Source: New Zealand Police
Police are at the scene of a single-vehicle crash in Makara this morning.
Police were called to Makara Road about 8:05am following reports of a vehicle upside down in a body of water.
Enquiries at the scene are ongoing and Makara Road is currently closed near South Makara Road.
Further information will be released when we are in a position to do so.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/crash-makara-road-wellington/
Source: New Zealand Government
The National Diabetes Roadmap has today been launched to improve care, strengthen prevention, and support better health outcomes for the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders living with diabetes, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Diabetes is one of the fastest growing long-term health conditions in New Zealand, affecting an estimated 348,000 people and placing increasing pressure on individuals, families, communities, and our health system,” Mr Brown says.
“That growing impact is being felt most acutely through preventable complications, particularly within our Māori, Pacific, and South Asian communities. This roadmap is about changing that by acting earlier, supporting healthier living, and reducing the avoidable harm diabetes causes.”
To drive that change, the roadmap sets out a clear, coordinated direction for the health system over the next five to ten years, with a focus on:
The need for a coordinated approach was reinforced by a Health New Zealand review completed in November 2025, which highlighted both the scale of diabetes in New Zealand and its growing financial burden. Diabetes-related care cost $2.1 billion last year alone, and without change, is forecast to double by 2040.
“A key part of our plan is updating the diagnostic threshold for type 2 diabetes, allowing more people to be identified earlier. By July, around 34,500 New Zealanders previously classified as having prediabetes will meet the criteria for diabetes, aligning us with international standards and supporting earlier intervention to reduce complications and improve long‑term outcomes.
“Alongside this change, the roadmap includes a range of initiatives to strengthen how care is delivered, including growing and supporting the diabetes workforce, improving access to foot and retinal screening, expanding community-based support, and exploring the use of new technologies to better manage the condition.
“An oversight group chaired by Sir Jim Mann has also been established, bringing together experts in this field to champion the roadmap and drive its implementation.
“This is about system-level change. Diabetes cannot be managed by individual effort alone – it requires coordinated action across the health system and our communities.”
Mr Brown says Kiwis living with diabetes and their families are at the heart of the National Diabetes Roadmap.
“This Government is focused on reducing diabetes-related harm by strengthening prevention, improving access to effective treatment, and ensuring people get the support they need to live healthier lives.
“The National Diabetes Roadmap lays the foundation for a more coordinated, consistent approach to prevention, care, and support – helping ensure New Zealanders living with diabetes can access the right care, at the right time, and achieve better health outcomes.”
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/25/national-diabetes-action-plan-launched/
Source: Radio New Zealand
Police said officers saw live ammunition in the drivers lap after they crashed. RNZ / Marika Khabazi
A man with two handguns and a large amount of ammunition has been arrested after barricading himself in a vehicle following a crash in northern Waikato this morning.
Police spotted a vehicle – reported as being stolen at gun point – on Dominion Road about 11.40 pm on Tuesday night.
The Eagle helicopter tracked the vehicle after it evaded a police stop and drove at high speed – with lights off – through south Auckland.
The vehicle crashed into wire barriers shortly after being spiked further south near Te Kauwhata.
Inspector Grant Tetzlaff said officers saw live ammunition in the drivers lap after they crashed – following being spiked – further south near Te Kauwhata.
The man was tasered before being extracted and was transported to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition after receiving injuries from a dog bite during his arrest.
A search of the vehicle located two handguns and a large amount of live ammunition.
The man will face charges of failing to stop, reckless driving, receiving, possession of firearms and resisting arrest.
Police said they would not rule out further charges.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/man-arrested-after-fleeing-police-crashing-and-barricading-himself-in-car/
Source: Radio New Zealand
Google Maps
Emergency services are at the scene of a crash that’s left a car upside down in a stream in rural Wellington.
Police, Fire and Emergency and Wellington Free Ambulance were called to the crash in Mākara just after 8am.
Fire and Emergency shift manager Alex Norris said crews arrived to find a car partially submerged in the stream on Mākara Beach Road – a narrow, winding road between Karori and Mākara Beach.
He said one truck was still at the scene but police were handling the response.
Wellington Free Ambulance also responded, but it has referred inquiries to police due to the nature of the incident.
The police could not yet say if people were injured.
Mākara Village cattery owner Cody Stephens said he saw police cars and a fire engine fly past his property this morning, heading towards the beach.
More to come…
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/car-flips-upside-down-into-stream-in-wellington/
Source: New Zealand Police
Do you recognise these men?
Police making enquiries into a disorder at a store on Eleventh Avenue, Queenstown on 24 January 2026 would like to speak with the men pictured.
We believe they have information that could assist with our enquiries.
