NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is seeking feedback on a proposal to reduce the frequency of warrant of fitness (WoF) checks on vintage and veteran vehicles and certificate of fitness checks (CoF) on privately owned heavy motorhomes.
The changes, proposed by the Minister of Transport, would be progressed through an amendment to the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002.
The proposed changes align with the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 objectives to reform the vehicle regulatory system. The proposed changes intend to reduce regulatory burden by saving owners of these vehicles time and money.
When compared to other light vehicles, vintage/veteran vehicles and privately owned heavy motorhomes are used less frequently, and evidence suggests that vehicle faults from these vehicles result in fewer serious crashes when compared to newer light vehicles.
Further information on the proposed changes and a form to provide feedback can be found at:
There will be more time to get self-contained vehicles green-certified, with an extension of the transition period, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced. “This extension will be reassuring for people who enjoy freedom camping as a way to get off the beaten track and explore everything our beautiful country has to offer,” says Louise Upston. “Following public consultation, we’re extending the certification transition period for private self-contained vehicles out by a year to June 2026. Currently only 23,000 vehicles of the estimated 73,000 have been certified. “During consultation, individual freedom campers, certification authorities and vehicle inspectors voiced concerns about the limited time and capacity to certify all private vehicles currently on the road. “Extending the period provides confidence that all vehicles needing to be self-contained can be certified within the transitional period. “That gives reassurance that laws can be properly enforced when they need to be in the future. “We’re announcing the extension now, to give certainty to both the sector and travellers as they make the most of the end of summer and start to prepare for the ski season. “Approximately 12,000 rental vehicles are already certified self-contained, which represents the bulk of the national fleet, so holidaymakers can be confident about finding a suitable rental vehicle, wherever their destination. “Extending the period for certification doesn’t detract from our Government’s commitment to the environment. It remains absolutely essential for freedom campers to respect their surroundings. “If you’re planning to freedom camp, always check the specific rules at each location where you want to stay,” Louise Upston says.
Police working to locate missing person Geoffrey Kelly are urging members of the public to get in touch if they saw any unusual activity in the area of Hikimutu, since 20 February.
Geoffrey’s car – pictured – was located at 7am on Friday 21 February in a ditch on Makokomiko Road, without any occupants.
He was last seen on Thursday 20 February, wearing grey knee-length shorts, a tan sweatshirt and glasses, and it is believed he may have become disorientated and has either taken shelter somewhere or has gotten a lift from a passerby.
Constable Mark Bolten says “Since then, Police have carried out a number of enquiries including extensive searches of the surrounding area with the assistance of a drone, Police Search and Rescue, Land Search and Rescue volunteers, local farmers and residents, and a private helicopter, however he has yet to be located.
“Police and Geoffrey’s family have grave concerns for his welfare.
“We are wanting to hear from anyone who was in the area of Makokomiko Road or its surrounding and saw any unusual activity.
“Even the smallest piece of information could be the thing we need to assist in locating him,” says Constable Bolten.
If you have any information that might help us locate Geoffrey, please call 105 and quote reference number 250222/1771.
Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man in Kawerau yesterday.
Emergency services were called to the Onslow Street property around 8:45am yesterday, after a man was located deceased on the front doorstep of the address.
A scene guard remains in place at the property while enquiries are carried out.
If anyone has information that may assist, please contact Police via 105, either by calling or online, and reference file number 250226/5646.
ACT Leader David Seymour is welcoming the announcement that legislation enabling a four-year Parliamentary term will advance to select committee.
The legislation is modelled on a draft Bill produced by ACT, and a commitment to advance it to select committee was secured in ACT’s coalition agreement.
“Improving our approach to law making is how we secure more economic growth, better social services, better regulation, and ultimately give the next generation more reason to stay here,” says Seymour.
“A four-year term will lead to more accountability and better law making, giving Kiwis more time to see whether political promises translate into results, so they can vote accordingly.
“Polling showsmore Kiwis support the four-year term than oppose it.
“It’s important to point out that ACT’s proposal ensures the term can only be extended if the Government turns control of Select Committees over to the Opposition. This introduces balance by giving the Opposition more power to scrutinise and question Ministers, officials, and legislation.
“ACT’s proposal means such a significant constitutional change will only come into effect with the consent of New Zealanders. If the legislation is supported by Parliament, it will then be subject to a public referendum.
“I’m proud that ACT has started another tough conversation. We look forward to Kiwis having their say at select committee. Ultimately, we’re trying to achieve better law making a more mature democracy. That’s worth a constructive debate.”
