Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police can advise a serious crash has closed both lanes on SH39, Ormsby Road near Puketotara.
A crash has occurred between a truck and caravan at around 11.20am.
Emergency services are responding to the scene and the road is completely closed and will be for some time.
Two people have serious injuries and are being transported to hospital.
Motorists are advised to avoid SH39 if possible and expect delays in the area.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Government
Construction of Takitimu North Link Stage 1, a new four lane expressway connecting Tauranga and Te Puna, has passed the halfway point, which is great news for economic growth and productivity in the western Bay of Plenty, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“This is a huge undertaking, with two thousand people having worked on the project to date and 1,500,000m3 of earthworks moved so far”, Mr Bishop says.
“Four of 10 bridges are already completed (Minden Road, Minden Gully off-ramp, Wairoa Road, Cambridge Road) and traffic is using the new bridges at Minden, Wairoa and Cambridge Roads.
“Earthwork crews have now broken under the Cambridge Road and Minden Road bridges, meaning it’s now possible for the project team to ‘drive through’ the full length of the future expressway for the first time.
Eight beams were installed at the Wairoa Awa (River) bridge recently, with 32 of a total of 80 beams now in place, spanning the awa and flood plains. 24 beams have been installed at the SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road flyover bridge this summer, with nine left to install in the next two months.
“At SH2/Fifteenth Avenue, crane pads are being built and piling will soon be underway to build the new bridge connection – this is the final structure to get underway on the project.
“In other positive news for local road users, congestion is set to improve between Fifteenth Avenue and Welcome Bay in the near future, with $10.3 million of funding confirmed by the NZTA Board for Tauranga City Council (TCC) to design extra traffic capacity between the Tauranga CBD and the growing suburbs of Welcome Bay, Hairini, Ohauiti and Maungatapu.
“These suburbs house 29,000 people and the local population is set to keep increasing. All these people need to cross the harbour to access services such as high schools, supermarkets and employment.
“This project being led by TCC will help road users get there more quickly, by adding another traffic lane to the bridge by removing the footpath from the main structure, re-locating the path to a lightweight clip-on structure and utilising a dynamic lane system – the first of its kind in the Bay of Plenty. Sections of 15th Avenue will also be widened, adding capacity as a T2 lane.
“It’s all about saving people travel time. By reducing congestion that extends onto the state highway, modelling shows it will save more than 750 vehicle-hours of congestion per day, which is an average of 2-3 minutes of peak travel time saving per vehicle.”
Note to editors:
The Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project is a Road of National Significance supporting economic growth and productivity in the western Bay of Plenty, by providing a reliable, resilient and safe expressway connection between Tauranga and Te Puna.
Tolling was confirmed for the project in December 2024.
Current expected completion date is 2028.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Road users can look forward to a more complete roundabout experience in Piarere, with the final permanent approach road towards Hamilton set to open.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises traffic is planned to be switched onto the new approach on Tuesday 25 February (weather permitting).
Darryl Coalter, Acting Regional Manager – Infrastructure Delivery Waikato/Bay of Plenty says the switch will provide road users a taste of the finished product.
“We’ve received positive feedback about the roundabout so far and we’re confident motorists will enjoy it even more when the final approach road is in action. It’s one step closer to a more efficient and safer intersection.”
The roundabout at the intersection of State Highways 1 and 29 opened to traffic in September 2024 with 2 temporary approach roads in action, while work continued on the 3 permanent approaches. Two of the 3 permanent approach roads (SH1 from Tīrau, and SH29) opened to traffic in December 2024.
No road closures or stop/go are needed for the switch onto the new approach road; however, motorists should prepare for minor delays in the area.
The roundabout will be reduced to a single lane with traffic switched over one direction at a time, starting with the northbound lane first and the southbound lane by late afternoon.
Mr Coalter says the project is on track to be completed in mid-2025, but there is still work to be done.
“Work will continue on the central median and barriers on the Hamilton approach, before the focus shifts to the installation of a centre sculpture, landscaping and planting.
“Prior to the switch, line marking will be undertaken under stop/go overnight from 8pm Monday 24 February until 4am Tuesday morning. Motorists should expect delays of around 10 minutes during this time.”
Mr Coalter thanks motorists for their patience and asks drivers to stick to temporary speed limits and take extra care when travelling through the area while people adjust to the new layout.
“We’re not far from the finish line now and we’re grateful for the support we’ve received from nearby residents and road users during this time.”
Source: Statistics New Zealand
Visitor arrivals up in 2024 – 17 February 2025 – Overseas visitor arrivals to New Zealand totalled 3.3 million in the December 2024 year. This was up 357,000 (12 percent) from the December 2023 year, according to data released by Stats NZ today.
