Business – Connecting New Zealand Businesses Globally; Airwallex Expands Cross-Border Payment Capabilities for Kiwi Businesses

February 27, 2025

Source: Airwallex

Airwallex launches in New Zealand, appointing Lowry Gladwell as Associate Director and first local employee.
Commitment to local growth, with plans to expand the team to 10 employees on ground by the end of 2025.
New product rollouts, including corporate cards, online payments and expanded Airwallex for Startups offerings, to support Kiwi businesses.
Partnering with top NZ brands, already working with Rodd & Gunn, Tracksuit and Auror.

Auckland, New Zealand, 26 February, 2025 – Global fintech leader Airwallex has officially launched in Aotearoa, marking a significant milestone in its mission to provide businesses with faster, cost-effective, and more innovative financial solutions.

With a firm commitment to supporting New Zealand’s thriving business ecosystem, Airwallex has appointed Lowry Gladwell as its Associate Director of New Zealand, the company’s first local employee, to lead its ambitious expansion plans. Gladwell will be joined by Matt Sek, a key regional leader, as Airwallex aims to grow its New Zealand team to 10 employees by the end of 2025.

“With New Zealand businesses increasingly looking for agile, cost-effective financial solutions, Airwallex is here to challenge the status quo,” said Gladwell. “Our entry into this market represents more than just expansion — it’s about providing Kiwi businesses with the tools they need to grow globally without the friction and high costs of traditional banking.”

A New Era of Financial Solutions for New Zealand Businesses

As part of its expansion, Airwallex is rolling out several new product offerings tailored to the needs of New Zealand businesses. The company’s corporate cards offering will be bolstered with a physical card version to complement the existing virtual option. These solutions will empower Kiwi companies to manage expenses more efficiently, reducing high transaction fees and improving financial control. In addition, online payments will sit alongside existing FX, global accounts and company and employee cards.

“Managing business spending shouldn’t be a hassle,” said Matt Sek, VP SME & Growth, ANZ. “Our new corporate card solution makes it easier for teams to handle expenses while ensuring greater transparency and efficiency, while payment acceptance allows businesses to accept payments from customers around the globe with fast, flexible settlements and a seamless checkout experience. This is just the beginning of our commitment to providing smarter, more intuitive financial tools for New Zealand businesses.”

A Tailored Approach for New Zealand’s Unique Market

New Zealand’s business environment, while dynamic, has long been dominated by a concentrated banking sector, leading to high fees and sluggish international transactions. Airwallex is set to disrupt the market by offering lower costs, competitive FX rates, and faster payments — critical advantages for businesses operating globally, particularly in New Zealand’s high-growth SaaS and export sectors.

With the country’s economic recovery underway following a challenging period, Airwallex’s presence comes at a crucial time. The company’s solutions will provide much-needed financial agility for businesses looking to scale, particularly as New Zealand strives to double its export growth over the next decade.

Empowering New Zealand Startups and “Soonicorns”

Airwallex has already demonstrated strong support for startups in New Zealand, with significant sign-ups under its Airwallex for Startups initiative. By offering streamlined international payments, global accounts, and competitive FX rates, Airwallex is positioning itself as a vital partner for the country’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.

“We see huge potential in New Zealand’s startup space,” added Gladwell. “We want to support the next wave of ‘soonicorns’ by providing them with the financial infrastructure needed to scale globally.”

Industry Expertise and Established Partnerships

“We understand that the key industries of growth in New Zealand include Tourism, eCommerce, and Tech,” said Gladwell. “Airwallex is already working with some of the country’s most innovative and well-established brands, including Rodd & Gunn, Tracksuit and Auror. Our deep knowledge of these industries allows us to tailor our solutions to meet the unique needs of Kiwi businesses, helping them navigate global expansion with ease.”

Looking Ahead

Airwallex’s entry into New Zealand marks a long-term investment in the country’s business landscape. As the company continues to grow its local team and expand its offerings, it remains committed to helping Kiwi businesses navigate the evolving financial landscape with confidence.

