SH2 summer renewals progressing in Central Hawke’s Bay

February 17, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising road users travelling on State Highway 2 (SH2) between Waipawa and Takapau in Central Hawke’s Bay to expect some delays day and night as the summer renewals programme focusses on this part of the region.

SH2 resealing between Waipukurau and Takapau – day work

Starting this week, a stretch of SH2 between Takapau and Waipukurau will be resealed over the next 6 weeks.

Crews will be working onsite Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm each weekday.

The road will be under stop/go traffic management and road users are encouraged to plan for possible delays of up to 20 minutes. Outside of the work hours, temporary speed limits will be in place.

SH2 road rebuild in Waipawa – night works begin next week

The road rebuild project between Victoria Street and Tamumu Road, just north of the Waipawa township is progressing.

The first stage of the road rebuild project, the kerb and channel, was completed last week.

The second stage, the road rebuild, is starting on Monday 17 February. Working at night between 8pm and 5am Mondays to Fridays, crews will rebuild the road section by section.

On Monday crews will start with section 2 at the Victoria St end of the worksite, working up to Tamumu Road. See the map included.

Stop/go traffic management will be in place during the night works with possible delays of up to 20 minutes. Road users are encouraged to plan ahead using Journey Planner.

Journey Planner(external link)

This work is happening at night to reduce daytime disruption and complete the job faster.

NZTA appreciates the work will cause delays and is confident resealing this stretch of road will improve its resilience, safety and ultimately efficiency of travel for everyone who uses it.

MIL OSI

Update on the Epitaph Rift and Slip, South Westland – delays extend Monday to Friday from next week

LiveNews Publisher

February 17, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The work to remove unstable rock material from South Westland’s Epitaph Rift is going well, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

Abseiling crews have been working on the cliff face, north of Haast, removing large rocks and exploding unstable rock features since the highway closed early November last year. Intensive rain set off numerous rockfalls and slips, closing SH6 for 13 days.

“This week, the abseiling and rock explosive team reached an important milestone,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA on the West Coast. “The unstable layer along the crest of the rockfall has now been completely removed and benched. This means they can now begin safely deconstructing the unstable material further down the cliff face, through to the end of March.”

Current situation re delays for drivers/ road users

Currently SH6 is closed in both directions between 12:30pm and 3pm Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, with Stop/Go in place between 3pm and 5pm on those two afternoons with delays for drivers.

New timetable with crews closer to the road – Monday to Friday delays

Now that the team is able to work down the southern margin of the rock face, there will be longer delays during the day to allow this area of the face to be scaled safely, says Miss Whinham.

From Monday 17 February, there will be delays of up to 30 minutes Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm. Full closures for blasting will continue Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12.30 pm to 3pm through to the end of March.

“We appreciate road users’ patience while we undertake this important recovery work, affecting more people across the working week,” says Miss Whinham.

Epitaph Slip/ below road level funding confirmed

NZTA confirms that around $1.7 million in funding has been confirmed this week to construct a micro-pile wall along the downslope shoulder of the road (ie under the road on the 2012 slip area).

Work on this will begin in early March and is expected to be complete in May. “Both activities, to the upper slope and under the road, will be happening at the same time and will be coordinated across the site, but it will mean there is traffic management in place around the clock until the micro-pile work is complete,” says Miss Whinham.

What are micro-piles?

Micro-piles are a whole lot of little piles drilled down into the road that basically stabilise the surface. This piece of work will deal with the stability below the road, specifically around the shoulder, and is separate from the rockfall stabilisation work. As well as the rockfall last November, there was also movement in the road surface. Cracks have since been filled, but the micro-piling is a more long-term fix.

Longer term resilience business case, Hāwea to Knights Point, north of Epitaph slip area

Work continues on the NZTA investment case looking at potential medium and long-term solutions for the management of the Epitaph Slip to address the vulnerability of the state highway at this location. The business case is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025.

This work will enable NZTA to determine a preferred long-term solution at this site in parallel with completing its SH6 Haast (Knights Point) to Hāwea Corridor Resilience Improvement Business Case.

