Government confirms international commitment to disability community

January 31, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s strong commitment to the rights of disabled people has continued with the response to an important United Nations report, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston has announced.
Of the 63 concluding observations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), 47 will be progressed or considered as part of wider work later this year.
A further 16 have been considered and noted, with the Government retaining flexibility to reconsider the response to these recommendations at any time.
“New Zealand is an international leader on disability rights,” Louise Upston says.
“Progressing these recommendations, which will involve a whole-of-Government response, will deliver better public services and achieve better results in areas including health, education, housing and employment.”
Work is already underway or planned for 30 observations, while a further 17 will be considered as part of work to be done by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha to develop the next New Zealand Disability Strategy in 2025.
Tracking progress against the recommendations is important, and steps will be added to support greater transparency and accountability.
“Ensuring we demonstrate concrete, tangible progress is important for both the disability community and this Government.
“To support progress, I have re-established a Ministerial Disability Leadership Group to drive collective action for disabled people across Government and to engage with the Independent Monitoring Mechanism.
“I am committed to seeing real results for the disabled community and delivering progress on UNCRPD is one of the ways we will do so.”
Notes for editors

The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an independent international committee made up of 18 experts on disability rights and policy. The UN Committee reviewed New Zealand’s progress on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2022.
Further information on New Zealand’s response to the UN Committee is available here.
The Independent Monitoring Mechanism regularly reports on the Government’s progress in realising the rights of disabled people in New Zealand. It consists of the Human Rights Commission, Office of the Ombudsman, and the Disabled People’s Organisations Coalition.

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Serious crash closes SH6, Westland

LiveNews Publisher

January 31, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 6 is closed near the Kakapotahi River following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash was reported around 6:10pm.

One person has been seriously injured.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Fatal crash: Fairlight Road, Southland

LiveNews Publisher

January 31, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Southland yesterday.

The single vehicle crash occurred on Fairlight Road just before 10pm.

The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

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Arrest and seizures, Ōpōtiki

LiveNews Publisher

January 31, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Sergeant Caoin Macey:

Police in Ōpōtiki have again interrupted the sale and supply of drugs following a search warrant at an address linked to a gang, executed yesterday Thursday 30 January.

A 47-year-old woman is facing a number of drug and firearms charges after the warrant uncovered methamphetamine, firearms and ammunition at the address.

Police located and have seized a .22 calibre pistol, 18 rounds of ammunition, six grams of methamphetamine and a small quantity of cash.

Police see firsthand the harm drugs have within our community, and will continue to work to ensure the offenders are held to account and drugs are not causing harm to members of our community.

The 47-year-old is due to appear in the Ōpōtiki District Court on 20 February.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Water you waiting for?? Fun ways to stay cool and active in Tāmaki Makaurau

LiveNews Publisher

January 31, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

The opportunities to join in on a splash of fun in Tāmaki Makaurau abound. 

Make the most of summer with Auckland Council’s Pool and Leisure Centres, suitable for all ages and comfort levels.   

Whether you’re after an outdoor pool surrounded by nature, a safe and relaxing ‘women only’ space for working out, a dedicated room for martial arts, or an award-winning fitness instructor to keep you motivated – we’ve got you covered. 

Plus, you’ll find some great suggestions here on the best spots for water sports around Tāmaki Makaurau – dive right in! 

Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre 

Come check out the only outdoor pool on the North Shore at Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre. Pack a picnic for after your swim and enjoy the designated picnic area available onsite. Keen to get the blood pumping with a little something extra? Bring friends and whānau along and have a go at the rock-climbing wall, skate park or pump track for some unique and exciting ways to stay active. 

Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa, Māngere 

A special place awaits at Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa, which has eight pools on offer and much more! This multi-facility consists of a fitness centre, stadium, pool complex (8x), spa and sauna and bookable spaces for members of the community, making it a perfect spot for an outing with friends and whānau to be active, social or to kick back and relax. 

Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre 

Check out this award-winning pool and leisure centre in Stanmore Bay. You can stop by for a swim or to enjoy the splash pad with the little ones; have a workout at the gym, join a fitness class (includes access to the world-renowned LES MILLS classes), a round of badminton or even catch up with a friend at the onsite café. This location also hosts school holiday programmes, school-age and adult sports leagues, specialised programmes for seniors and drop-in sport sessions! 

Papatoetoe Centennial  

You can make a splash year-round at Papatoetoe Centennial’s heated pools! There are also some fun splash pools for toddlers and little ones, and a 50m outdoor pool for those who enjoy being out in the elements. This location also hosts a special ‘ladies’ nights’ which encourage women to make the most of their workouts in a relaxing environment. 

Tōtara Park Pool 

How about a swim workout surrounded by nature? Check out Tōtara Park Pool’s outdoor summer-only pools that sit within the 216 hectares of lush native bush. You’re also welcome to make the most of the surroundings which consist of playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts and picnic areas. 

Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool (Browny’s Pool) 

Right in the heart of Auckland, you’ll find the best spot for some fun in the sun at Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool. Enclosed by pontoons, this location keeps swimmers safe and happy with this free facility that includes four 33 metre swimming lanes and a jumping platform. Changing facilities, including toilets and cold-water showers, are also available at the nearby Karanga Plaza. 

Howick Leisure Centre 

For one of the most varied recreation programmes in Auckland, check out Howick Leisure Centre. While you won’t find any pools here, you can come for the work-out and stay for the fun and sense of community. There’s plenty on offer at this location, like a dedicated martial arts room, amazing school holiday programmes, basketball, volleyball, badminton and table tennis for all ages.

Plus, easy car parking options, a well-equipped gym with no wait times, and fun group fitness classes from an award-winning exercise instructor who delivers her own curated choreography with unmatched passion and dedication.  

Water Sports  

Keen for an active splash of fun in the outdoors? Tāmakai Makaurau has so much to offer when it comes to water sports. Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking for your next family outing. Some great paddling spots include Pt Chevalier, Mission Bay, Ōkahu Bay, Castor Bay and Takapuna Beach – just hire the gear and have a go. 

Vector Wero, Manukau 

For the adrenaline seekers, check out Vector Wero Whitewater Park, NZ’s first facility to offer an artificial river and water course for recreation, sports and training!  

Choose from a wide range of adventure activities to suit your style and comfort level, from rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding and fun team-building challenges. 

Te Ara Moana Kayak Trail  

If you’re up for a multi-day paddling adventure, there’s the Te Ara Moana Kayak Trail – a thrilling self-guided five-day sea-kayak tour with a sea route between Ōmana Regional Park and Wharau Regional Park. This epic experience will have you paddling 50km along Auckland’s south-eastern coastline, enjoying the natural wonders and wildlife with overnight stops at some dreamy beachfront campgrounds.  

Check before you swim 

While all Auckland Council Pool and Leisure Centres have staff available to keep you safe, that’s not quite the case when you’re outdoors making the most of nature around Tāmaki Maurau.

Don’t forget to check the Safeswim website for up-to-date information on water quality, wind, waves and tides as well as jellyfish swarms and other hazards. Safeswim is a fantastic tool to help keep you and your whānau safe and ensuring a great time outdoors for all. 

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Release: Mining plan offers false promises with real damage

LiveNews Publisher

January 31, 2025

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

The Government is doubling down on outdated and volatile fossil fuels, showing how shortsighted and destructive their policies are for working New Zealanders.

“Shane Jones’ announcement is shortsighted, environmentally reckless, and a giveaway to private mining interests,” Labour’s energy spokesperson Megan Woods said.

“We are not against mining as long as it is done in an environmentally sustainable way. Under the Labour government, we were also doing work on critical minerals that would help us decarbonise and move away from fossil fuels like coal in a way that ensures jobs in the long term.

“However, the government’s plans, combined with the Fast Track law, lead to greater environmental risks with no public scrutiny.

“This Government wants New Zealanders to believe mining is essential for the energy transition, but what they won’t tell you is that gold mining has nothing to do with renewable energy and fossil fuels are the most expensive energy source that we have.

“Shane Jones talks about economic benefits, but what he is really talking about is private profits being shipped offshore while Kiwis are left with the environmental damage.

“Kiwis deserve an energy strategy that moves us forward, one that invests in wind, solar, and storage, creates sustainable jobs, and puts people before corporate profits. Instead, Shane Jones is pushing a plan that prioritises mining private profits over climate action, regional prosperity, and long-term energy security,” Megan Woods said.

“His proposal to mine the iron sands off the Coast of Taranaki drove away offshore wind investment, proving once again that this Government is holding New Zealand back while other countries move forward with clean energy solutions,” Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said.

“Climate and environmental protections are critical to our future, and this Government’s shortsighted and destructive approach will harm New Zealand’s economy long after Shane Jones is gone from Parliament.”

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The Privacy Amendment Bill is coming soon – here’s what you need to know

LiveNews Publisher

January 31, 2025

Source: Privacy Commissioner

The Privacy Amendment Bill is making its way through Parliament, and we know organisations are starting to think about how this will impact them. Weve put together key information on the Bill, which well update as it progresses. Guidance
One of the important changes in the Bill is adding Information Privacy Principle (IPP)3A. Well be developing guidance for organisations on the requirements of IPP3A, as well as reviewing OPCs Codes of Practice to determine whether any amendments are required. In the meantime digital. govt. nz has an overview of IPP3A planning for indirect notification requirements. When is this happening?
The Minister of Justice has indicated that the commencement date will be six months after the Act passes. Were aiming to have the guidance developed and published on our website to allow organisations plenty of time to implement the requirements of the new Act.

