Category: AM-NC

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now name the man that died in a single-vehicle crash on Jones Road in Rolleston on Monday 5 January.

He was 22-year-old Connor Cossey from Rolleston.

Police extend our sympathies to the loved ones of Connor.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/03/name-release-jones-road-crash/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Government of New Zealand, hereinafter referred to as the “Participants”, share a commitment to the Antarctic Treaty System, both being Consultative Parties to the Antarctic Treaty and Parties to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, and members of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).

The Participants cooperate for the promotion of shared interests in Antarctica, including under the Memorandum of Arrangement between Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Helmholtz Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung and the Antarctica New Zealand, signed in 2024, on science cooperation and collaborative efforts in Antarctic research. 

As the National Antarctic Programmes of the Participants operate Antarctic stations in the Ross Sea region, Gondwana Station operated by Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe and Scott Base operated by Antarctica New Zealand, both countries see value in continuing to share operational knowledge and best practice in a collaborative manner. 

The Participants have a strong interest in protecting the integrity of the Antarctic Treaty System, to keep this unique part of the world peaceful, demilitarised, free of commercial mining indefinitely, and comprehensively protected. Both countries have a strong record of support for the key principles of the Antarctic Treaty System and are committed to advocating that all Treaty Parties adhere to the principles of the Treaty and their obligations under its Protocol on Environmental Protection, including by carrying out Antarctic Treaty inspections. 

The Participants affirm that the Antarctic Treaty System provides for comprehensive governance and management of the Antarctic, and they will promote coherence and coordination between the Antarctic Treaty System and other relevant legal instruments, frameworks, and bodies.

In the spirit of the principle of cooperation in the Antarctic Treaty, both countries wish to strengthen Antarctic cooperation on subjects of common interest. Conscious of the value of regular dialogue on Antarctic issues, representatives of the Participants will:

Discuss and collaborate on issues related to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM), the Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP), and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), with the aim of ensuring a strong Antarctic Treaty System;
Support ongoing scientific cooperation between research institutions and exchanges on operational matters between National Antarctic Programmes, including exploring opportunities to formalise cooperation between Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe and Antarctica New Zealand;
Seek to identify and open further opportunities for cooperation and collaboration, on scientific research and environmental protection and management; and
Meet annually to discuss issues of mutual interest. These meetings will preferably take place on the margins of the ATCM or CCAMLR, and, as appropriate, of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP).

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/03/joint-statement-on-antarctic-cooperation-between-the-government-of-the-federal-republic-of-germany-and-the-government-of-new-zealand/

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand and Germany have agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   

“New Zealand and Germany share deep concerns about global developments across Europe, the Middle East and the Indo Pacific,” Mr Peters, who met his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in the Bay of Islands today, says. “At a time of geostrategic upheaval, it is important to reinforce relationships with trusted partners.”

Following their meeting, Ministers Peters and Wadephul released a Joint Statement reaffirming the importance of the New Zealand-Germany relationship. 

“The foundation of our relationship with Germany is our shared interests and values, including commitment to democracy, human rights and a well-functioning and fit-for-purpose multilateral system,” Mr Peters says. 

“The world’s challenges are inter-connected, which is why New Zealand is so committed to doing its part in defending Ukraine, and why Germany is increasing its support for the Pacific. The current strength of the German–New Zealand relationship provides a solid foundation for even deeper collaboration in the years to come.

 “German connections matter to New Zealand. Within Europe it is our largest export market. We partner together on cutting edge science and space research. We welcome German tourists and young people on working holidays, and have strong education links,” Mr Peters says. 

The Ministers also issued a Joint Statement on Antarctic Cooperation.  

 “We both support the work of the Antarctic Treaty System for the long-term protection of Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science,” Mr Peters says.     

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/03/new-zealand-and-germany-strengthen-partnership/

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand and Germany met today to reaffirm our close and enduring partnership grounded in shared democratic values, a commitment to the global order based on international law and a determination to address global challenges collaboratively. We celebrated the strength of our bilateral relationship and expressed our shared intention to further deepen cooperation across strategic, economic, security and people-to-people domains.

We underscored our firm commitment to upholding international law and the UN Charter, and to support multilateralism, with the United Nations and its institutions at its core. We noted with concern the growing pressures on international rules and institutions and restated our shared conviction that collective action is essential to global stability.

