and temporary speed limits, Monday to Friday, 7am – 7pm, between Monday 17 and Friday 28 March 2025.

More information

This work is funded by the Crown Resilience Programme – a $419 million investment package of resilience improvement activities that will reduce the impact of severe weather events on our national roading networks. The total crown resilience programme comprises $279 million for activities on State Highways, and $140 million for activities on Local Roads – Crown Resilience Programme (CRP)

Crown Resilience Programme (CRP)

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Saddle Road reopens after earlier serious crash

LiveNews Publisher

March 4, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Saddle Road has reopened following a serious crash this morning.

The road, between Woodville and Ashhurst, closed around 11am and a detour was put in place through Pahiatua Track.

The Serious Crash Unit has now finished its scene investigation.

While the road is now open, please drive to the conditions and expect delays while congestion eases.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi appreciated everyone’s patience taking the detour and their understanding during the closure.

Meanwhile, a reminder a stretch of SH3 at the Vogel Street / Woodlands Road bend remains closed as the new Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū-Tararua Highway roundabout is completed.

The road is closed 24/7 and is expected to reopen by Sunday 30 March.

Two detours are in place – through Pinfold and Oxford Roads for light vehicles and through Pahiatua Track via Tay and Station streets in Woodville for heavy vehicles exceeding 30 tonnes in weight.

The detours are expected to add less than 5 minutes to the journey times for light vehicles and up to 20 minutes for heavy vehicles.

Additional option for freight

Heavy vehicles, up to 30 tonnes in weight, are also able to take the Saddle Road detour. If the weight of the vehicle exceeds 30 tonnes, the Pahiatua Track should be used. The reason for this restriction is the Oxford Road bridge and corresponding weight limit.

For heavy vehicles using the Pahiatua Track, a temporary addendum has been issued allowing HPMV permit holders to use the section of SH57 between Aokautere and Ashhurst during the Woodville closure.

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Drug Detection – TDDA Adds Tramadol and Fentanyl Testing Amid Rising Workplace Detections

LiveNews Publisher

March 4, 2025

Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners

AUCKLAND – 3 March 2025 – The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand’s largest workplace drug testing provider, is announcing new drug testing capabilities for New Zealand workplaces.

Beginning in March, TDDA will make it easier for New Zealand workplaces to screen for tramadol and fentanyl, two high-risk opioids that pose significant safety concerns in workplaces worldwide. This is the first time in New Zealand that these tests will be incorporated into enhanced oral fluid and urine screening devices instead of needing independent testing strips or other costly devices.

This industry-leading innovation expands TDDA’s screening panel from seven to nine drug types without any additional cost. The updated devices, independently verified by an AS/NZS 4760:2019 & AS/NZS 4308:2008 accredited laboratory, will help businesses proactively mitigate risks associated with these potent, and widely abused, substances.

A rise in opioid detections

Globally, the use of opioids like tramadol and fentanyl poses a serious safety risk and New Zealand is now seeing an uptick in workplace detections. The 2024 New Zealand Drugs Trends Survey found that 27 percent of respondents reported non-medical use of pharmaceuticals in the previous six months.

While the opioid issue was shown affects all regions, the survey found that non-medical use of prescription opioids was highest in Southland and West Coast, signaling that employers may need to take action.

Additionally, TDDA’s latest Imperans Report highlighted that during October – December 2024, opioid use in workplaces in New Zealand accounted for 12.1 percent of positive workplace drug tests, up from 11.9 percent in the same quarter of 2023.

“Any increase in detection rates represents a significant workplace threat, regardless of opioids being used while legally prescribed or in a non-medical setting. The emerging trend of abusing pharmaceuticals like tramadol and fentanyl is what keeps me up at night,” says Glenn Dobson, CEO, TDDA.

“Until now, New Zealand largely avoided the opioid epidemic seen overseas, but there are indicators now saying otherwise. Any rise in detection rates is worth examination. As a workplace risk, opioids are at the top. Legally prescribed or illegally procured, they can cause workplace accidents, long-term addiction and lead to the loss of life in more way than one.”

TDDA’s 9-panel testing device rollout

TDDA is reinforcing its commitment to workplace safety with the addition of tramadol and fentanyl to its screening capabilities. These newly introduced screening strips are part of TDDA’s ongoing innovation, ensuring businesses have access to the most advanced substance detection tools available. TDDA is helping workplaces mitigate health and safety risks by incorporating these substances into standard testing, and in doing so, helping businesses achieve workplace health and safety compliance.

“TDDA follows and acts on global drug trends to provide cutting-edge solutions for workplace safety. As New Zealand faces evolving drug trends, including the rising threat of opioids, no industry or region is immune. We have been carefully tracking the issues that both tramadol and fentanyl have created globally and have developed these new screening devices to help our clients manage business risks,” says Dobson.

“By integrating tramadol and fentanyl into our screening devices, we’re helping businesses stay ahead of the curve and protect their people. These will now become our standard devices, ensuring companies can take decisive action to protect their workforce.”

