Fatal crash, Bannockburn Road, Nevis

LiveNews Publisher

February 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

One person has died following a single-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle on Bannockburn Road, Nevis, Central Otago.

Emergency services were alerted to the crash around 10pm.

The rider was located in a critical condition and later died at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit completed a scene examination, and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

The road remained closed till around 2am this morning when it reopened.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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EIT celebrates 50 years of providing quality tertiary education and skills training to Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

LiveNews Publisher

February 18, 2025

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

29 seconds ago

EIT has educated generations of locals and this year will celebrate 50 years of providing quality tertiary education and skills training to Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.

Originally planned to be a university, what arose from a gifted piece of land in Taradale was the Hawke’s Bay Community College. When it opened its doors for vocational and community education in 1975, not many would have anticipated that it would become EIT.

At the heart of it all was a bequest of a piece of land close to the Ōtatara Pa site, south of Taradale, by Margaret Hetley.

Hilda Margaret Hetley (1889-75) had graduated with a Master of Arts from Cambridge University and she wanted a tertiary institution for Hawke’s Bay. She made her bequest for a campus to honour her late husband, Frederic St Arnaud Hetley, and also to mark the provincial centennial of Hawke’s Bay in 1958.

It was the start of academic excellence that would expand to include multiple degree programmes – the Bachelor of Nursing being the first in 1996. That same year the name changed to Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT). EIT consolidated itself as the preeminent educational provider on the East Coast when it merged with Tairāwhiti Polytechnic in Gisborne in 2011.

There have been many developments during the fifty years, including the establishment of the Ōtatara Children’s Centre in 1977; the first computers being set up in 1985; nursing training starting in 1981; Māori studies being launched at Te Manga Māori, now better known as the much-extended Te Ūranga Waka, in 1989; the Twist Library opening in 1993; and by the late 1990s new bachelor degrees were started including business studies, computing systems, Māori studies, visual arts and design, viticulture and wine science.

Study options continued to expand into the early 2000s, with the addition of bachelor degrees for sport, & exercise, applied social sciences, a master’s degree in nursing, an honours’ degree for Māori studies and a diploma in early childhood teaching. Margaret Hetley’s vision for a regional institution that conferred degrees and postgraduate qualifications was being realised.

While Margaret Hetley’s vision was being fulfilled, EIT’s foundation has always been in vocational and community education. From humble beginnings as the Hawkes Bay Community College, EIT has become a leader in certificate and diploma level training across a wide range or trades and practical vocations with more than 5500 learners enrolled on these qualifications in 2024

EIT continues a strong tradition of community education. EIT is one of the biggest providers nationally of Adult Community Education (ACE) programmes and offers a significant amount of foundation education, particularly in Te Reo Maori which they deliver in scores of locations right across Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti including in the evening and on weekends.

New Zealand’s largest regionally-based Trades Academy opened on the Hawke’s Bay campus in 2012. Now also offered at the Tairāwhiti campus, the Trades Academy works with secondary schools to provide year-long trades programmes to help students achieve NCEA Level 2 and prepare for work or higher-level study.

EIT has adopted an internationalisation strategy since 1992 when they started welcoming international students to the Hawke’s Bay Campus. As part of EIT’s growth as an institution and to support further expansion of our international activities, particularly in the provision of postgraduate programmes, EIT established a Graduate School Auckland Campus in 2015.

International students are attracted by EIT’s quality teaching and learning, applied professional programmes, links with industry and the creation of opportunities for academic and personal growth. Each year, EIT typically enrols international students from over 50 different countries benefitting our campuses and wider communities.

Having developed its research capabilities over a number of years, EIT supports its communities in undertaking applied research projects for local industries and community organisations.

EIT has thrived over the last 50 years, now offering more than 160 postgraduate, degree, diploma and certificate-level programmes. Taking Margaret Hetley’s dream for the region beyond what she could have imagined.

EIT’s interim Director of Operations Glen Harkness says that EIT has become an integral part of the community.

“It is a privilege to have been able to play a part in continuing to bring Margaret Hetley’s dream to life for 50 years. EIT’s strength lies not only in its achievements, staff and students but also through the support of the communities of the Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti and our international partners.

“We pride ourselves on the connections we have created and built over the last 50 years with local businesses, community groups and local Iwi and as we look to the future, we will strive to continue to bring academic and vocational excellence to the region.”