Nobody was physically injured, however the store worker is understandably extremely shaken.
If this is you, or you can help us identify those pictured, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 260128/1485.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/appeal-for-information-following-queenstown-disorder/
Source: New Zealand Government
A project to extend Hamilton Airport runway will receive a $6.5 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, boosting resilience for Waikato and the national aviation network, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.
“Extending the runway will increase Hamilton Airport’s capacity to support a broader range of aircraft. Its location and proximity to major highways and link roads also make it a key hub for moving people and freight domestically and internationally,” Mr Jones says.
Waikato is home to several of New Zealand’s largest manufacturers and value-added primary sector exporters that depend on resilient freight infrastructure.
“In the event of disruptions at other North Island airports, Hamilton Airport is also an option to keep people and goods moving. Such incidents do occur from time to time. Last April, an international flight had to be diverted from Auckland to Hamilton due to bad weather.”
The work includes extending the runway by 255m to 2450m, expanding the runway apron and turning bay, and upgrading the approach and runway lights. The work will also enable any further future extension of the runway.
The construction work is expected to create up to 39 jobs, with local people hired where possible.
Waikato Regional Airport Ltd, a council-controlled organisation owned by five local councils, will receive the loan. It will contribute $3.3m to the project.
“Extending Hamilton Airport supports the Coalition Government’s commitment to a stronger, more resilient national aviation network,” Mr Jones says.
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/25/funding-for-hamilton-airport-runway-extension/
Source: Radio New Zealand
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said 514 new mental health and addiction professionals trained over the past year. RNZ / Mark Papalii
More mental health and addiction workers are training and entering the workforce meaning shorter wait times for patients, according to the government’s latest data on targets.
The targets, set in 2025
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said the workforce had increased more than 11 percent since he came into office.
There were 514 new mental health and addiction professionals trained over the past year, exceeding the target of 500 and up from 457 when reporting started, he said.
These roles included occupational therapists, social workers, registered nurses, clinical psychology interns, and Stage 1 psychiatry trainees.
Seventy-four clinical psychology interns had been funded, exceeding the 2025 target of 60.
“We are also seeing record uptake in psychiatry training, with 48 junior doctors entering Stage 1 training last year, up from 33 in 2024,” he said.
Travelling around the country, Doocey said, the most common complaint he heard was that long wait times were preventing people accessing support – and those wait lists were long because of staff shortages, he said.
Growing the workforce included attracting international talent, and retaining existing staff.
Renumeration was one consideration, he said, but most of these workers were attracted to a profession in which they could make a difference.
“Something I heard loud and clear when I first came into office is there was a lot of burnout. People were, quite frankly, covering too many vacant roles and that was leading people to leave. So now we’ve [been] able to greatly reduce our vacancy rates, more people are staying satisfied and staying in-role longer.”
“A recent report from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission backs that wait times have decreased due to there being more specialist mental health workers compared to March 2023,” Doocey said.
Nationally, 83 percent of people were being seen within one week for primary mental health support, and nearly 82 percent of people seeking specialist support were seen within three weeks – both exceeding the target of 80 percent.
For the first time, they had hit the target for 25 percent of mental health funding – about $2.8 billion – to be spent on prevention and early intervention.
That guaranteed money was being spent on things like support in schools, or at the perinatal and postnatal stages for maternal mental health, Doocey said.
“It’s vitally important,” he said. “Historically in mental health what we would do is wait for someone to get into a time of crisis before we provided them with a level of service, and that classically took someone who had lifelong and enduring mental illness to about the age of 35 or 40 before they’d first engage.”
Early intervention could prevent issues from escalating later, he said.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/more-recruitment-leading-to-shorter-wait-times-for-mental-health-patients-govt-says/
Source: Radio New Zealand
A police car seen behind a cordon as officers attend an incident. RNZ
Emergency services are at the scene of a crash in Mākara, a rural Wellington suburb near Karori.
The police say they were called just after 8am on Wednesday.
They can’t yet say how many vehicles were involved or if people are injured.
Wellington Free Ambulance says it’s responded, but it’s referred inquiries to police due to the nature of the incident.
Makara Village cattery owner Cody Stephens says he saw police cars and a fire engine fly past his property this morning, heading towards the beach.
Google Maps
More to come…
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/emergency-services-at-scene-of-crash-in-wellington/
Source: Radio New Zealand
RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The logging industry is warning some companies could be on the brink as the conflict in Iran pushes up the cost of diesel.
Logging operators say it’s increasingly difficult to get logs to port and if the situation drags on, export-reliant regions like South Canterbury and the west coast of the North Island could face shutdowns.
