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

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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.

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Serious Crash, Sh 30, Roititi Forest

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February 17, 2025

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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

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Release: University cuts on the cards under National

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February 17, 2025

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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.

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Missing teenager located, Mount Wellington

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February 17, 2025

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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

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Serious Crash, Anzac Drive, Hamilton East

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February 17, 2025

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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

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Funding confirmed for Waikare Gorge realignment

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February 17, 2025

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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.

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First Responders – Lewis Pass Road fire update #6

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February 16, 2025

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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.

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First Responders – Lewis Pass Road Fire Update #5

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February 16, 2025

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters are continuing to deal with hotspots on the Lewis Pass Road fireground today, and strengthening the perimeter.

Fire and Emergency NZ Assistant Commander Dave Key said that operations would continue tonight and tomorrow.

SH7 between Hanmer Springs and Springs Junction is open with a 30 km/hr speed restriction, but there may be occasional brief closures while operations are carried out above or close to the highway.

Dave Key thanked motorists for their patience. “The speed restriction and occasional closures are to ensure everybody’s safety. That includes our firefighters and pilots, who are working around the roadside, and motorists.”

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First Responders – Te Aro apartment block fire extinguished

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February 16, 2025

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters have extinguished a fire on the third floor of a multi-story apartment block in Willis St, Wellington, this afternoon.

Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Matt Franklin said multiple 111 calls were received and the apartment was fully involved in fire when the first crews arrived shortly after 2.30pm.

“We responded swiftly and in numbers, extinguished the fire and conducted a full search of the building. Fortunately, no-one was home in the apartment,” he said.

There is smoke on all levels and firefighters have been ventilating the building.

Six fire trucks, one aerial appliance (ladder truck), a command unit and operational support vehicles attended.

Specialist fire investigators have begun work to establish the origin and cause of the fire.

As at 4pm there were still road closures in place and people are asked to avoid the area so as not to delay the movement of emergency services.

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Library protest crossed a line, Police say

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February 16, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Inspector Simon Walker, Acting Waitematā District Commander:

Police strongly condemn the actions of a group protesting a children’s event at the Te Atatū library yesterday and can confirm officers are investigating allegations of assault.

The event was being run as part of the city’s pride festival but was cancelled after about 50 people entered the building and refused to leave.

The group’s actions caused considerable distress and concern among tamariki, library staff and visitors.

This protest crossed a line.

Freedom of speech and the right to protest are fundamental principles of a free and democratic society under the rule of law, but nobody, especially children, should ever be made to feel unsafe.

I’m proud of the frontline staff, who responded with haste and professionalism, resolving a dynamic and emotive situation as safely and as quickly as possible. I also want to acknowledge the staff at the library who did their utmost to de-escalate the situation and keep their visitors safe.

Police were made aware of allegations of assault during this incident. We are actively investigating these reports today and we encourage any other people subjected to violent behaviour to make a report at their nearest Police station, or online at 105.police.govt.nz.

No arrests have been made, but enquiries are in the early stages.

Police and Auckland Council have worked closely around the pride celebrations, and this work will continue. We live in a diverse city in a diverse country, and that is worth celebrating.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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