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Frogs impacted by predators, climate change

LiveNews Publisher

February 18, 2025

Source: Department of Conservation

Date: 18 February 2025

An independent panel of experts has assessed all 20 frog species and sub-species found in New Zealand, and one newt. Four species have declined in status, and none have improved.

Dr Rhys Burns, DOC’s lead on the assessment panel, says Hamilton’s frogs and one subspecies of Hochstetter’s frog are in serious trouble while Archey’s frogs have higher numbers than previously thought, but are still declining mainly due to the impact of introduced mammals.

“The current Archey’s adult frog population, previously estimated as between 5,000 and 20,000, has been revised to over 100,000 individuals.

“Surveys of Archey’s frog in central-southern Coromandel and Whareorino (western King Country) over the past few years have identified higher numbers than previously known. However, their conservation status remains At Risk – Declining, primarily due to predation by rats and mice.”

Hamilton’s frog, mainly found on Te Pākeka/Maud Island, Takapourewa/Stephen’s Island and a few smaller translocated populations at other sites, was moved into Threatened – Nationally Critical. Monitoring indicates a decline in the size of the largest population found on Te Pākeka Island.

The actual cause of the decline isn’t known, but possibilities include climate impact, predation from mice and weka, direct or secondary poisoning from two brodifacoum operations in 2014 and 2019 to eradicate two mouse incursions on the island, the impact of a frog fungus recently found on the island, or a combination of these factors.

DOC will take all these possibilities into account for future frog management planning on Te Pākeka.

Climate change impact was added to the assessment for the first time – an acknowledgement that climate pressures are increasing for most frog species.

“Changes in rainfall and temperature dry the forest understorey where land-based frogs such as Archey’s and Hamilton’s live,” Rhys says.

“Long periods of high temperatures and dry periods temporarily dry out streams and areas of water seepage that Hochstetter’s frogs rely on. Large storms affect Hochstetter’s frogs that use stream habitat, by increasing water flows, siltation, and in extreme situations, landslides.”

Rhys says we recently saw the devasting impact of severe weather on the already-fragile Hochstetter’s frog population.

“Following the severe rainfall events of January 2023, a major slip in Otawa, near Te Puke, destroyed the habitat of the ‘Otawa’ Hochstetter’s frogs, resulting in an estimated loss of 30-40 per cent of the frog population in one night.

“‘Otawa’ Hochstetter’s frogs were assessed as Threatened – Nationally Critical in this and previous assessments, so the loss was a huge blow. DOC is doing pest control at this site to try to support the recovery of this population.”

Other Hochstetter’s frog populations were assessed as threatened or declining largely due to the impact of predation by introduced mammals.

Rhys says frogs are challenging to survey. “They range from the size of a thumbnail to the length of a thumb, and often live in remote places. It’s resource-hungry work.

“We hope more organisations – whether they’re iwi, other agencies, businesses or community groups – consider researching and surveying frogs.

“The more high-quality information we have, the better we can protect these taonga species. Our frogs are unique to New Zealand, so if they go from here, they’re gone from everywhere.”

Conservation status of amphibians in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2024

Background information

New Zealand native frogs/pepeketua belong to the genus Leiopelma, an ancient group of frogs that has changed very little in 70 million years.

New Zealand’s native frogs have several distinctive features that make them very different from frogs elsewhere in the world: they have no external eardrum, they have round (not slit) eyes, and they don’t croak

Archey’s and Hamilton’s frogs also don’t have a tadpole stage. The embryo develops inside an egg, and then hatches as a tiny almost fully formed frog.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Preparing more PhD students to lift productivity

LiveNews Publisher

February 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

A new university programme will help prepare PhD students for world-class careers in science by building stronger connections between research and industry, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti says.

“Our Government is laser focused on growing New Zealand’s economy and to do that, we must realise the potential of our science, innovation and technology sector,” says Dr Reti.

“New Zealand’s PhD programmes are excellent at preparing students for a career in academia. What they are not doing is giving students the skills to use that cutting-edge science to grow Kiwi businesses.”

The new applied doctorate scheme will be hosted by the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Otago and Massey University, in partnership with New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology industry.

“This scheme will equip PhD students in STEM subjects with the practical skills they need to apply their knowledge to real-world problems within ambitious businesses, alongside their core advanced research skills,” Dr Reti says.