“The costs of shipping have risen dramatically, with rates going from roughly 33 US dollars per cubic metre into China for March, through to about 45 US dollars in April. It’s a perfect storm just right now.”
Forest Management group director Glenn Moir said that would put some companies on the brink.
“I can see that if it does continue we’re going to face some real pressure in the higher cost forests, so the ones that are further away from the market and have steeper country, just to make it economic.”
There had been some huge cost pressures going through the chain. The industry was diesel dependent, and it took 12 litres of diesel to produce one tonne of logs.
Higher diesel prices meant a 25 percent increase in costs across their operations for logging contractors.
“The industry can’t sustain that.”
Talks were continuing with everyone involved, including forest owners, to try and get some agreement on what could be done in the short-term.
The costs of shipping were also rising dramatically, Moir said.
“It’s a perfect storm right now.”
Moir said until the war in Iran started, 2026 had been looking like a fantastic year for the forestry industry, with export prices rising and domestic demand growing.
“All that turned on its head three weeks ago, and we’re struggling a little bit now with these rising costs.”
The government’s latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report showed forestry exports were forecast to rise 2 percent this year.
The industry employs 42,000 people around the country and is the sixth-largest export owner.
While the Chinese market was declining, there was growing demand for New Zealand logs from India, Moir said.
“… and the FTA towards the end of last year really helped that.”
The forestry industry were a resilient bunch.
“We’ll work together and get through this. It is going to be pretty tough, especially if we move to Level 2 under the National Fuel Plan.”
The head of Age Concern Auckland said soaring petrol prices were making the basics of life even more difficult for already vulnerable elderly people.
The government announced yesterday around 143,000 people would receive up to $50 per week through the in-work tax credit to help with fuel costs.
But beneficiaries and superannuitants would not qualify.
Age Concern Auckland chief executive Kevin Lamb said increases in superannuation, in response to the high cost of living, were not agile enough to meet the sudden rise in petrol prices.
Superannuitants would miss out as trips to the doctor or medication started to eat into basic budgets for food and essentials, he said.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/higher-diesel-shipping-costs-pile-pressure-on-logging-industry/
Source: New Zealand Government
The frontline mental health and addiction workforce has grown, with the latest target data showing the Government’s workforce target has been exceeded, giving more New Zealanders faster access to support, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.
“The Government’s mental health plan is delivering faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response,” Mr Doocey says.
“This latest data clearly shows we have turned the corner on reducing wait times and growing the mental health workforce.
“One of the biggest barriers to timely support has been workforce shortages. That’s why I have prioritised growing the frontline Health NZ mental health and addiction workforce, which has increased by more than 11 per cent since we came into office.
“The latest results continue this momentum, with 514 new mental health and addiction professionals trained over the past year, exceeding our target of 500 and up from 457 when we first started reporting on this data. This result includes specialist frontline workers such as occupational therapists, social workers, registered nurses, clinical psychology interns, and Stage 1 psychiatry trainees.
“We have grown both the clinical psychology and psychiatry workforce. We funded 74 clinical psychology interns, exceeding the 2025 target of 60.
“We are also seeing record uptake in psychiatry training, with 48 junior doctors entering Stage 1 training last year, up from 33 in 2024.
“Prevention and early intervention are key priorities for this Government. That’s why we set a target for 25 per cent of mental health and addiction funding to be invested in prevention and early intervention.
“For the first time, that target has been met, with 25 per cent of ring-fenced mental health and addiction funding going toward prevention and early intervention.
“Early intervention makes a real difference. By identifying needs early and providing the right support, we can help prevent issues from escalating.
“Nationally, 83 per cent of people are being seen within one week for primary mental health support, and nearly 82 per cent are seen within three weeks for specialist support, both exceeding the target of 80 per cent.
“A recent report from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission backs that wait times have decreased due to there being more specialist mental health workers compared to March 2023.
“These results show that mental health outcomes have improved and continue to improve under this Government.”
Notes to editor:
• The latest mental health and addiction target factsheets for quarter two 2025/26 can be found here
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/25/mental-health-workforce-target-exceeded/
Source: Maritime New Zealand
For more than two decades, the Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code (the Code) has been a cornerstone of safe navigation in Aotearoa’s busy commercial ports and harbours.
What began as a commitment to consistency has matured into a strong partnership between Maritime NZ, port operators, and regional councils – one that continues to evolve alongside our environment.
In 2025, the Code Steering Group undertook a full review of the Code to ensure the framework remains practical, relevant, and future focused.
Working with the sector and Code partners, this review ensured the Code remains fit for purpose, with a strong focus on lifting the maturity of our safety management systems. Together, we produced the 2026 edition of The Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code.
This new version represents a major step forward in response to technological change, updated legislation, and increasingly dynamic marine operations.
A key feature of the Code’s evolution is the formalisation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2016 – transforming collaboration into a structured commitment to shared learning and joint responsibility. Through this MoU, Code partners agree to complete annual self‑assessments and participate in peer reviews, forming a foundation of transparency and accountability across the country’s ports and harbours.
While the Code is available to anyone interested in navigation safety, its primary audience remains the Code partners who uphold it. Their dedication to maintaining strong safety practices continues to support safe communities, protect the marine environment, and contribute to the strength of New Zealand’s port‑driven supply chains.
The 2026 edition reflects the collective experience and expertise of this community, making it a practical, forward-looking resource. Most importantly, it continues to uphold the purpose that has guided the Code for 25 years: aligning our efforts, sharing knowledge, and ensuring safe, resilient operating environments across ports and harbours in Aotearoa.
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/25/a-significant-step-forward-the-2026-port-and-harbour-marine-safety-code/
Source: Radio New Zealand
Lucía León of the Wellington Phoenix celebrates. Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
The Wellington Phoenix women face a tough ten days ahead as they attempt to rewrite history.
The Phoenix will play their final three A-League regular season games in a week and a half, starting with their rescheduled fifth round fixture against the reigning champion Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Wednesday night.
They then play at home against Western Sydney before heading to Adelaide. Win all three and the Phoenix have a chance of being crowned premiers.
They qualified for the play-offs for the first time with the win over Sydney FC at the weekend.
Since joining the League in 2021 their best result was eighth in 2024.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman said her side is ready for the challenge.
“Mindset is everything at this point and that’s my job to really dial them into what we can be and what we need to be,” Priestman said.
“Let’s be real that third game in 10 days is not going to be the prettiest football match. We know that, but we have to be willing to do the dirty work (and) the stuff that some teams or players aren’t willing to do.
“When I look in the eyes of the players I’ve got in front of me I believe they want it and I think that’s what it’s going to come down to.
“I also think we have enough depth in the team. You’re going to call on an entire squad and that’s all we’ve done all season with the injuries that we’ve had, so the entire squad is going to be needed.”
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman. Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT
Of course Priestman and the players can’t think too far ahead.
“I’ve kept the players focused on the three points in front of us. I know everyone’s job is to talk about what could be, but ultimately we have to turn up for 90 minutes, do the game in front of us and deal with what comes next.
The Mariners have won all five of their previous meetings with the Nix, including a 2-1 victory at a weather-hit Porirua Park last month.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/tough-10-days-ahead-as-phoenix-strive-for-title/
Source: Radio New Zealand
Tiaki Wai is replacing Wellington Water and inheriting the region’s assets – managing and providing drinking water, wastewater, and piped stormwater services from July. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Wellingtonians will face “really steep” increases in their water bills over the next decade, to as high as $6831 a year, as its new water entity tries to fix old, failing infrastructure, its chairman says.
That would start with an average increase in water charges for Wellingtonians of 14.7 percent, or an extra $310 this year, with charges possibly increasing by 28 percent in 2027-2028, and more than doubling by 2036.
Wellingtonians – those living in Wellington City, Porirua, Hutt City, and Upper Hutt – who had been paying for water through council rates, will receive a separate water bill from 1 July for water services, and would have to set up a new payment plan.
Put another way, an average household across Wellington’s four cities – Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Porirua, was set to pay about $2418 per year this coming year, and pay $6831 (with inflation) by 2036.
Releasing the indicative charges in its water services strategy on Wednesday, Tiaki Wai board chairman Will Peet said he knew the price rises would be unpopular under cost-of-living pressures, but the topic needed to be addressed now.
Chair of Tiaki Wai Will Peet. Supplied / Tiaki Wai
“We’re conscious that everyone’s been facing rising costs over the past few years, and that any increase is challenging for people.
“And I think, also for me, It’s taken 30 years to get to this position, and it will take more than five minutes to fix.”
Tiaki Wai was replacing Wellington Water and inheriting the region’s assets – managing and providing drinking water, wastewater, and piped stormwater services from July.
Peet said this year, the exact amount of bills would vary from city to city and property to property in the same way rates varied.
For example, this year Porirua residents would pay an average increase of $368 per year for water charges, Lower Hutt residents an extra $349, Upper Hutt residents an extra $278 and Wellington residents an extra $275.
The four councils’ rating model was being transferred to Tiaki Wai for the first year’s bills, but over time, the organisation would move to a common pricing model.
Peet said he wanted to be upfront with residents about what costs would look like, and to ask them for feedback on the organisation’s strategy.
“That said, these are still really steep increases and I know you’ll see some of that from other water authorities around the country, but these are significant increases.”
