Crash closes State Highway 2 near Carterton, Wairarapa

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March 5, 2025

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

5 March 2025

A forestry subcontractor was failed by poor risk management from the two businesses above him, both of which have been sentenced for their inaction.

39-year-old Misha Tremel was killed while manually felling trees on a small block at Clevedon in June 2022. The qualified tree feller had been brought in by Turoa Logging Limited, which was harvesting 7,800 tonnes of pine on behalf of the forest managers Pulley Contracting Limited.

The trees being manually cut by Mr Tremel were windthrown, meaning they had been bent and damaged by wind. WorkSafe and the forestry industry strongly recommend that such trees are harvested using machines.

WorkSafe’s investigation found Turoa Logging had not properly reassessed its harvesting plan after nearby trees were cut by machinery and had not ensured safe felling practices were followed. Pulley Contracting did not do enough to identify the ongoing risks to workers and should have been auditing Turoa Logging more thoroughly.

“Businesses must manage their risks and cannot contract their way out of responsibility. Contractors on smaller sites like this are owed the same level of care as those in large-scale operations,” says WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Paul West.

Mr Tremel was a much-loved husband and father who was originally from Ukraine. His death continues to be a shattering loss for his young family to process.

“Businesses must consult, cooperate and coordinate as part of a contracting chain. WorkSafe recommends health and safety is always built into contract management,” says Paul West.

Forestry had the highest fatality rate of any sector in 2024, with 16.58 deaths per 100,000 workers. Under its new strategy, WorkSafe is turning about 15 percent of its targeted frontline activity to the forestry sector because of the high rate of harm, particularly for Maōri.

WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. When they do not, we will take action.

Background

Turoa Logging Limited and Pulley Contracting Limited were sentenced at Manukau District Court on 4 March 2025.
Both companies were ordered to pay a combined total of $335,680 in fines and reparation
Both companies were charged under sections 36(1)(a), 48(1) and (2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015:
- Being a PCBU having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, while the workers were at work in the business or undertaking, did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed workers to a risk of death or serious injury.
The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.

Media contact details

For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively:

Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz

Busted: Man arrested after car break-ins

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March 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A man allegedly wandering through Bucklands Beach driveways under the cover of darkness is now facing charges in court.

Police responded to calls before 4.30am on 4 March, where residents had been disturbed around the Marendellas Drive area.

Inspector Rakana Cook, Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, says three vehicles had been broken into.

“On arrival in the area, our staff located a man on Sheralee Place and he was stopped,” he says.

“The staff located a raft of stolen property in his possession, taken from all of the vehicles.

“We have since established he was allegedly scoping out vehicles parked in driveways and on the side of the road.”

Items recovered included wallets, bags, sunglasses and other belongings that had allegedly been stolen.

The 35-year-old man has been charged with burglary and two counts of unlawfully interfering with a motor vehicle.

He has appeared in the Manukau District Court and remanded in custody to reappear today.

“I’d like to acknowledge our frontline staff who responded so quickly to the initial call for service,” Inspector Cook says.

“Thanks also to the vigilant residents in that area whose quick-thinking enabled a timely response.

“It’s also a reminder of the value of a home CCTV system in these sorts of events.”

Police continue to encourage the community to report suspicious activity by calling 111 so that appropriate action can be taken.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Patient wellbeing threatened by Treaty ideology

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March 5, 2025

Source: ACT Party

“Regulatory bodies in the health sector are using the Treaty to justify putting ideology ahead of patient wellbeing and validated science,” says ACT Health spokesperson Todd Stephenson.

Pharmacy:

“ACT has been approached by pharmacists alarmed by the Pharmacy Council’s new competence standards which require frontline pharmacists to give effect to Te Tiriti at all levels, prioritise Māori voices, be familiar with Māori health models and be ‘confident to perform waiata tautoko’ (Māori songs).

“All of these unscientific requirements will only serve to distract from the best interests of individual patients, while making it harder for New Zealand to attract and retain talent from overseas.

“The good news is that the Minister responsible for Pharmac is David Seymour. David is now actively recruiting for free-thinking new members of the Pharmacy Council.”

Midwifery:

The Midwifery Council’s competency standards embed ‘the principles of self-determination, equity, and partnership as a foundation of midwifery practice’. Midwives are told to ‘strive to mitigate systemic discrimination and prejudices’. They are told to ‘value diversity of knowledge and perspectives of physiological processes’.

“The responsibility of a midwife should be to the best interests of the mother and their baby – not to Treaty ideology or non-scientific ideas about pregnancy,” says Mr Stephenson. “A Treaty focus in midwifery inevitably detracts from a midwife’s core duties, while also making it harder to attract and train wonderful midwives from overseas.

“I understand Health Minister Simeon Brown has put out a call for nominations for new members of the Midwifery Council. That is good news.”