Australia led the increase in visitor arrivals, up 127,000 (10 percent) from 2023. China followed with an increase of 97,000 (64 percent), and the United States with an increase of 32,000 (10 percent).
“There were just over 2,200 more international flights to New Zealand in 2024 than in 2023,” international travel statistics spokesperson Sarah Drake said.
“This included 1,700 more direct flights from Australia, China, and the United States, combined. These countries were the three main sources of visitor arrivals to New Zealand.”
Files:
Source: Statistics New Zealand
Net migration falls in 2024 – 17 February 2025 – New Zealand had a net migration gain of 27,100 in 2024. This was down from a net gain of 128,300 in 2023, according to provisional estimates released by Stats NZ today.
“Ups and downs in net migration are a feature of New Zealand’s history. These have been much larger in 2023 and 2024,” international migration statistics spokesperson Sarah Drake said.
Annually, net migration rose by just over 100,000 in 2023 and fell by a similar amount in 2024. There was still a net migration gain overall.
“The main driver of the fall in net migration in 2024 was fewer migrant arrivals of non-New Zealand passport holders,” Drake said.
Files:
Covering period of Monday 17th -Thursday 20th February – ‘Warm and moist’ is the name of the game this week with a swath of tropical air over Aotearoa New Zealand. Rain, associated with a low-pressure system from the north, continues to fall on the North Island today (Monday). The Coromandel Peninsula to the Kaimai Range, and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti north of Tolaga Bay are under Orange Heavy Rain Warnings until 8 and 9pm respectively today.
MetService Meteorologist Katie Hillyer says, “We’ve already seen 200mm of rainfall recorded at the Pinnacles on the Coromandel Peninsula over the last 24 hours, which, even given the exposure of this mountainous station, is very impressive.” MetService expects a further 70-90mm of rain to fall in those areas today.
High humidity will be felt across the North Island too. “Warm humid air with plenty of cloud cover acts like an insulative blanket, meaning warmer nights and uncomfortable sleeps this week,” says Hillyer. The poster child of this effect being Rotorua, who only saw a 2°C difference between their maximum yesterday and their minimum this morning. Honourable mentions to Whanganui and Hawkes Bay, where temperatures are set to crack 30°C over the next couple of days – a distinct change to the cool summer they’ve experienced in the east thus far.
Overnight, the main action switches from northeastern areas of the North Island to the South Island with rain associated with an approaching low-pressure system from the Tasman Sea. The Ranges of the Tasman District have been upgraded to an Orange Warning, with 80-100mm expected to fall between 9pm tonight and 7am tomorrow. A Heavy Rain Watch is also in place for the Richmond and Bryant Ranges. Rain will spread into eastern parts of the South Island tomorrow morning, soaking some of those dry soils.
“Thunderstorms could also be on the cards Tuesday afternoon and evening for Canterbury down to Southland, as well as Westland through to Buller,” warns Hillyer. Periods of rain will continue across much of the country through to Thursday, with today and Tuesday being the most active days.
“Cloudy and wet will be the real descriptors for much of the country until Thursday and into Friday, when a ridge of high pressure starts trying to push out that humidity and bring in some fresher air,” says Hillyer.
Please keep up to date with the most current information from MetService at http://www.metservice.com/national/home
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Attributable to Senior Sergeant Grant Alabaster, Ruapehu Response Manager:
Police are pleased to report no significant issues following a gang gathering in the Taumarunui area.
An operation to monitor the behaviour of those involved was carried out by Police, monitoring the gathering and the impact on the roads. Additional Police were deployed to assist with road policing and community reassurance.
Ahead of the event, Police worked with the organisers and set clear expectations around behaviour to ensure there was minimal impact to the local community.
No arrests were made and Police did not observe any anti-social or unlawful behaviour.
We would like to thank the members of the public and a number of local businesses for their patience. Police will continue to monitor the movements of the gathering as it comes to an end.
Members of the public are urged to report any instances of unlawful activity to us, so we can take appropriate action. In instances we are unable to immediately act we will note down identifying details and follow up later.
Please contact 111 if it is happening now, or report non-emergencies online via 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Auckland Council
Celebrating the diversity of Tāmaki Makaurau comes in many forms and this month Pride shines a spotlight on our Rainbow communities. Auckland Council Chief Executive Phil Wilson and Director of Community Rachel Kelleher reflect on the role the council plays to support tākatāpui and rainbow communities in our region and why it’s important to us.
Phil: We started writing this piece last week, but the events of the weekend have sadly forced us to look at it again and take a stronger line. Our people were attacked on Saturday. Verbally and physically. Children, young people and their families were caught up in a violent and ugly situation that was outrageous and unacceptable.
