Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines celebrates milestones, thanks media and content creators at annual Pasasalamat event

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January 27, 2025

Source: MetService

UPDATE: Covering period of Monday 27 – Thursday 30 January – MetService is forecasting a quieter weather day on Tuesday before another system sweeps across the South Island later in the day and into Wednesday, bringing rain and strong winds. Meanwhile, the North Island gets a reprieve from the muggy conditions of the past weekend, enjoying fresher air ahead of the next weather system later this week.

Following the devastating tornado in Mangawhai early on Sunday morning, Monday brought yet another day of unsettled weather for parts of Aotearoa New Zealand. Showers and thunderstorms were widespread in the east, with unseasonable snow falling in elevated parts of Canterbury, driven by a cold front moving northward. For regions marking Auckland Anniversary Day in the northern half of the North Island, the day was brighter and more settled.

This brighter weather extends across much of the country on Tuesday, thanks to a brief ridge of high pressure. MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane explains, “After an active couple of days weather-wise, many may welcome a bright and sunny summer day. However, the odd shower may still pop up in the western South Island and upper North Island. Later in the afternoon, the next weather system begins to make its presence felt.”

From Tuesday afternoon, winds strengthen over the lower South Island as the approaching weather system brings the potential for Heavy Rain and Strong Winds. MetService has issued Strong Wind Watches from Fiordland to inland Canterbury for Tuesday late afternoon to Wednesday. Heavy Rain Watches are also in effect for Fiordland and the ranges of the Westland District, primarily overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday. In the eastern South Island, brief rain is expected on Wednesday as the weather system moves through, while conditions clear on Thursday, with lingering rain possible for Buller and Tasman. The rain reaches the lower North Island early Thursday, where it is expected to be for much of the day.

In the North Island, the muggy conditions of recent days are replaced by cooler, fresher air. Single-digit temperatures may greet some areas in the central and lower North Island on Tuesday morning. “I imagine the cooler temperatures will make sleeping a lot easier for many compared to these last few nights,” adds Makgabutlane. However, warm overnight temperatures return to the lower North Island towards the end of the working week.

Name Release, Fatal crash, Winton Lorneville Highway

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January 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police can now confirm the name of the woman who died following a two-vehicle crash on Winton Lorneville Highway, Tuesday 21 January.

She was Thachawalai Youngdaeng of Thailand.

Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Release: Nicola Willis prioritises visitors over everyday Kiwis

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January 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

In her first announcement as Economic Growth Minister, Nicola Willis chose to loosen restrictions for digital nomads from other countries, rather than focus on everyday Kiwis.

“The fact that Nicola Willis is offering benefits to visitors that she won’t even allow New Zealanders, shows exactly where her priorities lie,” Labour’s finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

“I don’t have a problem with tweaks here and there so we can ensure we have good investment in New Zealand, but I do have a problem with Nicola Willis’ double standards.

“National is choosing to prioritise visitors to New Zealand, instead of tackling the urgent challenges facing Kiwis today. Nicola Willis doesn’t even know how many people will benefit from these changes or have an estimate as to how much our economy would grow.

“With rising rents, workforce shortages, and businesses crying out for more support, this announcement shows a lack of focus on the real issues affecting our economy.

“With one hand she’s begging foreigners to come here to work from home, while implementing strict policies on Kiwi public servants to stop them from doing the same.

“We need real long-term solutions for economic growth that provides the jobs of Kiwis, not a short-term sugar hit,” Barbara Edmonds said.

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Weather News – Sunny Interlude Before Midweek Rain – MetService

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January 27, 2025

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 27 – Thursday 30 January – MetService is forecasting a quieter weather day on Tuesday before another system sweeps across the South Island later in the day and into Wednesday, bringing rain and strong winds. Meanwhile, the North Island gets a reprieve from the muggy conditions of the past weekend, enjoying fresher air ahead of the next weather system later this week.

Following the devastating tornado in Mangawhai early on Sunday morning, Monday brought yet another day of unsettled weather for parts of Aotearoa New Zealand. Showers and thunderstorms were widespread in the east, with unseasonable snow falling in elevated parts of Canterbury, driven by a cold front moving northward. For regions marking Auckland Anniversary Day in the northern half of the North Island, the day was brighter and more settled.

This brighter weather extends across much of the country on Tuesday, thanks to a brief ridge of high pressure. MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane explains, “After an active couple of days weather-wise, many may welcome a bright and sunny summer day. However, the odd shower may still pop up in the western South Island and upper North Island. Later in the afternoon, the next weather system begins to make its presence felt.”

From Tuesday afternoon, winds strengthen over the lower South Island as the approaching weather system brings the potential for Heavy Rain and Strong Winds. MetService has issued Strong Wind Watches from Fiordland to inland Canterbury for Tuesday late afternoon to Wednesday. Heavy Rain Watches are also in effect for Fiordland and the ranges of the Westland District, primarily overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday. In the eastern South Island, brief rain is expected on Wednesday as the weather system moves through, while conditions clear on Thursday, with lingering rain possible for Buller and Tasman. The rain reaches the lower North Island early Thursday, where it is expected to be for much of the day.

