Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Motorists are being advised a section of Mangawhai Road has been closed following a vehicle fire.
The fire, near the intersection of Wood Pigeon Lane, was reported to Police at about 3.13pm.
Emergency services are onsite as the blaze has engulfed a small section of nearby bush land.
There are no reports of injury.
Motorists are being advised to expect delays or seek an alternate route.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
Today I’d like to talk to you about progress the Government has made on our Going for Housing Growth agenda. I’m also excited to announce policy decisions that will improve infrastructure funding and financing to get more houses built.
A new report reveals that reducing the cost of exercise facilities could significantly increase physical activity levels in Aotearoa, delivering major health and economic benefits. The 2024 HFA-Portas Price Elasticity Report identifies affordability as the primary barrier preventing more New Zealanders from joining gyms, despite clear evidence of the health benefits of structured exercise.
Physical inactivity is a growing public health crisis, contributing to preventable chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Alarmingly, the report finds that 53.5% of New Zealanders fail to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended physical activity levels, placing an increasing strain on the healthcare system. Childhood and adolescent obesity rates have also reached unprecedented levels, elevating the risk of lifelong health issues.
Key Findings from the Report:
Increased participation could:
Richard Beddie, CEO of ExerciseNZ, says the findings present a compelling case for affordability initiatives to boost participation. “New Zealanders recognise the benefits of exercise, but for many, cost remains a barrier. This report shows that even a modest reduction in gym fees could profoundly impact our nation’s health, economy, and social wellbeing. Exercise facilities must be recognised as critical health infrastructure and supported accordingly.”
The report’s release coincides with ExerciseNZ’s upcoming ‘Fit for Office’ initiative, where New Zealand MPs will have their physical activity levels tracked via heart rate monitors and displayed on a competitive leaderboard. “This initiative highlights that everyone, including busy MPs, can stay active and benefit from exercise,” says Beddie.
ExerciseNZ urges policymakers, industry leaders, and community organisations to collaborate on improving affordability through potential subsidies or membership incentives. This is about more than just gyms—it’s about improving public health, reducing healthcare costs, and fostering stronger communities.
Source: New Zealand Government
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has today acknowledged the resignation of Chief Executive of Pharmac Dr Sarah Fitt, and thanked her for her service.
“I would like to thank Sarah for her work and commitment to improving medicines access over the past 12 years at Pharmac, seven spent as Chief Executive,” says Mr Seymour.
“Since becoming Minister responsible for Pharmac I have been impressed by Sarah’s commitment to focussing Pharmac on its core role of expanding opportunities and access for patients.
“I acknowledge Sarah’s decision to step down from the role and thank her for her work in providing modern healthcare for New Zealanders.
“I wish her all the very best for the future,” Mr Seymour says.
Source: Media Outreach
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – GAC AION, the electric vehicle division of VINCAR Group, is pleased to announce the launch of the Aion V electric SUV. This new model introduces advanced features and a sustainable design, setting new benchmarks in the electric vehicle market.
Exterior View of Aion V
Product Highlights
The AION V offers a WLTP range of 485km per charge, making it the longest-range option in Category A. It features 3C fast charging technology, allowing up to 300 km of range to be recharged in 15 minutes, the fastest charging EV in its category. Designed for comfort, it includes a spacious interior with 180-degree lie-flat front seats and massage seats, a first in its category.
Design and Luxury
The Aion V electric SUV features a T-Rex Cyber Design with geometric shapes and full LED headlights, available in eight colour options. The interior is designed for comfort and convenience, incorporating soft-touch materials, premium leather seating, and front seats with memory, massage, heating, and ventilation functions. Additional features include a smart multi-function refrigerator, a panoramic glass roof, and a 9-speaker premium sound system with noise-reducing cabin materials to enhance the driving experience.
Innovative Technology
Equipped with the Snapdragon 8155P processor and AEP 3.0 platform, the Aion V smart car is designed for efficient performance and responsive operation. It includes L2 intelligent driver assistance and intelligent navigation with charging station search capabilities for enhanced safety and convenience. Future models are set to be upgraded to L2+, incorporating automatic parking and highway drive assist. The vehicle also supports voice control, CarPlay, and Android Auto for seamless connectivity.
Safety and Performance
The Aion V electric SUV is built with a high-strength body, utilising 72% lightweight materials and Magazine Battery 2.0 technology, designed to meet EURO NCAP’s 5-star safety standards. The battery has undergone extensive testing, demonstrating stability under various conditions. Safety features include a centre airbag, extended airbag curtain, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system, providing enhanced driver awareness and occupant protection.
