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Appeal for information after body located near Fitzroy Beach

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Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing for information that could help identify a person located deceased on the shoreline at Fitzroy Beach, New Plymouth this morning.

The deceased man is thought to be in his 50s, and was located at around 6:50am. He is described as being a thin build with a white beard, and was wearing a high-vis shirt and black sweatpants.

Residents around Fitzroy Beach may notice an increased Police presence, while enquiries continue.

If anyone has information that could assist Police, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online, and reference event number P063666583.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Government backing vital regional connectivity

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Coalition Government will support at risk regional air routes with up to $30 million in loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for small passenger airlines, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Transport Minister James Meager say.

“Reliable air services are critical for the economic and social wellbeing of regional New Zealand. They enable access to healthcare, education, business, and whānau, particularly in areas where other transport options are limited,” Mr Jones says. 

“Small regional carriers are under pressure from rising costs, limited access to capital, and ongoing post-COVID disruptions. Without this support, some communities risk losing vital air links and potential regional development,” Mr Jones says.

Mr Meager says the support is not a bailout, with funding coming in the form of concessionary loans.

“The aim is to stabilise the sector and support regional routes in the short to medium term. This is not intended to meet all the airlines’ capital needs but to provide targeted relief for such things as aircraft leasing, maintenance and debt refinancing.”

Cabinet has also approved funding for what could be a game-changing development for small regional carriers – digital upgrades that integrate regional transport bookings with the platforms of major carriers.

Known as ‘interlining’, the upgrades will enable passengers to book a single itinerary and flights on different airlines, including the major carriers.

“Streamlining bookings and baggage-handling between the smaller carriers and the bigger players in the aviation sector will makes it much easier for the travelling public to plan and book their preferred routes in one go,” Mr Meager says.

“Without intervention, our regional airlines face further service cuts or a complete withdrawal from routes, as we’ve seen in some regions around the country. Once fleet capacity is lost, recovery is difficult and costly. We’re acting now because a combination of factors, including the ongoing after-effects of the pandemic on air services, are placing exceptional pressures on the sector at present,” Mr Jones says.

“This Government is committed to ensuring that all regions, not just the main urban centres, remain connected and included in the national economy. This is a one-off, modest but meaningful intervention that will help prevent further service loss and protect regional connectivity.

The loans will be administered through Kānoa Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. Applications will open shortly on the Grow Regions website at www.growregions.govt.nz.

MIL OSI

Watercare investment to upgrade infrastructure and create jobs

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Source: New Zealand Government

Watercare’s $500 million investment to upgrade and replace aging infrastructure will deliver improved water services and more jobs for Aucklanders, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.

“The Government knows that decades of underinvestment in water services have created an unavoidable cost for everyday Kiwis. That’s why the Watercare Charter was developed last year by the Government in collaboration with Auckland Council to ensure water services remain affordable for Aucklanders. The Charter will save households nearly $900 million over four years while also guaranteeing improved service quality and record infrastructure investment.”

Watercare will invest $500 million into upgrading Auckland’s ageing water infrastructure over the next 18 months as part of its renewals work programme. A third of the funds are allocated to upgrading treatment plants and the remainder dedicated to renewing pipes and other assets.

“Today’s announcement is a 44 percent increase in investments into upgrading Auckland’s ageing water infrastructure when compared to the spend in the 18-month period ending 30 June 2025. It shows how Watercare, Auckland Council, and the Government are working together to accelerate investment in Auckland’s water infrastructure,” Mr Watts says.

“This arrangement gives Watercare additional finance for investment in Auckland’s water infrastructure while keeping water charges lower than previously forecasted. It will mean Aucklanders can keep more money in their household budgets, allowing them to spend on other essential expenses such as groceries and healthcare. 

“I’m pleased to see that my conversations with Watercare, combined with the recent introduction of economic regulation, are positively impacting the level of infrastructure investment in Auckland. This is a good outcome that will support growth through increased job activity and resilient infrastructure.

“While much of the work will be delivered by Watercare’s existing contractors, the project will put $75 million worth of contracts for water and wastewater pipe replacements out to public tender before Christmas. This will allow small businesses to compete for the work, alongside Watercare’s pre-approved suppliers.