“Our goal is simple,” concluded Gladwell. “We’re here to provide New Zealand businesses with better experiences, lower fees, and faster payments in a market that’s crying out for competition. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”

About Airwallex

Airwallex is a leading global financial platform for modern businesses, offering trusted solutions to manage everything from payments, treasury, and spend management to embedded finance. With our proprietary infrastructure, Airwallex takes the friction out of global payments and financial operations, empowering businesses of all sizes to unlock new opportunities and grow beyond borders. Proudly founded in Melbourne, Airwallex supports over 150,000 businesses globally and is trusted by brands such as AS Colour, Rodd & Gun, Tracksuit and many more. For more information, visit http://www.airwallex.com

MIL OSI

Tech and Security – New Zealand coming second in the region in the number of malware incidents, new analysis shows – NordVPN

LiveNews Publisher

February 27, 2025

Source: NordVPN

According to new research by the cybersecurity company NordVPN, over 83 million malware incidents have been recorded in 2024 in New Zealand, emphasizing the growing cybersecurity threats.

Internet users should be extra careful when clicking links seemingly sent by Big Tech companies – there’s quite a big chance it might be a deliberately misspelled phishing link. Data shows that Google, Facebook, and Microsoft are the top three brands most likely to be impersonated for credential harvesting.

“In fact, the majority of all phishing attacks use around 300 brand names for deception. The brands themselves are not at fault – such fakes hurt their reputation as well, forcing companies to actively hunt them down. However, high brand awareness can lull victims into a false sense of security and get them to lower their guard,” says Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity advisor at NordVPN.

According to the same research, last year there were almost 85,000 fake URLs that impersonate Google websites and services. With more than 6,000 fake URLs online, Facebook takes second place as the scammers’ favorite. Microsoft is in third place, with almost 5,000 fake URLs. Fake AT&T, Yahoo!, and Netflix links should be evaluated more carefully as well. In each of those cases there were around 4,000 fake URLs online.

New Zealand experienced more than 83 million malware incidents in 2024 – the second number in Oceania, with Australia leading the region with more than 351 million incidents per year.

An array of security threats

Data analysed by NordVPN suggest you should also stay away from free video hosting sites (yes, that includes anime hosting websites) and a few other categories. Throughout 2024, NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ feature blocked more than 1.5 billion malware infection attempts on video hosting sites. Other domain categories with the most malware are: entertainment (almost 1 billion malware blocked) and sports (124 million). Just a little behind are adult content sites (109 million malware blocked) and file sharing and storage websites (almost 74 million).

“The above mentioned categories, free video hosting sites in particular, tend to contain a variety of security and privacy threats. Not only malware, but intrusive ads and trackers as well. Over the past year, Threat Protection Pro™ blocked almost 7 billion ads and more than 119 billion trackers on video hosting sites alone. This accounts for 25% off all blocked trackers by Threat Protection Pro™ in 2024,” says Adrianus Warmenhoven.

Know your enemy

Web trackers are a broad category of privacy-invading tools that collect information on user activity. Trackers typically take the form of special scripts, browser cookies, or tracking pixels. Businesses use trackers to paint an accurate picture of you for targeted advertising – but if they suffer a data breach, the stored tracker data could end up falling into the hands of cybercriminals.

Warmenhoven adds that websites often share or sell data collected by trackers to third parties. Those who want to protect their privacy can use several tools to become less trackable, such as tracker blockers, which prevent websites and advertisers from collecting data about your online activity.

Malware refers to any kind of programming that was deliberately designed to harm you or your device. This includes malicious software like viruses, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Malware can steal sensitive data, encrypt important files, or even take over the machine, putting the criminal in complete control.

“It is important to know that malware must be actively brought onto your device, such as by downloading an infected file. One of the most common ways to get infected with malware is through phishing attacks. Scammers use deceptive misspellings of popular brands (such as spelling “Amazon” as “Arnazon”) to trick victims into clicking phishing links and downloading infected files. So you should always check the spelling before clicking,” notes Warmenhoven.

Intrusive advertising refers to ads that actively interfere with your online experience. Intrusive ads aren’t content to just stay on the sidelines – they may distract you by popping up randomly while you’re scrolling, open additional browser tabs, hog bandwidth with lengthy videos, or even hijack the page you’re on. Even worse, some intrusive ads may try to infect your device or redirect you to malicious websites.

Cybersecurity expert advice on how to protect yourself

To protect yourself from common cybersecurity threats like malware, trackers, and intrusive ads, Adrianus Warmenhoven advises to take these precautions:

Avoid a “free lunch.” Certain web domain categories are much more likely to host malware that could compromise your device than others. One of the most prominent categories is free video hosting sites.

