Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Tirau Road/State Highway 1 is currently blocked near Fergusson Gully Road due to a truck breakdown.
The northbound lanes will be blocked for some time.
No injuries have been reported.
Diversions are in place and motorists are advised to expect delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Motorists heading into the Wellington CBD are asked to avoid Waterloo Quay following a crash.
The crash was reported to Police at 8.45am and appears to involve several vehicles.
There are currently no reports of injuries however traffic is being significantly impacted.
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Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand
Leading South Island chartered accountancy firm Ashton Wheelans has opened a new office in Rangiora.
The firm has moved its operation from Kaiapoi to 190 High Street, Rangiora, to better service the accounting and business consultancy requirements of the growing Rangiora business community. It is the fourth South Island location for Ashton Wheelans, which also has offices in Christchurch, Greymouth and Wānaka.
Ashton Wheelans partner Andrew Keys – who is based in the new Rangiora office – says the strategic move enables local businesses to receive top-level business advisory and accounting services without travelling to Christchurch.
“Rangiora is a really exciting location for our new office – the town is growing at a phenomenal rate and business is thriving,” he says. “There is no longer the need for local business owners to travel into the Christchurch CBD for professional services. However, we still felt there was a gap in the market for a larger accounting firm to support Rangiora locals with premium, full-service advice and expertise. We’re looking forward to filling that gap in specialist accountancy services, but without the premium pricing.”
Ashton Wheelans had been running a successful office in Kaiapoi for more than 50 years, however the exceptional economic growth of Rangiora in recent years was a contributing factor to the relocation. A large team will be based in the new future-focused office – Keys, along with a range of accounting specialists from graduates through to senior advisors, an auditor and a client finance manager.
Keys says the company specialises in a broad scope of detailed accounting services and business growth expertise, including essential services such as accounting, tax and auditing, and advice on acquisitions, startups, mentoring, restructuring or insolvency, succession and strategic planning.
“We tailor solutions to the needs of every business, and do it in a way that is personal and adds value to our clients,” says Keys. “We are accountants first and foremost, but we strive to help all our clients reach their goals and achieve success, whatever that means to them. We’re looking forward to becoming a trusted part of the Rangiora business community.”
Media Release on 3 February 2025
Media Contact
Ashton Wheelans Christchurch and Rangiora partner Andrew Keys
andrew.keys@ashtonwheelans.co.nz
027 464 6555
https://www.ashtonwheelans.co.nz/
Source: New Zealand Government
The completion of the Papakura to Pukekohe rail electrification project will provide commuters with more reliable and efficient journeys and help reduce congestion on our roads, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“Auckland’s electrified commuter rail network currently stops at Papakura, with commuters further south from Pukekohe having to take a diesel train to Papakura and then change trains, with a sometimes long and frustrating wait,” Mr Bishop says.
“The further extension of electrification on the southern line to Pukekohe was first announced by then-Prime Minister Sir Bill English and Transport Minister Simon Bridges in 2017. Work began in 2022 and is now complete, along with a redeveloped station at Pukekohe. From tomorrow, passengers travelling from Pukekohe will enjoy direct, quieter, low-carbon journeys on AT’s modern electric trains.
“It’s exciting to see this important project finally finished. Over the next two decades 100,000 more people are expected to be living in the area south of Papakura, with more than 40,000 homes to be built in the area. Employment is expected to grow by 50,000 jobs.
“Enabling this growth by investing in our public transport network will ensure this growing part of Auckland is better connected, more attractive to move into, and offers more choice for people needing to get into and around the city.
“Auckland’s rail network is hugely important to the city and the government is investing more than $2 billion to rebuild, renew, and extend services in advance of the City Rail Link opening in 2026, which will be transformational for our biggest city.
“The next step of rail investment will be three new stations between Pukekohe and Papakura, at Drury, Ngākōroa (west of Drury) and Paerātā. Construction is expected to be completed at Drury and Paerātā stations toward the end of 2025, followed by Ngākōroa in 2026.
“Later this year, the Third Main Line project will also be finished, which includes building a new line in the busiest part of the network between Westfield and Wiri Junctions in South Auckland, building an additional platform and track at Middlemore Station and major improvements around Quay Park (central Auckland) to separate Eastern Line commuter trains from freight trains at the entrance to Port of Auckland.
“I want to thank the many contractors and other agencies who have worked incredibly hard over the last few years to make today a reality, as well as commuters and the wider community for their patience as these works have been delivered.