“The project reflects our shared commitment to faster delivery, stronger regional economies, and improved water services for Aucklanders. I look forward to further positive developments as we continue to monitor Watercare’s ongoing performance.”

MIL OSI

Name release: Fatal crash, Ngararatunua

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Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Ngararatunua, Northland on 22 August.

He was Don Craig Tataurangi, 36, of Whangārei.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are continuing.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Education – Language learning in New Zealand at ‘crisis point’

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Source: Language Learning for New Zealand’s Future

Forum calls for compulsory second language learning in school years seven to 10.

Language learning in New Zealand is at “crisis point” – with fewer students studying languages now than in the 1930s, a new report says.
 
Language Learning for New Zealand’s Future recommends that second language learning become a core requirement of the national curriculum from years seven to 10, with three to four hours of teaching every week.
 
The call for compulsory language learning comes as the Government undertakes a major curriculum refresh.
 
“Languages is the only one of eight learning areas in the curriculum that are not a core requirement. This education policy gap is costing New Zealand academically, culturally and economically,” says Juliet Kennedy, President of the New Zealand Association of Language Teachers.
 
The report’s findings mirror views expressed at a recent language learning forum in Auckland, which brought together more than 100 education leaders, language experts, teachers, business people, government officials and rangatahi. Key findings were that:

Enrolments in languages have been in long-term decline due to no mandate in the curriculum and languages not counting as literacy-endorsed University Entrance subjects.
New Zealand is out of step with the rest of the English-speaking world: Australia, Britain, United States, Canada, Singapore and South Africa all require language study, and in Europe, multilingualism is the norm.
The teaching workforce is at risk: while there is a strong pool of language teachers, many are being lost to other subjects or leaving the profession due to low demand.

 
“Language learning makes students smarter — boosting literacy, problem solving and academic performance across the board. It fosters cultural identity and belonging, and it strengthens New Zealand’s ability to succeed in global trade, diplomacy and business. We cannot afford to fall further behind,” Kennedy says.
 
Published at the launch of New Zealand Chinese Language Week, the report’s key recommendation is that second language learning should be compulsory for school years seven to 10. Other recommendations call for the development of multiple learning pathways, increased teacher supply, and embedding a comprehensive national languages policy.
 
“Strong government leadership and commitment to language teaching in New Zealand is an essential basis for change. The current curriculum refresh presents an opportunity to address this gap,” Kennedy says.
 
New Zealand Chinese Language Week Trust Chair Jo Coughlan said: “While the Trust has an emphasis on promoting Chinese languages, we were pleased to play a convening role in bringing together the broader community of language learning interests for the national forum and these recommendations. The learning of any language, including Pacific languages, will benefit individuals in their broader learning, and help New Zealand remain globally competitive and engaged.
 
“This report highlights the wider benefits of second language learning,” Coughlan says.

MIL OSI

Health and Employment – Battle for patient safety continues with more nurses strikes – NZNO

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Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Patient safety remains an absolute priority for Te Whatu Ora health workers who will strike for two days this week to have safe staffing levels enforced, NZNO says.
More than 36,000 Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) nurses, midwives, health care assistants and kaimahi hauora will walk off the job from 7am to 11pm on Tuesday and Thursday.
NZNO delegate Noreen McCallan says the two-day strike action was not taken lightly by members.
“We are doing this because we fear for the safety of our patients. We will lose two days’ pay for striking but we are standing up for safe staffing because it is the right thing to do.
“We became health workers because we want to care for people. But staff shortages have become overwhelming and exhausting for many of us. Our patients are suffering longer because we can’t get to them as quickly as we should.”
Te Whatu Ora calls to return to the bargaining table don’t make sense because NZNO never left it, Noreen McCallan says.
“NZNO has been in bargaining with Te Whatu Ora for almost a year. During this time NZNO has engaged in 28 days of bargaining, 13 of those were with support from the Mediation Service and three days in facilitation with the Employment Relations Authority.
“We were in mediation with Te Whatu Ora as recently as Wednesday. However, our concerns about short staffing remain unaddressed.”
Noreen McCallan says there has been strong public support for NZNO’s battle for patient safety and historically the work of nurses has been held in high esteem, including in this 2018 comment by National Party MP and now Public Service Minister Judith Collins: “If we all know nurses, in our families and elsewhere, they are the most dedicated people to their work, and for them to give strike notice, it says a lot.” 