New Zealand and Germany recognise the interconnected nature of European and Indo-Pacific security and prosperity. We discussed our shared interests in promoting stability, sovereignty and freedom of navigation. Germany welcomes New Zealand’s ongoing support for Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 illegal full-scale invasion, including financial contributions to NATO-aligned initiatives, deployment of NZDF personnel to Germany and other parts of Europe, and mutually reinforcing sanctions, which aligns with Germany’s longstanding commitment to European security and to countering threats to territorial integrity. Both sides reiterated our opposition to coercive or destabilising actions in any region. 

Germany and New Zealand reiterated that adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the seas and oceans must be carried out, is essential to peace and stability, and both sides express strong support for ASEAN centrality. 

New Zealand outlined the ongoing efforts of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members to build Pacific resilience and regional stability and welcomed Germany’s decade-long engagement as a Dialogue Partner of the PIF. Germany supported these initiatives, including through its pledge to the Pacific Resilience Facility, and reiterated its intention to deepen engagement with Pacific partners. We also recognised the implications arising from climate change and sea level rise for security.

We affirmed the need for resilient, diversified supply chains and open, rules-based trade. We were pleased to note that the European Union-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement is exceeding expectations for increased trade and mutual prosperity. We welcomed ambition to upgrade the New Zealand-Germany Double-Taxation Agreement to further deepen economic ties. New Zealand discussed its participation in initiatives to strengthen critical mineral investment and strategic economic partnerships. We also recognised the importance of innovation, energy, space and digital cooperation and partnerships in supporting prosperity in both the Indo-Pacific and Europe. 

As close partners we reiterated our commitment to human rights, democratic governance and fundamental freedoms, emphasising that these principles are essential foundations for security and prosperity.

New Zealand welcomed recent and forthcoming repatriations of Māori and Moriori ancestors and taonga Māori from several institutions across Germany as a welcome example of strong cultural ties between our countries. 

New Zealand and Germany concluded by reaffirming our commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and working together in pursuit of a stable, secure and prosperous international environment. We welcomed ongoing dialogue at all levels and agreed to maintain close coordination on global and regional issues of shared concern.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/03/joint-statement-by-new-zealand-foreign-minister-winston-peters-and-german-federal-foreign-minister-h-e-wadephul/

Source: New Zealand Government

Investment through the Māori Development Fund to support early work on a proposed water storage reservoir near Kaitaia will help strengthen regional resilience and support food production, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.

The project, led by Te Make Farms Ltd and owned by Ngāi Takoto, is focused on improving year-round water security in Northland, where variable weather can place pressure on land use and supply.

“Reliable water infrastructure is one of the basics that underpins productive land use, regional jobs, and food supply,” Mr Potaka says.

“That’s why the Government is focused on fixing the basics early, by supporting practical work that helps landowners plan properly and make informed decisions.” The Māori Development Fund co-investment is supporting Te Make Farms Ltd to commission technical advice and assessments, including preparatory work for a future resource consent application. 

Mr Potaka says getting the fundamentals right at the front end gives projects the best chance of delivering long-term value.

“Once a water storage facility is in place, Ngāi Takoto expects to significantly increase the amount of land in production, strengthening output and resilience while keeping the land in Māori ownership.”

The co-investment positions Te Make Farms Ltd to progress the project over time and attract further investment, with ownership and decision-making remaining with the whenua owners.

Notes to editors 

• Te Puni Kōkiri administers the Māori Development Fund and is investing $191,700 to help Te Make Farms Ltd access expert technical advice. Te Make Farms Ltd is investing a similar amount in cash and in-kind contributions to progress the work. • Organisations applying to the Māori Development Fund must fit funding priorities, meet criteria and be able to report on outcomes achieved. See www.tpk.govt.nz for more information.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/03/water-storage-investment-supports-regional-resilience-and-long-term-food-production/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing $6.25 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to kick-start two horticulture developments on underutilised land, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka say.

“This infrastructure investment will bring collectively owned Māori land into productive use in Northland and Waikato. It will strengthen local horticulture supply chains and accelerate an iwi-led shift in land use,” Mr Jones says.

