Tech and innovation boost for Marlborough

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March 4, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

A major boost to regional innovation opens in Blenheim today, supported by a $578,000 grant from the Government’s Regional Strategic Partnership Fund (RSPF), Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says.
“The completion of Te Au Pūngao – Tech & Innovation Hub is a key regional development milestone which will provide opportunities for start-ups and existing agri-businesses, tech innovators, researchers, investors, and support agencies – they will have a place to connect and collaborate in shared workspaces, and hold start-up events, networking sessions, seminars and workshops” Mr Patterson says.
The 500 sq metre hub in central Blenheim received $635,000 in co-funding from the Marlborough District Council. The facilities include co-working space of up to 28 hot desks, meeting rooms, video conferencing facilities and a prototyping room.
“Marlborough is home to some of New Zealand’s most innovative minds and pioneering sectors, especially in viticulture and aquaculture,” Mr Patterson says.
“As these industries transform to adopt AI, robotics and advanced technologies, the region is attracting more agritech and marine tech innovators who work in these spaces.
“The hub is crucial in supporting these sectors by providing a space where local businesses can develop solutions and realise the ever-evolving opportunities that Marlborough and New Zealand’s agribusiness sector has to offer.
“I see strong alignment between the Government’s ‘Going for Growth’ economic plan and Te Au Pūngao – Tech & Innovation Hub, particularly through investment in the innovation, science and technology space. I look forward to seeing this new regional asset delivering high value innovation, economic growth, and well-paid jobs to Marlborough,” Mr Patterson says.

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Police seek information and footage to SH6 fatality, Gibbston

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March 4, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

An investigation has been launched into the death of a man on State Highway 6 after he was struck by a vehicle last night.

Emergency services were called to the scene near Kawerau Bridge Historic Reserve at around 10pm.

Sadly, the man was located deceased at the scene.

Work is now underway to understand what has occurred, as well as to formally identify the victim.

Police would like to speak with anyone who might have witnessed the incident.

We’d also like to hear from anyone who may have seen a man wearing black pants and a black shirt, walking on SH6 near the area before 10pm, or anyone who has captured dashcam footage from the incident or surrounding times.

If you have any information that may assist Police in our investigation, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number 250304/8199.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

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Driver charged over crash that killed passengers

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March 4, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police have charged a 20-year-old driver for allegedly causing the deaths of two of his passengers in January.

The crash on Butchers Road, Clarkville, on 11 January, killed a 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old woman, both of whom were in a vehicle being driven by the accused.

The car they were travelling in hit a concrete power pole with such force, the vehicle split in half. Both the victims were located deceased at the scene, while the driver sustained minor injuries.

Following an investigation into the cause of the crash, Police arrested the 20-year-old North Canterbury man on 26 February and charged him with two counts of causing death while under the influence of drugs. Police allege the driver was under the influence of a drug to such an extent that he was incapable of having proper control of the vehicle.

He is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court today, 4 March.

As the case is before the court, Police are unable to comment further.

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Issued by the Police Media Centre

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Woman charged over child’s death

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March 4, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A woman has been charged with manslaughter after a young girl died when she was struck by a vehicle in Hawke’s Bay earlier this year.

About 5.30pm on 25 January, Police were called to Chatham Road, Lochain, after a crash involving a car and a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, an 11-year-old girl, died at the scene.

An investigation has been carried out and in relation to the matter, a 34-year-old woman has now been charged with a number of offences, including manslaughter.

She is due to appear in Hastings District Court about 11.45am today, 4 March.

Other charges include breath alcohol level over 400, dangerous driving, and failing to stop to ascertain injury.

As the matter is now before the courts, Police are limited in what further comment can be provided.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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Mental health peer support extends to Wellington Hospital ED

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March 4, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today officially marked the start of a new peer support service at Wellington Hospital Emergency Department, an initiative that will help people to have faster access to mental health support.

“The peer support specialists are workers with lived experience who are available talk to people who are presenting to the ED in mental distress, they provide comfort, as well as help connect people with the needed community services,” Mr Doocey says.

“I have been heartened to hear that early feedback is showing that peer support specialists are already proving to be beneficial for people presenting to emergency departments in mental distress.