MIL OSI

From 5 million to 695 billion – DOC reveals New Zealand’s “new population”

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Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  01 September 2025

In an open letter to the world and on digital billboards, which went live overnight in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, DOC revealed it has “counted” all of nature and the total is 695 billion.

Department of Conservation Director General Penny Nelson says the new population is a “playful, back-of-the-envelope estimate,” and is a representative number to reframe the way people see nature.

It’s part of a major new campaign launched today that invites New Zealand to “Always Be Naturing.“

“This is a hugely different approach for DOC. We want to spark curiosity and conversations around all the amazing plants, birds, and marine life we have in this country and what we stand to lose if we don’t look after it.

Nature is so important for the air we breathe, the water we drink and soil we grow our food in. Our economy relies on it. We count on nature for so many things.

“The 695 billion number came from playing with some data sets and having a go at estimating the population of all visible living things, like birds, fish, plants, and trees. We obviously couldn’t count all the slugs and bugs,” she laughs.

Penny Nelson says new DOC commissioned research shows 90% of New Zealanders cared about nature but 89% believed it was in ‘good shape’ which was disconnected from the reality of the situation.

“There are just 238 kākāpō left, fewer than 40 tara iti (New Zealand fairy tern) and 4000 native species that are threatened or at risk of extinction. 63% of our ecosystems are on the brink of collapse. These are the numbers we want everyone to be aware of,” she says.

Penny Nelson says the research also revealed many people wanted to take action to help but didn’t know what to do and wanted more information.

“We know when we take action, it makes a tangible difference – nature is resilient and can bounce back. This is why we are launching the Always Be Naturing campaign, to encourage people to view nature differently, get out and get amongst it, and take action.

By combining everyone’s efforts – Government, businesses, iwi, organisations, communities, and individuals – we can create change that is bigger and longer lasting.

Our goal is to create momentum over time, building a nation who value what nature gives us and who recognise we all have a responsibility to care for it.

DOC is focused on delivering the highest value conservation work for the investment we have. We have always needed others to help care for nature, that’s true now more than ever. This programme is about engaging New Zealand to take action, unlocking new funding streams through private sector investment and collaborations, and creating a strong culture of conservation.” she says.

Penny Nelson says DOC has built new digital tools on its website to make it easier for people to get involved and find a range of different options depending on people’s location and interests.

“You could build a bird feeder in your backyard, plant native grasses or shrubs, put a bell on your cat, donate money or join a local conservation group. Every action will help.

“Businesses are a powerful voice and can spread the word to their staff and customers, as well as invest directly into projects that make a difference, or look at the impact their business has on nature.

The campaign also encourages people to get out into nature. “There is nothing like being there to encourage a connection and motivate action.”

There are lots of different ways you can be ‘naturing,’ she says. By combining our efforts and expertise we can go further together and make the change nature needs. Conservation is not just for the experts, it’s for everyone.”

DOC open letter (PDF, 1,203K)

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

Lens Technology and Rokid Usher in a New Era for AR: A Synergy of Innovation and Ecosystem Integration

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Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 August 2025 – The augmented reality (AR) industry is witnessing an unprecedented surge, propelled by Rokid Glasses’ record-breaking single-day sales of over 10,000 units and revenues surpassing RMB 30 million. At the forefront of this global phenomenon, Lens Technology emerges as a pivotal player, capitalizing on its dual role as the exclusive device manufacturer and strategic investor to drive the AR sector to new heights through its expertise in precision manufacturing and strategic capital deployment.

Forging a Strategic Alliance to Pioneer the AR Frontier

As a key partner in the production of Rokid Glasses, Lens Technology not only spearheads device manufacturing but also drives industry innovation through strategic investments. Leveraging its deep-rooted expertise in precision manufacturing, the company delivers high-quality optical modules and comprehensive assembly services, ensuring consistent product delivery amid soaring demand. According to founder of the XR Research Institute, “The optical waveguide AR industry in 2025 has shifted its primary challenge from demand scarcity to production capacity constraints.” In this context, Lens Technology, a global leader in large-scale manufacturing, has strengthened its market leadership through its strategic partnership with Rokid.