Be wary of unsolicited emails and messages. Phishing scams are one of the main methods used by criminals to steal personal and financial data. Emails promising too-good-to-be-true promotions, invitations, or gifts, are probably not true. Messages asking you to update your data or just click on a link may also be versions of phishing.

Don’t get scared and check the links. Cybercriminals prey on confusion and ignorance. They try to scare people, hoping that victims will act on emotion. Don’t do that. Try not to click on links that try to scare you or promise you riches – check the spelling first.

Verify downloads. Malware executables may be disguised as or hidden in legitimate files. Always verify the website you want to download from, and always use anti-malware tools like Threat Protection Pro™ to inspect the files you download.

Limit data exposure. Information such as location, full name, and other personal details can be used by criminals for scams and cyberattacks. Adjust your privacy settings and avoid sharing sensitive data publicly, such as on social networks.

Keep your devices updated. Outdated software is an easy target for cyberattacks. Make sure to keep your operating system, applications, and antivirus software up to date to fix vulnerabilities and ensure greater protection.

Methodology: The statistics mentioned above were acquired by analyzing aggregated data gathered by NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ service from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025. NordVPN is not endorsed by, maintained, sponsored by, affiliated, or in any way associated with the owners of the mentioned brands. Brands are indicated solely for the purpose of accurately reporting information related to brands that were most likely to be impersonated for spreading malware.

ABOUT NORDVPN

NordVPN is the world’s most advanced VPN service provider, used by millions of internet users worldwide. NordVPN provides double VPN encryption and Onion Over VPN and guarantees privacy with zero tracking. One of the key features of the product is Threat Protection™, which blocks malicious websites, malware during downloads, trackers, and ads. The latest service by the Nord Security team is Saily — a new global eSIM. NordVPN is very user friendly, offers one of the best prices on the market, and has over 6,200 servers covering 111 countries worldwide. For more information: https://nordvpn.com.

MIL OSI

HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot Soars into New Cinematic Heights with Historic Japan Re-Release and Fantasporto 2025 Debut

MIL OSI

February 27, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Prepare for an interstellar cinematic journey as “HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot,” a groundbreaking sci-fi adventure from Singapore, 12 years in the making, achieves two unprecedented milestones. On February 28, 2025, this visionary film will be the first Singaporean movie to enjoy a wide special re-release in Japan, screening simultaneously in 50 Aeon Cinemas across the nation. Furthermore, it will make its mark at the prestigious 45th Fantasporto Film Festival in Portugal, becoming the first Singaporean film ever nominated for Best International Feature Film and competing for up to eight additional awards.

HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot (Mechaverse: Shōnen to Robotto) Official Poster

A Galactic Adventure for All Ages

Official Logline:
In a galaxy fractured by warfare, a young pilot and his loyal robot navigate through a universe in turmoil, to bring peace to the stars. “HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot” offers a blend of thrilling action, unique humor, and deep emotional resonance, creating a cinematic experience that families across Asia Pacific will treasure.

With its lavish visual effects and compelling narrative, the film has been celebrated by both audiences and critics. Described as “a dream masterpiece” by Aki Suda (菅田愛貴) of Chō Tokimeki Sendenbu, it has been lauded for its “enchanting” visuals and “spectacular” storytelling.

A Historic Re-Release in Japan
The wide re-release in Japan signifies not only a cultural bridge but is also a testament to the film’s universal appeal. This event is a landmark for Singaporean cinema, proving its potential to engage and captivate international audiences beyond arthouse and dramatic films. Critics have hailed it as a pivotal moment, calling the film a “visually impressive blockbuster” and epic heartwarming narrative that resonates with viewers of all ages.

A Grand Debut at Fantasporto 2025
At Fantasporto, one of the world’s premier genre film festivals, “HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot” stands out among 600 feature film submissions, and was selected as one of only 23 for the feature film competition. “HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot” will represent the debut of Singapore cinema in Fantasporto’s 45-year history. This nomination not only highlights the film’s artistic merit but also marks a significant achievement for Singaporean filmmakers on the global stage.

A Testament to Creativity and Perseverance
Directed by the visionary Rich Ho, the film is the result of 12 years of dedication and perseverance, reflecting a journey that began from a small modest public housing flat in Singapore. The production traversed global borders and cultures, resulting in a cinematic piece worked on by hundreds of cast and crew from all over the world. “This project was born out of a deep desire to encourage others to never give up. I also wanted to show how, with love and respect (humor and food too), the world can learn to work and walk together towards a common vision,” says Ho, emphasizing the film’s message of hope, collaboration, and the transformative power of dreams.

