Citizenship applications completed up 54 per cent in December

January 29, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Department of Internal Affairs [the Department] has achieved significant progress in completing applications for New Zealand citizenship.

“December 2024 saw the Department complete 5,661 citizenship applications, the most for any month in 2024. This is a 54 per cent increase compared to the 3,685 applications completed during December 2023,” says Ms van Velden.

“I have asked the Department to focus efforts on reducing the number of outstanding applications, and I am pleased to see progress being made. The number of work-in-progress applications has dropped from 28,544 on 27 November 2023 to 18,749 in January 2025, a drop of 34 per cent.

“At the start of December 2024, the oldest applications being picked up for processing for the first time were submitted a year prior. As of January 2025, the oldest applications being picked up are from late March 2024.”

The Department has been working to cross-skill staff to process passport, citizenship, and digital identity [RealMe] applications. The more adaptable workforce is better able to respond to fluctuations in demand for different products, leading to increased productivity and better outcomes for New Zealanders.

“I know that receiving the grant of New Zealand citizenship is a significant moment in a person’s life, and I have heard from many individuals about the impact that delays to obtaining citizenship can have on them and their family. I will continue to remain focussed on reducing citizenship wait times and ensuring high standards of service,” says Ms van Velden.

In December 2024 the Department also launched a public dashboard showing measures of output and average processing time across their life and identity products, including citizenship. The dashboard can be accessed here: https://www.dia.govt.nz/Life-and-Identity-Services-Performance-Measures-Dashboard

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Fleeing driver: Charges confirmed

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A man is expected in court today, following a fleeing driver incident across much of central Auckland.

On Tuesday, a vehicle with mismatching plates was located on the Northwestern Motorway.

After allegedly failing to stop for Police, the matter concluded at Dress Smart shopping centre in Onehunga.

Auckland City Road Policing Manager acting Inspector Scott Jones says the vehicle the man was driving has since been confirmed as stolen.

“A 31-year-old Northland man is expected to appear in the Auckland District Court today,” he says.

“He faces charges of aggravated assault, reckless driving, failing to stop and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.”

During the fleeing driver incident, it was established the man was also sought in relation to other active court matters, including aggravated robbery.

“It’s fortunate that neither the public nor Police staff suffered any injuries as a result of the man’s alleged actions yesterday afternoon,” acting Inspector Jones says.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Police seek information on Ōkaihau hit-and-run

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Northland Police is investigating the fatal hit-and-run of a cyclist in Ōkaihau last night.

An investigation team is forming in the small Far North town to locate the person responsible.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kevan Verry, of Northland CIB, says Police were contacted by Settlers Way residents at around 10.15pm on 28 January.

“We believe the collision between a cyclist and vehicle has occurred between 10pm and 10.15pm on that road,” he says.

“Tragically, it has resulted in a 19-year-old dying from his injuries at the scene.”

In the small hours of the morning, a traffic crash analyst attended and examined the scene.

“A criminal investigation is now underway, and detectives are working to piece together who is responsible,” Detective Senior Sergeant Verry says.

“Police will be in the Ōkaihau township as part of our investigation, seeking witnesses and further information.”

Investigators want to hear from anyone in the area last night that has information.

“Police will be searching for a vehicle that has obvious signs of damage.

“A young man has lost his life, and it’s important that anyone in the community with information does the right thing and speaks up now.”

Victim Support has been engaged for the cyclist’s family.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time and with what they are going through.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the lead up or aftermath of the incident, or who has any information, is asked to contact Police.

Update Police online or call 105, using the reference number 250129/0360.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Wheels come off yard burglary

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Two men face a slew of charges after their alleged burglary plans uncoupled on Auckland Anniversary Day.

On Monday, frontline Police responded to a burglary in progress at an industrial area in Takanini, at around 8.54am.

“Two men had allegedly broken into the business’ yard and were in the process of stealing a trailer and an all-terrain vehicle,” Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes says.

