Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police are now able to confirm the name of the man who died following a crash in Parikino, Whanganui on 8 February.
He was 29-year-old Jake Andrew Sutherland, of Castlecliff.
Police extend our condolences to those close to Jake.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
This week marks a significant step in the delivery of healthcare services for the northern region with the opening of the final ward of Tōtara Haumaru, the country’s newest hospital facility on Auckland’s North Shore Hospital campus, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “This facility has a critical role in reducing waitlists for Auckland’s fast-growing and ageing population. “It is encouraging to see progress already being made, with more than 2,500 New Zealanders having had their elective surgery at the hospital since it opened on 1 July 2024. “Acute and elective endoscopy activity is also ramping up, with 2,500 endoscopies completed at the new facility in addition to the elective surgeries. “The hospital has allowed for the expansion of some regional services, including vascular and plastic surgery, allowing local patients to have their surgery closer to home. “It has also enabled the regional expansion of robotically-assisted surgeries, resulting in a 40 per cent reduction in length of stay, and fewer complications and quicker recovery for patients. “The opening of the fifth and final ward this week increases capacity for women’s health and gynaecology services from 15 to 20 patients, delivering improved patient outcomes in a significantly enhanced environment. “Ensuring that all New Zealanders can access timely, quality healthcare is a priority for the Government. “You can’t manage what you don’t measure, which is why the Government restored five key health targets, including a target of 95 per cent of patients to wait less than four months for a first specialist assessment and elective treatment by 2030.”While there is significant progress needed to meet these targets, I am pleased that patients in the region and further afield are benefiting from this state-of-the-art facility. This number will only grow as theatre capacity and resourcing continues to scale-up over time. “As Minister of Health, my focus is and always will be improving patient outcomes and ensuring access to timely, quality healthcare. “Reducing waitlists so that New Zealanders have shorter wait times for appointments and surgery is a key part of that,” Mr Brown says.
Source: New Zealand Government
Health Minister Simeon Brown has today acknowledged the resignation of Director-General of Health and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Sarfati, and thanked her for her service.
“Diana was appointed in November 2022, having acted in the role from July 2022. She played a key role as the government’s chief health advisor and steward of New Zealand’s public health system during the health system reforms.
“Prior to this, Diana was National Director of Cancer at the Ministry of Health where she oversaw the implementation of the Cancer Control Agency, before being appointed its Chief Executive and National Director.
“Diana has had a long, distinguished career in health as a public health physician, cancer epidemiologist, and health services researcher.
“An experienced and respected leader, Diana has led the Ministry of Health during a challenging time as the last government’s reforms were being implemented.
“I acknowledge Diana’s decision to step down from the role and thank her for her commitment to ensuring the health system delivers for New Zealanders.
“I wish her all the very best for the future,” Mr Brown says.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
The driver of a stolen vehicle has landed in court after a search of the vehicle he was driving found a number of zip-lock bags containing methamphetamine.
At about 10.25pm, Police were alerted to a stolen vehicle travelling on Dawson Road, Ōtara.
Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says officers located the vehicle parked in a driveway and quickly took the driver and passenger into custody.
“A search of the vehicle has located 16 grams of methamphetamine, split into zip-lock bags as well as electronic scales.
“Though the quantity of drugs may not be considered large on a national scale, we know all too well how destructive methamphetamine is to communities.
“We are committed to holding offenders to account and delivering on our intent to the community safe.”
A 35-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court today charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine and receiving property.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Samsung ships over 38 tons of e-waste to New Zealand for responsible recycling
AUCKLAND, NZ – February 14, 2025 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is proud to announce that it has fulfilled its commitment to addressing the growing e-waste crisis in the Pacific Islands. In partnership with Blue Orca and Echo, Samsung New Zealand has successfully facilitated the transportation and recycling of over 38 tonnes of end-of-life appliances, electrical, and electronic equipment, collected across the Pacific Islands.
In 2024, Samsung New Zealand engaged Blue Orca to assess e-waste challenges across five Pacific Islands – Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Timor-Leste. The assessment revealed a lack of local recycling infrastructure, raising concerns about the environmental impact of unmanaged e-waste in the region.