Production Capacity: The Engine of Accelerated Growth

The partnership between Lens Technology and Rokid has created a formidable competitive advantage through a synergy of technological innovation and robust production capacity. Rokid’s advancements in optical waveguide technology fuel Lens Technology’s innovation pipeline, while Lens Technology’s scalable manufacturing infrastructure enables Rokid to overcome critical production bottlenecks. With optical waveguide orders projected to surge in 2026, Lens Technology is well-positioned for substantial performance gains by optimizing capacity utilization and enhancing product pricing strategies.

Investment and Intelligent Manufacturing: Crafting an AR Ecosystem

As a strategic investor in Rokid, Lens Technology is primed to reap significant benefits from Rokid’s expanding market presence. As AR glasses evolve from niche innovations to mainstream consumer electronics, Lens Technology’s leadership in precision manufacturing unlocks vast growth opportunities, positioning it as a key beneficiary of the industry’s rapid expansion. As capacity constraints in optical waveguides intensify, Lens Technology’s strategic value is set to grow exponentially.

Propelling China’s AR Industry to Global Leadership

As the AR industry shifts from technological validation to mass adoption, Lens Technology’s strategy of “independent innovation, scalable production, and ecosystem integration” addresses key industry hurdles, such as production scalability and suboptimal user experiences. This approach transforms China’s AR supply chain from a follower to a global frontrunner, establishing Lens Technology as a pioneer. Its strategic collaboration with Rokid marks a significant leap forward in the AR era, positioning Lens Technology to redefine industry standards and capitalize on the trillion-dollar market opportunity.

Hashtag: #LensTechnology

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

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

Fish & Game licences refreshed to support women

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Source: New Zealand Government

Fish & Game New Zealand’s family fishing licences are receiving a long-overdue update to ensure both adults have equal fishing rights, Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has announced.

From the 2025/26 angling season, both adults will be able to fish independently and have voting rights in Fish & Game elections.

A historic anomaly in the licensing system means the second adult on the licence, often a woman, currently cannot fish without being accompanied by the primary holder or their children, nor stand or vote in elections.

“This is a common-sense change to modernise an outdated aspect of the system and bring family licences into 2025. It’s my hope this will remove accessibility barriers and make it easier for more women and young families to enjoy angling,” Mr Meager says.

“As Minister, it is my responsibility to make it as easy as possible for Kiwis to hunt and fish. These changes will ensure more people can experience angling, while encouraging the next generation to get involved.”

The decision follows University of Otago research commissioned by Fish & Game, which identified barriers to women’s participation in freshwater fishing, alongside feedback from groups like Women on the Fly NZ. 

“I am delighted the Minister has acted upon changes to the Family Fishing Licence, which will encourage more women to get out on our rivers and give angling a go,” Fish & Game Patron Dame Lynda Topp says.

“While 13% of individual licence holders are women, this rises to around 30% when considering women listed as the secondary adult on a family licence. If women angled at the same rate as men, we could see up to 60,000 more enjoying our rivers and lakes,” Fish & Game Acting Chief Executive Richie Cosgrove says.

“This is just one piece of a broader strategy to make freshwater fishing more inclusive and accessible.”

The changes are alongside confirmation of no price increases to Fish & Game angling licences, for the first time in five seasons.

“Kiwis are doing it tough and the last thing they need is another financial burden hitting their wallets when they’re trying to put food on the table for families,” Mr Meager says.

“Instead, a 2026 fees review will consider Fish & Game’s actions to ensure improved operational efficiencies, better licence-holder value for money, adjustments to better align the family licence to DOC’s Taupo fishing licence and maintain the financial viability of the organisation’s statutory obligations.”

MIL OSI

Fatal crash: SH50, Tikokino

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Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 50, north of Tikokino around midday today.

Sadly, one person passed away at the scene. 

The highway was closed for a few hours for debris removal and opened at 3pm.

The Serious Crash Unit are making enquiries into the circumstances of the crash.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

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