As an organisation, we respect people’s right to free speech, protest and freedom of expression. Our libraries lead the charge on this. But when it turns violent and aggressive, when shouting drowns out other voices, and when people get hurt (children, for crying out loud!), it has gone too far.
In saying he is proud of the actions of his people, Bishop Tamaki is condoning violence and aggression towards our staff and the community and that is deplorable.
I’m proud of the calm and professional way Saturday’s attack on a family-friendly event was dealt with by our people at Te Atatū Peninsula Library. And I’m proud of the decent members of our community who supported them. Thankfully, most folk value places like our libraries and community centres for what they are and should continue to be – places of tolerance, acceptance, inclusion. Safe places where all are welcome. Leave your bigotry and intolerance elsewhere please.
Phil: What sort of community are we building if we’re not celebrating difference, championing tolerance and valuing social cohesion? With one in 20 adults belonging to Aotearoa New Zealand’s LGBTIQ+ population, councils play an incredibly important part in setting the tone for inclusion for our Rainbow community.
Throughout Pride Month there will be many fantastic events for all to enjoy, but it is also a reminder of the things we do every day to encourage and enable social cohesion, provide safe spaces for people to connect and deliver activities that champion learning, tolerance and inclusion.
Rachel: This week I heard a story about a young woman who attended a ‘literary salon’ evening at a library where attendees talked about celebrated books and shared kai. She was nervous about going on her own, was new to Auckland and has felt quite isolated here. After an evening of listening, learning and meeting others, her parting comment to our librarian was that she had ‘found her people’. This is the why: why we provide opportunities for communities to connect in different ways and why it’s important.
Phil: Auckland Pride board chair Bhen Goodsir recently spoke to the NZ Herald’s The Front Page podcast about the current trend of what he termed an increasingly vocal minority pushing back against important progress for recognising a dignity and importance of Rainbow priorities. Bhen emphasised that when people are surrounded by a loving and supported community, and involved locally, they have better mental and physical health. We all benefit from this.
There’s that word again – community. Alongside dignity, support and local. And I agree, that as well as being focussed on building a supportive community, we are striving for greater acceptance and a more respectful understanding of what it means to be LGBTIQ+ in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Rachel: For us, and especially during Pride Month, those places for respectful understanding and celebration are our Proud Centres – our arts and community venues, our and libraries.
This year we’re hosting 80 arts, cultural and community events where people can come together in their neighbourhoods to celebrate and champion local tākatāpui and rainbow community members.
We know that marginalisation and misunderstanding continue to exist; by proudly demonstrating just how much we support and value our rainbow communities, we’re striving to be champions for respect and inclusivity.
Phil: We became the first council in New Zealand to gain a Rainbow Tick in 2019, which helped us focus our efforts on integrating diversity into our everyday mahi. We now know that growing that diversity within an organisation, and creating a strong sense of belonging, is driven by ongoing engagement. Rainbow Tick kick-started this for us and now our membership of Pride Pledge (and proud gold members too) signals our evolution from a compliance-based mindset which required us to meet annual targets, to more innovative and meaningful mahi that is tailored to our specific challenges and will nurture a sense of belonging in our workplaces.
This takes many forms, from training modules and toolkits, to the way we design those workplaces and work programmes but what makes me most proud are the things that surround us each day as we go about our work – a rainbow wash over our logo, a photograph that reflects the diversity of Auckland, a practical initiative like all-gender bathrooms that promote safety and inclusion and a meal shared during Pride month.
Rachel: The unpleasant impact of being highly visible supporters of our Rainbow community and the ugly side of being inclusive champions and standing up for diversity is very real for our kaimahi, especially those working in our centres, delivering programmes, managing social media accounts and clearing inboxes.
Within minutes of switching the council’s iconic pōhutukawa to logo to rainbow mode for Pride month, we were getting mean-spirited comments. Our complaints system has had a spike in feedback from those who want to share their views. In person confrontation, threats of protest and disruption, aggressive posts, foul language and unacceptable slurs abound. Te Atatū Peninsula Library on Saturday.
We live in a society that values free speech, human rights and celebrates a range of opinions and as a council we respect people’s right to express their views. But we will not tolerate personal attacks; threats of violence or aggression towards our staff; or behaviour that displaces or threatens the safety and enjoyment of those who use our services or attend our events.
Phil: That’s enough about protestors and aggressors, let’s remind ourselves that the festival and the events we have delivered have been enormously successful. I attended several events and the mood was overwhelmingly positive – yes, there were some challenges but the depth and breadth of community support and goodwill, including community members standing alongside our staff, has been pleasing.
Rachel: Pride Month will continue, with our wholehearted support. Our hope is that inclusivity, respect and peace will shine through and that our communities can join together to grow tolerance and support.
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.
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.
