One man raced to court following theft, Invercargill

Police investigating Hutt Valley Death

By

-

January 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are investigating the death of a man in Wellington Hospital yesterday, following an altercation in Boulcott in December.

The man was transported to Wellington hospital with a brain injury following an altercation with another person at Hutt Hospital, Friday 27 December.

Police are working to determine the full circumstances of what occurred.

The investigation remains ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Delays expected following Glenbrook crash

By

-

January 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Motorists are being advised to expect delays following a crash in Glenbrook this morning.

The two vehicle crash, at the intersection of Wyner and Glenbrook Roads, was reported to Police at 5.50am.

One person has been transported to hospital in a moderate condition.

Motorists are being advised to expect delays while the scene is cleared.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Water rescue, Lake Taupō

By

-

January 19, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Senior Sergeant Andy Livingstone, Taupō Police:

Police received a report about 12:40pm today of a person or people on a jetski in trouble, on Lake Taupō off Acacia Bay.

While one person and the jetski made it to shore with assistance from Police and Taupō Coastguard, a second person sadly did not, and was last seen struggling in the water.

The Police National Dive Squad has been notified and is expected to deploy tomorrow.

Tūwharetoa Maori Trust Board has been advised and local hapū are assisting to support those involved.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Time for the Government to address challenges faced by health sector – NZNO

By

-

January 19, 2025

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) is calling on the Government to properly fund and resource the health sector to create an equitable health system that meets the needs of all New Zealanders.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today announced that Simeon Brown will replace Dr Shane Reti as Minister of Health.

NZNO chief executive Paul Goulter says it doesn’t matter to patients who the minister of health is.

“What matters to New Zealanders’ is that the Government accepts its responsibility to ensure we have an equitable health system that works for all New Zealanders.

“It’s now widely accepted that New Zealand has a health system that is under-resourced and under-funded. Patients are waiting too long for the health care they need, or not getting it at all.

“The only response the Government seems to have is further cutbacks.

“NZNO calls on the Government, now with Minister Brown at the helm of the health sector, to:

-Overhaul the primary and community care health system by paying primary care nurses the same as their hospital counterparts to address chronic staffing shortages which are exacerbating waiting times for GPs and driving sicker patients to emergency departments.

-Reverse the ideological decision to remove policies to reduce health inequalities for Māori.

-Fund Te Whatu Ora to provide safe and culturally appropriate staffing levels in hospitals rather than forcing a recruitment freeze to meet Government-imposed cutbacks and artificial budgets.

-Address low wages and falling standards in aged residential care.”

Paul Goulter says the Government claims it is investing more than ever in health.

“The Government’s funding has failed to keep up with our aging and growing population. People are sicker because they aren’t getting equitable and affordable access to primary and community health, and that impacts on an already under-resourced hospital system.

“The Government must also acknowledge its responsibility to Māori to improve health outcomes and access to health services,” Paul Goulter says.

Politics – Shuffling Ministers ignores need to increase funding for health and the public service – PSA

By

-

January 19, 2025

Source: PSA

If the Government thinks changing Ministers will deliver better health and other public services for New Zealanders, it’s dead wrong.

“New Ministers need to advocate for increased funding for health and the public service as the disastrous impacts of cuts are being felt all over New Zealand,” said Fleur Fitzsimons Acting National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

“The polls are showing New Zealanders are far from impressed with the Government’s rushed and reckless austerity agenda – they are seeing what it really means for them.

“The cuts will cost lives; New Zealanders expect and deserve better.

“We wish the new Ministers well, but their success will depend on their ability to secure increased funding for health and the public service, not more irresponsible cuts.

“The Government has consistently chosen tax relief for landlords and tax cuts at the expense of our public service and health system. The chickens are coming home to roost and now only increased funding and a genuine commitment to the public service and health can ensure that New Zealanders get the public services they need.

“The PSA will be in collective bargaining for thousands of union members in health and the public service this year. We need to see fair pay movements that reflect the increased cost of living and to ensure that we can attract and retain talented public servants and health workers.”

Unexplained death, Stratford

By

-

January 19, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police investigating the death of a man in Stratford overnight (Saturday 18 January), are appealing for information.

About 11:15pm a man was located deceased on Lear Street, after deciding to walk back from an event on Miranda Street around 10pm.

His death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries remain ongoing to determine how he died.