Sustainable Impact
Aligned with sustainable transportation goals, the Aion V electric SUV operates under a zero-emissions design, reducing pollution and improving energy efficiency. Its 18-in-1 Integrated Power Unit achieves 17.2 kWh/100 km energy consumption, while Silicon Carbide Technology optimises power usage and extends driving range. The Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery enhances safety, sustainability, and longevity, supporting the brand’s commitment to energy-efficient electric mobility.
“Our new Aion V model epitomises GAC AION’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what electric vehicles can offer. We are not just selling cars; we’re paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future where electric mobility is accessible to everyone,” shared Ernest Tan, Deputy CEO, VINCAR Group.
Market Availability
The Aion V electric SUV will be available for purchase on 26 February 2025, exclusively through the authorised dealer GAC AION and VINCAR Group. It is priced at $174,988, with a launch discount of $6,000, bringing the effective price to $168,988. The price is valid until March 5, 2025, at 12 PM, and includes a COE rebate of $87,000 under the Non-Guaranteed 8 Bids scheme.
For more details or to book a test drive, visit the Aion V website.
https://aionev.com.sg/
https://www.facebook.com/aion.sg/
https://www.instagram.com/aion.sg/#
Hashtag: #GACAION
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye, Tasman District Organised Crime Group.
Police have arrested three men in relation to the cultivation and sale of cannabis.
One local man was arrested in Picton yesterday and two other men were located and arrested in Auckland.
The man arrested in Picton was caught as he walked off the Interislander Ferry. Police located his suitcase which was full of vacuum-packed cannabis packages. A search of his Picton address located over $12,000 in cash. He also had a BB gun resembling a Glock pistol and a small amount of Class B drug MDMA.
He appeared in the Blenheim District Court today on a charge of possession of cannabis for supply.
The two men arrested in Auckland are Vietnamese nationals believed to be part of an organised crime syndicate, one of whom was in New Zealand illegally.
The men had just delivered a suitcase full of cannabis to Wellington, when they were arrested. They appeared in the Auckland District Court today and their bail was opposed.
All three men are all aged in their 20s.
Enquiries are ongoing and Police cannot rule-out the possibility of further arrests.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dye says the arrests come as a result of an investigation that has spanned Tāmaki Makaurau, Wellington and Tasman which targeted an opportunist profit-driven business.
We believe that these Vietnamese men are working with others cultivating and dealing cannabis in Auckland rental properties. This type of activity is linked to organised crime groups and cannabis is a large source of income for their illegal operations.
Often the properties used by these groups will appear innocent and will not attract the attention of neighbours.
“These individuals are significantly modifying rental properties to cultivate cannabis and often with risky electrical installations.”
“This type of activity is dangerous and creates a significant fire risk. Often electricity is being stolen to run these grow operations.”
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Police are reminding landlords to be vigilant when renting out their properties:
• Ensure there are regular property inspections.
• Carry out thorough vetting: get two forms of photo ID and sight the original documents.
• It’s important for the community to remain vigilant as well. If you see suspicious activity, such as large deliveries of fertilizer bags being dropped off without any corresponding gardening occurring, or signs that an electricity meter has been tampered with, please contact Police.
• Report any information you have by calling 105 or go online to make a report at www.police.govt.nz/use-105
• You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Please attribute to Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison:
Police investigating the death of Brett Fraser in 2014 are encouraging people to watch Monday night’s Cold Case episode on TV One.
Investigators have worked through a large volume of information and Monday’s programme will present an outline of the key elements of the case, in the hope it will prompt someone to come forward with information that could provide new lines of enquiry.
51-year-old father Brett Fraser was killed on Tuesday 21 October 2014 in the West Auckland home he shared with his flatmate.
Brett’s flatmate told Police that at around 9pm that night he and Brett were assaulted by intruders who then took items from the property. The flatmate called 111 and administered CPR to Brett until first responders arrived and took over. Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, Brett died at the scene.
An extensive investigation was conducted at the time, Police followed up numerous lines of enquiry into possible suspects and motives, made media appeals, analysed CCTV and in 2015, offered a $50,000 reward for information. No offender was able to be identified and the lines of enquiry were exhausted without any arrests made or charges laid.
10 years on, we remain motivated to hold to account those responsible for his death.
Anyone holding onto relevant information or knowledge about the circumstances of Brett’s death and who has not yet spoken to Police is asked to come forward, to help give Brett’s family some answers.
Please contact Police on 0800 COLD CASE (0800 2653 2273).
Watch Cold Case at 8.30pm on Monday 3 March on TV1, or later on TVNZ+
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