He said no one would have their water turned off if they were struggling to pay a bill.
Wellingtonians are facing “really steep” increases in their water bills. RNZ / Nate McKinnon
According to its strategy document, Tiaki Wai had a hardship policy, including issuing reminder notices and contacting external debt collecting agencies if necessary, but Peet told reporters debt collecting was not what the organisation was considering right now.
Peet was blunt about the challenges for the organisation, saying it would take many years to catch up with decades of underinvestment.
“Infrastructure everywhere, you can’t keep on kicking the can down the road otherwise it comes back to bite you,” he said.
“We have been deferring expenditure in water for a long time, and it’s not my place to determine past decisions, what I can tell you now is that we need to make the hard decision and start to invest.”
The strategy document noted many critical assets were in a poor condition, too old and presenting a “significant risk of failure”, including that three out of four wastewater treatment plants were non-compliant, with problems going back many years.
Wastewater networks were overflowing and stormwater systems were regularly contributed to flooding and pollution, it said.
Added to this was the organisation’s financial position – Tiaki Wai needed more money to operate, Peet said.
The organisation would take over $9 billion of water assets and around $1.7b of debt from the councils, but the amount of revenue being collected by councils – about $385 million in 2025-2026 – had not been enough to meet the long term cost for water services.
One of the organisation’s main priorities from July is to fix the Moa Point Treatment Plant. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
One of the organisation’s main priorities from July was to fix the Moa Point Treatment Plant, Peet said, which was still spewing raw sewage into the sea after a catastrophic failure in February.
Peet would not comment on if there was a plan to stop that, and said it was a “bit early to say” how much it would take to fix the plant, referring those questions to current owner Wellington City Council.
“We’ll be working really closely with Wellington City, as they work through the Moa Point issue. I live near the South Coast myself, I know what an impact it’s having, we all know we need to do the right fix, at the right time to make sure it stops.”
He would also not comment on any current suppliers operating the plants, including Veolia.
The organisation had been set some strict targets by Wellington regions’ mayors and mana whenua partners, including that it would not receive any abatement notices, fines, or prosecutions from Greater Wellington Regional Council for non-compliant plants.
Peet said it was the right target to aim for, but with long-standing infrastructure issues, it would not happen in first year.
“We won’t be meeting those in the initial stages, because Wellington Water is not meeting them.
“What happens on the 30 June, will be pretty much what happens on 1st July – that said I think it’s an entirely reasonable expectation that the people of Wellington, through the partner’s committee, should set us some aspirational goals to improve things.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/wellingtonians-face-average-2400-water-bill-next-year-massive-increases-to-follow/
Source: Radio New Zealand
Police are now appealing for anyone who may have information on any other alleged offending by this man RNZ / Nate McKinnon
A 37-year-old man has been arrested and charged after allegations of serious sexual offending.
He has been charged with abduction for sex, impedes breathing/blood circulation, two counts of unlawful sexual connection with female over 16, and four counts of rape.
The Flaxmere man appeared in the Hastings District Court on Tuesday after being arrested on Monday
He was granted name suppression and is remanded in custody to reappear on 14 April in Hastings District Court.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Karli Whiu said police are now appealing for anyone who may have information on any other alleged offending by this man to come forward.
“This may have occurred in the Hastings area from approximately 14-15 March this year.
“We know it can be incredibly difficult and at times distressing to talk about these matters, but we would like to reassure any victims of offending that we will take them seriously.”
Anyone with information can contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105, referencing file number 260316/3776.
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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/37-year-old-flaxmere-man-arrested-for-serious-sexual-offending/
Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Inspector Grant Tetzlaff, Acting Auckland City District Commander:
A 30-year-old man is facing serious charges after he fled from Police and drove dangerously before crashing in northern Waikato.
At around 11.40pm on Tuesday, a vehicle of interest was seen on Dominion Road, Sandringham.
This vehicle had been reported stolen at gun point earlier in the day from the south Auckland area.
Eagle located the vehicle as it entered the Southern Motorway at Newmarket and monitored it as it travelled towards East Tāmaki.
As the vehicle exited the motorway onto East Tāmaki Road officers attempted to perform a traffic stop, however the vehicle took off at speed.
The driver was seen driving in a dangerous manner through south Auckland, turning off its lights and reaching high speeds on residential streets.
The vehicle re-entered the motorway at SH20 and continued south towards Te Kauwhata.
Police units were able to spike the vehicle, and it continued for a short distance before losing control and crashing into wire median dividers.
As officers approached the vehicle, the sole occupant had barricaded himself inside.
Officers observed live ammunition on his lap.
Police deployed a taser, before being able to extract the man from the vehicle.
He was taken into custody and transported to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition after receiving injuries from a dog bite during his arrest.
A search of the vehicle located two handguns and a large amount of live ammunition.
It is pleasing that these firearms are now out of circulation in our community.
The 30-year-old man will face failing to stop, reckless driving, receiving, possession of firearms and resisting arrest.
Police are continuing to make enquires into the initial stolen vehicle report, and we cannot rule out further charges in that matter.
As standard procedure, the Independent Police Conduct Authority will be notified of the incident.
ENDS.
Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/25/man-faces-court-after-fleeing-police/
Source: Radio New Zealand
Education Minister Erica Stanford RNZ / Nick Monro
Erica Stanford is being accused of using government resources to distribute party political videos, but her office says it was simply “human error”.
On Tuesday morning, the Education Minister emailed school principals about the government’s new SMART assessment tool from her ministerial account.
“From today, SMART is available for schools and kura to prepare for the first assessment window,” the email read.
“I’m sharing this email for you to pass on to your teachers, along with the short video below which shows how SMART will support teaching and learning in practice.”
The email included an explanation of the tool, as well as a link to a video she said “focuses on what SMART will mean in the classroom, and how it can support teaching and learning.”
The video, which has since been removed, was uploaded to the NZ National Party YouTube page.
RNZ has seen comments by education staff in response to the email and video, expressing disappointment and criticising the use of a party platform to distribute information about a Ministry initiative.
Another response from a principal directly to the Minister indicated they would not be sharing the video due to it being hosted by the @NZNats page and requested that in future materials be shared through the appropriate channels.
Labour’s education spokesperson Ginny Andersen told RNZ it was “completely inappropriate” for a Minister to use Ministry of Education contact lists and government resources to distribute National Party videos.
“Erica Stanford should know better than this by now.”
A spokesperson for Stanford said the video was posted in “human error” and had been taken down.
Her office planned to send a new email on Wednesday with the correct link.
In response to Labour’s criticism, the spokesperson said: “This was a ministerial video for teachers that was simply uploaded to the wrong channel and has been rectified.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/erica-stanford-accused-of-sending-national-party-video-to-principals-through-ministerial-email/
Source: Radio New Zealand
By Tim Lister and Leila Gharagozlou, CNN
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf looks on as parliamentarians chant in support of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Tehran on February 1. Hamed Malekpour/WANA/Reuters via CNN Newsource
The Iranian official talked of as a potential interlocutor with the Trump administration once boasted that he personally beat protesters as a young police commander in the Islamic Republic.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian parliament, has never been shy about his role in suppressing challenges to the Islamic Republic.
“Photographs of me are available showing me on back of a motor bike…beating (the protesters) with wooden sticks … I was among those carrying out beatings on the street level and I am proud of that,” Ghalibaf is heard saying in an audio recording from 2013 about protests years earlier.
In recent weeks, as the US-Israeli campaign has killed many of Iran’s top leaders, he has emerged as one of the most senior surviving civilian figures, part of a shrinking pool of officials now shaping the country’s response.
For the 64-year-old Ghalibaf, the security of the Islamic Republic has always been the overriding priority. His public remarks emphasise resistance, national strength, and the need to confront external pressure rather than compromise.
Little surprise then that he is now issuing declarations almost daily through social media in defiance of the United States and Israel.
President Donald Trump said Monday that the US was having “very strong talks” and was “dealing with the man who is most respected” in Iran, but declined to name him.
“We’re dealing with some people that I find to be very reasonable, very solid,” Trump told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. “The people within know who they are, they’re very respected, and maybe one of them will be exactly what we’re looking for.”
Some reports said he was referring to Ghalibaf, who within hours denied there were any negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
He posted on X: “No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped.”
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told a press conference in Tehran on December 2, 2025 that the main problem preventing the resumption of negotiations between Iran and the United States was the latter’s “excessive demands.” The two sides went on to hold indirect talks in February 2026 before the war broke out. Shadati/Xinhua/Getty Images via CNN Newsource
Throughout the conflict, he has regularly used social media to goad Trump and demonstrate a hard line on Iran’s conditions for ending the war.
“Certainly we aren’t seeking a ceasefire. We believe the aggressor must be punished and taught a lesson that will deter them from attacking Iran again,” he said on X on 10 March.
Ghalibaf was also prominent before the war broke out, warning that such a conflict would spread across the region.
“Any war in the region would not be short-lived and would not be confined to a single party or a specific geography,” Ghalibaf told CNN’s Frederik Pleitgen in late January.
Experts say he has connections across the regime’s centers of influence that would afford him a critical role in any negotiated settlement.
“He is the guy running the show,” said Hamidreza Azizi at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.