If anyone saw anything between Miranda Street and Lear Street, Stratford, between 10pm and 11:30pm, or has any information they believe may assist in the investigation, not yet reported to us, please get in touch with Police.

You can contact us via 105 either online or over the phone, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11, please reference file number: 250119/6141.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Refreshed team to drive economic growth in 2025

By

-

January 19, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has delivered a refreshed team focused on unleashing economic growth to make people better off, create more opportunities for business and help us afford the world-class health and education Kiwis deserve.
“Last year, we made solid progress on the economy. Inflation has fallen significantly and now a steady march of interest rate cuts are translating into real financial relief for households. Having set the building blocks for rebuilding the economy, 2025 is all about going for growth and I am refreshing my team to underline this priority,” Mr Luxon says.
“In addition to her role as Minister of Finance, Nicola Willis becomes Minister for Economic Growth – formerly known as the Economic Development portfolio.
“Her focus will be on leading the Government’s growth agenda to unleash the potential of our businesses to grow, develop talent and attract investment. That will mean co-ordinating and strengthening efforts that are already underway to deliver economic growth – and taking responsibility for new initiatives designed to promote growth and productivity in the New Zealand economy.
“In 2024, Nicola did a fantastic job delivering tax relief for hardworking Kiwis and restoring a culture of fiscal discipline – with New Zealanders now seeing the benefits in the form of lower inflation and interest rates. In 2025, I’m confident she will bring that same focus and dedication to the task of unleashing Kiwi businesses to grow at pace.
“In 2025, health is also a priority area.
“Last year, Dr Shane Reti worked hard to reset the culture and performance of Health NZ. It was critical to establish targets and refresh their leadership – and I am confident the organisation is heading in a much better direction that it was when we entered office.
“But I have also heard Kiwis’ concerns that they expect to see even more progress – ensuring they can access the care they need, when they need it. To deliver on that expectation, I have decided Simeon Brown will become Minister of Health.
“Simeon is an outstanding and diligent minister who has done an excellent job delivering on the Government’s priorities. Off the back of that performance, I have decided his skills are best placed to take leadership of our health system going forward.
“Dr Shane Reti will take on an important new role assuming responsibility for New Zealand’s universities and our science sector – both of which are expected to play a critical role in our economic growth plan.
“A series of other Ministers are also expected to play even greater roles in our plans to unleash economic growth in 2025.
“Chris Bishop becomes Minister of Transport, taking responsibility for an additional part of the Government’s ambitious infrastructure agenda.
“Louise Upston picks up Tourism and Hospitality, a critical industry for promoting growth and employment in regional New Zealand. She also becomes Deputy Leader of the House.
“Judith Collins KC becomes Minister for the Public Service, while Mark Mitchell picks up the Sport and Recreation, and Ethnic Communities portfolios.
“Simon Watts takes on the Energy and Local Government portfolios – both areas with significant reforms underway and expected to play a major role in our growth plan going forward.
“Outside Cabinet, Chris Penk picks up Small Business and Manufacturing, while Andrew Bayly becomes Minister for ACC.
“I have also decided to bring in James Meager as a Minister outside Cabinet. He will take on the Hunting and Fishing, and Youth portfolios and the newly created role of Minister for the South Island. He will also be an Associate Minister of Transport.
“Finally, I would like to acknowledge Melissa Lee’s contribution in Government over the last year. She has worked incredibly hard engaging with the range of ethnic communities calling New Zealand home and I thank her for that service.”

EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) graduates secure roles at partner school | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

By

-

January 19, 2025

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 minutes ago

EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) graduates Isaac Winterson (second left) and Becca Williams with Havelock North Primary School Principal Nick Reed (right) and Deputy Principal Greg Bain (left).

EIT’s partnership with local schools continues to thrive, with two Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) graduates the latest to secure jobs at Havelock North Primary School.

Becca Williams and Isaac Winterson finished the programme, renowned for its practical, community-focused approach, at the end of the semester, having completed placements at Havelock North Primary during their three years.

Isaac is excited to begin his career teaching Year 4 students. Reflecting on his time at EIT, he credited the programme’s practical focus for preparing him for the realities of teaching.

“The practical experience was invaluable. Being in classrooms, working alongside incredible teachers, and applying what I learnt built my confidence over the three years,” Isaac said. “I’m stoked to start this new chapter.”

