Category: Fisheries

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Legislation – RMA reform at a crossroads for farmers – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers

A dark cloud is shading Matt and Tory Simpson’s optimism that a new dawn for land use regulation is around the corner.
Like thousands of other farmers, the owners of Ranui Station in Canterbury were delighted to hear pledges from the Government that resource management reform would reduce red tape, and balance environmental protection with property rights.
“It’s hugely disappointing to find the reality falls short of the rhetoric,” says Matt, who’s co-chair of Federated Farmers High Country.
“The two new bills are riddled with flaws and the select committee now has a mammoth task ahead to get things back on track.”
For the Simpsons, and many other landowners and businesses, it’s far more than just a desire for less paperwork, bureaucracy, hearings and expensive resource consents.
“Livelihoods are at stake,” Matt says.
“We look after nature and want to develop this place so it’s in good shape and a going concern for the next generation.
“We have high hopes the new resource management laws will help us combat the Outstanding Natural Landscape overlay restrictions on more than half the station, and other clamps on our ability to diversify income streams,” he says.
Last December the Government released two new bills – the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill – to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA).
Federated Farmers has lodged a comprehensive submission on the bills, re-stating strong support for overhaul of the RMA.
“We absolutely back the goals and principles agreed by Cabinet,” Feds RMA Reform spokesperson Mark Hooper says.
“Those include enabling primary sector growth, narrowing the scope of effects of the RMA, and greater use of national standards while reducing the need for resource consents.
“If you want that in less jargony terms – that means faster, better, more efficient processes and knocking on the head the trend of endless hearings, appeals and uncertainty.
“Unfortunately, somewhere in between the ambitions of Government MPs and drafting of the legislation, something has fallen over.”
A major concern is that, as currently written, instead of a farm plan replacing the need for a resource consent, a farm may need both.
“We see a risk of farmers facing more red tape under the Natural Environment Act than they presently do under the RMA,” Hooper says.
There are too many ambiguous, principle-based clauses in the two bills, which is likely to see continued expensive, time-consuming and litigious decision making, he says.
The environment bill fails to clearly rule greenhouse gas issues out of scope – despite these already being dealt with in other Acts – and the lack of a clear scope section and definition of effect also leaves the door open to intangible, hard-to-measure concepts such as the ‘mauri’ of water.
“Too much power is left in the hands of the Minister, under any future government, to impact the economy under National Policy Direction.
“And there’s still too much uncertainty over how farmers will access compensation for overlays and other restrictions on their property.
“We pushed hard for a risk-based approach to auditing and certification of farm plans but that’s also missing,” Hooper says.
Federated Farmers’ other concerns include the carry-over of aspects of outdated Water Conservation Orders from the RMA, lack of protection for stock drinking water, and inability to insure against inadvertent breaches of regulation.
Hooper says time pressure may be a reason for “too much drag and drop” of content from the RMA into the draft new legislation.
“The Government and officials worked hard last year to make a series of amendments to the existing RMA.
“These were important fixes that enabled farmers to get on with production.
“That took focus away from the two new bills, and perhaps in the back of their minds was the fact there would be a five-month long select committee process and chances to weed out flaws.”
But Hooper believes the select committee has a challenging task.
“Federated Farmers has already voiced its unwavering opposition to clauses in the Natural Environment Bill which enable the Minister to auction, tender, or levy water.
“Getting rid of these potential water taxes is probably quite easily handled with changes of wording.
“But for other parts, the bill is drafted holistically and it’s more like a spider’s web, with layer upon layer of clauses that are interactive with other clauses.
“It’s going to take a lot of effort to untangle it.”
Hooper says it’s vital the select committee works diligently, and that its members who represent the coalition Government stick up for the original goals of RMA reform: simplicity, efficiency, less cost and litigation.
“Quite frankly, they’re principles and goals that an elected representative of any political persuasion should defend.”
Notes:  You can find the Federated Farmers’ submission on the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill here – https://www.fedfarm.org.nz/Web/Policy/Submission/2026/February/Submission-on-the-NEB-Bill-and-Planning-Bill.aspx  

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/legislation-rma-reform-at-a-crossroads-for-farmers-federated-farmers/

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Arrests made in Manurewa shooting

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested a 34-year-old man after a shooting in Manurewa last Wednesday.

Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers says at around 8.45pm on 18 February, Police were called to Marumaru Lane after reports a person had been shot.

“The offender has gone to the door and asked for the victim, before allegedly shooting him when he came to the door,” he says.

“The victim was taken to hospital in a serious condition, and was very fortunate to have not suffered life-threatening injuries.”

Enquiries into the incident led to Police to carry out search warrants, supported by the Armed Offenders Squad, in south Auckland on Tuesday afternoon.

“Staff carried out these warrants at properties in Takanini and Manurewa around 3pm,” says Detective Inspector Vickers.