“Mental health is about lived experience. Peer support specialists have the ability to offer others hope and show that there is a pathway forward. These are workers that have been trained on how to adequately support others going through similar experiences.

“I’m very pleased that this service is now being rolled out to Wellington ED. The hospital services a large community across the region, and ensuring we have peer support specialists available will mean extra support for people and their families.

Wellington ED is the most recent hospital to provide the service with Auckland Hospital and Middlemore hospital already rolled out. The service will be extended to Christchurch and Waikato EDs in the coming months and three further locations will be announced soon.

“One of the biggest barriers to support is the workforce, that is why we are focused on growing the mental health and addiction workforce so people can access timely mental health support when and where they need it.”

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Police respond to IPCA findings on death in custody

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March 4, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police acknowledge the findings by the Independent Policy Conduct Authority in relation to the death of an Auckland man in June 2021.

The 43-year-old man was admitted into Auckland Hospital on 11 June with abdominal pain and shortness of breath. Hospital staff located a concealed package in his clothing and alerted Police who attended and found it contained over 24 grams of methamphetamine.

The following day medical staff discharged the man into police custody, and he was taken to the Auckland Custody Unit until his appearance in Court the following day on a charge of possessing methamphetamine.

He was arrested by Police that evening and CCTV shows the man is walking unaided, compliant and co-operative. In the custody unit he was talking with officers and placed into a cell at about 6:30pm and put on 2-hourly checks.

Police staff had an overview of why he had been in hospital and that he was likely under the influence of illegal substances. However, they believed his health was in a stable condition given he had just been discharged by a medical professional into Police custody.

Officers checked on the man through the night and spoke with him just before 9pm. Shortly after midnight, they found the man unresponsive. An ambulance was called and police staff commenced CPR. He was taken to Auckland Hospital where he died a short time a later.

The IPCA found Police officers should have conducted more frequent checks on the man, recognised he was deteriorating and provided quicker medical assistance when they realised he was unresponsive.

They do note that expert medical opinion indicates the man’s death may have been unavoidable, regardless of where he was.

WorkSafe filed a charge against New Zealand Police relating to this death but withdrew it in August of last year.

Relieving Auckland City District Commander Inspector Grae Anderson says Police are responsible for more than 120,000 people who come in our custody units across New Zealand each year in an often challenging and complex environment:

“Police have a duty of care to those who come into our custody, and we acknowledge there were learnings from this incident.

“As a direct result of what occurred, police have updated training to staff, and now ensure that we give stronger weighting to recent hospital admissions when assessing the level of care required for a detainee in similar circumstances.”

Police remain committed to continuous improvement in our custody units and have implemented a raft of significant changes over the last few years.

“Including the creation of a National Custody Team (NCT) which provides national oversight of the policy, practice, and training for all Police staff,” says Inspector Anderson.

“Police continues to work with all relevant stakeholders including WorkSafe, and the IPCA to look for opportunities to constantly improve our approach to the custody of people detained by Police.”

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Issued by the Police Media Centre

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Heritage and History – Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island waka excavation uncovers clues to our voyaging past

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March 4, 2025

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Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

The limited excavation of the partial remains of a waka found on Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island has finished.

“The site has now been covered and secured by the archaeological team and neighbouring landowner,” said Glenis Philip-Barbara, Pou Mataaho o Te Hononga Deputy Secretary Māori Crown Partnerships, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

“Over the past month, the team has worked tirelessly to recover the visible pieces of the waka that remained in situ. More than 450 waka pieces and other items of interest have been retrieved. These items are now being stored securely under interim conservation measures (temporarily wrapped or submerged in tanks in secure storage) while more detailed conservation plans are developed.

“We understand from the archaeologist and conservator that braided fibre lashed to timber and other textile fibres have been uncovered and that such finds are incredibly rare. They will be particularly valuable in helping experts to understand when this waka was built – or at least when the fibres were added.” Glenis Philip-Barbara said.

“The Ministry will continue to be guided by imi and iwi to ensure that the waka is protected for the benefit of future generations. Their input and consensus is crucial and we look forward to building upon these relationships.”