Critical Acclaim and Industry Praise
With its lavish visual effects and compelling narrative, the film has already made history at multiple international festivals:

Fantasporto 2025 (Portugal) – 1st Singaporean film ever nominated for Best International Feature Film in the festival’s 45-year history, eligible for at least eight other awards.
Fantasia International Film Festival 2024 (Canada) – 1st Singaporean film ever nominated for Best First International Feature Film in the festival’s 28-year history.
Les Utopiales de Nantes 2024 (France) – 1st Singaporean film ever nominated for Best International Feature Film in the festival’s 24-year history.
Trieste Science+Fiction Film Festival 2024 (Italy) – Significant nomination for Best International Feature Film (Asteroid Award), though not the first Singaporean film nominated in the festival’s history, it underscores the film’s international recognition.

The film has garnered praise from various quarters:

Grant Watson, Fiction Machine: “Boasting lavish visual effects, this science fiction giant robot epic looks just the sort of glossy, visually impressive blockbuster to compete internationally.”
Sean Parker, 25YL: “Everything about HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot is enchanting. It’s a film that proves family adventure can be both heartwarming and spectacular.”
Chris Jones, Overly Honest Reviews: “HEAVENS signifies a pivotal moment for the Singaporean cinematic landscape. It reminds us that the boundaries of cinema are as limitless as the universe itself.”
Rupert Bottenberg, Fantasia International Film Festival: “Rich Ho’s ambitious and spectacular introduction of his HEAVENS universe has at last launched into the stratosphere. HEAVENS demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.”
Giles Edwards, 366 Weird Movies: “A heartwarming and comedic story about Kai and his Mecha.”
Théo Darmana, atuvu.ca: “A science fiction gem that will amaze the whole family.”
Zed Kosnar, desdeabajo.net: “HEAVENS is a great example of not giving up when you want to bring your dreams and ideas to life. And we need more of those.”

Join the Journey
Don’t miss your chance to experience this historic moment in theaters, starting with Japan on 28^th February 2025. “HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot” invites families to share in a story where the bond between a boy and his robot can change the fate of worlds.

View HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot (Mechaverse: Shōnen to Robotto) Official Trailer for Japan here

https://www.heavensentertainment.com/
https://x.com/heavens_ent_sg/
https://www.instagram.com/heavens_ent_sg/
Official Movie in Japan Website: https://mechaverse.jp
Official Japan Twitter/X: https://x.com/mechaverse_jp
Official Japan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mechaverse_jp
Official Facebook: https://facebook.com/theboyandhisrobot

Hashtag: #heavens_ent_sg #mechaverse_jp #NeverAlone #NeverGiveUp

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

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

Weather News – Summer signing out sunny and warm – MetService

LiveNews Publisher

February 27, 2025

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 27th February – Monday 3rd March – Summer is ending on a sunny note.

South Island to expect rain this weekend and cooler temperatures next week.
Three tropical cyclone systems named in the Southwest Pacific this week.
MetService are monitoring Tropical Cyclone Alfred that remains an active system in the Coral Sea.

Summer started off poorly with a long streak of cooler than usual weather for some, and little to no seasonal rain for others and is, making way to a cold start to Autumn. While the weekend will be dry in most places, wet weather is on the cards for the upper North Island and the lower South Island. After a slow start to the tropical cyclone season, this week saw a burst of activity in the tropics, and MetService is closely monitoring the situation.

MetService Meteorologist Surprise Mhlongo said, “In contrast to how the year started, this season is coming to an end with sunny skies and warm temperatures, making it a suitable weekend to all the activities across the country.”

The eastern areas of the country are expected to be the warmest, with maximum temperatures reaching upper 20s to low 30s. Despite the warm temperatures and mostly sunny skies, showers may be part of the weekend in the upper North Island.

The dry weekend is going to be cut short for the lower South Island, with two successive fronts making their way from Saturday around midday.

“The second, and likely most rain-bearing front is expected to arrive on Sunday afternoon, moving up the Island in the beginning of next week. This will introduce a gradual drop in temperatures, with Alexandra dropping from a maximum of 30C on Sunday to 17C on Tuesday”, added Mhlongo.

While it had been settled weather in New Zealand, three tropical cyclone systems have been named in the Southwest Pacific this week. Two of these systems, Tropical Cyclone Seru and Former Cyclone Rae, have now moved away from the larger island groups. However, Tropical Cyclone Alfred remains an active system in the Coral Sea.

“Where Alfred heads next is the big question for us in New Zealand. For the next few days, Alfred is expected to slowly sink southwards through the Coral Sea. Next week, there is considerable variation in the potential path that Alfred could take”, said Mhlongo.

The large area of high pressure that has been a feature of our weather recently has been helping to keep the most active weather systems away from us and will be a key player in how close Alfred gets to our shores next week.

At the moment, there’s still a wide range of possible tracks in where Alfred could go and how, or if, it will impact us. We are monitoring the system closely along with our colleagues over the Tasman, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology ( https://metservice.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=63982abb40666393e6a63259d&id=3abeda0c8b&e=852c839bf9 ), and will keep you updated with all the latest information through our Severe Weather Outlook ( https://metservice.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=63982abb40666393e6a63259d&id=9ced8191ad&e=852c839bf9 ) and our daily Tropical Cyclone Bulletin: https://metservice.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=63982abb40666393e6a63259d&id=c00ebbb582&e=852c839bf9

MIL OSI

Backing farmers to innovate and make more money

LiveNews Publisher

February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is ramping up a programme to boost sustainably and farm productivity.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has announced the ‘Science for Farmers’ initiative will be rolled out at agricultural events around the country starting with the Dargaville, Wānaka, Feilding, and Kirwee Agricultural Shows over the next two months.

“Science for Farmers brings leading scientists to the regions to talk directly with farmers about research and innovation that’s already paying dividends on farms around the country,” Mr McClay says.

The programme is a collaboration between the Ministry for Primary Industries’ On Farm Support service and key research partners, including AgResearch, AgriZeroNZ, LIC, Massey University, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, and the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre.

It provides detailed information and access to experts in many areas including on:

Alternative pasture types that can help farmers future-proof their pasture-based systems in a warming climate.
Advanced genetics to increase production whilst helping to meet environmental and emissions obligations.
On-farm management systems that increase profit and enhance business resilience.

“The Government is committed to lifting rural productivity, increasing jobs and unlocking New Zealand’s potential by going for growth.

“Small steps can make a big difference. Every extra kilo of milksolids, kg of meat or wool, and extra tray of fruit we produce through innovation and science, puts more money into the pockets of rural New Zealand and helps achieve our goal of doubling the value of exports within 10 years”.

MIL OSI

Education – Whitireia and WelTec connect with community at local events Te Rā o te Raukura and Waitangi Day in Porirua

LiveNews Publisher

February 27, 2025

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

Whitireia and WelTec have joined two Wellington events which focus on the wellbeing of local communities, celebrate culture and local talent, and commemorate the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The events, Te Rā o te Raukura in Waiwhetū, Lower Hutt (a Te Āti Awa and Āti Awa Toa FM event) and Waitangi Day in Porirua (a collaboration between Porirua City Council and Ngāti Toa Rangatira) both held annually, are important occasions in the calendar for local communities, with excellent turnouts, including record attendance this year at Waitangi Day in Porirua. The festivities include musical performances, food stands and artisanal stalls, with Whitireia and WelTec hosting an education stall at both.

Te Rā o te Raukura, a whānau-oriented community cultural festival that focuses on social wellbeing, education, and health, provided a great opportunity for those enjoying the festivities to see firsthand some of the learning and support options at Whitireia and WelTec. Waitangi Day in Porirua is one of the largest celebrations of our nation’s day with an estimated 35,000 attendees this year, making it a fantastic event to connect with the local community and those who travelled from across the wider Wellington region to commemorate the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The Whitireia and WelTec stalls included interactive displays and showcased the learning journey, mahi (work) and projects completed by current ākonga (students) and graduates. These stories provided valuable insight into the impact of study, with highlights including a carpentry house model, samples of engineering projects, and a student-developed computer game, all demonstrating potential career paths for ākonga. Māori and Pasifika Trades Training and enrolments kaimahi (staff) alongside tutors from information technology, trades training, nursing, social work, construction, and engineering were able to talk through the pathway to gaining hands-on skills or study towards a qualification.