“The alleged offender was not located at either address, but as a result he handed himself into Papakura Police Station not long afterwards and was taken into custody.”

Detective Inspector Vickers is pleased two arrests have now been made over the offending.

“We will not tolerate this type of offending and two people are now before the courts,” he says.

“Further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation continues.”

The man will appear in the Manukau District Court today, jointly charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and commission of an offence with a firearm.

A 29-year-old woman, who is co-accused, will also appear in court today after initially being arrested last week.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/arrests-made-in-manurewa-shooting/

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No lights spark Police interest

Source: New Zealand Police

Eagle-eyed Police who spotted a vehicle driving with no lights on through the streets of Papakura overnight have taken a pair into custody.

At about 12.30am, a vehicle travelling with its lights off sped past a Police car on Great South Road.

Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says units did not attempt to stop the stolen vehicle and instead initiated assistance from the Police Eagle helicopter.

“Eagle located the vehicle still travelling at excess speed with its lights off, narrowly avoiding a collision with another vehicle.

“The vehicle has then turned into Glenburn Place where two occupants bailed out while it was still moving, causing it to crash through a fence.”

Inspector Hoyes says the pair allegedly attempted to flee through neighbouring properties.

“Unfortunately for them, we had our eyes in the sky who were able to direct staff on the ground to their locations and they were both taken into custody without incident.

“If you see any dangerous driving activity please contact Police on 111 if it’s happening now or 105 if it’s after the fact.”

Two youths, both aged 14, have been referred to Youth Aid Services.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/23/no-lights-spark-police-interest/

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Woman charged over retirement village burglaries

Source: New Zealand Police

A prolific burglar allegedly targeting a west Auckland retirement village is facing numerous charges in court.

The arrest comes as Police investigate other burglaries at villages across the Auckland region.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, Waitematā West Area Investigations Manager, says five charges have been laid so far.

“We have been investigating a spree of offending on one day in late January, where five residents were allegedly targeted in their residences,” he says.

“Three residents have been the victims of burglaries with expensive jewellery and cash allegedly stolen.”

Police estimate the offending to be valued at nearly $8,000.

The 60-year-old has been charged with three counts of burglary and two counts of being unlawfully in a building.

She will appear in the Waitākere District Court today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says following Thursday’s arrest, enquiries are ongoing into recent burglaries reported at other Auckland retirement villages.

Further charges cannot be ruled out, he says.

“It’s unfortunate when vulnerable members of the community are targeted in this matter, and we will oppose the woman’s bail at her court appearance.”

  • Remain vigilant:

Recent burglaries are a reminder for residents at retirement villages to be cautious.

“It’s important that residents be mindful of people who might be out of place in these villages, and keep an eye out for your neighbours,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.

“Never let someone inside your unit unless you know who they are or have confirmed their identity with management.

“I’m encouraging families to check in on their loved ones and reiterate this advice.”

Always keep your valuables hidden and secure wherever possible.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/woman-charged-over-retirement-village-burglaries/

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Back off the tools – man arrested in Hamilton

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Sergeant Mike Palmer, Waikato Police:

A man’s been arrested in Hamilton in relation to a series of burglaries of tools worth more than $40,000.

The 36-year-old is due in Hamilton District Court today on three charges of burglary. Additional charges are being considered.

The burglaries, targeting tools in the industrial Te Rapa area of Hamilton, were reported on 2, 4, and 13 February.

The arrest follows investigation by the Waikato Tactical Crime Unit. The tools were valued at more than $44,000. Some of the tools were on-sold, and Police are working to recover them so we can get them back to their rightful owner.

Police recommend businesses consider crime prevention methods to reduce the risk of burglary.

Quality CCTV, alarm systems, engraving tools and accurately recording serial numbers helps Police in investigating burglaries in the unfortunate event they occur.

Tools can be expensive and hard to replace. To reunite stolen tools with their rightful owner we need to identify unique features, so we encourage businesses and tradies to take the time engraving their tools and recording serial numbers.

If you are aware of, or come across, tools that may have been stolen please let Police know via our 105 service.  Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-nz.org/

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/back-off-the-tools-man-arrested-in-hamilton/

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Defence News – NZDF air and maritime assets combine for successful search and rescue operation south of Tonga

Source: New Zealand Defence Force

The New Zealand Defence Force has combined its maritime and air assets to conduct a search and rescue operation for two men drifting in a wooden boat 105 nautical miles south of Tonga.

The two men were located by a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-8A Poseidon yesterday morning and were then recovered on board the Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Canterbury last night.

The P-8A had been en route to conduct maritime surveillance operations for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the South West Pacific when it was diverted to conduct the search for the missing boat.

Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre requested the aircraft crew search for the boat after it was reported overdue.

The crew on board the 11.5-metre wooden boat named Mysterious Wonder were reported to have left Tongatapu, Tonga on 8 February. Authorities were notified on Tuesday that the vessel was missing.