“The local community were instrumental in leading the on-island support during the excavation. Community interns and volunteers travelled across the island to the site, providing precious cultural advice, supplying meals and taking up the opportunity to add new skills to their impressive resumes,” Glenis Philip-Barbara.

“The neighbouring landowner provided the team with uninterrupted site access and invaluable logistical support, as well as readily hosting Te One and Kaingaroa schools and an open day for locals.

“The Ministry’s role has been to follow statutory processes under the Protected Objects Act. We are grateful for the support from Hokotehi Moriori Trust, Ngāti Mutunga ki Wharekauri, Moriori Imi Settlement Trust, Pouhere Taonga Heritage New Zealand, the Department of Conservation and other stakeholders. By working together, the story of this important miheke/taonga has the best chance of being uncovered.

“An interim report will now be prepared by the archaeologist and conservator. It is still too early to speculate about the provenance of the waka, however, those 450 waka pieces will provide important clues.

“The public notice on the Ministry’s website gives any interested parties 60 working days to register their claim for ownership of the waka as taonga tūturu under the Protected Objects Act 1975. This notice expires on 7 April 2025,” Glenis Philip-Barbara said.

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ChildFund – Urgent Support for Ukrainian Children in 2025

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March 4, 2025

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Source: ChildFund New Zealand

Uncertainty about the next stage in the war in Ukraine is putting increased pressure on Ukrainian children who have already put up with three years of war.

“Our ChildFund partners based all through Ukraine and in Moldova are continuing the roll out of our 2025 programme of support. No matter what the outcome of negotiations, it is clear this war will not end any time soon. The support must continue,” says Josie Pagani CEO of ChildFund New Zealand.

12.7 million people, including 2 million children, are in need of urgent humanitarian support now.

Children are the most affected. The impact of the war on children’s emotional and psychological well-being and their motivation to learn has contributed to a decline in learning, while psychological distress has contributed to non-attendance.

In 2025 we plan to do the following:

Provide more child and adolescent friendly spaces to help children cope with war-related losses and trauma
Provide mental health and psychological support to displaced people and local communities, with a particular focus on women and children
Run awareness campaigns on the dangers of mines and explosive remnants of war, as well as strategies and techniques to avoid accidents
Build bomb shelters to ensure the safety of students and school staff in education facilities
Distribute winter emergency aid, including solid fuel, and clean water
Provide cash-for-shelter repairs, to fix damaged homes
Provide hygiene kits to young people and their families
Rehabilitate heating systems, water supply and waste-water systems in healthcare facilities.

“In the last three years our ChildFund partners have reached 502,264 beneficiaries, including 204,396 women and girls, and 97,340 children.

The plan in 2025 is to reach about 80,000 additional beneficiaries, including 32,000 children. It is clear the war will not end tomorrow. The bombs are still dropping, and Ukrainian children need our support.

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Caravan caper leads pair to court

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March 4, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Two men have been arrested following a fleeing driver event involving a vehicle towing a caravan in Wellington.

Shortly after 5am, Police were notified that a caravan had been stolen from outside a Khandallah address.

Police were able to locate the vehicle and lay road spikes, however, the driver avoided the spikes and allegedly drove at the officer who laid them – fortunately the officer was not harmed.

The vehicle, still towing the caravan, travelled south through Northland and down into Aro Valley.

A brief pursuit was initiated before being abandoned.

Due to the manner of driving, the caravan tipped on its side at one point, but the vehicle continued.

The caravan hit a number of objects, including parked vehicles, throughout the incident, and broke into pieces, with parts and items from within being scattered across the road.

The driver then entered the motorway at the Terrace Tunnel, before exiting at Tinakori Road and crashing the vehicle near Grant Road.

Two occupants fled Police on foot, but were taken into custody by with the assistance of a Police dog handler around 5:30am.

A 25-year-old and a 31-year-old man have been arrested and charged with various offences relating to the theft and driving matters. They are due in Wellington District Court today.

Anyone who has this morning discovered they are the victim of damage to either cars or property in these areas this morning, who has not yet reported it to Police, is asked to please do so.

You can report matters via 105, either by phone or online at Update Report | New Zealand Police quoting job number 250304/8364.

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Issued by the Police Media Centre

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

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March 4, 2025

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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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