SH6 Epitaph Slip Investment Case

MIL OSI

Tech – Gen Q4 Threat Report: 321 Threats Blocked Per Second as Social Media Becomes a Playground for Scammers

LiveNews Publisher

February 17, 2025

Source: Botica Butler Raudon for Gen

Social media, AI and human trust led to a record-breaking year of
advanced scams and personal data loss

AUCKLAND, 17 February 2024 – Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), a global leader in consumer Cyber Safety with a family of brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender and CCleaner, today released its Q4/2024 Gen Threat Report. The report reveals a surge in online threats to close out a record-breaking 2024, with 2.55 billion cyberthreats blocked in October to December – equalling 321 threats every second. The risk ratio of encountering threats reached 27.7 percent in Q4, with social engineering attacks comprising 86 percent of all blocked threats, demonstrating the advanced psychological tactics used by cybercriminals today.

“We’re continuing to see scam-related threats becoming far more dangerous as they hide, sometimes in plain sight, throughout every aspect of our digital life,” said Siggi Stefnisson, Cyber Safety CTO at Gen. “This quarter we saw them prey on people’s emotions, such as the need to shop on budget during the holidays, the desire to find love during the end of the year, the hope for change during government elections and more. And, unfortunately, this is resulting in people continuing to lose money and control over their personal information. In 2025 we only expect these risks to increase as the rise of AI-powered systems and devices will mark the next frontier for cybercrime.”

The Dark Side of Social Media
Scam-related attacks continue to demonstrate global reach and adaptability. Phishing attacks rose by 14 percent in Q4 of 2024, with many exploiting platforms for creating websites like Wix and spoofing brands such as Apple iCloud with fake invoice scams. Meanwhile, malvertising remained a leading method of driving scams and malware delivery, comprising 41 percent of all blocked attacks for the quarter.

Social media platforms remained one of the prime grounds for scams and cybercrime at the end of 2024. Facebook stands out, accounting for a staggering 56 percent of total identified threats. YouTube trails behind at 24 percent, followed by X with 10 percent and Reddit and Instagram both accounting for 3 percent of all social media threats. When it comes to messaging platforms, despite WhatsApp’s larger user base, Telegram experiences six times more threats due to scammers utilising the platform’s additional privacy features to make their crimes harder to track by authorities.

The ways that scammers are using social media vary with such different people and use cases for the platforms. Gen found that the main ways people were scammed across social media were:

Deceptive online ads (Malvertising) (27%): These deceptive ads spread malicious software onto the device being used or redirected people to malicious websites that can do the same.
Fake e-shops (23%): People are lured by fraudulent online stores, also exposing personal and financial data.
Phishing (18%): Scams aimed at stealing sensitive information like credit card numbers or passwords.

Social media is quickly turning into a playground for scammers to leverage platform algorithms, AI, and personalised interactions to scale their attacks faster and more effectively than ever before. Read the full analysis on social media threats in our latest blog.

Year-End Spike in Financial Scams
October to December marked the year’s most active quarter for financial scams, with mobile phones serving as a primary attack vector. Leading this trend were:

The largest deepfake crypto scam: The infamous CryptoCore group, known for hijacking YouTube accounts to promote their crypto scam campaigns, capitalised on the US Presidential Election. The group used deepfake videos featuring figures like Elon Musk to steal over $7 million from its victims. This marked the largest attack of its kind.
Mobile banking trojans: New mobile bankers, phone applications designed to steal banking information, launched in Q4 of 2024. This included DroidBot which used remote access capabilities to go after banking details and crypto wallets. Another was ToxicPanda that disguised itself as Visa, dating apps and Chrome. The well-known BankBot banker saw infections rise by 236 percent compared to Q3 of 2024.
Spyware and SpyLoans: Malicious apps promising quick money with high interest rates and predatory repayment schedules, also surged this quarter. Once installed, these apps request access to SMS messages, photos and other sensitive information, allowing them to spy on the victim. After a few weeks, the victim faces extortion and threats of their private data being published unless they pay to the cybercriminals. A new spyware strain disguised as a body mass index (BMI) calculator spread via the Amazon App Store, a novel distribution tactic reflecting the rising number of official Android app stores.