To provide flexibility, TDDA has implemented an opt-in/opt-out process, allowing businesses to determine whether these new drug tests align with their workplace policies and risk assessments.

TDDA recommends that businesses take a proactive approach to workplace safety by implementing comprehensive drug testing programmes, including pre-employment, reasonable cause, and random drug and alcohol testing. Every worker has a right to a safe environment, and business owners, managers, and supervisors have a legal duty to ensure they’ve created a drug and alcohol-free culture of safety.

Failing to act not only risks legal consequences but can also erode workplace culture. As a leader in workplace drug detection, TDDA is committed to helping businesses stay ahead of these challenges, fostering safer and more productive workplaces.

About The Drug Detection Agency
The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is a leader in workplace substance testing with more than 300 staff, 90 mobile health clinics, 65 locations throughout Australasia, and processing more than 250,000 tests annually. TDDA was established in 2005 to provide New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services. TDDA holds ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both AU and NZ. Refer to the IANZ and NATA websites for TDDA’s full accreditation details. Learn more about TDDA at https://tdda.com/.

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Health – ProCare welcomes Health Minister’s announcement around funding uplift for primary care

LiveNews Publisher

March 4, 2025

Source: ProCare

Leading healthcare provider, ProCare, has today welcomed the Health Minister’s announcement around the funding uplift for primary care, as the sector has been underfunded for a number of years now.

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare says: “There is a significant need to invest in primary care, in order to keep people well, out of hospital, and at the same time, help improve the financial sustainability of general practices.

The costs of doing business have outstripped any increases in capitation, and a significant number of practices are struggling to meet the rising costs of supporting their patients, meeting population health needs and providing a service to their local communities.

“An additional $95 million per year, over the next three years, is an excellent start to helping practices who have been struggling. However, we will be very keen to understand what the ‘pre conditions’ and ‘key targets’ are the Minister alludes to in his announcement,” Norwell continues.

In terms of the workforce development announcement, the initiatives will help to ease some of the workforce pressures the sector has been facing.

“We’re around 600 GPs short in New Zealand at the moment, so an additional 100 GPs will certainly help ease wait times and pressure on burnt out GPs. Having experienced GPs driving taxis or Ubers while they wait to be qualified in Aotearoa is as frustrating for those individuals as it is for those desperate to welcome them into their practices.

“Having more nurses will certainly help practices, but we need to ensure that they are receiving the same remuneration as their hospital counterparts, otherwise, we will continue to have the same problems we have today,” points out Norwell.

Commenting on the digital consultation service, ProCare warmly welcomes the announcement, but is keen to see further details.

“On the face of it, a 24/7 service to support New Zealanders see a GP in a timely manner sounds amazing, and it will certainly help ease the pressure on hospitals,” says Norwell.

“However, as with anything, the devil is in the detail. We do have a number of questions that we would like answered in due course – what will the cost to patients be, who will be providing the service, and what does ‘subsidised’ consults look like?” she continues.

“We are meeting with the Minister in a few weeks’ time, so will look forward to whatever updated information we are able to provide our members with,” concludes Norwell.

About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

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Science – Seafloor of New Zealand’s most important fishing grounds shows resilience – NIWA

LiveNews Publisher

March 4, 2025

Source: NIWA

Sea life in the seafloor of New Zealand’s most productive and important commercial fishing ground shows resilience to disturbance, according to a new study published in the New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research.

The research found that some aspects of seafloor ecosystems on the Chatham Rise showed an ability to recover relatively quickly from physical disturbances, such as those caused by seafloor mining and trawling.

The research suggests that the seafloor ecosystem of the Chatham Rise may be more resilient to disturbances than previously thought, says NIWA marine ecologist Dr Rachel Hale, lead author for the study. “This resilience may be due to the region’s history of natural and human disturbances, which has led to the dominance of opportunistic species. While our results are encouraging, it’s important to note that there were some post-disturbance changes in the environmental characteristics that were measured. These changes, particularly in the composition of seafloor communities, may have longer-term repercussions for ecosystem processes.”

Researchers disturbed an area of seafloor on the Chatham Rise and monitored the impacts on sediment, seafloor-dwelling aquatic animals, and took measurements of oxygen and nutrient fluxes, and bacterial abundance. They found disturbance changed the sediment composition, reducing food quality, and initially reducing the diversity of seafloor-dwelling aquatic life, though after a year some of the aquatic life had bounced back. Contrary to expectation, the disturbance didn’t result in significant changes to the nutrient levels, and the rapid recolonization of the seabed saw bacteria levels recover.

The study revealed the resilience of the sea floor to disturbance, but also highlights potential long-term changes that need more investigation, says Dr Hale. “Expansion of extractive industries to deep-sea environments will lead to increased stresses on seafloor ecosystems. Further long-term studies are required to fully understand the potential impacts of disturbance on sediment processes, nutrient cycling, and the overall health of the Chatham Rise ecosystem.”

