Category: DJF

Source: New Zealand Government

Thousands more New Zealanders are now able to access bowel screening earlier, with the starting age being lowered from 60 to 58 across the central and lower North Island, and MidCentral to follow as the next district, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“From this week, the starting age for bowel screening is being lowered from 60 to 58 across the central and lower North Island, meaning the lower screening age is now in place across the rest of the country, with MidCentral to follow as the next step in the rollout,” Mr Brown says.

“This means thousands more people will have access to lifesaving screening, giving them the best chance of having bowel cancer detected early, when it can often be successfully treated.”

Around 40,000 additional people will become eligible in the first year, with the majority of newly eligible 58-and 59-year-olds to be invited for free bowel screening by April 2027. The expansion is expected to prevent an additional 771 bowel cancers and 566 deaths over 25 years, compared with the previous screening age of 60 to 74.

“The programme is being expanded in stages to make sure services have the workforce and endoscopy capacity needed to safely support more people being screened.

“The Government is committed to lowering the screening age further, and this marks the first milestone toward aligning New Zealand’s screening age with Australia.”

Alongside the bowel screening expansion, the rollout of the FIT for Symptomatic pathway is continuing nationwide, with full implementation expected by the end of September.

 “The FIT for Symptomatic pathway is a separate but critical part of our plan. It delivers two key benefits: helping detect bowel cancer earlier in people with symptoms, including those not eligible for routine screening, and making better use of colonoscopy services.”

The pathway gives people of any age with bowel cancer symptoms access to a simple, non-invasive test, similar to the one used in the National Bowel Screening Programme. It uses a stool sample to check for traces of blood, an early warning sign of bowel cancer.

Rather than referring all symptomatic patients for colonoscopy, clinicians can use the FIT test as a triage tool to identify who needs urgent investigation and who does not. People at low risk can avoid an unnecessary procedure, which is expected to reduce non-urgent colonoscopy referrals by at least 30 per cent. This frees capacity for people who need further investigation and supports the safe expansion of the screening programme.

“In MidCentral, the FIT for Symptomatic pathway will roll out on 20 April, establishing the foundation for the lower screening age to rollout as soon as possible. Together, these steps will help prioritise patients, make better use of colonoscopy capacity, and support the safe next step in the programme’s rollout.

“As the screening age is lowered, more people become eligible, which increases demand for follow-up colonoscopies. This pathway ensures those at highest risk are prioritised, while also improving our ability to detect cancer earlier in people experiencing symptoms, including those younger than the screening age.”

The pathway is already available in Auckland, Counties Manukau, Waitematā, Waikato, and Hawke’s Bay, with the remainder of the country to follow by the end of September.

Mr Brown says the expansion of screening and the FIT for Symptomatic pathway are part of the Government’s wider work to improve access to diagnostics and cancer care.

“By lowering the bowel screening age to 58 and rolling out the FIT for Symptomatic pathway, more New Zealanders can access lifesaving tests and detect cancers earlier, ensuring hundreds more New Zealanders live longer, healthier lives.”

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/thousands-more-kiwis-now-eligible-for-bowel-screening/

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton, Christchurch CIB:

Christchurch Police have charged a man in relation to a serious assault on Worcester Street, Chirstchurch, last week.

On Thursday 19 March, around 10pm, Police were called to Worcester Street following reports that a person had received injuries consistent with being stabbed.

The victim was transported to hospital in a serious condition and remains in hospital in a stable condition.

This morning Police spoke with a 19-year-old man in relation to the incident.

He has now been charged with injuring with intent to injure, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He is due to appear in Christchurch District Court today.

Police would like to thank the members of the public who came forward and assisted with information, as well as provided CCTV footage for officers to review.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/update-charges-laid-following-serious-assault-christchurch/

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://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/funding-for-hamilton-airport-runway-extension/

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://nz.mil-osi.com/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.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/a-significant-step-forward-the-2026-port-and-harbour-marine-safety-code/

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://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/man-faces-court-after-fleeing-police/

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://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/appeal-for-information-as-man-arrested-for-alleged-sexual-offences/

Source: New Zealand Government

Education Minister Erica Stanford is welcoming the conclusion of negotiations to renew both the Support Staff in Schools and the Kaiārahi i te Reo and Therapists’ Collective Agreements.