“The victims had arrived on scene and had approached the two offenders.”

After being asked about their actions, one of the men allegedly assaulted one of the victims. Fortunately, he did not sustain serious injuries.

“Police had received a 111 call, and our staff were soon in the area,” Inspector Hoyes says.

“A Police unit signalled for the stolen vehicle and trailer to stop; however, the offender accelerated at speed and wasn’t pursued.”

The second offender left the area on foot.

Meanwhile, the Police Eagle helicopter had deployed and was overhead of the vehicle as it travelled north on the motorway.

Inspector Hoyes says the vehicle exited at Highbrook and travelled to Kilkenny Drive in East Tamaki.

“The vehicle came to a stop and units quickly moved in and blocked in the vehicle before the driver was arrested.”

A 56-year-old man has been charged with aggravated assault, two counts of burglary, reckless driving and failing to stop.

He will appear in the Papakura District Court on 30 January.

The second man, a 45-year-old, was arrested in the Takanini area. He is also facing two charges of burglary and one count of aggravated assault.

He has since appeared in the Papakura District Court and will reappear on 20 February 2025.

“We acknowledge the victims’ quick reporting of offending taking place at their premises so our staff could respond and it’s a great outcome that we have returned both pieces of equipment to them,” Inspector Hoyes says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Pair arrested after Panmure aggravated robbery

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police were on the money, arresting two offenders shortly after an aggravated robbery in Panmure this morning.

Just after 9am, two offenders entered the Cash Converters store on Queens Road.

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, from Auckland City Crime Squad, says the pair were allegedly carrying weapons at the time.

“They allegedly took the store’s till and used those weapons to smash cabinets and take jewellery on display,” he says.

“Both fled the store and got into the stolen vehicle they arrived in.”

Police were quickly contacted and deployed to the area.

Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says the stolen vehicle was located on Swan Crescent in Pakuranga, after colliding into a gate.

“A Police dog handler deployed in the area and tracked to an address in the nearby area.”

Inside, Police have since located two 16-year-old males and they have been arrested.

The store’s till has also been recovered.

“Charges will be laid in due course as our investigation continues,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.

“I’d like to acknowledge the various Police teams that deployed to the aggravated robbery this morning, as we continue to hold offenders to account.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Animal Welfare – Warmer weather brings increased risks to dogs – NZVA

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: NZ Veterinary Association

Dog owners are being warned to keep their pets away from highly toxic karaka berries and algal blooms this summer, and to contact their veterinarian immediately if they think their dog has swallowed them.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) encourages owners to walk dogs on a leash if toxic algae or karaka berries could be in the vicinity as both can make dogs incredibly ill.

NZVA Head of Veterinary Services Companion Animal Sally Cory says at this time of year pets are spending more time outdoors and have more access to things that can harm them. “Unfortunately, dogs are attracted to karaka berries and toxic algae because of the strong smell,” she says. “Even small amounts can be dangerous, so if you think your dog has eaten karaka berries or toxic algae, call your veterinarian immediately and they will advise you what to do next.”

The karaka tree fruits annually between January and April, dropping orange berries containing the alkaloid, karakin, which may be poisonous to dogs. Consumption of the berries by canines – who love their sweet taste – can lead to impaired neurological function, respiratory failure, and even death. Clinical signs can be delayed from between 24 hours and a week or more following ingestion.

Toxic algae, also known as cyanobacteria, appears in rivers and lakes as black, green, or brown slime on rocks, and as brown or black ‘mats’. Symptoms can develop within 30 minutes and include panting, lethargy, muscle tremors, twitching, and convulsions.

“When walking your dog near fresh water at this time of year, be mindful if it’s been dry and the water is potentially stagnant, or if it has rained heavily after a dry period as this can cause algae mats to dislodge,” Sally says. “Toxic algae has a strong, musty odour which dogs are attracted to and the toxic reaction can be fast. Remember if humans are advised not to swim somewhere, dogs shouldn’t swim there either.”