Ghalibaf is less interested in ideology than power and shows a Machiavellian touch at times, says Azizi added. “For him, the ends justify the means,” he told CNN, pointing to his shifting perspectives through the years on economic and other issues.
Across a lifetime of service to the Islamic Republic, Ghalibaf has become the consummate regime insider, unfailingly loyal to the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and supportive of its regional ambitions.
As a teenager, he joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s.
That marked the start of a lifelong association with the IRGC, which has evolved into a powerful force to suppress dissent at home and project Iran’s influence abroad.
Ghalibaf later commanded the IRGC’s air force and has boasted about his skills as a pilot. A video from October 2024 shows him at the controls of an aircraft approaching Beirut amid Israeli air strikes.
Azizi described him as above all a “security first” official.
Ghalibaf was involved in crushing of pro-reform student protests in 1999 and was among IRGC commanders who warned then-President Mohammad Khatami, a reformist, that the unrest threatened national security and could force the Guards to intervene. He oversaw the suppression of further student demonstrations in 2003 as police chief and held a senior security role during the widespread protests that followed the disputed 2009 election.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf pictured on March 12, 2005 after handing in his resignation as Iran’s police chief in order to stand in that year’s presidential election. Behrouz Mehri/AFP/Getty Images via CNN Newsource
Yet Ghalibaf also has a reputation as an effective manager thanks to a 12-year stint as mayor of Tehran, during which he modernised the capital’s infrastructure and oversaw ambitious housing programs as well as the creation of green spaces.
Azizi, who lived in Tehran at the time, said Ghalibaf projected an image of managerial competence.
But his tenure as mayor was dogged by frequent allegations of corruption, which resurfaced four years ago when his family came under scrutiny over substantial assets declared abroad.
Ghalibaf has long harbored ambitions for higher office. He ran unsuccessfully for the presidency several times but ended up splitting the conservative vote. In last year’s election, he finished a distant third, with around 14 percent of the vote.
His power base has instead become Iran’s parliament, where he has served as speaker since 2020, thanks in part to the support of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike on the first day of the war.
Throughout his career, Ghalibaf has remained closely aligned with Khamenei and the IRGC, and has at times clashed with other conservative figures, including former President Ibrahim Raisi. He was an early supporter of Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, who has now succeeded his father, even when the younger Khamenei was considered a long shot for the role.
Ghalibaf is also tied to the new supreme leader through family. He is a relative of Mojtaba’s mother, who died of injuries sustained in the Israeli strike that killed her husband on 28 February.
If he does take on the mantle of negotiating on behalf of Iran, his record shows that he will pursue deterrence and strength rather than compromise.
– CNN
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/trump-says-us-talking-with-respected-figure-in-iran-it-may-be-a-war-veteran-with-a-record-of-suppressing-dissent/
Source: Radio New Zealand
Emoni Narawa of the All Blacks. Jeremy Ward / PHOTOSPORT
The desire to play at a Rugby World Cup made Emoni Narawa’s decision to stick with New Zealand rugby an easy one.
The All Blacks and Chiefs winger has extended his commitment through to the end of 2029.
“Wearing the black jersey has been an honour and I’m excited for the opportunity to compete for a spot to wear it again and chase my World Cup dream,” Narawa said in a statement.
“I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and hoping I can help our Chiefs whānau secure a Super Rugby title. My little family and I are blessed to stay here. God is good.”
Fijian-born Narawa made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues in 2020 before moving to the Chiefs in 2022.
The 26 year old played his 50th Super Rugby game against the Highlanders last month.
It was his first match after puncturing his lung playing for the All Blacks against South Africa, in the win at Eden Park last year, his fourth test.
Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes was delighted Narawa had recommitted as he was aware there was considerable offshore interest in the talented wing.
“It’s great to know he not only wants to help us win a Super Rugby Pacific title, but that he has serious goals about getting back in the All Blacks and helping them win Tests too.”
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/all-black-winger-emoni-narawa-recommits-to-nz-rugby/
Source: Radio New Zealand
Laskeys Auto Service in Paihiatua. Charlotte Cook/RNZ
It’s an easy alternative for most, fuel prices jump so you make use of public transport, or pedal power, but for many small towns around New Zealand it’s simply not an option.
Petrol prices have increased by almost $1 per litre on average in the past month, according to price tracker Gaspy, and diesel even more, as global energy markets react to Iran’s military grip on the Strait of Hormuz following the war launched by the US and Israel.
Prices rise at Laskeys Auto Service Charlotte Cook/RNZ
But for those in the small rural towns, they have little choice but to carry on.
Richard was in Featherston fuelling up at the sole Mobil station. Diesel was at $2.99 while 91 sat at $3.29 per litre.