A 23 March ballot with members of the NZEI Te Riu Roa and E Tū returned a majority vote to ratify the two collective agreements, benefiting around 37,000 support staff.

“The settlement announced today is a positive result for our valued support staff, who play a vital role in our education system,” Ms Stanford says. 

“Teacher aides, library staff, administrators, science techs, therapists, and kaiārahi i te reo support over 800,000 students across the country. This settlement is a positive step which will see them receive cumulative increase of at least 4.55 percent within 12 months,” says Ms Stanford.

“The majority of staff also receive yearly progression, which provides annual increases as they move up the pay scale.

“We are also continuing our investment in learning support with a special approved provider PLD fund for staff who work directly with students who experience behavioural or learning needs associated with neurodiversity. This fund will provide up to $8 million total over the life of the fund.”

“Every student deserves the chance to succeed and go on and live the life they want. We’re making sure that every student, regardless of background, has that chance. We will continue to support our education workforce with the tools they need to help our young people reach their potential.”

Notes for editors: 

Full details of the settlement can be found here: Collective Agreement negotiations | Education Workforce

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/school-support-staff-reach-pay-settlement/

Source: New Zealand Police

Christchurch Police investigating a violent assault in the CBD are appealing for information from the public to assist in identifying the person pictured as we believe they can assist in our enquiries.

On Thursday 19 March, Police were called to Worcester Street at around 10pm following reports of a person received injuries consistent with being stabbed.

Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton says the victim was transported to hospital in a serious condition and remains in hospital in a stable condition.

“We are now working to identify the person pictured as we believe they were in the area at the time of the incident and have information that can assist our investigation.”

Police are also appealing for any CCTV or dash-cam footage in the Latimer Square area and the Hereford, Worcester, Gloucester, Armagh, and Barbadoes Streets between 9.30pm and 10.30pm on Thursday.

“If you have any footage, no matter how small or irrelevant you may think, it may be the final piece of the puzzle we need for our enquiries.

“If you have not yet spoken with us, please get in touch,” says Detective Sergeant Rolton.

Any information, CCTV, or dashcam footage that may assist our enquiries can be provided to us online at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105.

Please use the reference number 260320/0514.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/appeal-for-information-following-violent-assault-christchurch/

Source: NZCTU

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey is calling on the Government to pause harmful employment legislation in light of Brooke van Velden’s resignation.

“Brooke van Velden’s legacy as Workplace Relations and Safety Minister is one of the worst in this country’s history. Much of the legislation passed on her watch has wrecked the longstanding landscape of employment relations in New Zealand.

“Stealing pay equity overnight from more than 300,000 workers in low-paid, female-dominated sectors. Delivering real-term pay cuts for workers on the minimum wage for three years running. Letting multinational corporate lobbyists dictate our contractor law. These decisions demonstrate van Velden’s priorities as Minister.

“The Minister has two bills before the House that continue her track record of trampling on workers’ rights. In light of the Member’s resignation, we are calling on the Government to halt any further progress on the Employment Leave Act and the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill, and to work with unions on real, long-term solutions to the issues these Bills raise.

“The Government now has an opportunity to do right by working people. The next Minister for Workplace Relations should be one who truly understands the struggle of workers in a cost-of-living crisis, and who listens to working people and their unions,” said Grey.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/brooke-van-velden-resignation-is-a-chance-for-u-turn/

Source: NZCTU

The Government’s proposed support package for families in a fuel crisis is woefully inadequate, says NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey.

“Some families will get limited relief from this package. But the Government is doing nothing for families who don’t receive the in-work tax credit. They are doing nothing for pensioners. They are doing nothing to make this country more energy secure.

“92% of households won’t get anything from this package. New Zealanders already doing it tough – pensioners, welfare recipients, single people – won’t see any relief. It won’t help those working in rural communities who are facing huge price increases.

“Industries across the country are under pressure from rising fuel costs. We are already in a cost-of-living crisis, and now fuel prices risk flowing through to the price of food and other essentials. And yet the Government is choosing to provide minimum relief while Kiwi families are struggling.

“During the global financial crisis and the pandemic, the Government worked with working people and their unions on solutions to the nation’s problems. Now is the time for Government to talk with unions about what real, long-term solutions might look like,” said Grey.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/fuel-crisis-package-is-paper-thin/

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is moving quickly to provide extra support for low-to-middle-income working families as conflict in the Middle East drives up fuel prices and adds pressure to household budgets.