“This scheme will incorporate practical training and opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and develop strong relationships with the science, innovation and technology industry.

“With more hands-on experiences that businesses need, such as project management, finance and the ability to commercialise intellectual property, a greater range of career options will open up for PhD students.

“Businesses will benefit from improved access to advanced researchers, who have the skills to jump straight in and apply their knowledge, and students will be equipped with the skills they need to help grow New Zealand’s economy.”

$20 million over the next five years will support up to 30 students each year to access the scheme.

The host universities will work through details of the scheme and contracting with MBIE, with the aim to invite applications for the first PhD students later in 2025.

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Police respond to IPCA review of policing public protests

LiveNews Publisher

February 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Please attribute to Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura:

Police acknowledges the release of a comprehensive report by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) which looks at the policing of public protests in New Zealand and makes several significant recommendations.

Police has worked closely with the IPCA on this review, which has arisen from complaints to the independent body following high profile protests over recent years.

We have seen a significant change in the protest environment, aided by social media, in which these events are becoming more publicised, highly organised and, in some instances, utilising complex tactics.

We are now often faced with these events involving protesters, counter protesters, and activists who are present for a variety of different causes.

These changes are a global trend which is putting more pressure on police jurisdictions around the world.

In the last two years, New Zealand Police has attended and monitored at least 140 protests across the country.

Police is always focussed on ensuring the community has the right to protest but balancing this against upholding the law and ensuring the safety of those attending, as well as members of the public in the vicinity.

The 2022 parliamentary protest, as well as recent rallies regarding the conflict between Israel and Palestine, highlight some of the complex issues Police is dealing with.

Today’s report recommends several changes and Police accepts and agrees with these in principle.

The most significant is the recommendation for a new stand-alone legislation which would put New Zealand in line with comparative jurisdictions such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Any legislative reform would be led by the Minister of Justice.

There are also recommendations regarding police policies, processes, and training in the public order policing area.

Police is considering how best to respond to these, noting that our organisation has already undertaken a raft of changes following the parliamentary protests.

Our progress and work in this area has been acknowledged by the IPCA in the report.

We know our officers who work in Public Order Policing teams, as well as all officers who attend to support and police these events, do an incredible job at keeping people safe in what can be a challenging and highly emotional environment.

We know we must continually improve and adapt to the changing environment in protests and so we look forward to seeing where this review leads us.

There were three separate investigations into protests in Auckland which are outlined in this review, and we have responded to each of these as below.

Investigation one:

The IPCA investigated a high number of complaints regarding the Police response to the Let Women Speak rally held at Albert Park in March 2023.

This event became volatile very quickly due to behaviour by counter protesters who surrounded the rotunda when the main speaker arrived.

Police acknowledge the finding by the IPCA in relation to the protest, which says our initial risk assessment could have been better.

We also accept that our response on the day when protestors surrounded the rotunda was inadequate.

We do note that our staff were also dealing with a separate unrelated protest on the same day, not far from this location, alongside other operational demands which put significant pressure on officers at these time sensitive events.

The criticism of the policing of this event was not due to the fault of any individual officer but rather learnings around undertaking a better risk assessment for any future protests, ensuring we have adequate resourcing for these unpredictable events.

We have debriefed this matter and taken these lessons onboard.

We also note that Police carried out an investigation following the event, and two counter-protesters were charged with assault.

Investigation two:

The second investigation referenced in the IPCA report relates to the arrest of a counter-protestor during a rally in support of Palestine in November 2023 at Aotea Square, Auckland.

A man was holding an Israeli flag around 150 metres from where protesters were setting up a speaking area.

Police told the man to leave and stay away from the event to prevent a potential breach of the peace. They told the man he would be arrested if he returned.

The man left but returned without his flag, his face covered, and stood in Aotea Square while speeches took place.

He was arrested and charged with intentionally obstructing a police officer acting in the execution of his duty.

Police accept this arrest was unlawful and while the intent of the officers was to ensure the man’s safety, we accept they had no lawful basis to tell him to leave or to arrest him when he returned.

We have spoken with the officers involved in this incident and have used this as a learning opportunity for them.

The charge of obstruction was withdrawn.

Investigation three:

During the same rally in Auckland’s CBD in November 2023, Police came across a different counter-protester who was holding a sign which they believed had the potential to incite violence.