Psychology:

“Meanwhile in psychology, the New Zealand Psychologists’ Board is introducing a new Code of Ethics to embed Treaty principles and matauranga Māori into psychological practice. Psychologists who’ve tried to have a say on the Code have been sidelined. Psychologists are instructed to challenge colonisation and respond to patients’ colour, race, sexuality, and socio-economic status.

“In other words, the best interests of patients will be sidelined in favour of ideology, and psychologists are told to see patients as members of identity groups, rather than as individuals with complex personal experiences.”

Nursing:

“Nurses have told me they are considering leaving New Zealand in response to new standards of competence, or ‘pou’, requiring nurses to use te reo and tikanga, describe the impact of colonisation, and advocate for cultural and spiritual health.

“Once upon a time, being a nurse was a matter of having the right skills and a kind heart. Now we are asking nurses to have the ‘correct’ views on the Treaty of Waitangi and to make assumptions about patients’ needs based on their ethnicity.”

Chinese medicine:

“In 2021 Labour set up the Chinese Medicine Council to regulate traditional Chinese medicine. The Council requires Chinese practitioners to honour the history of Māori as tangata whenua, challenge the bias of their colleagues, enact the principles of Te Tiriti, and embed ‘bicultural principles’.

“Bicultural principles! It begs the question, which two cultures are recognised under this state-mandated bicultural worldview? How are Chinese acupuncturists and herbalists meant to fit in? It’s absurd.”

Conclusion:

“Kiwis engaging with the health system deserve confidence that they will be treated first and foremost as humans, with individual needs that will be met based on validated science, not ideology.

“ACT is optimistic that in Simeon Brown, we have a Minister with the guts to get the Treaty ideology and wokeism out of the health system and restore focus to the needs of the patient.

“In the meantime, ACT is calling on political parties who share our concerns to support the Treaty Principles Bill. The Bill defines the Treaty principles in line with what was actually written in 1840, including the promise of the same rights and duties for all New Zealanders.”

Name release: Fatal crash, Nuhaka Opoutama Road

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March 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now name the person who died in a single-vehicle crash on Nuhaka Opoutama Road on Friday 28 February.

He was 43-year-old Nolan Maru, of Wairoa, and was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Police extends our condolences to Nolan’s family and friends.

The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Christchurch Southern Motorway closed following crash

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March 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

The Christchurch Southern Motorway is closed near Curletts Road following a crash.

The crash involved a truck and was reported around 11:30am.

The driver of the truck has sustained serious injuries.

Traffic is being diverted off the motorway at Curletts Road off-ramp.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police investigate suspicious scrub fires

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March 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police is seeking witnesses to a series of scrub fires across Port Waikato and Tuakau this year.

Counties Manukau South CIB are investigating seven fires that have been deemed suspicious.

Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor says this series fires first began in January this year.

“Police are working with Fire and Emergency New Zealand to understand the scope of the series of fires,” he says.

“We will consider all investigative opportunities to hold those responsible to account.

“At this stage we are keeping an open mind as to whether these fires are linked or not.”

There were five suspicious fires that occurred in February alone.

Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says it is fortunate there have been no injuries or loss of life as a result.

No arrests have been made at this stage of the investigation.

“The dry weather, and at times proximity to the Port Waikato township, causes significant concern and risk for the township,” Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says.

Police urge anyone with information about those involved, or who have witnessed suspicious activity surround the time fires occurred, to report this.

You can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250227/2905.

“If you see any suspicious activity occurring, please call Police on 111,” Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says.

Fires under investigation:

– 11 January
– 9 February
– 17 February
– 26 February
– 27 February
– 27 February
– 4 March

Keeping yourself safe:

Fire and Emergency’s Counties Manukau Community Risk Manager Thomas Harre says there are some simple steps people can take to keep themselves, and their homes, safe from wildfire.

“Things like keeping your grass short, keeping gutters clear and removing highly flammable plants from around your property can help.

“Longer term, planting low flammability plans before next summer reduces your risk.”

For more information on low flammability plants and advice on when wildfire threatens, people can visit this link.

Thomas Harre encourages anyone with information to come forward to help the Police investigation.

“These fires are causing a lot of anxiety in the community, so we want them to stop.

“Our fire brigades have had to spend a lot of time responding to these fires, and that has put pressure on them if there are other incidents to attend to in the area.

“Most of the crews have been volunteers, so this means time away from family or from their place of work to fight these fires.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Aviation – Airways commences consultation on pricing for next three-year cycle

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March 5, 2025

Source: Airways NZ

Airways will today commence consultation with its stakeholders, customers and the wider industry on its pricing for the next three- yearly cycle running from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028.

In announcing the consultation commencement, Airways acknowledges the challenging times the aviation industry is facing, with an inflationary environment coupled with a soft growth outlook and supply chain challenges.

Airways Chief Executive, James Young says Airways remains committed to delivering a safe and resilient network for the future while carefully navigating the level of investment required to sustain this.

“Where possible, Airways has sought to offset the impact of cost inflation through careful management of our operating cost base and prioritisation of our capital programme. However, to sustain the current service provision and investment in the future, price increases are required,” Mr Young says.