The Chatham Rise is a large area of ocean floor around 1,400km east of New Zealand which stretches some 1,000 km long. The underwater plateau, accessible to trawling, provides about 60% of New Zealand’s fish catch, including hoki, hake, ling, warehou, squid, orange roughy and deep-sea dory. Data from research has enriched models and enabled long-term monitoring, with NIWA undertaking surveys since 1992 on fisheries and ecosystems.

The research was a NIWA collaboration with Victoria University of Wellington and Waikato University.

This research was undertaken as part of the Resilience of benthic communities to the effects of sedimentation (ROBES) programme funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (contract CO1X1614).

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Buy NZ Made – Financial hardship at its highest level since 2020

LiveNews Publisher

March 4, 2025

Source: Buy NZ Made

New Zealand businesses and consumers continue to face significant economic challenges in 2025, with data from Centrix revealing a 38% year-on-year increase in company liquidations.

The services sector including advertising, accounting, and management consulting have all seen a rapid increase in company insolvencies in recent months.

Meanwhile, insights collected from Buy NZ Made’s 1400 small businesses reveals a third say their main focus for 2025 will be staying afloat.

Executive Director Dane Ambler says the news underscores the urgent need for a collective effort to support local industries and strengthen the nation’s economic resilience.

“The escalating liquidation figures paint a clear picture of the pressures facing New Zealand businesses.

“Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer spending habits are contributing to a challenging environment, impacting businesses across various sectors.”

Ambler says the pain continues to hit consumers too.

“Mortgage arrears are at an eight-year high, with personal loans, buy now pay later, retail energy and telco arrears all up across the board. Financial hardship cases have also reached the highest level since 2020.

“In times of economic uncertainty, supporting local businesses becomes more crucial than ever.

“By choosing New Zealand-made products and services, we are directly contributing to the survival and growth of our communities, safeguarding jobs, and fostering a more robust and sustainable economy.”

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Innovation Fund to support Crisis Café

LiveNews Publisher

March 4, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today visited Wellington City Mission’s Whakamaru Crisis Café where he announced they are the latest recipient of the Government’s Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund.

“I am thrilled that the Wellington Mission will be receiving funding to deliver on an important initiative that is designed to increase early access to support for people who are experiencing mental health challenges,” Mr Doocey says.

“Todays announcement will allow the Mission to operate the Crisis Café twenty-four hours, four days a week.

“Often sitting in an ED or clinical settings in times of mental distress can be a very challenging place for people, Crisis Cafés provide an alternative welcoming place where people can go when they need support. The service also has the potential to help alleviate demand on EDs, Police, and specialist secondary mental health teams.

The Crisis Café is a peer-delivered service and provides a safe, relaxed, non-clinical setting for people who are in distress related to either mental health and/or addiction issues, and need to talk to someone face-to-face.

“Initiatives such as this Crisis Café are exactly what the Innovation Fund was designed for. This Government is here to support community-driven and delivered solutions that will make a real difference to people facing mental health and addiction challenges.

This is the fifth successful recipient from the first round of the Innovation Fund with Youthline, the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, MATES in Construction and the Mental Health Foundation already announced, with more still to come.

In addition, last year, Mr Doocey announced six new Crisis Recovery Cafés will be rolled out around the country over the next two years.

“I am committed to trialling new and innovative solutions to help address unmet need. Crisis Recovery Cafés are safe, welcoming places where people can go when they need support. It’s an alternative model of care that can prevent people ending up in ED,” Mr Doocey says.

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Onerahi homicide: Name release

LiveNews Publisher

March 4, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police conducting a homicide investigation following the death of a woman at Beach Road Reserve on Thursday can now release her name.

She was Yvonne Ann Chapman, 66, of Parua Bay.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB, says Police enquiries into the events leading up to her death are continuing.

“Our team has been working hard to piece together the circumstances leading to the tragic death of Yvonne.

“Our thoughts are with her whānau and those closest to her during this unthinkable time.

“We understand this was a distressing incident for those involved and the wider community, and want to reassure those affected we have a dedicated team working on this case.”

Anyone with information can call Police on 105 and quote file number 250227/1223.

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

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Brett Fraser homicide investigation – $100,000 reward announced

LiveNews Publisher

March 4, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Please attribute to Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison:

A $100,000 reward is offered for information in relation to the death of Brett Fraser in October 2014.

Fifty-one-year-old father Brett Fraser was killed on Tuesday 21 October 2014 in the West Auckland home he shared with his flatmate.

We want to provide answers to Brett’s family, and to hold the person or persons responsible for his death to account.

Police will pay a reward of up to $100,000 for material information or evidence which leads to the identity and conviction of any person, or persons, responsible for Brett’s death.

The offer will remain in force until 3 June 2025. The Commissioner of Police will determine the amount of the reward and will apportion it if there is more than one claimant.

Immunity against prosecution will be considered for any accomplice, not being a principal offender, who gives such information or evidence to Police.

We urge anyone that has personal knowledge of the circumstances of Brett’s death and who are prepared to assist the investigation team to please contact Police.

Information can be provided to the investigation team on 0800 COLD CASE (0800 2653 2273) or email to Op.Frankfort@police.govt.nz

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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