Isaac also expressed gratitude for the supportive environment at EIT, where lecturers provided personalised guidance.

For Becca, joining the staff at Havelock North Primary is a homecoming. A former student at the school, she completed her final practicum in a Year 3 classroom, spending two days a week on-site throughout her final year.

“It feels so special to return to the school I attended as a child,” Becca shared. “The connections I’ve made with staff and students during my practicum gave me insight into the school’s culture and prepared me for this opportunity. It’s like a year-long job interview.”

Becca credits EIT’s focus on real-world experience and the close relationships with lecturers for her success.

“The support was incredible. Unlike larger universities, where you might not even know your lecturer’s name, at EIT, you can contact them anytime,” she said.

Principal Nick Reed and Deputy Principal Greg Bain have long been advocates of EIT’s Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), commending its hands-on approach and the positive impact it has on teacher preparedness.

The partnership, which dates back to the programme’s inception more than a decade ago, sees candidate teachers spend 40 per cent of their training in classrooms around the region, giving schools a unique opportunity to mentor and assess future educators.

They congratulated Becca and Isaac, and said they ticked a lot of boxes.

“We’re lucky to have them because there were a number of other schools who were keen to sign them up as well. So, we were fortunate to get in nice and early with the interview process and secure their services,” Nick said.

EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) graduates Isaac Winterson (second left) and Becca Williams with Havelock North Primary School Principal Nick Reed (right) and Deputy Principal Greg Bain (left).

Greg said both Becca and Isaac were “really successful in being able to build relationships with the staff and kids”.

“We want people who are going to go the extra mile for the kids,” Nick added.

Greg described the partnership with EIT as mutually beneficial, allowing the school to evaluate top talent throughout the year.

“We get a really good look at the candidates coming through, which is really positive. I tell every candidate teacher that this is basically your interview for the whole year you’re here, so make the most of it,” he said.

Nick added: “They’re well prepared and providing that they’ve had positive postings, which in most cases they have, they’re ready to make a difference from the get-go.”

Kirsty Jones, EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) Programme Co-ordinator, says: “It is always so rewarding to see graduates winning jobs in the partner schools where they practiced the craft of teaching, it is a fabulous endorsement of the quality of EIT’s BTP programme.”

“This year the graduates were snapped up by local schools with most securing positions before they had even finished their final course work. They will all start teaching in 2025.”

“Many of our past graduates have been appointed as senior leaders and mentor teachers for these beginning teachers too. I feel so proud of them and seeing them grow over the years and become leaders in the profession is heart-warming.”

Two separate whale strandings in the South Island this weekend

By

-

January 19, 2025

Source: Department of Conservation

Date: 19 January 2025

Pod of whales stranded in Golden Bay, DOC and Project Jonah responding

Attribute to Andrew Lamason, DOC Acting Operations Manager Golden Bay

“We had a report come in yesterday afternoon of a pod of whales close to shore near Pakawau. Our ranger who lives nearby was tracking them.

The pod of whales moved northward and stranded near Taupata Stream.

A large pod of whales had stranded and several were swimming nearby. They are pilot whales and are a range of ages and sizes.

Of those stranded, one passed away very quickly.

Our team and Project Jonah volunteers were out with the whales until dark last night. This includes several Project Jonah medics, their help is always greatly appreciated.

DOC Rangers and Project Jonah volunteers have been at the site from first light this morning. Gusty easterly winds are not making things easy.

We will be looking after the remaining whales until the tide turns around 2 pm. We will attempt to re-float them at high tide.”

Whale stranded in New Brighton, Christchurch has been re-floated

Attribute to Andy Thompson DOC Mahaanui Operations Manager

“We received a call around 4:30 pm yesterday of a dolphin stranded in New Brighton.

Local iwi Ngāi Tūāhuriri, DOC, and Project Jonah responded.

It is likely to be a young or juvenile Cuvier’s beaked-whale or an even rarer Gingko whale. Both are deep water species.

At 5:40 pm Project Jonah staff had the whale secured and pointing out to sea. The whale swam out, so it was a successful re-float.

The whale was seen later in the evening, just out behind the breakers.

It is a young and vulnerable whale and we are very hopeful of a successful outcome but we are very mindful it is likely we will see it again somewhere else along the coast.

We would ask the public to report any sightings of the whale to 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz