Auckland fruit fly controls lifted

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February 13, 2025

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe have been lifted after no further evidence of the Oriental fruit fly was found in the area, says Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north.

The decision to end the operation follows more than a month of intensive fruit fly trapping and inspections of hundreds of kilograms of fruit.

Mr Inglis thanked residents and businesses in the affected area for their support with the movement controls, keeping an eye out for fruit flies and safely disposing of fruit in provided bins.

“I can’t stress enough how vital this work has been to protect our horticultural sector. This particular insect pest is a significant threat to horticultural exports and home gardens.”

Biosecurity New Zealand quickly placed legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in an area of Papatoetoe on 4 January 2025 after a single male Oriental fruit fly was identified from a national surveillance trap.

“No further adult fruit flies, eggs, larvae or pupae have been found,” says Mr Inglis.

“We are satisfied that with no further detections over six weeks, the Controlled Area Notice restrictions can be lifted, and response operations closed.”

The Biosecurity New Zealand signs and wheelie bins will be removed from the affected area in Papatoetoe over the next few days.

Mr Inglis says checking of Biosecurity New Zealand’s 7,800 fruit fly traps around the country, including some 200 traps in the Papatoetoe/Māngere area, will continue as normal.

“Our people will be out in the Papatoetoe community today, handing out flyers about the response closure and personally thanking residents and business owners for their contribution to the effort.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the good work of our people and our partners across the horticulture sector. By working together, and responding quickly, we have managed this situation well.”

Key figures:

More than 1,500 individual visits were made to check the 109 special fruit fly response traps in Papatoetoe/Māngere throughout the response.
These traps are in addition to 187 routine fruit fly surveillance traps in the area.
Over 600 biosecurity bins distributed in the community to collect produce waste for safe disposal.
More than 470 kilos of fruit cut up and examined for any signs of fruit fly eggs or larvae.
More than 150 Biosecurity New Zealand staff were involved throughout the response.

Find out what we did and why we have now closed the response

For more information, email BiosecurityNZ_media@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

MIL OSI

Industry focus

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February 13, 2025

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Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 5 March 2020
Last updated 5 March 2020

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New Zealand is facing skills shortages in a number of sectors, including construction, food and fibre, health, and Secondary Initial Teacher Education.
New Zealand is facing skills shortages in a number of sectors, including construction, food and fibre, health, and Secondary Initial Teacher Education.

One of TEC’s core priorities is to help address these labour and skills shortages. Our work will link communities, industries, and education providers to education and employment pathways that are easy to navigate. Every New Zealander should have the skills, knowledge and confidence to create a fulfilling life.
To achieve this, we are:

building strategic partnerships and investing in provision that can deliver long-term post-study outcomes for learners
providing better quality learner information through our career services, including industry-specific attraction initiatives and dedicated career hub pages
encouraging the development of quality and innovative learning packages and accessible pathways through funding training schemes and micro-credentials
leading the work on the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE). This includes developing a new Unified Funding System and facilitating the development of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs), Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) and working with MBIE as they facilitate the development of Regional Skills Leadership Groups (RSLGs).

Unwelcome but necessary: a week’s more night work needed Humphrey St/SH6 intersection, Queenstown

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February 13, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Much weaker than anticipated ground conditions at the road work site near Queenstown’s Kawarau River bridge means a week’s more work, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

Instead of ending on 21 February, the night work will run through to Friday morning, 28 February, says Peter Standring, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA in Central Otago.

“We know this work, which is happening overnight to avoid most daytime traffic, is unwelcome to local residents given the noise generated and vibrations from machinery removing the old road layers,” says Mr Standring. “But it is essential we get the asphalting right. As a result, we need to excavate deeper than anticipated to get a lasting road surface.”

The NZTA crews are using a stronger pavement mixture for this section of SH6 to extend its life as much as possible, but they still need a solid sub-surface underneath it, he says. The site is managed with Stop/Go traffic management overnight, creating short delays.

Work started on 9 February, 8 pm to 6 am, and will now run for the extra third week to the end of February, Sunday nights to Thursday nights.

“Crews will continue to do whatever they can to fit in the noisiest activity in the early part of the night,” says Mr Standring. “We thank everyone for being patient while we get this highway reconstruction done to a high standard to last for many years.”

The highway is down to 30km/hour daytimes while the night work is underway.

MIL OSI

Police hammer home security warning

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February 13, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police in Counties Manukau South say a recent increase in burglaries from construction sites is a timely reminder to builders to ensure security is up to standard.

In the past week, Police have charged four people in relation to industrial burglaries in areas including Pukekohe, Pōkeno and Papakura.

Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor, of Counties Manukau South CIB, says items including tap wear, light fittings, building materials, tools and appliances yet to be installed have been the targets of most burglaries.

“As a result of our investigations, four people have been charged with various offences in connection to these burglaries in the past week, on top of others last month.

“One of the four has also been charged with seven separate shoplifting charges and other driving matters.

“Forensic evidence, CCTV and other investigative methods have been used to progress our enquiries.