The two initiatives being funded are: 

• Ngā Pūriri Pūmau – a kiwifruit development in Te Tai Tokerau, to be delivered by Oromahoe and Rangihamama Omapere trusts, will receive a $4m loan and $200,000 grant.
• Ngāti Hauā Horticulture – a horticulture development in Waikato, to be delivered by Ngāti Hauā, will receive a $2.05m repayable grant. 

Ngā Puriri Pūmau will be supported by the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) through funding orchard preparation and infrastructure including irrigation systems, drainage, access tracks, orchard structures, and shelter belts. 

“With a total project value of $20.7 million, the RIF’s $4.2 million contribution has unlocked major local co-investment from Ngāpuhi Investment fund Tupu Tonu, and other key players in the local horticulture sector,” 

“This opportunity transforms underutilised land into high value horticulture and delivers long-term economic benefits for whānau in Te Tai Tokerau,” Mr Jones says.

The project will create around 10 FTE jobs during construction, nine permanent jobs and ongoing seasonal work.

The Ngāti Hauā horticulture project will bring nine whānau owned land blocks, totalling more than 90 hectares into commercial production, growing asparagus, strawberries, and blueberries. The RIF funding will build essential infrastructure, expand packhouse capacity, and support the first crop plantings.

The project will create around 11 jobs during construction, five permanent jobs, and up to 30 seasonal horticulture and post-harvest jobs. 

“This project is helping build a sustainable horticulture industry to support whānau for generations in Waikato,” Mr Potaka says.

The project has a total cost of $5.1m and is supported by co-funding from investors and joint venture‑ partners in Peria LP under the Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust, alongside the RIF contribution. 

“These initiatives show what is possible when iwi leadership and government support align behind a shared vision. They are delivering productive whenua Māori, stronger regional economies, and opportunities that will outlast this generation, and support generations to come,” Mr Potaka says.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Note to Editors: 

Funding is approved in principle and announced, after which contracts are negotiated. Some funding may depend on updated information as agreed in contract negotiation. Payments are made once agreed milestones are met. These are set as part of contract negotiations and differ from project to project.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/03/rif-investment-supports-maori-initiatives/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is updating New Zealand’s Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS) to make it cheaper and easier for young people to get their driver’s licence, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“These will be the first major changes to the driver licensing system since 2011, when the learner licence age was increased from 15 to 16,” Mr Bishop says.

“Driver licences are essential for helping people access jobs, education, and healthcare. For many young Kiwis, gaining a licence is a rite of passage, but the current system is expensive, outdated and no longer works as well as it should.

“Internationally, New Zealand is an outlier in requiring a second practical driving test when moving from a restricted licence to a full licence.

“We’re making practical, common-sense improvements to the driver licensing system to ensure it is accessible, efficient, and affordable, while keeping road safety front and centre.”

Key changes:

• No more full licence test: Drivers will no longer need to sit a second practical test to move from the restricted to full licence, saving time and money.
• Longer time spent on learners for under 25s: There will be a 12-month learner period for under 25s, an increase of 6 months. 
• Option to reduce learner period: There will be an option for under 25s to reduce their 12-month learner period back to six months by recording practice hours or completing an approved practical course.
• New restricted periods: the restricted period will be 12 months for under 25s and six months for over 25s, with no option to reduce it with a defensive driving course.
• Cheaper to get a full licence: The total cost of getting a Class 1 (car) licence will reduce by $80 under the new system.
• Encouraging safe driving: Drivers on their restricted licence will face a further six months on their restricted if they get demerits.
• Fewer eyesight screenings: Eyesight screenings will only be required at the first licence application and at each renewal.
• Zero-alcohol rule expanded: All learner and restricted drivers, regardless of age, will be subject to a zero-alcohol limit.
• Stronger oversight of training providers: NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will gain new powers to monitor and suspend driver training course providers.
• The removal of the full licence test will apply to Class 1 (car) licences only.
• Changes to eyesight screenings apply to Class 1 and Class 6 (motorcycle) licences.
• NZTA will review the existing learner and restricted tests to ensure they are fit for purpose. The hazard perception part of the current full licence test will be moved to the restricted licence test.
• There are no changes to licence processes and requirements for overseas drivers or senior drivers.
• The Ministry of Transport will undertake a review three years after implementation to assess the impact of the changes on road safety, employment and economic outcomes.
• Most changes will take effect from 25 January 2027. The expanded zero-alcohol limit will be progressed separately.
• More information is on the NZTA website: www.nzta.govt.nz/car-licence-changes

“Taken together, the changes will make it significantly cheaper to get a full driver licence,” Mr Bishop says.