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has today classified drought conditions in Taranaki as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging situation facing farmers and growers in the region.
“Conditions on the ground are becoming extremely difficult with limited feed and pasture available,” Mr McClay says.
“Taranaki is experiencing hot, dry conditions and below average rainfall. This has affected pasture growth and farmers have had to feed-out or sell livestock earlier to fill the gap.”
Mr McClay said that the government was making $30,000 available to rural support groups who were working closely with farmers on the ground in Taranaki.
“I know farmers and growers in other parts of the country are experiencing dry conditions and I’ve instructed MPI to monitor the situation on the ground closely,” Mr McClay said.
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the weather conditions are challenging.
“The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has been working with sector groups, regional bodies, and farmers to provide extra support. This has included attending farmer meetings in southern and coastal Taranaki to discuss options for getting through and proving practical tips,” Mr Patterson says.
“This classification unlocks further support for farmers and growers, including tax relief, and it enables the Ministry of Social Development to consider Rural Assistance Payments.”
Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
The Government is clamping down on retail crime by giving businesses more powers to detain those stealing from them, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say.
“Retail crime increased 85 per cent between 2019 and 2023, including a 91 per cent increase in victimisations relating to theft,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“Currently, no one, including retailers and security guards, is protected from civil or criminal liability if they arrest and detain a person stealing goods valued at less than $1,000 during the day. The operation of the Crimes Act 1961 hinders people from stopping offending as it occurs right in front of them.
“This initial package of reforms, put forward by the Ministerial Advisory Group
for victims of retail crime, will give Kiwi businesses additional tools to deal with those that are robbing them of their livelihood and economic growth.”
These reforms include:
Amending the Crimes Act so that citizens can intervene to stop any Crimes Act offence at any time of the day.
Requiring that a person making an arrest contact Police and follow Police instructions.
Clarifying that restraints can be used, when reasonable, when making an arrest.
Changing the defence of property provisions to the Crimes Act so it is clear that reasonable force may be used.
“The economic cost of retail crime in New Zealand is in the billions, and retailers and security guards face abuse and assault that no New Zealander should be subjected to. This Government will ensure that people working in the retail sector are being effectively protected, are empowered to stop offending, and that offenders are caught and deterred from future offending,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“About 230,000 New Zealanders work in the retail sector. Increasingly, they are experiencing the personal and economic trauma of violent and theft-related crimes. The impact of crime on this group can have flow-on effects for their families and wider communities,” Mrs McKee says.
“We established the advisory group to provide first-hand insight into the issues being faced by Kiwi retailers on the ground. The recommendations the group has come up with are sensible reforms that will enable retail offenders to be more readily stopped and deterred from future offending.
“This is just the first suite of initiatives put forward by the Ministerial Advisory Group that the Government will be implementing. Watch this space.”
A proposal by the Electricity Authority for mandatory non-discrimination obligations for electricity gentailers sends a strong signal that any advantage being provided to their own retailers will not be tolerated, Energy Minister Simon Watts and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.
“This recommendation from the Energy Competition Task Force has been accepted by the Electricity Authority (EA) which launched consultation today on the measures to create a more level playing field for the energy sector,” Mr Watts says.
The EA is proposing a progressive approach to non-discrimination obligations supported by increased monitoring of gentailers’ responses and consumer outcomes. If the first step proves insufficient, the EA could escalate to more prescriptive ways of levelling the playing field to ensure all New Zealanders can benefit from critical flexible generation.
Step 2: Non-discrimination requirements set out in detail.
Step 3: All gentailer-supplied hedge contracts must be traded through a regulated market, on equal terms for all buyers.
“The proposed measures send a strong signal that gentailers creating an advantage for their own retailers at the expense of the affordability and security of New Zealand’s energy supply will no longer be tolerated,” Mr Watts says.
“A reliable and secure energy supply goes hand in hand with more affordable prices for Kiwis, and that is a key priority for the Coalition Government. This work could help promote much-needed investment in new generation and retail competition, flowing through to more choices and more affordable electricity for consumers.”
“If these proposals go ahead, we will see much-needed rules put in place for how gentailers engage with independent and smaller players in the market, and what kind of terms they have to offer them,” Mr Jones says.
“This means gentailers would be required to treat independent retailers and generators the same as they do to their own retail arms, shifting the dial on market competition by ensuring smaller and independent players in the market are on a level playing field with the big four gentailers.”