In the North Island, the muggy conditions of recent days are replaced by cooler, fresher air. Single-digit temperatures may greet some areas in the central and lower North Island on Tuesday morning. “I imagine the cooler temperatures will make sleeping a lot easier for many compared to these last few nights,” adds Makgabutlane. However, warm overnight temperatures return to the lower North Island towards the end of the working week.

Curtain lifted on illegal cannabis operation

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January 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Sergeant Adam Elder, Alexandra Police:

A man is before the courts after the curtain was lifted on his cannabis growing operation in Roxburgh, Central Otago.

On Friday 17 January Police executed a search warrant at a Roxburgh house, and inside Police located five indoor tents which housed 12 mature cannabis plants.

Alongside the plants, a quantity of already dried-out cannabis was located packaged, which Police will allege was ready for distribution.

Three high-powered air rifles were also located at the address and have since been seized, as he was not permitted to be in possession of them.

A 55-year-old man has been charged with possession of cannabis for supply, cultivating cannabis, and possessing equipment to cultivate cannabis, and is due to reappear in the Alexandra District Court on Thursday 30 January.

In another search on the same day, at a different property in Roxburgh, Police located a large amount of drug paraphernalia, including utensils believed to be used for smoking methamphetamine, in a house bus. Inquiries are ongoing.

Police have been and will continue to work hard to identify and locate those involved in the illegal supply of drugs, and work with our community to address the underlying drivers of demand

If you have any information that may assist Police in identifying those involved in the illegal supply of drugs please contact Police.

You can contact us on 111 if it is happening now, or via 105 either online or over the phone.

Alternatively you can report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Serious Crash, SH5, Waipunga

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January 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are responding to a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 5 near Matea Road, Waipunga, Taupō District.

The crash was reported around 4pm.

Initial indications suggest at least two occupants are in a moderate to serious condition.

The road is closed while emergency services work at the scene between Matea Road and Pohoukura Road.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and take an alternate route.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Quick reporting from public sees two teens arrested, Invercargill

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January 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Detective Peter Smallfield, Invercargill Police:

Two young people are facing Youth Court in Invercargill after a series of burglaries in a stolen car overnight.

A Mazda vehicle was stolen from a Kingswell address in the early hours of the morning by two people, who later pulled up to a jewellers in the central city around 5am.

They have got out and attempted to smash the windows with a scooter, and when they were not able to gain entry, travelled to a service station in Newfield.

Again, they were not able to gain entry.

Stopping the vehicle on a street nearby, they have had an interaction with a member of the public, in which they have pretended to have a firearm with them in order to scare them away.

They have then travelled to a dairy in Winsdor, where they have managed to smash their way in.

The pair stole items including vapes, cash, and confectionery before getting back into the vehicle and driving a short distance away.

A Police dog unit has located the vehicle and tracked the occupants who had fled on foot, taking them into custody shortly after 6am.

Two young males were due in the Invercargill Youth Court today, appearing jointly on three charges of burglary, one of theft of a motor vehicle and one of being unlawfully in a closed yard.

This behaviour is incredibly frustrating for residents and business owners in our community, and it’s pleasing to have been able to immediately hold this pair to account.

We want to extend our thanks to the members of the public who observed suspicious behaviour and reported it to Police on 111 straight away, enabling the quick apprehension of the two youths.

It is also a reminder to take every precaution possible to help avoid becoming a victim of crime.

Remember to take property security measures with your vehicles – keep them inside a secure garage if possible, remove valuables, and consider a steering wheel lock. This all helps make your vehicle less desirable for opportunistic thieves.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Road closed following crash, State Highway 1, Marton

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January 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Emergency services are responding to a report of a crash involving two vehicles on State Highway 1 north of Marton, reported shortly after 2pm.

Indications are that there have been serious injuries.

The road is closed and diversions are in place. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Keep your family safe when posting back-to-school photos

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January 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

As thousands of children prepare to head back to school, Police are urging parents to be diligent with their privacy settings before posting photos and videos online.

The start of the school year is often memorable, and many people like to mark the occasion by sharing images of their children on social media in school uniform and in front of either their home or school.

Unfortunately, sometimes these images unintentionally share more than just a picture of a happy child – they can share personal details that might put information about you and your family in the wrong hands.

While Police understand the importance of these milestones, parents and caregivers should remain cautious about the information that images posted on social media present and who can gain access to them.

While it’s rare for NZ Police to receive reports about children being located through information shared online in photos or videos, we know from our international counterparts that it does happen.

A few simple tips can protect your and your children’s privacy on social media:

Check there are no identifying features such as school uniforms and logos, school buildings or signs, and street signs. This applies if you are taking photos at home as well. If this is unavoidable, parents can edit and blur school logos and signs.
Research and understand app settings, including privacy settings. Turning off location settings or setting profiles to private/friends only.
Keeping your child’s personal information – including full name and age and what year they’re starting – private.
Report any inappropriate or suspicious behaviour online.

Be proactive with online safety to keep your child and their information safe as they head into a new school year.

ENDS

Where to report cases if you think your privacy has been breached?

NEW ZEALAND POLICE

105 (non-emergency)
111 (Emergency)

NETSAFE

Text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282
Email: help@netsafe.org.nz
Call toll free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723)
Online report form at netsafe.org.nz/report
Helpline open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm on weekends.

Issued by Police Media Centre