“Under the current system, the total cost of getting a Class 1 car licence is $362.50. Under the new system, the total cost will be $282.50, a saving of $80.

“Removing the second practical test reduces costs and makes it easier to progress to a full licence, provided drivers demonstrate safe driving behaviour while on their restricted licence. Changes to the learner and restricted periods will support young drivers to gain more experience early on, without extending the overall time they spend in the system.

“These changes were informed by public consultation in 2025 and refined to ensure the system strikes the right balance between access and safety.

“Over 4,100 submissions were received during that consultation, showing overall support for the proposed changes,” Mr Bishop says.

“The Government carefully considered the feedback from submitters and agreed to a number of refinements to the original proposals, including extending the learner period, extending the restricted period by six months for drivers who get demerit points rather than resetting it entirely, and keeping the existing demerit threshold for licence suspension for restricted drivers.

“These changes strike the right balance between cost, efficiency, and road safety. Drivers are still expected to prove they can drive safely and responsibly, including maintaining a clean demerit record, before progressing to a full licence.

“The new system will take effect from 25 January 2027. Until then, people will continue to follow the current licensing requirements.

“Our young people and new drivers deserve a licensing system that is fair, accessible, and keeps them and others safe on the road.”

Notes to the editor:

• The removal of the full licence test will apply to Class 1 (car) licences only.
• Changes to eyesight screenings apply to Class 1 and Class 6 (motorcycle) licences.
• NZTA will review the existing learner and restricted tests to ensure they are fit for purpose. The hazard perception part of the current full licence test will be moved to the restricted licence test.
• There are no changes to licence processes and requirements for overseas drivers or senior drivers.
• The Ministry of Transport will undertake a review three years after implementation to assess the impact of the changes on road safety, employment and economic outcomes.
• Most changes will take effect from 25 January 2027. The expanded zero-alcohol limit will be progressed separately.
• More information is on the NZTA website: www.nzta.govt.nz/car-licence-changes

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/03/changes-to-the-driver-licensing-system-announced/

Source: New Zealand Police

A woman failed to outrun accountability and will appear in court over an alleged assault on a bus driver in central Auckland.

On Monday night, Auckland Central Police responded to an assault on a bus driver on Queen Street.

“At about 9.40pm, the driver passed a woman reportedly acting unusually towards the driver while she was on her route,” Area Commander Inspector Grae Anderson says.

“This woman was refused entry but has managed to chase the bus and force her way aboard.”

Once aboard, the driver was allegedly assaulted by this woman.

Inspector Anderson says the woman exited the bus and Police were contacted, with an ambulance attending for the victim.

“Units arriving on scene noticed a woman matching the description of the offender standing by Vulcan Lane,” he says.

“On seeing our staff, she ran off but was quickly chased down and arrested.”

The 20-year-old woman has been charged with injuring with intent to injure and will appear in the Auckland District Court today.

“Being subjected to violence in your workplace is unacceptable and we will continue to hold offenders accountable,” Inspector Anderson says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/03/woman-charged-over-central-auckland-assault/

Source: New Zealand Government

Midwives are now able to offer a wider range of funded immunisations, supporting families from pregnancy through the early months of a child’s life, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“In addition to providing pregnancy vaccines, midwives will now be able to administer funded vaccines to mothers after birth, babies, and eligible family members until the baby is 12 months old,” Mr Brown says.

“This change will improve access to vaccination for expectant mothers, new parents, infants, and close family members, helping to ensure timely protection against vaccine‑preventable diseases.”

In August last year, community midwives became funded to deliver antenatal immunisations to pregnant women. This expansion builds on that progress.

“Midwives are trusted health professionals who see families regularly during pregnancy and after birth. Extending the vaccines they can provide gives mothers and babies more opportunities to get the protection they need, when they need it.