“There is still a lot of work on the rail network to be completed, but we are making good progress.”
Notes to editor:
The electrification project included:
Auckland Unlimited / Auckland Council’s economic masterplan estimates that over the next two decades:
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
To be attributed to Senior Sergeant Scott McKenzie, Southland Area Road Policing Manager:
Southland Police are gearing up for a big start to February 2025, with a number of large events scheduled in the Invercargill area.
First off the blocks is the Burt Munro Challenge, running between 5 – 9 February, in and around the Invercargill area.
During this time, we also have Waitangi Day celebrations, a pre-season Highlanders game on 6 February, and the Invercargill Rodeo on 8 February.
There will be a real buzz in and around Invercargill with all of these events occurring across just a few days, and we want to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy these events safely.
We are expecting an influx of visitors to the region, with many more people on the roads, and out and about in the city.
And Police will also be on the roads and out and about, highly visible and working to help keep everyone safe. But we can’t do it alone – we all have a part to play in keeping our community safe, particularly on the roads.
The Burt Munro Challenge attracts thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts each year – both riders and spectators.
We know that motorcyclists are vulnerable road users, given the much lower levels of protection they have in the event of a crash compared with the occupant of a car.
We urge all motorcyclists to ensure your bike is up-to-scratch mechanically before you set off, and wear appropriate safety gear – including high-vis to improve your visibility to other road users.
And all road users should ensure they are focused on the basics: Drive within the speed limit and in accordance with the conditions; don’t drive if impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue; put the phone away; and ensure everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained.
Finally, with the increased traffic on the city’s roads and in surrounding areas, it’s more important than ever that motorists exercise patience and consideration for other road users. We also advise planning ahead and leaving a bit of extra time to get where you need to go, just in case there are delays.
If we all play our part, we can help ensure everyone is able to enjoy our beautiful region safely, and make it home in one piece.
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Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
At around 3:14am this morning emergency services were called after a single vehicle crash on Pukehina Parade, Pukehina.
A vehicle has left the road and rolled into a creek. Sadly, the driver has died at the scene.
There were no passengers.
Police are now investigating the cause of the crash.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police are asking people to avoid Queens Drive in Lower Hutt which is currently closed due to an incident early this morning.
A person has suffered critical injuries and police cordons have been put in place.
Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to this matter.
The road is expected to be closed for approximately one hour.
Diversions are in place. Motorists and other commuters are asked to avoid the area.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Kahurangi Iritana Te Rangi Tāwhiwhirangi was close to many people and her passing will be felt across the motu, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.
“Kahurangi Iritana was an icon who remained staunch to the spirit and substance of tino rangatiratanga.
“Her work over many kaupapa, including kohanga reo, reinforced the principle that Māori succeeding as Māori, by Māori, for Māori and for everyone, is a beating heart of our country’s future.
“Kahurangi Iritana’s commitment to challenging the status quo helped ensure te reo Māori was sustained and thrived in homes and communities across the motu.
“That was one of her greatest gifts to Aotearoa: the words – the language – that speaks to the wairua of our people was strengthened and shared across generations.
“Her efforts across multiple kaupapa epitomise mana wahine and pūkengatanga.
“To her whānau, we extend our mihi aroha and deepest condolences.
“While her tūpuna and ancestors have called her home, her legacy will continue with us for the great benefit of Iwi, Māori and of all Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police are today releasing the name of a Northland man fatally shot in Otaika this week.
He was 18-year-old Kyle Zachary Jenkins, of Maungatapere.
The homicide investigation continues into Kyle’s murder.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer says: “Our thoughts are with Kyle’s family at this very difficult time.
“They are continuing to grieve his death and have asked for privacy at this time.”
Police are continuing to maintain an appeal for information about what took place on the Otaika Valley Road layby.
“Our investigation continues to piece together why this tragic event occurred, and identify the person responsible,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.
An online portal has been set up for any footage or photographs to be uploaded.
Please go to https://distant.nc3.govt.nz
Anyone with further information should call Police on 105 and reference the file number 250129/0335.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Kristine Clarke:
Police are making inquiries into the death of a woman in Hamilton overnight.
Emergency services were called to a Forest Lake address shortly before 12:30am today to reports the 19-year-old was unresponsive.
On arrival, medical staff confirmed she had sadly died.
Police were speaking with those present at the address at the time, and completing further scene and area inquiries, to help determine what took place.
The death is currently being treated as unexplained.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