Sally advises dog owners to keep an eye on information provided by local councils as signage may not always be installed at parks, rivers, and lakes. You can look up the potential risks of a destination by visiting Land Air Water Aotearoa.

Sally also urges puppy and dog owners to make sure their pets are fully vaccinated against parvovirus as cases tend to rise when dogs spend more time in public spaces when the weather is warmer. Dogs can become infected by ingesting the virus through direct contact with contaminated faeces, surfaces, or objects, such as food bowls. The virus can even be transmitted on footwear. Signs of illness usually occur within three to seven days of exposure and may include severe, often bloody diarrhoea; vomiting; lethargy; decreased appetite; fever or low body temperature; rapid dehydration; and in severe cases, death.

“We have started to see an increase in parvovirus cases already this season,” Sally says. “It is a highly contagious, viral disease, but it is preventable with appropriate vaccination.” Those most at risk are young (six weeks to six months), unvaccinated, or incompletely vaccinated puppies.

Similarly, vaccinations need to be kept up-to-date for canine cough (kennel cough), an infectious respiratory disease that spreads when dogs are in close contact, such as at the beach, in parks, on walks, and in boarding kennels or daycare facilities. Talk to your veterinarian to ensure your dog is protected against parvovirus and canine cough.

The summer months also bring the risk of bee sting reactions, incidents of dogs swallowing too much salt water, and grass seeds becoming lodged in ears and between toes, so keep an eye out for these too while out and about enjoying the warmer weather.

Signs of karaka poisoning include:

– Vomiting or diarrhoea

– Abdominal pain

– Reduced appetite

– Paralysis of back legs

– Loss of balance

– Convulsions

– Breathing slower than usual (which can lead to paralysis of breathing muscles).

– If you think your dog has eaten any karaka berries, contact your vet immediately.

Signs of toxic algae poisoning include:

– Panting

– Lethargy

– Muscle tremors

– Twitching

– Convulsions

– If your dog is showing any of these symptoms after being in contact with a waterway, contact your veterinarian immediately.

More information on these topics can be found on the NZVA website:

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Health – Proper funding of primary care nurses key to Kiwis getting into GPs – NZNO

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Primary care nurses must be paid the same as hospital nurses to fix the chronic staff shortages causing New Zealanders to be turned away from GP clinics, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) says.

A Victoria University of Wellington study has found 36% of New Zealand’s general practices didn’t take new enrolments in 2024, with workforce shortages cited as the major reason people were being turned away.

NZNO’s New Zealand College of Primary Health Care Nurses chair Tracey Morgan says the Coalition Government’s focus on the health sector is misdirected.

“While the Government is focused on the five health targets, they are ignoring the most pressing issue – chronic staff shortages in primary care.

“When people can’t get into their GP, they can end up at hospital even sicker. This puts more pressure on our already stretched hospitals and the Government’s own targets will be harder to meet,” Tracey Morgan says.

Primary care nurses are leaving GP clinics to work in hospitals because they get paid 18% more despite having the same skills and qualifications, she says.

“It is time for the Government to pay primary care nurses the same as their hospital counterparts and introduce a sustainable funding model for the primary care sector.

“Until this is done, it is everyday New Zealanders who are trying to see a doctor when they are sick who will pay the price.

“New Health Minister Simeon Brown has said he is ‘an advocate for everyday Kiwis who simply want timely, quality healthcare when they need it’. Here is his solution,” Tracey Morgan says.

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Health – ProCare reflects on progress made towards equitable health outcomes by committing to Te Tiriti o Waitangi Principles

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: ProCare

Over the last four years, primary healthcare provider, ProCare, has made significant progress on embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi across all aspects of the business, but acknowledges there is still more to do.

In 2021, ProCare made a commitment to align to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and deliver key actions to help improve equity in healthcare in its ‘ProEquity’ strategy. This strategy came after extensive engagement with staff and wider stakeholders on steps ProCare could take towards achieving more equitable health outcomes.