“Providing these vaccinations as part of routine maternity care reduces barriers and makes it easier for families to stay up to date.

“This broader access is particularly important during outbreaks such as measles and the pertussis epidemic. Infants are most at risk from these illnesses, so making vaccination more accessible helps protect newborns and prevent serious disease.”

Health New Zealand, the Ministry of Health, the Midwifery Council, the New Zealand College of Midwives, and the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) are working together to deliver this initiative.

“Immunisation remains the best protection. By supporting midwives to offer a wider range of funded immunisations, we are making it easier for families to access essential healthcare and ensuring more Kiwis are protected from preventable illness,” Mr Brown says.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/03/midwives-to-deliver-more-vaccinations-to-help-protect-families/

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Stantec and WSP have been selected to provide technical expertise for this next important phase of work. Their appointment secures the professional services needed to support the detailed design and statutory approvals for the project.

Richard Osborne, Regional Manager System Design, says the contract award is a significant milestone.

“We received high-quality tender submissions from multiple consultancies. Each firm invested significant time and effort in preparing their proposals, making the contract decision a challenging one.”

“We are excited to partner with Stantec and WSP to deliver this next phase of the project,” Mr Osborne says.

He says specialist assessments and investigations – such as geotechnical investigations and noise assessments – will form a key part of this stage. NZTA/Waka Kotahi and contractors will also progress other statutory requirements needed for construction during this design phase.

“We are aiming to start specialist assessments in March 2026, with detailed design completed by mid-2027.”

“It is a significant programme of work to complete and finalise designs for both Stages 1 and 2, covering the sections between SH6 and Link Road, through to SH60 Appleby Highway and SH6 Gladstone Road intersection,” Mr Osborne says.

He acknowledges the high level of public interest in the project and thanks all those in the community who attended project drop-in sessions in November last year.

“We received valuable information from landowners, businesses and the community during this engagement that will be incorporated into this phase of work. We will continue to update the community through our project e-newsletters and website, and we will be in contact with directly impacted landowners, residents, and businesses as we work through different investigations and assessments.”

“We will have another round of community drop-in sessions in late 2026 to share the detailed design with the public,” Mr Osborne says.

Construction timeframes for the project are still to be finalised and are dependent on the outcome of the Government‘s prioritisation process for the wider RoNS programme.

View larger SH6 Hope Bypass proposed two-stage implementation map

Learn more about the project and sign up for project e-newsletters at:

• SH6 Hope Bypass

What the investment case proposed

The investment case proposes a 2 staged implementation approach.

Stage 1: 

• a new grade separated interchange on SH6 at Salisbury Road Extension (local road over)  
• upgrading the Richmond Deviation from a 2-lane road to 4 lanes  
• widening Lower Queen Street and Gladstone Road to accommodate an additional right turn lane  
• signalising the intersection of Lower Queen Street and Stratford Street  

Stage 2: 

• new 4-lane grade separated interchange at Lower Queen Street  
• 4-lane Richmond bypass  
• new 2-lane roundabout at SH60 intersection. 

The project will retain cycleway routes and connections. 
The designation between SH60/Gladstone Road intersection out to Eden Road in Hope is to be retained for future development.  

Background on Hope Bypass

The route of the Hope Bypass was designated in 1964. Richmond is growing at a significant rate, with development in Richmond West and planned development in Richmond South areas occurring sooner than originally anticipated.  

Due to this growth, in 2021, NZTA undertook the Richmond Transport Programme Business Case (PBC). The PBC was developed jointly between Tasman District Council and NZTA. The PBC highlighted the Hope Bypass as a long-term transportation route should additional capacity in the network be required based on future demand between Hope and Whakatu Drive. In response to this, the Hope Bypass designation (the southern end of the route) lapse date was extended from November 2023 until 1 November 2038. 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/03/hope-bypass-design-contract-awarded/

Source: New Zealand Police

Both State Highway 1 near Tamahere and State Highway 26 / Morrinsville Road in Newstead are open following two separate serious crashes this morning. 

Police thank motorists across the district for their patience as emergency services worked the scenes during high traffic this morning. 

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/03/roads-open-sh-1-and-sh-26-waikato/