“The absence of local recycling options and the severe environmental consequences outlined in the report pushed us to take action,” said Shannon Watts, Marketing Director, Samsung Electronics New Zealand. “Through our collaboration with Blue Orca and recycling partner Echo, we’ve been able to drive meaningful change and address the critical e-waste issue facing Pacific Island communities. This initiative helps protect the environment and supports local communities by ensuring responsible recycling of electronic waste.”
Samsung, Blue Orca, and Echo achieved a significant milestone by collecting and transporting 38,502 kg of e-waste from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands to New Zealand for recycling. This effort resulted in the prevention of 228 kg of toxic metals from contaminating the soil and avoided 11,042 kg of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the protection of the environment and benefiting local communities.
“This initiative is a crucial step toward mitigating the environmental impact of e-waste in the Pacific Islands. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration between Samsung, Blue Orca, and Echo,” added Watts. “We’re proud to have played a role in diverting a significant volume of end-of-life electronics from landfills, ensuring they are now being recycled ethically and responsibly.”
This Pacific Islands recycling program further supports Samsung New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to its global Everyday Sustainability Environmental Strategy, as part of the company’s efforts to contribute to tackle climate change. Over the past two years, Samsung New Zealand, in collaboration with Echo, has successfully recycled more than 73 tonnes of e-waste through local collection drives in Auckland. These initiatives empower New Zealanders to take responsibility for recycling their electronic waste, ensuring that it is handled responsibly and sustainably.
E-Waste Collection Breakdown:
Total e-waste collected: 38,502 kg
Greenhouse gas emissions avoided: 11,042 kg
Toxic metals diverted from landfill: 228 kg
Island Breakdown:
Fiji:
• 4,328 kg of e-waste collected
• 1,241 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided
• 25.6 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill
Tonga:
• 13,863 kg of e-waste collected
• 3,976 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided
• 81.99 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill
Samoa:
• 12,911 kg of e-waste collected
• 3,702.8 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided
• 76.35 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill
Cook Islands:
• 7,400 kg of e-waste collected
• 2,122 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided
• 43.77 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
Funded annual health checks for people with intellectual disability will prevent more than 100 deaths a year and significantly reduce hospital admissions, saving $16.5 million annually – more than enough to cover the $13 million cost of the checks themselves, says IHC New Zealand.
In a New Zealand Medical Journal article released today, IHC Advocate Shara Turner says it’s unacceptable that intellectually disabled New Zealanders should die much earlier than other New Zealanders, for preventable reasons.
“Intellectually disabled people have the highest mortality risk of any group, with a life expectancy of up to 22 years shorter than the general population,” says Shara.
“They are 2.7 times more likely to be admitted to the emergency department, 3.6 times more likely to be admitted to hospital for a condition that could have been avoided and have higher rates of lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and mental health conditions.
“We are urging the Government to see that annual health checks could lower the risk of early mortality for intellectually disabled people by up to 35 percent.”
IHC’s own cost-benefit analysis using Treasury’s CBAx tool for healthcare costs shows that annual health checks would be fiscally positive and viable.
Shara says there is robust international evidence about the benefits of the annual health check for this population.
“Universal health checks for intellectually disabled people have been implemented in Australia and the United Kingdom since 2007, providing a proven and pragmatic model that could be adapted for Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Shara. “These checks would not only improve health outcomes but also relieve pressure on emergency departments and cut healthcare costs.”
“Now is the time to act – investing in annual health checks can help close the health gap and ensure better, longer lives for one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most vulnerable populations.”
About IHC New Zealand
IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Drivers are reminded to allow extra time travelling on SH1 through Timaru over the next few months as work starts on a new Timaru District Council watermain near the Showgrounds on Monday, 17 February.
Evans St, between Grants Road and Waimataitai Street, is the area affected. (See map below). The watermain replacement work is expected to run into winter (May/June) and is weather dependent.
Work hours will be 7.30 am to 6 pm.
“There will be reduced lane widths and 30km/h temporary speed limits in the area which are likely to cause additional congestion and queue lengths especially at peak travel times,” says Chris Chambers, Maintenance Contract Manager South Canterbury, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
“Drivers should plan ahead and consider alternative routes if they want to avoid delays,” he says.