Personal Data – The New Gold
Personal data loss continued to pose a high risk of identity theft and loss of privacy for consumers. Scam-Yourself Attacks, such as ClickFix and FakeCaptcha, grew rapidly. In Q4, Gen blocked attacks targeting 4.2 million individuals, a 130 percent increase from the previous quarter. These campaigns use psychological manipulation to deceive people into copying and executing malicious code, potentially leading to financial fraud, account takeovers or malware infections.

To help people stay protected from this threat and keep their data safe, Gen introduced a Clipboard Protection feature across the Norton, Avast and AVG brands that blocks clipboard-based threats before they can execute.

For the third consecutive quarter, ransomware continued its alarming upward trend, with a notable 50 percent increase in Q4. This highlights an escalating threat for both organisations and individuals globally.

To read the full Q4/2024 Gen Threat Report, visit: https://www.gendigital.com/blog/insights/reports/threat-report-q4-2024

About Gen   
Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN) is a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom through its trusted Cyber Safety brands, Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender and CCleaner. The Gen family of consumer brands is rooted in providing safety for the first digital generations. Now, Gen empowers people to live their digital lives safely, privately, and confidently today and for generations to come. Gen brings award-winning products and services in cybersecurity, online privacy and identity protection to nearly 500 million users in more than 150 countries. Learn more at GenDigital.com. 

MIL OSI

Universities – Pacific Islands: Zone of peace or ocean of discontent? – Vic

LiveNews Publisher

February 17, 2025

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

A conference focused on Pacific politics is being hosted this week at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Entitled “Zone of peace or ocean of discontent?”, the event will run from 19-21 February 2025.

The conference is taking place at a time when international geopolitical structures may be changing forever with far-reaching consequences. At the same time, there are internal political pressures in many Pacific nations.

The conference programme centres on both geopolitical impacts on the region and on internal political issues. The event will bring together Pacific experts to discuss where the region is heading.

The programme is available here: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/strategic-studies/documents/PIPSA2025-Programme-10-02.pdf

It is the first annual conference of the Pacific Islands Political Studies Association since the COVID-19 pandemic.

MIL OSI

Serious Crash, Sh 30, Roititi Forest

LiveNews Publisher

February 17, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are responding to a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 30, Rotoiti Forest, Rotorua District.

Emergency services were alerted around 9:20am.

It appears one person is in a serious condition.

The road is closed, and motorists are advised to take an alternate route.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Release: University cuts on the cards under National

LiveNews Publisher

February 17, 2025

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

The Government’s sudden cancellation of the tertiary education funding increase is a reckless move that risks widespread job losses and service reductions across New Zealand’s universities.

“Now that the Government has delayed this crucial review of the sector’s long-term funding, universities are left with no clear path forward. The immediate consequence will be substantial job cuts and slashed services, directly affecting students’ learning experiences and weaking New Zealand’s future workforce,” Labour tertiary education spokesperson Deborah Russell said.

“Not only that, but the cancellation of this funding also poses a significant threat to New Zealand’s research and development sector, as universities play a pivotal role in driving innovation and economic growth through research initiatives,” Deborah Russell said.

In 2023, New Zealand’s universities were set to announce massive job cuts, but a $128 million funding boost passed by all parties kept the sector afloat through 2025. This funding was designed as a stop-gap measure until there could be a comprehensive review of the sector’s long-term funding system, aimed at preventing drastic cuts in the future.

“By scrapping that funding before completing the review, National is effectively choosing to pull the plug on vital funding that universities are counting on, leaving institutions scrambling to cover costs and reassessing key services for future academic years.

“The Government claims to be focused on economic growth, but National’s choices have already plunged New Zealand into the sharpest recession in 30 years, with 33,000 more people out of work. The last thing we need now is to cut opportunities for our future workforce,” Deborah Russell said.

Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

MIL OSI

Missing teenager located, Mount Wellington

LiveNews Publisher

February 17, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Location:

Counties Manukau

The 16-year-old previously reported missing from the Mount Wellington area has been located safe and well.

Police would like to thank those members of the public who provided information, which assisted in locating him.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Serious Crash, Anzac Drive, Hamilton East

LiveNews Publisher

February 17, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are responding to a crash on Anzac Parade, near Memorial Drive, Hamilton East.