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Transport – Pothole repairs are paying off

LiveNews Publisher

January 31, 2025

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Transporting New Zealand says the intensified focus on road maintenance and pothole repair is paying off, preventing damage to vehicles, supporting road safety and keeping Kiwis moving.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced this afternoon that 98 per cent of potholes on state highways were repaired within 24 hours of identification every month since targets were introduced by the Coalition Government.

Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says this will be welcome news to its road freight members across the country.

“Potholes and other road surfacing issues can be a nightmare for our members and other motorists. Transporting New Zealand has consistently called for a greater share of road user charges and fuel excise revenue to be directed to road maintenance and rehabilitation.” says Kalasih.

“Over the past couple of years, we’ve been hearing more complaints from our members and other road users about potholes and road surfacing issues, and these concerns were borne out by the data. In 2023, more than 62,000 potholes required repair on state highways, the highest figure in a decade.”

“Potholes can easily do thousands of dollars of damage to trucks and trailers vehicles.

“We’ve had members report erratic driving from other motorists trying to avoid them, or slowing to a crawl, which can be very dangerous.”

Kalasih says that with 92.8 per cent of New Zealand’s freight moving via road, potholes and other road surface issues are a major drag on economic growth and labour productivity.

“The Coalition Government’s establishment of the $3.9 billion Pothole Prevention Fund and ambitious targets for the repair of potholes on main state highways and regional state highways is now paying dividends.

“It’s a big endorsement of providing clear directions and targets to the New Zealand Transport Agency, and we encourage the new Minister Chris Bishop to continue the hands-on approach of his immediate predecessor, Simeon Brown.”

However Kalasih also says while Transporting New Zealand is grateful for how these repairs are going, the reality is that in an ideal world, the work shouldn’t be needed.

“Potholes are isolated failures in stretches of road. When roads are built to a high and consistent standard, these should be minimal. We’ll be engaging with NZTA to ensure road quality remains a priority and that our roads are built to last.”

About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand https://www.transporting.nz/ is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter-regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.

Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

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First Responders – Tiwai Peninsula vegetation fire update #3

LiveNews Publisher

January 31, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have made good progress in clearing hotspots out of the burnt scrub and wetland on Tiwai Peninsula today.

Incident Controller Hamish Angus says that despite warmer conditions this afternoon, firefighters have been able to hold down any potential flare-ups.

“As well as having four helicopters dousing the fireground from above, we’re using four excavators to widen firebreaks around the perimeter so the fire doesn’t spread if the wind gets up,” he says.

“This work will also help firefighters if they need to deal with any more fires here in the future.”

Fire crews will work until 6pm, and one crew will remain overnight to monitor the fireground.

“Our crews will be back on-site tomorrow morning to continue mopping up and ensuring there are no hotspots left,” Hamish Angus says.

“They’ve all worked incredibly hard over the last two days, and done a great job at getting such a large vegetation fire under control.”

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Our Tamariki Deserve Better than Seymour’s Slop

LiveNews Publisher

January 31, 2025

Source: Te Pati Maori

Te Pāti Māori is appalled by the government’s blatant mishandling of the school lunch programme. David Seymour’s ‘cost-saving’ measures have left tamariki across Aotearoa with unidentifiable meals, causing distress and outrage among parents and communities alike.

“What’s the difference between providing inedible food, and providing no food at all?” Said Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Education Tākuta Ferris.

“Many tamariki rely on these meals as their only nourishment of the day, it is disgraceful that the government has put the wellbeing of their books over the wellbeing of our mokopuna.

“David Seymour may as well have cut the program entirely instead of insulting our tamariki with this slop.

“You do not sweep this kind of failure under the rug by blaming “teething problems.” This should have been thoroughly planned and tested before it was rolled out to ensure it worked for all tamariki. Instead, we have a system that has failed them, and now, it seems, no one wants to take responsibility.

“For every serious issue in this country, the government’s only solution has been to hand off their responsibility to someone else.

“We don’t have enough housing? Get overseas investors to sort it out. Our education system is failing? Charter schools will save us.

“School lunches are ‘too expensive’? Let’s get the cheapest contractor we can find and hope our kids don’t get food poisoning.

“It’s time for these Ministers to stop passing the buck. They must apologise- publicly and without delay- to all the tamariki, mātua, and kura affected by this. They must own their mistakes and fix the system, because right now, it is failing the very people it was supposed to help”, said Ferris.

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