From 7 April, about 143,000 working families with children will get an extra $50 a week through a boost to the in-work tax credit. The boost will also expand eligibility to around 14,000 additional working families, who will receive the tax credit at an abated rate.  

The increase will be temporary, lasting for one year or until the price of 91 octane petrol drops below $3 a litre for four consecutive weeks. 

“This temporary boost will deliver support to working families who are under significant cost-of-living pressure, without making inflation worse or further driving up Government debt,” Nicola Willis says.

“The policy is carefully targeted to families in the squeezed middle – parents who are working hard for a living, are not eligible for main benefits, and yet have modest household incomes with which to support their children. We know these families will be hit particularly hard by the global fuel-price shock. We are delivering them timely relief. 

“The Government will implement these changes at pace. Tomorrow we will introduce an Amendment Paper to the Taxation Bill currently before Parliament, so these changes can be enacted from 1 April.

“Most eligible households will not need to do anything to receive the increase. It will be paid directly into their bank accounts, starting on 7 April if they are paid weekly, and 14 April if they are paid fortnightly. 

“We are very aware that almost all Kiwi businesses and families are feeling price pressures as a result of the global shockwaves hitting New Zealand, but equally we know that responding with large, untargeted Government spending programmes could make things worse for Kiwis by adding more pressure to inflation and debt. We are making careful choices in order to protect New Zealand’s economic future. 

“The Government is conscious that a careless response to this crisis could have long-lasting and painful consequences. We saw this in the aftermath of Covid, where excessive spending more than doubled debt and sent inflation soaring and mortgage rates skyrocketing. Kiwis are still grappling with the effects of that today.

“That is why we are focused on temporary, timely support that is targeted to the workers who need it most, while continuing to manage the public finances carefully. 

“The policy is estimated to cost a one-off $373 million if it runs for the full year and less if it does not. There is no ongoing cost in future years because the change is time-limited. 

The cost will count against the Government’s operating allowance for the 2026 Budget so has already been factored into the Treasury’s fiscal forecast.

“Funding the policy this way will not add to forecast debt or inflationary pressures. It is consistent with the Government’s fiscal strategy which seeks to balance the books and bend the debt curve down.

“We cannot control global oil markets or international conflicts.

“But we can soften the impact on working families who cannot easily avoid higher fuel costs by delivering support in a responsible and well-targeted way.”

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/50-a-week-for-lower-income-working-families/

Source: New Zealand Government

Around 1,500 new homes are set to be built as part of the new Te Awa Lakes development thanks to the Government approving the use of an Infrastructure Funding and Financing (IFF) Act Levy for this development, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop.

“To make New Zealand’s housing more affordable, our cities need to grow both up and out – we need bigger cities, and we need more houses. Te Awa Lakes is one of many developments that is making our growth agenda a reality,” Mr Bishop says.

“One factor holding back new housing is infrastructure. We’ve heard loud and clear from developers and councils that there are significant bottlenecks when it comes to the provision of enabling infrastructure, including local government authorities’ financing constraints.

“Councils are responsible for delivering infrastructure such as water and roading but have maximum levels of debt that they’re allowed to take on. These borrowing constraints can delay investment in infrastructure for new, otherwise commercially viable housing developments.

“Developers with viable housing projects should not be held back by this.

“The IFF Act was originally enacted to make it easier for developments to get off the ground through innovative approaches to funding infrastructure that bypass these constraints.

“The model works by establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for a project – separate from council’s balance sheets. The SPV then repays any finance raised by charging a levy to homeowners and landowners who benefit from the infrastructure.

“Essentially, the IFF Act model allows growth to pay for growth.

“The Government has approved an IFF Act levy for Te Awa Lakes, an approximately 2,500-property development northwest of Hamilton. The Levy will fund up to $50 million of water and roading infrastructure, supporting 1,500 of these new properties. The first homes are expected to be delivered as early as 2029.

“This is a fantastic outcome for Hamilton, one of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities.

“The Levy will be administered by Hamilton City Council and will be repaid over a 30-year period beginning 1 July 2027. The levy will be fully disclosed to potential buyers, allowing them to factor it in before making any decisions.

“To date, only two IFF Act Levies have been authorised, and neither were for new housing developments – falling well short of the intent and ambition of this legislation.