Emergency services were alerted to the crash around 8:15am.

One person appears to be in a serious condition.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

Anzac Parade is closed between Grey Street and Memorial Drive, motorists are advised to take an alternate route and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Funding confirmed for Waikare Gorge realignment

LiveNews Publisher

February 17, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has confirmed funding to deliver the Waikare Gorge realignment project, ensuring a resilient and safe connection between Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa District on to Tairawhiti can be restored, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“The Government is committed to delivering transport infrastructure that boosts economic growth and creates a safer, more resilient transport network for people, vehicles, and freight,” Mr Bishop says.
“Currently, the state highway travels through Putorino, and down into Waikare Gorge. This section of road through the gorge has been prone to slips in the past and the gorge bridge was destroyed in Cyclone Gabrielle severing the connection between Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa for a number of months until a Bailey bridge opened across the river.
“We know how critical this SH2 connection is for the thousands of road users and freight operators who use this corridor every day, and the local communities and businesses who have been looking forward to this keenly anticipated project going ahead.
“Cabinet has now confirmed funding will be provided by the Crown to the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to help deliver the Waikare Gorge realignment project, with four kilometres of State Highway 2 realigned between Wairoa and Napier, including a 160-metre-long arch bridge over the top of Waikare Gorge.
“This funding allows NZTA to get on with the project and finalise design and complete negotiations with property owners in the area. NZTA wants to work with local contractors for as much of the construction as possible, and I look forward to this beginning once pre-implementation work is completed.
“Today marks the two-year anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle, and I know recovery work has been a tough grind for the East Coast. The Government is committed to the region and prioritising the delivery of roading investment across New Zealand is part of our plan to boost economic growth. That includes the Waikare Gorge realignment, alongside all the other recovery work currently underway.
“I want to acknowledge the patience and persistence of those living, working and traveling through the East Coast. I also want to thank the local MPs Katie Nimon and Dana Kirkpatrick, Wairoa Mayor Craig Little, and other community leaders for their continued strong advocacy for this important project. I look forward to construction starting on the Waikare Gorge realignment as soon as possible.”
Notes to Editor

Cabinet has confirmed funding will be provided by the Crown to the NZ Transport Agency to deliver the Waikare Gorge realignment project.
This funding will be a drawn down from the tagged contingency set aside in Budget 2024 to enable the NZ Transport Agency to bring forward priority projects that would otherwise be phased to begin from 2027 onwards.
Overall funding to deliver the Waikare Gorge Realignment will be confirmed publicly once a contractor is in place to deliver the project.
The arch bridge will be 160 metres long and will cross from one side of the gorge to the other. Other examples of an arch bridge can be seen crossing the Waikato River (130 metres span); on the Taupō Bypass (100m span) and near Ngaruawahia as part of Te Awa cycleway (130m span).
Construction will begin as soon as NZTA completes pre-implementation work such as negotiations with landowners, detailed design and consenting.
Once underway, the project is expected to take 4 years to complete and because it’s constructed mostly away from the existing SH2, there will be no traffic disruption, except when it comes to connecting the new road to the existing state highway.
The existing Bailey bridge will remain in place until the realignment is built. The Bailey bridge will follow a routine maintenance schedule with regular monitoring to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose.

MIL OSI

First Responders – Lewis Pass Road fire update #6

LiveNews Publisher

February 16, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters have made good progress consolidating the containment lines around the Lewis Pass Road fireground today and will return tomorrow to continue mopping up remaining areas of deep-seated burning.

Speed restrictions have been lifted on SH7 overnight while firefighting operations are suspended. The temporary 30km/hr speed limit will be in place again from 7am to ensure the safety of personnel working on and alongside the road.

Fire and Emergency NZ Assistant Commander Dave Key says the landowner will monitor the fire overnight. If people travelling between Springs Junction and Hanmer Springs notice flames overnight, or any other signs of fire that concern them, they should call 111 to report them.

Three crews of firefighters will be working on the fireground tomorrow with a helicopter on standby if needed.

Dave Key thanked the local residents for their support of crews and the incident management team over the last two days.

MIL OSI

1...870871872...1,060 Page 871 of 1,060