The task force was established by the Electricity Authority and Commerce Commission, with MBIE as an observer in August last year in response to the power crisis in winter.
The task force is focused on enabling new generators and independent retailers to enter, and fairly compete, in the market as well as providing more options for users.
Mr Watts met the gentailers two weeks ago and warned them the Government would not accept a repeat of last winter.
“All gentailers have a critical role in keeping the lights on at affordable prices and it’s important they keep taking action. This consultation will give a better picture of what else is needed to shore up reliable electricity supply, including in response to the current independent review of our electricity markets,” Mr Watts says.
Routine patrolling in Avondale has bagged a prolific shoplifter.
Late on Tuesday night, a frontline unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle sought by Police on Blockhouse Bay Road.
“It was around 11.43pm, when staff were carrying out prevention patrolling in the area,” Auckland City West Area Commander, Inspector Alisse Robertson says.
“The vehicle was stopped as its registered owner was sought by Police.
“The man was not the registered owner but after speaking with the driver further, his identity was established.”
Inspector Robertson says the man had numerous warrants for his arrest over dishonesty offending, including shoplifting.
“The man was a person of interest to our National Retail Investigation Support Unit.
“He was arrested on the roadside, and while he was being spoken to Police observed methamphetamine inside the vehicle.”
Police have since charged the man with more than 20 shoplifting offences, along with possession of methamphetamine.
“We will allege he was responding for offending at retail stores right across the city, with nearly $10,000 in offending since September,” Inspector Robertson says.
The 34-year-old man has appeared in the Auckland District Court and will reappear on 19 March.
“This is a great outcome from our staff and is another example of the work going into targeting recidivist retail crime offenders.”
OSU President Jayathi Murthy and OSU Foundation CEO Shawn Scoville meet alumni and future students in Bangkok
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Oregon State University (OSU) President Professor Jayathi Y. Murthy met with OSU alumni and newly admitted students in Bangkok today, reinforcing the university’s commitment to world-class education, research excellence, and student success.
Jayathi Y. Murthy, President of Oregon State University
With Thailand strengthening its focus on sustainability, innovation, and economic development, OSU offers Thai students a pathway to cutting-edge research, industry partnerships, and career-ready education in fields such as AI, robotics, sustainability, and climate science.
“Oregon State University is a global institution dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing challenges,” said Murthy. “Our students are part of an international research community, working on solutions in AI, engineering, climate sustainability, and beyond. I’m excited to welcome more Thai students to OSU, where they can gain the skills and experiences to shape the future.”
Founded in 1868, OSU is ranked among the top 1.4% of degree-granting institutions worldwide and has a student body of nearly 38,000 students from 100+ countries. It is home to the largest Computer Science program in the US and has a strong research focus, with US$422 million in annual research expenditures and a goal to double that by 2030.
OSU’s internationally recognized academic programs include robotics, AI, climate science, forestry, oceanography, and agricultural sciences, areas that align with Thailand’s ambitions in technology and sustainability.
At the event in Bangkok to celebrate OSU alumni and welcome newly admitted Thai students, Murthy emphasized OSU’s student-centered approach, career development programs, and commitment to global education. “Our mission is to help every student at OSU graduate with a strong academic foundation and a clear career trajectory,” she said.
OSU is a preferred hiring partner for global companies such as Intel, NVIDIA, Google, Amazon, and Tesla – providing its students outstanding career opportunities.
Accompanying OSU President Murthy, Shawn L. Scoville, President and CEO of the OSU Foundation, highlighted the Foundation’s role in fostering alumni relations and philanthropic support to enhance OSU’s impact. “The OSU Foundation is dedicated to building a vibrant global community of alumni and supporters whose engagement and generosity directly strengthen OSU’s ability to address global challenges.
“We are committed to expanding research opportunities, enhancing student experiences, and driving innovation in areas like AI, sustainability, and engineering – ensuring OSU remains at the forefront of solving critical global issues.”
Through its US$1.75 billion “Believe It” fundraising and engagement campaign, the Foundation is investing in OSU’s students, faculty and cutting-edge research infrastructure. This includes the Jen-Hsun Huang and Lori Mills Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex, made possible by US$100 million in philanthropy, including a US$50 million gift from NVIDIA Founder and CEO Jen-Hsun Huang and his wife Lori Mills Huang – both OSU alumni. Set to open in 2026, the facility will house one of the most powerful supercomputers in the US, advancing research in AI, sustainability, climate science, and beyond.