Hinemoa Priest, Kaiwhakahaere Ngā Ara Me te Tautoko, Director Learner Pathways and Support at Whitireia and WelTec, explains that community connection is important. Positive education outcomes are an enormous contributor to economic and social wellbeing and the study options and support offered by Whitireia and WelTec can make a huge difference in the lives of learners, their families, and wider communities. “The exceptional support throughout a student’s study journey at Whitireia and WelTec and being able to study local and be close to home with whānau support, is an incredible advantage.”

Plus, there is dedicated support for ākonga Māori at Whitireia and WelTec, with the Tamaiti Whāngai and Te Awarua teams on hand to support the success and participation of ākonga Māori. “Ākonga can walk in, have a hui, ask questions, and get wrap-around mentoring, pastoral, cultural and academic support. The teams also provide external advocacy to help learners navigate things like fees and accommodation”, says Hinemoa.

Mark Oldershaw, Executive Director for Whitireia and WelTec says Te Rā o Te Raukura and Waitangi Day in Porirua are two wonderful events, both fostering community connection. “It is a privilege to reinforce Whitireia and WelTec’s commitment to providing vocational education, showcase our study options and be on hand to have conversations with those considering study and future work.”

MIL OSI

Four-year term legislation to be introduced

LiveNews Publisher

February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has agreed to introduce legislation that will enable a four-year term of Parliament subject to a referendum, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“As stipulated in the National-Act coalition agreement, the Bill is modelled on the ACT Party’s draft Constitution (Enabling a 4-Year Term) Amendment Bill.
“This means a standard term of Parliament will remain at three years, but with the ability to extend the maximum term of Parliament to four years.
“The main condition is that membership of certain select committees is calculated in a way that is proportionate to the non-Executive parliamentary party membership of the House.
“Given the constitutional significance of the term of Parliament, this change would be subject to the outcome of a binding referendum.
“Both the National-Act and National-New Zealand First coalition agreements include supporting a bill to select committee. At this stage, no decisions have been made on whether this Bill will proceed beyond this.
“It is possible a referendum could be held alongside the next General Election in 2026. However, any final decisions on timing for a referendum will depend on what comes out of the select committee process.
“Future decisions will also need to be made by the Government as to whether the bill proceeds as introduced, or whether it should be amended.
“We want to hear what New Zealanders think during the select committee process.”

MIL OSI

Update: Onerahi incident

LiveNews Publisher

February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

One person has died and a homicide investigation has been launched following a firearms incident in Onerahi this morning.

Police received a report of a person injured at Beach Road Reserve at about 11.10am.

Upon arrival, one person was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A second person was located with serious injuries and has been transported to hospital.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB, says Police do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the wider community.

“The key focus for us is determining the series of events that led up to this tragic incident.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward, in particular we would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this incident.

Cordons will remain in place and the community can expect to see an increased Police presence in the area while a scene examination is completed and enquires are carried out.

Members of the public are asked to avoid the area until this has been completed and motorists are advised Beach Road remains closed from Church Road.

“We understand this incident would have been unsettling for the wider community and we appreciate the assistance from the public during this time.”

Police will provide a further update when we are in a position to do so.

If you can assist with our investigation, please call Police on 105 or go online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 quoting job number P061751387.

Information can also be provided anonymously on 0800 555 111 via Crime Stoppers.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Name release: Fatal crash, Courtenay Place

LiveNews Publisher

February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now name the woman who died following a crash on Courtenay Place, Te Aro, on 24 February.

She was Ursula Machtel, 66, formerly of Freiburg, Germany.

Police extend our condolences to her loved ones at this time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Witnesses sought after serious assault, Taradale

LiveNews Publisher

February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Glenn Restieaux of Hastings Police:

Police are asking for witnesses to come forward after an assault that left a young person critically injured.

About 12.40pm yesterday, in the vicinity of Bellevue Dairy Gloucester Street, Taradale, a group of young people was approached by a male who had just exited a car with others.

The male then allegedly assaulted a 14-year-old in the group, and a fight broke out between the two groups.

The 14-year-old was transported to hospital with critical injuries. He remains there in a serious but stable condition.

The second group fled in the vehicle, which was later located and seized.

Police are now working to establish the full circumstances of what occurred, and identify those responsible for the assault.

We know there were several other members of the public who were in the area at the time, and we are hoping they have valuable information to share.

If you can help, please use our 105 service and quote reference number 250227/9346.

You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

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