Police, concerned for the woman’s safety, asked her to move and put down her sign and when she failed to comply, they had to move her a short distance away and took her sign off her.

When she continued to try and re-enter the protest they arrested her for a breach of the peace.

The IPCA has found the use of force to move the woman away was unjustified and the arrest was unlawful.

While Police acknowledge the IPCA’s view on this, we believe our officers were acting in the woman’s best interests to keep her safe due to their previous experience at pro-Palestine events which had turned violent very quickly.

We do accept that she should have been given her sign back when she was released by Police.

The primary role of Police at these events is to ensure everyone’s safety while they protest.

If there is a concern that someone may be harmed, Police will act within the boundaries of the law to protect all individuals present.

We recognise the delicate balance between a person’s right to peacefully protest and maintaining public order.

Our officers are entrusted to make these decisions based on their knowledge and information available to them.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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REMINDER: Keeping State Highway 6 in tip top shape – night closures begin next week

LiveNews Publisher

February 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Regular users of State Highway 6 between Rai Valley and Hira need to be ready for three weeks of night closures starting next week.

Resurfacing and maintenance work is scheduled for the Whangamoa Saddle from 23 February until 13 March.

During this time State Highway 6 between Hira and Rai Valley will be closed from 8 pm to 5.30 am, Sunday to Thursday nights. No work will be done on Friday and Saturdays.

To take advantage of this closure and reduce disruption on the route, the Pelorus Bridge on State Highway 6 between Havelock and Rai Valley will also be closed on the night of 23 February from 8 pm until 5.30 am to allow one of its deck panels to be replaced. The bridge will be open for traffic at 12:30 am.

Road crews will be carrying out road resurfacing and other essential maintenance work including

clearing drains, replacing a culvert, completing resilience improvements, and other general works.

All the work has been deliberately timed to happen at night and outside peak summer holiday traffic to ensure it affects as few road users as possible.

Full closures are being used because of narrowness of the road and the equipment being used. It is not feasible or safe for road users or workers to run stop/go traffic management. The closures will allow the work to be completed faster and with lower traffic management costs.

The highway will be opened once per night at 12:30 am to let traffic through. Road users, particularly freight operators are urged to plan carefully to ensure they meet this schedule.

Drivers also need to be aware of other state highway maintenance work planned for the region in February and March, and to check road conditions before they travel.

Other State Highway maintenance works:

SH6 Havelock – Nighttime works: Asphalting
- Tuesday, 11 February to Sunday, 6 March, 7 pm to 7 am. Stop/go with delays of up to 10 minutes.

SH6 Pelorus – Day time work: Area Wide Pavement Treatment
- Monday, 10 February to Tuesday, 11 March, 7 am to 7 pm. Stop/go with delays of up to 10 minutes.

SH6 Whangamoa Saddle – works schedule and location:

23 February to 13 March. Sunday to Thursday nights, 8 pm – 5:30 am.
No work will be done on Friday and Saturday nights. The highway will be open, but traffic management and temporary speed limits will apply at work areas.
There will be one nightly opening of the road at 12:30 am to allow vehicles through. Drivers must be at the closure points (at the weighbridge in Hira, and on the Rai Valley straight at Rai Engineering & Mechanical) by 12:30 am.
Bad weather may see works delayed or extended.
There will be other areas of work on our state highways across the top of the South during February. Please plan ahead when travelling.

SH6 Pelorus Bridge – works schedule and location:

Sunday 23 February, 8 pm – 5:30 am with one opening of the road at 12:30 am to allow vehicles to cross the bridge.
Drivers must be at the closure points at the Pelorus Bridge by 12:30 am.
Contractors will return to the site to complete maintenance work on SH6 Pelorus Bridge from 3 March to 6 March, 8 pm – 5:30 am. Expect delays of up to 10 minutes.
Bad weather may see works delayed or extended.
There will be other areas of work on our state highways across the top of the South during February. Please plan ahead when travelling.

Detour Route:

The alternate route for drivers wanting to travel over night between Blenheim and Nelson is via State Highway 63 and St Arnaud.
This is a much longer route and will add to travel times.