When asked how he was feeling about the price rises he said, he didn’t know. Why? because he doesn’t look at them.
“Never have, not for years, as soon as it went over $2 it was a waste of time looking at it.”
He said no point fighting what you can’t change.
In small town Eketāhuna there is just one gas stationed, owned by the same people as the Four Square, a book store, a couple of op shops and an information centre.
It’s at least 30 minutes to the nearest grocery store.
One local said having a car was essential.
“I think people are going to have to look at car sharing, or going without a car.
“I’ll have to extra careful, probably only go into Masterton for essentials, maybe once a fortnight rather than once a week.”
Even doing that creates a difficulty, trying to pay for two weeks worth of groceries in a bid to save fuel costs, she said.
“It’s not great, it’s pretty scary.”
There’s also no public transport in Eketāhuna to alleviate the stress, something Kevin Ashwell from Woodville knows all about.
He owns Woodville Mart and said the situation was dire, the main road is closed for roadworks on top of a fuel crisis keeping people away.
Kevin Ashwell’s shop Charlotte Cook/RNZ
“It’s cruel, it puts the price of everything up.
“I’ve never seen so many people short of money, they are now ‘do I pay the insurance?’, ‘no,I won’t because I can’t afford it’ and that’s not going to get any better with a fuel price increase.”
“We have no alternative, we have to drive.
“Everyone uses fuel, we don’t have public transport, no trains, busses, we can’t get a taxi.”
In Paihiatua, Kevin Laskey was seeing a different side of the crisis. He’s owned Laskey’s Auto and petrol station for 26 years and said the last two weeks had been very interesting.
“Record sales on some days and then not much sales the next days when the fuel prices jumps, I’ve never seen it jump 30 odd cents before in one hit.”
Kevin Laskey has owned Laskey’s Auto and petrol station for 26 years. Charlotte Cook/RNZ
He said supply had been ok, but he was astonished by how differently people were purchasing.
“We have the supermarket fuel dockets, 8 cents a litre off at New World, and that’s doubled, everyone is using them if they can to save a little bit.
“People are sorta hearing that there is going to be a price increase and all of a sudden the sales goes up.”
Lucky for Laskey he also sells bike parts, which are also coming in handy.
“I just had a customer come in and buy a bikeseat to get the old bike going so he can ride out to Fonterra, so that’s going to happen potentially more and more.”
In Masterton, one man said he was just trying to keep his vehicle going, well, cause he had to.
“I put $25 in and it’s not even showing.
“I’ve gotta keep the bloody thing going, can’t do much about the situation … I’ve got to drive.”
He laughed as he said he can’t cry about it, as that wouldn’t help either.
Wellingtonian Dean Tredray was in Greytown with his 1946 Chevrolet Pick up. He said the fuel prices didn’t bother him.
“I’d be happy to pay double to stop them, to stop the Iranians.”
Dean Treadray in Greytown with his 1946 Chevrolet Charlotte Cook/RNZ
Tredray also had no plans of changing his habits.
“Fuel is like beer, you have to have it”
It’s not the same story for Aimee. She’s become a frequent flyer at the Foxton Waitomo trying to keep her tank as full as possible for the cheapest price.
“I’ve sort of got a plan right now, if my lever or metre goes down just one line I’ll fill it up.
“Instead of buying some snacks for my kids I have to cut down, and that really breaks my heart because I want to feed them more, that’s their joy, the food.”
She was worried what she would have to cut next if the prices continued to rise.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/new-zealand-rural-towns-struggle-with-little-alternative-options-amid-fuel-crisis/
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Karli Whiu:
Polce investigating alleged serious sexual offending by a Flaxmere man are appealing for anyone who may have information to come forward.
On Monday 23 March, a 37-year-old Flaxmere man was arrested and he appeared in the Hastings District Court yesterday.
He has been charged with abduction for sex, impedes breathing/blood circulation, two counts of unlawful sexual connection with female over 16, and four counts male rapes female over 16.
The 37-year-old has been granted name suppression and is remanded in custody to reappear on 14 April in Hastings District Court.
Police are now appealing for anyone who may have information on any other alleged offending by this man to come forward.
This may have occurred in the Hastings area from approximately 14-15 March this year.
We know it can be incredibly difficult and at times distressing to talk about these matters, but we would like to reassure any victims of offending that we will take them seriously.
Police has a number of officers and detectives dedicated to these cases and we provide a safe space to report offending in confidence.
If you have any information that may assist Police in our investigation, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105, referencing file number 260316/3776.
We can then contact you to make appropriate arrangements to discuss matters in an appropriate and safe way.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/25/appeal-for-information-as-man-arrested-for-alleged-sexual-offences/