“It’s pleasing we have been able to hold these offenders to account for their actions, while also returning some of the stolen goods to their rightful owners.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says the burglaries are a reminder to all those involved in the construction industry to ensure appropriate steps are made to secure building sites.

“We also encourage anyone who is the victim of a burglary to report it to Police straight away.

“Burglaries, thefts or any suspicious behaviour should be reported to us on 111 if it’s happening now, or 105 after the fact.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says enquiries remain ongoing and Police are not ruling out further arrests or charges.

Four men, aged between 26-45, have been charged with the respective burglaries Police have linked to them.

TOP TIPS

Police recommend a variety of measures to secure your building site:
•             Install security gates
•             CCTV
•             Security patrols
•             Labelling/marking/engraving valuable items (like tools)
•             Recording serial numbers
•             Ensure building materials and appliances are secured and/or installed soon after delivery

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Fiscal indicators in line with expectations

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February 13, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

The latest financial statements show the Government’s books are tracking broadly as expected, with some indicators in better shape than forecast at the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update last year.
The Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the six months ended 31 December 2024 were published by Treasury today.
Treasury reports a $400 million improvement in the Government’s headline operating balance indicator, OBEGALx, compared to what was forecast. Net core Crown debt is $700 million lower than forecast.
“The Government is committed to returning OBEGALx to surplus and to bringing net core Crown debt below 40 per cent of GDP,” Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
“Prudence with taxpayers’ money supports the Government’s work to grow the economy, invest in things that matter most to New Zealanders and build resilience to future shocks.”
The publication of the statements coincides with the launch of the Government’s Going for Growth progress report, which lays out the work already underway, as well as the work planned, to grow New Zealand’s economy.
“Economic growth supports the ability and speed with which we can rectify the Government’s financial position.”

MIL OSI

Science reforms: Save Science Coalition releases latest toll of science roles in wake of further cuts at Callaghan Innovation

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February 13, 2025

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Source: Save Science

Over 200 science roles have been cut from the sector since July last year, bringing the total number of roles lost in the government science sector to approximately 570. That is despite the Government trumpeting science as a key to economic growth.

New figures released by the Save Science Coalition, a group of 30 scientific societies and unions, include an additional proposed 63 roles to be disestablished at Callaghan Innovation as the latest casualties of Government cuts. Staff at Callaghan Innovation were made aware of the proposal on Wednesday.

“The latest cuts at Callaghan Innovation are a direct result of Government decisions to remove the majority of the organisation’s funding by 30 June this year,” explained Dr Lucy Stewart, spokesperson for the Save Science Coalition.

“This isn’t stopping – we are expecting hundreds of additional jobs to be lost. We are aware of continuing restructuring occurring at Callaghan Innovation, AgResearch and Manaaki Whenua. This is on top of the Government’s proposed restructure of the science sector, which may result in yet further job losses unless the Government makes a clear plan to retain staff through this process.”

“The Science System Advisory Group report highlighted that retention of the skilled workforce in this sector was of utmost importance. So far, it is difficult to see how the Government is upholding this principle when we are seeing job cuts continue even after the publication of the much-awaited report.”

The Save Science Coalition also emphasised that funding the sector is critically important.

“The Science System Advisory Group announcements included no additional funding for the sector, either to fund the reform programme or the ongoing science. While the reforms may help reduce unproductive competition between agencies, which is a positive thing, the benefits of the changes can only fully be realised if there is appropriate funding made available,” explained Stewart.

“Merging and rebranding institutions costs money, but according to Cabinet papers the proposed changes are to be funded out of existing allocations. Furthermore, there is no commitment to retaining current scientific expertise, at the same time as the Government talks about wanting to attract new talent to our country. We know many researchers have already been forced to relocate offshore.”

“The Cabinet papers noted that Aotearoa New Zealand receives a return of $3.50 for each dollar invested in science, innovation and technology. For science to be the solution to New Zealand’s economy, as the Prime Minister has so keenly told us, then he needs to front up and invest in it.”

The Save Science Coalition has written to Science Minister Dr Shane Reti to discuss these matters.

The Save Science Coalition was set up in May 2024 and completed a report documenting the cuts to science funding and staffing which was released in July 2024. The group has now released an update to the report, detailing additional cuts made between July 2024 and February 2025. The Coalition has also published its collective response to the reforms announced in January 2025.

The Save Science Coalition’s goals are:

– to oppose cuts to science funding and science staff across government institutions

– to highlight and catalogue what is being lost through the current cuts

– to defend support for world-leading indigenous research including mātauranga Māori

– to make the case for a foundation of support for public science and re-committing to a target of 2% of GDP to be invested in research and development in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Current Save Science Coalition member organisations are:

MIL OSI

BusinessNZ – Growth plan endorsed

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February 13, 2025

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Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ has endorsed the Going for Growth plan released by the Minister for Economic Growth, outlining actions to be taken or underway to lift economic and productivity growth.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich said the proposed reform of taxation, savings and competition policy offered potential for invigorating the economy, and individual businesses stood to gain from the reforms.

“For example, efforts towards promoting global trade and investment will be a significant boost for NZ exporters, while domestic businesses will gain from the reform of procurement rules that will give more ability for firms to tender for government business.”