Airways is proposing an average annual price increase of 7.7% for airline customers to ensure the continued delivery of safe and efficient services, while also undertaking a range of projects to enhance system resilience and support future service delivery. This translates to a per seat increase of between 79 cents and $2.80 for commercial flights, depending on the aircraft capacity. Following consultation, there may be further revision of volume forecasts and prices.

For General Aviation services, Airways is proposing a 6.8% price increase for FY26 and a cumulative 10.5% price over the FY26-28 period. This increase reflects our underlying costs.

“Ongoing investment in our people and critical infrastructure, and advancing our future service initiatives is paramount to ensuring we can continue to meet the expectations of our customers, today and tomorrow,” Mr Young says.

Consultation submissions are due by 2 April. They will then be posted on Airways’ website for customers, stakeholders and the industry to review and submit cross-submissions on. Cross-submissions close on 16 April. More information is available at https://www.airways.co.nz/airspace-users/industry-consultation/

Energy – Private sector joins up to unlock new, large scale clean energy generation

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March 5, 2025

Source: BusinessNZ

A new private sector-led initiative is aiming to boost the number of multi-million-dollar power deals in New Zealand’s corporate sector, increasing clean energy capacity, and enhancing energy security.

The collaboration between the BusinessNZ Energy Council, Sustainable Business Council, EVAmarketplace, the Employers and Manufacturers Association, and DLA Piper is raising industry awareness of the potential of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in New Zealand and exploring new tools to support uptake.

PPA agreements involve pre-purchasing power over a 10-20 year-period by medium to large energy users, including manufacturers, commercial buildings and others.

Tina Schirr, Executive Director at the BusinessNZ Energy Council, says the agreements make new generation more commercially viable by incentivising the development of new renewable projects and will help give certainty to business customers.

“Aside from security of supply, businesses are also looking to reduce their carbon footprint to help meet demand from their customers and meet 2030 targets,” said Schirr.

“Significant reductions in costs are possible too – but you have to ride out the ups and the downs.”

The market has been on the rise in Europe for some time with deal count peaking at 272 published PPAs in 2024, representing a 65% increase from 2022.

Tom Metcalfe, a senior lawyer in DLA Piper’s international renewables practice, offered insights on growth in the European market at a recent industry meeting. Hosted by the Employers and Manufacturers Association, the workshop was attended by more than 100 participants from across the energy sector.

“We have seen volatility in energy prices lead to a sharpened focus on energy procurement strategies and the potential benefits of price hedges in the European market. There is clearly potential for New Zealand too against a backdrop of high wholesale power prices,” said Metcalfe.

“Another important part of the PPA market is the sale and purchase of environmental attribute certificates. So having a robust system for the transfer of traceable certificates is key.”

Mark Williamson, Partner at DLA Piper in New Zealand, highlighted additional drivers for the growing momentum of PPAs globally.

“Regulatory incentives, and corporate sustainability commitments have also contributed to the uptake in Europe,” said Williamson.

“These agreements are proving to be a key mechanism for unlocking large-scale renewable energy projects, and a vital part of achieving the Government’s goal to double New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation.”

Antonia Burbidge, Head of Climate and Nature at the Sustainable Business Council, said there are some successful local examples of large-scale, long-term deals currently in play domestically.

“Lodestone Energy for example, has been a market leader,” said Burbidge.

“It is fantastic to see information sharing happening related to process, for example, the need for early engagement with lenders. In other cases, it’s what you can expect in terms of outcomes such as reporting or helping achieve Scope 1, 2, and even Scope 3 emissions targets – which has been tricky territory for many.”

Off the back of the industry workshop new resources including a legal template are underway to support market delivery.

“Our next step is a standardised corporate PPA template to simplify the process and reduce legal costs – a common barrier to entry. This is expected to increase market liquidity, and could significantly benefit New Zealand’s economy,” said Schirr.

Release: Labour calls on Govt to condemn Israel’s aid blockade

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March 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

The National Government needs to publicly condemn Israel’s cutting off of aid supplies to the war-ravaged people of Gaza.

Israel has cut off aid to Gaza to pressure Hamas into accepting a change in the ceasefire agreement that would allow for hostages to be released without an Israeli troop withdrawal. Aid agencies have confirmed that while thousands of trucks have entered the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire was agreed in January, none have entered since Sunday.

“The deliberate starvation of a people is a crime against humanity, and a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement. The Government should condemn Israel’s move and call for the immediate resumption of aid shipments into Gaza,” Labour associate foreign affairs spokesperson Phil Twyford said.

“Ninety percent of Gazans have been displaced from their homes, and the economy destroyed. They are completely dependent on humanitarian aid for survival at this point.

“It is horrific for Israel to cut off those supplies as a way of applying pressure so they can change the ceasefire agreement. The Government must find its voice and condemn this outrage,” Phil Twyford said.

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