“While the Te Awa Lakes development is a good start, we know there are other viable, developer-led projects that are being held back by these constraints.

“That’s why in November 2025, the Coalition Government introduced the IFF Act Amendment Bill, which enhances the Act’s usability, removes unnecessary barriers to uptake, and broadens project eligibility.

“We are making the Act more viable and flexible so developers, councils, and other infrastructure providers can get on with building the infrastructure our growing communities need. We expect to pass this Bill into law before the election.

“In addition to the IFF Act Levy, Te Awa Lakes is also being supported by this Government’s Greenfield Model, which we established in Budget 2025. The Greenfield Model is administered by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited and supports development by lowering financing costs during the project’s construction period – which will ultimately flow through to lower levies for future homeowners.

“This Government is committed to housing growth by freeing up land for development, improving infrastructure funding and financing, and incentivising growth. The IFF Act model is just one of several tools in our Going for Housing Growth toolkit to ensure that infrastructure is not an excuse to prevent growth.”

Notes to Editors

What this means for future buyers:

For people looking to buy in Te Awa Lakes, the levy means part of the cost of the enabling infrastructure is paid gradually over time rather than being built into the upfront purchase price. The levy is transparent and disclosed early and only applies to properties that benefit the most from the new infrastructure. This approach helps brings new housing options to the market at different price points sooner, while ensuring the development has the essential services it needs from day one.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/green-light-for-te-awa-lakes/

Source: New Zealand Government

The application period has closed for operators seeking to run commercial farming at Molesworth Recreation Reserve, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

“Rangitahi/Molesworth is New Zealand’s largest farm, with a long history of high-country farming alongside significant conservation, cultural and recreation values.”

The Department of Conservation has received five applications through the competitive process.

“It’s encouraging to see a solid level of interest in managing such a large and complex operation.”

Applications will now be assessed against set criteria, with a preferred operator expected to be identified by the end of May.

“Assessment will consider experience, capability and resources, alongside how biodiversity and heritage values will be protected, cultural values upheld, and public access maintained.”

Once a preferred operator is identified, they will be invited to apply for a concession, which will be publicly notified.

The current lease with Pāmu Farms of New Zealand expires on 30 June 2026. Work is underway to ensure continuity of operations during the transition period.

Further information is available on the Department of Conservation website.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/applications-close-for-molesworth-farm-operation/

Source: New Zealand Government

Landlords and tenants will be better off with effective regulation of residential property managers and organisations under a new Government-backed framework, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says.

Under the proposed regime landlords and tenants will be able to check if a residential property manager and organisation is registered. There will be a clear pathway to raise complaints, so that property managers can be held accountable if something goes wrong.

“The changes are designed to improve consistency and accountability across the rental sector, while keeping compliance simple and practical.

“A well-functioning rental market depends on trust. Landlords need confidence their funds and assets are being managed properly, and tenants need to know they can rely on their residential property manager to act lawfully.”

The proposed regime will introduce a public register of residential property managers and organisations, alongside clear standards for financial management, conduct and training.

“I have heard concerns from across the sector about poor practices and mishandling of funds. These changes put in place the basic safeguards people expect, including stronger protections for client money and a clear way to raise complaints.”

The regime includes a dedicated Residential Property Managers Regulatory Authority and an independent Residential Property Managers Disciplinary Tribunal to support transparent, consistent handling of complaints.

The framework will:

• establish a registration system for residential property managers and organisations
• introduce minimum eligibility, training and experience requirements, that would be set out in secondary legislation
• set clear requirements for renewals, suspensions, expiries and cancellations of registration
• require all client funds to be held separately from business accounts, and
• create a formal complaints and disciplinary process

“Many in the sector support a light-touch model that lifts standards without overburdening the industry. This strikes that balance.”

Strengthening the performance of the rental sector is part of the Government’s wider focus on housing stability and economic growth.

“When the system works well, it delivers better outcomes for tenants, greater certainty for landlords, and a more stable housing market overall.”

Work is underway to progress these proposals into legislation, with further detail to be released in due course.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/landlords-and-tenants-to-be-better-off-under-more-effective-regulation/

Source: Green Party

The Green Party says the Government’s fossil fuel crisis relief package leaves too many New Zealanders behind. 

“The Luxon Government has turned its back on hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders, asking them to foot the bill for Trump’s war on Iran,” said Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. 

Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says, “The Government’s narrow tweaks to tax credits leaves behind the tens of thousands of people their economic plan has pushed out of work, only to then punish with new obligations and sanctions. 

“So much for planning for the ‘worst case scenario.’ There is no plan to support people onto public transport and reduce fuel demand, no plan to prevent corporations price gouging while families cut back on groceries. 

“Perhaps worse, Luxon has doubled down on his commitment to burn billions of taxpayer dollars on infrastructure that fosters more fossil-fuel dependency and vulnerability, like the LNG import facility and Roads of National Significance. 

“The Greens proposed a sensible plan for free public transport, direct relief for everyone earning under the median income, increased mileage for care workers, more school bus services and a windfall profits tax.” 

“Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis have made the decision to allow the same people they’ve made poorer through their economic decisions to carry the disproportionate cost of this fossil fuel crisis.” 

Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson said the Government’s package fails to help those hardest hit by the fuel crisis. 

“The Government showed today it is not prepared to match the scale of what people are facing and the crisis New Zealanders are dealing with.” 

“This package does nothing for beneficiaries and their children, retirees, or unpaid carers, who are all left out entirely.” 

“Caregiving is work. Raising children is work. Looking after a parent or a loved one is work. These people are facing rising costs making it more difficult to care for their loved ones. This package does not count any of it.” 

“This is a crisis and the Government’s response will do nothing for most New Zealanders. The situation demands far more than what was announced today.” 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/governments-fossil-fuel-relief-package-fails-to-meet-the-crisis/

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Heath Jones, Hastings Criminal Investigation Branch:

Hasting Police have arrested and charged a person in relation to a fight at the Common Room bar earlier this month.

Police responded to the fight around 1.45am on Sunday 8 March, where several people were injured – some seriously, with one requiring hospital treatment.

Police arrested one man today in relation to the incident. The 32-year-old is due in Hastings District Court tomorrow, charged with five counts of assault with intent to injure, three counts of injuring with intent to injure, injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and assault.

Police are not ruling out any further arrests and would like to speak with the five people pictured, as we believe they may be able to assist in our enquiries.

If this is you, or you know who these people are, please get in touch through 105 – either online or over the phone – and reference file number 260308/6292.

Alternatively, information can be provided through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/update-common-room-bar-fight-hastings/

Source: New Zealand Government

Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara is set to become New Zealand’s first predator-free city, as the Government steps up the next phase of Predator Free 2050, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

As part of this next phase, the focus shifts to scaling up predator elimination across New Zealand, building on the work already underway in communities, strengthening coordination, and using improved tools and technology to move from local projects to larger, sustained impact.

“In Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara, that means extending predator control across the whole city, with more traps, more monitoring, and more action on the ground to bring back native wildlife and strengthen the city’s appeal as a destination.

“This is a coordinated push across the whole city. Practical action that people will notice in their neighbourhoods, with more native species returning and thriving.”

The Department of Conservation will invest $5.5 million over five years to support Predator Free Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara, working alongside Capital Kiwi and Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne. The phased operation will target introduced predators across 18,500 hectares, benefiting more than 200,000 residents and 20,000 businesses.

This work is part of a wider shift to expand what works, advance new tools, and prepare for rollout across New Zealand.

“We are committed to backing our environment and our economy at the same time.

“Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara already attracts visitors, and as native wildlife returns, it opens up opportunities to grow conservation-based tourism, supporting local businesses and jobs.”

More than 9,000 community trapping projects are now active nationwide, alongside large-scale programmes already delivering results. 

This next step focuses on scaling those efforts, using improved tools and coordination to move from local gains to sustained, citywide impact.

“Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara is leading that shift, showing how we scale this work across the country.”

This phase focuses on predator elimination that can work at scale in towns and cities, creating a model that can be applied across New Zealand over time.

Notes to editors:

The Predator Free 2050 strategy Innovate for a predator-free New Zealand outlines priorities for the next five years of delivery.

The Department of Conservation will invest $5.5 million over five years to support Predator Free Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara, alongside partner and philanthropic contributions.

More than 9,000 community trapping projects are active nationwide, alongside 20 large-scale predator free programmes.

A copy of the 2026 Predator Free 2050 strategy can be found attached. 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/wellington-te-whanganui-a-tara-to-lead-next-phase-of-predator-free-2050/