Works Location:

View larger image [PDF, 598 KB]

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Auckland Harbour Bridge maintenance – changes to Te Onewa Pā/ Stokes Point Reserve access

LiveNews Publisher

February 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi will be carrying out maintenance and repairs on Span 1 of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, which is located over Te Onewa Pā/ Stokes Point Reserve.

Work began yesterday (Monday 17 February) and will continue through to January 2026. Works will be carried out Monday to Friday, from 7am to 5.30pm.

Between now and June, contractors will be erecting scaffolding on the centre and eastern side of the Pā, and carrying out work in an enclosed space, which will reduce noise and dust.

During this time, the public can access Te Onewa Pā/ Stokes Point Reserve using the western entrance. The eastern entrance will be closed.

In June, contractors will extend the scaffolding over the western side of the Pā and there will be no public access to Te Onewa Pā/ Stokes Point Reserve until January 2026.

NZTA recognises this is part of a popular walking path for the community and thanks everyone for their support and patience while we complete this essential maintenance.

To view the latest schedule please go to:

Upcoming maintenance(external link)

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Sport and recreation facilities funding round opens

LiveNews Publisher

February 18, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Indoor facilities, courts, changing rooms – these are just a few examples of the essential infrastructure needed to provide an optimal sport and recreation experience for Aucklanders.

The sports organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau who want to develop their facilities can now apply for a slice of $9.5 million funding through Auckland Council’s Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund (SRFIF).

Councillor Angela Dalton, chair of the council’s Community Committee says the funding will lead to a boost in the number of Aucklanders participating in sport and recreation activities across the region.

“Over the summer, we’ve seen Aucklanders at great facilities all over the region participating in their chosen sports, having fun and connecting – and this will continue with winter sports in the coming months.

“The fund supports the development of sport and recreation facilities that create opportunities for Aucklanders to get active.

Applications for the 2025/2026 Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund open from 18 February 2025 to 18 March 2025.

Kenneth Aiolupotea, General Manager Community Wellbeing welcomes applications to the fund.

“Grassroots sports organisations play an important role in the Tāmaki Makaurau sport and recreation network.

“Sports organisations that need help to finance building or infrastructure work are encouraged to apply through the fund.

“A range of sports organisations, including football, rugby and league, bowls and kartsport received funding through the last

contestable funding round.

Who should apply?

The SRFIF is a contestable grant and open to non-council organisations for significant facility development.

It has a focus on communities that are in the greatest need of investment and large-scale community sport facility development projects that can leverage additional investment.

The guidelines that outline full eligibility and funding priorities are explained here.

Key dates

The 2025/26 funding round will be open for applications between 18 February 2025 and 18 March 2025.

Funding decisions will be made by the Community Committee in July 2025.

More information on the council’s grants programme that supports Aucklanders’ aspirations for a great city, including the Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund can be found on the Auckland Council website.

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Funeral procession, Counties Manukau

LiveNews Publisher

February 18, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Simon Cornish, Counties Manukau East:

Police are aware of plans for a funeral procession heading through Counties Manukau today.

We will have staff in the area monitoring to ensure the safety of the community and to monitor traffic movement.

Antisocial or unlawful behaviour and driving related offending will not be tolerated and any of this behaviour can expect to be met with enforcement action.

Everyone in the community has the right to be safe and feel safe and we ask you report any unlawful behaviour to Police on 111 if it is happening now or 105 after the fact.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Shuttering govt entities? Public service boss’s comments welcomed

LiveNews Publisher

February 18, 2025

Source: ACT Party

“ACT enthusiastically welcomes a debate on shuttering redundant government entities,” says ACT Public Service spokesperson Todd Stephenson after the Public Service Commissioner raised the prospect publicly.

“For households and businesses in an economic slump, cancelling old subscriptions is a financial no-brainer, and it’s time for the Government to run the ruler over its own redundant commitments.

“For starters, we could close ministries focused on serving specific demographic groups, and instead spend the funding based on need, through the Social Investment Agency.

“We could scrap the Human Rights Commission and instead strengthen the Human Rights Review Tribunal – the body that can actually act on human rights breaches.

“We could abolish the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, and the Climate Change Commission, and just let the emissions trading scheme do its job.

“If we’re serious about growing the economy, we need to shrink the scope of the government, focus on doing the basics well, and return savings to taxpayers. We need to transfer power and resources away from Wellington and back to the firms, farms, and families doing the real work to pull us out of recession.”

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