Some of the key achievements during the last few years were:

Significant improvements in the employee survey in relation to understanding Te Tiriti, cultural responsiveness, and inclusivity
Appointing Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Tangata Whenua Directors
Establishing formal partnerships with Māori-led community organisations like Smear Your Mea and Taumata Koorero
Launching outreach services to improve access to healthcare services for Māori and Pacific communities
Developing cultural training programmes and mobile apps to support cultural competency.

Bindi Norwell, ProCare Group CEO, says: “Embedding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi adopted from the Ministry of Health – Whakamaua Māori Health Action Plan, enabled us to have a core focus on equity across our business over the last four years, and we are proud of what we have achieved so far. Feedback from our staff on the importance of Te Tiriti has consistently trended upwards, so it’s great to see the hard work by the team being recognised.

“We’ve recently conducted an audit of the strategy, reflecting on where we were at in 2021, what we have achieved so far, and areas of opportunity going forward. This has been great as we enter 2025, ensuring we bring all teams back to alignment and focus on a core direction,” says Norwell.

Mihi Blair, Kaiwhakahaere Hauora Māori, Mana Taurite (GM of Māori Health and Equity), says: “Our achievements as a business have been a result of shared commitment and collective effort across ProCare, as well as building authentic and collaborative relationships with not only Māori, but Pacific, and the diverse population groups that make up Tāmaki Makaurau.

“Utilising Te Tiriti principles, we have continued to build on our achievements, through actions like appointing Marama Royal, Chair of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust, to the ProCare Co-operative Board, welcoming Dr Minnie Strickland as a Pacific Representative on our Clinical Quality Committee, developing resources such cultural apps Ihi and Tala Moana, and giving our staff and practices access to our Te Pūheke training programme, endorsed by the Royal College of General Practice, to support them with cultural responsiveness,” says Blair.

“Our actions are a great step forward for ProCare, but we recognise there is still work to. This includes looking into how we can embed equity into all facets of the business. This could be advocating for funding and developing frameworks that align with Te Tiriti, co-designing services with the community, exploring more partnerships, embedding Te Tiriti as a key part of any policy and performance, and more,” concludes Blair.

To find out more about ProCare’s Equity Journey – Te Amorangi, read this infographic: https://www.procare.co.nz/media/3894/te-amorangi-procares-equity-journey.pdf

About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau.

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Raising speed limits on undivided highways invites trouble

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: Green Party

The Government’s move to increase speed limits substantially on dozens of stretches of rural and often undivided highways will result in more serious harm.

“The Government’s pro-growth spin cannot obscure the fact that raising speed limits significantly increases the risk of serious harm,” says the Green Party’s Transport spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter.

“The laws of physics aren’t a matter of popular opinion. The faster the speed, the bigger the mess. The evidence is overwhelming: safe speeds save lives.

“And yet this Government is substantially hiking up the speed limit on a swathe of often undivided roads in regions such as Northland which has had historically higher rates of deaths on their roads compared to the rest of the country.

“When safe speed limits were established in Northland it reduced deaths and serious injuries by 50-60 per cent with increases in travel times less than one minute per 10 kilometres.

“People won’t notice a minute added to their travel – they will notice when a loved one doesn’t return home from work or school.

“Countries with the lowest deaths and serious injuries have 70 or 80 kph speed limits maximum on rural undivided highways. That’s the International Transport Forum’s recommendation – and the difference it makes is quite stark.

“Local councils, health professionals and road safety experts from here and around the world have spoken out opposing this senseless policy, outlining the serious harm it will cause.

“The Government is playing politics with people’s lives here. Failing to follow the evidence and ignoring basic physics will have real-world consequences,” says Julie Anne Genter.

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Speed limit reduction reversals begin

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Reversals to Labour’s blanket speed limit reductions begin tonight and will be in place by 1 July, says Minister of Transport Chris Bishop.