Katherine Rich said the plan’s focus on innovation and AI was well-placed.

“Recent analysis by Accenture and Microsoft indicates the potential for annual GDP growth of up to $100 billion by 2038, based on greater uptake of AI by NZ businesses.

“We would expect the Going for Growth plan to stimulate a more productive business environment, allowing businesses to invest in digital and AI technologies, to drive even further productivity and economic growth,” Mrs Rich said.

The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI

Serious crash, Puruatanga Road, Martinborough

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February 13, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Four people on a shared bicycle have been injured in a serious crash with a car in Martinborough.

The collision happened on Puruatanga Road, between Regent Street and Todds Road, about 10.45am.

At least one person is being flown to hospital with critical injuries. Three others have serious injuries.

The driver of the vehicle is uninjured and is being spoken to by Police.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and the road will likely remain closed for some time. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Release: Willis’ supermarket announcement all talk, no plan

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February 13, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Labour Party

Nicola Willis’ latest supermarket announcement is painfully weak with no new ideas, no real plan, and no relief for Kiwis struggling with rising grocery costs.

“New Zealanders struggling with the cost of their weekly grocery shopping don’t need more vague promises from Nicola Willis, they need real action,” Labour commerce and consumer affairs spokesperson Arena Williams said.

“When Labour was in government, we took bold action to break up the supermarket duopoly. We banned restrictive land covenants, enforced mandatory wholesale access, and introduced a Grocery Commissioner to hold the industry to account. We didn’t just talk about competition, we legislated for it.

“If National was serious about tackling the supermarket duopoly it would build on the real progress Labour made. Instead, all Nicola Willis is offering is no new ideas, no deadlines, and no clear policies.

“It’s a smokescreen for a government that is floundering when it comes to the cost of living,” Arena Williams said.

“Nicola Willis talks about ‘growth’, but the only growth we’ve seen is in the number of job losses, the number of Kiwis leaving, and the number of homeless Kiwis,” Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

“Willis’ announcement is part of a troubling trend of all talk and no action. This government has failed to deliver on their FamilyBoost promises, they’re failing on ferries, and now they’re failing to seriously address grocery prices.”

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SH1B Telephone Road upgrade work set to begin

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February 13, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Construction is set to start next week on an upgrade to the rail crossing on State Highway 1B Telephone Road, east of Hamilton, which will reopen to traffic by the middle of the year, Minister of Transport Chris Bishop says.
“Economic growth and productivity are a priority for the Government, and I’m pleased this upgrade work is finally getting underway to enable the road to reopen to vehicles and freight,” Mr Bishop says.
“The package of improvements being delivered will see the road level raised, and new escape lanes built. The road surface will be raised by up to 410mm over a distance of 90 metres on Telephone Road north of the rail crossing and on Telephone Road/Holland Road/Marshmeadow Road south of the rail crossing.
“Escape lanes built on the north side of Holland Road, will ensure longer vehicles heading south do not stack across the rail line as they wait to turn into Holland Road. For vehicles travelling east on Holland Road and wanting to turn left into Telephone Road, the escape lane provides a safe place to wait if access to Telephone Road is blocked by a train.
“Safety at the intersection will also be improved with more line marking and signage, including new electronic warning signs when a train is approaching.
“As part of the upgrade involves raising the road level, from Wednesday 19 February the intersection of Telephone Road, Holland Road and Marshmeadow Road will be closed to all traffic until the end of construction. This is expected to take around 3 months.
“I appreciate the patience of the local community, and strong advocacy of local MP Tim Van de Molen, to bring us to this important milestone. I also want to thank NZTA, KiwiRail, and Waikato District Council for their work to find a pragmatic and cost-effective solution. I look forward to this work being completed as soon as possible, so we get traffic moving over the rail crossing once again.”
Notes to Editor:

The rail crossing on SH1B Telephone Road was previously considered one of the most dangerous in New Zealand. The crossing was not level, resulting in low vehicles scraping rail and, in April 2022, dislodging a section of track. The distance between the rail and the intersection was also short, resulting in a high collision risk as cars wait to turn onto Holland Road. Both of these risks are being addressed in this work, enabling a safe reopening of the crossing.
As a result of an incident in April 2022 KiwiRail and NZTA decided to immediately close the rail crossing until it could satisfy the safety requirements to reopen. Since then, SH1B traffic has been required to detour along Holland Road, Waverley Road and Seddon Road, adding approximately 10 minutes to through journeys.
Following the closure, NZTA commissioned a detailed report on the future options for the crossing from consultants WSP. The report explored a range of options from low-cost interventions such as barrier arms, limited access to light vehicles and judder bars, to more complex options that involved significant engineering work to reconfigure the rail crossing and adjacent intersection.
NZTA remained committed to investigating practical and affordable solutions to allow the Telephone Road railway crossing to reopen and continued to work with KiwiRail. This led to the new design which met requirements to allow the rail crossing to reopen.
Another important factor in the new design meeting safety requirements is the reduction in traffic volumes, particularly the lower number of trucks, using SH1B following the completion of the Hamilton section of the Waikato Expressway.

MIL OSI