More road work coming from NZTA, early March
Early in March, NZTA will begin resurfacing a section of SH1 Evans St between Beverley Road and Te Weka St, south of the watermain works.
“We know that these multiple worksites will cause delays through Timaru,” says Mr Chambers. “But we are also pleased to be getting these road improvements underway after several years of patching and holding repairs.”
To help ease the pressure please build extra time into your travel and avoid roadworks sites during peak times if you can, he says.
Updates here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/canterbury/roadworks/497319(external link)
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Key maintenance works will see upcoming closures on two busy Auckland state highways.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) asks people to plan ahead and allow additional time for their journeys if traveling during these works.
Motorists traveling northbound on SH1 from Ellerslie to the Central Motorway Junction should detour via Great South Rd, Broadway, Khyber Pass and Grafton Rd to the State Highway 16 Wellesley St westbound on-ramp, where they can rejoin SH1.
Motorists traveling northbound on SH1 to State Highway 16 westbound should detour via Great South Road, Greenlane West, Balmoral Rd and St Lukes Rd.
Motorists traveling northbound on SH1 from Mt Wellington Hwy to Ellerslie should detour via Great South Road.
Detours will be signposted and are expected to add no more than 15 minutes to northbound journeys.
As well as ensuring a smooth, skid-resistant surface, road resurfacing helps to protect the important structural layers underneath, improves watertightness to help prevent potholes, and extends the life of the road.
Overnight closures of State Highway 18 eastbound between Tauhinu Rd and Albany Hwy will take place over 10 nights in late February and early March while contractors reconstruct the road.
Closures will take place between 9pm and 5am on the following dates:
During the closure, road users will be detoured via Upper Harbour Drive. The detour route will be signposted and is expected to add less than 10 minutes to eastbound journeys.
Rebuilding the road, which often involves replacing all or most of the structural road layers, improves the longevity of the network, the resilience and ultimately the safety and efficiency for all road users. Nearby residents can expect increased noise during the works, however, contractors will work to minimise disruption as much as possible.
For more information about the road reconstruction works, visit: SH18 Tauhinu Road to Albany Highway(external link)
These works are weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)) for up-to-date information, including any changes due to weather.
NZTA thanks everyone for their patience as we carry out these important works.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Roading crews are making good progress on the SH2 road rebuild (rehabilitation) in Waipawa between Victoria Street and Tamumu Road.
The first stage of work, installing kerb and channel, has now been finished with more than 360 metres of concrete poured in the installation.
The focus now shifts to the rebuild of this stretch of road. Crews will begin from next Monday (17 February), working at night for approximately 4 weeks.
The work will be carried out under stop/go traffic management between 8pm and 5am Mondays to Fridays (finishing each week at 5am on Saturday).
The rebuild will be done section by section to reduce traffic impacts and during the work, access for residents and businesses will remain and there will be on street parking – just not on the section of state highway being worked on.
Rebuilding the road will involve recycling the existing road materials with cement added to the road, to extend the life of the road and provide a smoother surface, improving the journey through this stretch of road.
At the same time, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council was scheduled to complete work on the southbound footpath this year, which was beside the area of State Highway 2 that NZTA is working on. The two organisations aligned on this renewal, with NZTA contractors completing the road and Council-funded footpath construction work at the same time– minimising costs and disruptions to ratepayers.
“State Highway 2 is the road that keeps us connected to each other, and the rest of the country,” says the council’s Community Infrastructure and Development General Manager Mark Kinvig.
“The road’s part to play in the economic growth of the district and the accessibility it creates, allowing people to move around, cannot be underplayed.
“Working together delivers what the community wants and needs, but for a lot less money.
“This translates into better roads for everyone,” says Mr Kinvig.
At this stage, the rebuild project is expected to be complete mid-March, slightly earlier than initially planned.
“We know this work has already involved some disruption to businesses and the community and we’re grateful for people’s support – without it, the works would undoubtedly take longer to complete,” says NZTA Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Rua Pani.
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 should expect possible delays of up to 20 minutes.