“The previous government was obsessed with slowing New Zealanders down by imposing illogical and untargeted speed limit reductions on state highways and local roads.

“National campaigned on reversing the blanket speed limit reductions at the last election, and over 65 per cent of submitters during consultation on the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 agreed.

“Reversing the speed limit reductions where safe to do so is also part of the National-ACT coalition agreement.

“Where Labour was about slowing New Zealand down, the coalition Government is all about making it easier for people and freight to get from A to B as quickly and efficiently as possible, which will help drive economic growth and improved productivity.”

The Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 requires NZTA and local councils to reverse all speed limits lowered since January 2020 on several categories of roads back to their previous limits by 1 July 2025.

“Labour’s Kieran McAnulty said recently that as Associate Transport Minister under the previous government he’d asked NZTA to review the SH2 Wairarapa speed limit, and that they told him no. It seems he just shrugged and accepted that,” Mr Bishop says.

“Today provides a classic example of our Government’s determination to stop letting government agencies put things in the too-hard basket, and instead to push forward for actual results.

“The first state highway to reverse will be the section of SH2 between Featherston and Masterton, where the speed limit reduction in early 2023 under the previous government met with huge community hostility – the exact road that Kieran McAnulty failed to get any action on. This change which will take effect overnight tonight.

“To ensure this process happens efficiently, over the next few months NZTA will incorporate the automatic speed reversal work alongside planned maintenance and project works.

“I have also released a further list of 49 sections of state highway for further public consultation so local communities can have their say on keeping their current lower speed limit or returning to the previous higher speed. Public consultation on those sections begins tomorrow and will run for six weeks.

“In terms of local road changes, councils have until 1 May 2025 to advise NZTA of the specified roads subject to reversal under the new Rule.”

The new rule requires reduced variable speed limits outside schools during pick up and drop off times.

“We are prioritising the safety of Kiwi kids by introducing reduced speed limits outside schools during pick-up and drop-off times. We want to see these changes brought about quickly,” Mr Bishop says.

“By 1 July 2026, local streets outside a school will be required to have a 30km/h variable speed limit. Rural roads that are outside schools will be required to have variable speed limits of 60km/h or less.

“Throughout the world, 50km/h is used as the right speed limit to keep urban roads flowing smoothly and safely. The evidence on this is clear – comparable countries with the lowest rates of road deaths and serious injuries, such as Norway, Denmark, and Japan, have speed limits of 50km/h on their urban roads, with exceptions for lower speed limits.

“These countries have strong road safety records, targeting alcohol, drugs, and speeding. Our Government has a clear focus on improving road safety outcomes with clear targets to ensure Police are focussed on the most high-risk times, behaviours, and locations.”

Notes to editor:

Attached fact sheets:

38 sections of state highway for speed limit auto reversal
49 sections of state highway for community consultation

Under the Setting of Speed Limits Rule signed by previous Transport Minister Simeon Brown in September 2024, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and councils are required to reverse all speed limits lowered since January 2020 on several categories of specified roads back to their previous limits by 1 July 2025.

To give effect to the new Rule, NZTA will automatically reverse speed limits on 38 sections of the state highway network back to their previous higher speed limit, and publicly consult on a further 49 sections before final decisions are made whether to reverse them or not.

Public consultation on 49 sections of state highway will begin on 30 January 2025 and run for six weeks.

Further note:

The reference to Mr McAnulty’s comments regarding SH2 in the Wairarapa is taken from Kate Judson’s article in The Wairarapa Times-Age, Jan 25 2025: Slow road back to 100kph for Wairarapa motorists:

Labour list MP Kieran McAnulty said he was not convinced SH2 speeds south of Greytown would change by July because the decision rested with NZTA.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if they said they’ll put it up to 100kph if the road gets improved,” he said.

“I know how resolute NZTA were on it. I was associate transport minister and looked them in the eye and said, ‘I want you to review the speed limit,’ and they said no.”

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