The P-8A crew flew to Fiji to base overnight before starting the search Wednesday morning. They found the boat at 10.15am. The call then went out to HMNZS Canterbury to rescue the men and bring them to safety.

Commander Wayne Andrew, the Commanding Officer of HMNZS Canterbury, said the ship launched a sea boat, rescuing the two men late yesterday evening.

“This was an excellent combined effort to locate and rescue the crew members,” he said.

“The P-8A crew did a fantastic job locating the vessel in a large search area about 105 nautical miles south of Tonga. We were fortunate to be in a position to be able to assist the two men.”

HMNZS Canterbury recently completed a successful trip to Tokelau supporting Governor-General of New Zealand Dame Cindy Kiro to mark the centenary of New Zealand administration of Tokelau. The ship was en route to the Kermadec Islands before it turned around to assist with the rescue.

The two men were flown to Tonga this morning on a RNZAF NH90 helicopter embarked on HMNZS Canterbury.

The ship will today resume passage to Raoul Island, to assist MetService and Earth Sciences New Zealand personnel to carry out upgrade and maintenance tasks of critical weather, tsunami and volcano monitoring equipment and facilities.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/defence-news-nzdf-air-and-maritime-assets-combine-for-successful-search-and-rescue-operation-south-of-tonga/

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Local News – Have your say on the future of Spicer Landfill – Porirua

Source: Porirua City Council

Consents to operate Spicer Landfill are set to expire in 2030 so the way we dispose of rubbish in Porirua has to change. Consultation on four options for the future of Spicer Landfill begins on Tuesday 24 February.
Previous plans to extend the landfill are on hold as a range environmental challenges mean new consents are unlikely to be granted.
Today Council officers presented elected members with four options for the future and received the green light to consult the community on which one will be best for the city.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker encouraged residents and landfill users to give their input so the Council can develop a preferred solution.
Mayor Baker says the status quo is just not an option.
“The landfill is much closer to neighbouring properties than desirable, meaning issues like odour are amplified. There are also ongoing environmental effects, geotechnical risk, and cultural impacts for Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
“We have no choice but to do things differently and unfortunately that will come at a cost, with increases to rates bills under every option. What varies in each option is who can dump rubbish at Spicer, how much they pay to dump it and the impacts on the environment.”
David Down, Council’s Waste Manager, says currently Spicer Landfill is a big income earner for the Council, paying for its own operational costs and generating an annual surplus of around $4 million. This surplus is used to reduce rates by 4-5%.
“Each option has significant financial implications for rates and increased costs for disposing of rubbish,” he says.
Spicer Landfill receives general waste from Porirua and the wider Wellington region. It was established in 1976 as a joint venture between Porirua City Council and the then Tawa Borough Council, now Wellington City Council, who retain an interest in the landfill.
Consultation options
Three of the options provide waste transfer station services on the same site. The fourth option, option D, would see the landfill closed entirely and no replacement service at all. The options are:
Option A: Public refuse transfer station
This option would provide a facility for residents and small businesses (with cars, utes, trailers, vans and small trucks) to drop off waste that is then transported to another landfill. There would still be recycling drop-offs and green waste services.
Option B: Public and heavy vehicle refuse transfer station
Similar to option A but with more space so commercial waste from large trucks can also be dropped off, with all waste then transported to another landfill.
Option C: Public and heavy vehicle refuse transfer station with clean fill disposal
This is the same as option B, with waste transported to another landfill, but option C would also have a clean fill landfill, which is limited to accepting earthworks or inert material such as soils, clays, rocks, and gravel – materials that aren’t hazardous or that create odour.
Option D: Close Spicer Landfill in 2030 with no replacement service
This option would see Spicer Landfill close at the end of June 2030 when the resource consents expire. There would be no alternative service provided by the Council and customers would need to travel to a transfer station or landfill elsewhere in the Wellington region to dispose of waste.
Kerbside collection services would still be available regardless of the option chosen.
Have your say
Consultation opens on 24 February and closes at 11.59pm on Wednesday 25 March 2026. Have your say by going to poriruacity.govt.nz/landfill-options or picking up a copy of the consultation document from one the city’s libraries or at the front counter of Porirua City Council, 16 Cobham Court.
Further consultation on the interim preferred option next year, as part of the Long-term Plan consultation in 2027, will inform the Council’s final decision on whether to proceed with the preferred option or a different option.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/local-news-have-your-say-on-the-future-of-spicer-landfill-porirua/

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A tragedy avoided

Source: New Zealand Police

Being prepared almost certainly saved a rock fisherman’s life at Piha.

Police were contacted at 7.43am on Wednesday by a fisherman advising one of his companions had fallen into water at The Gap.

Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Jamieson says the Police Maritime Unit took over incident control of the water rescue.

“The Police Eagle helicopter deployed over South Piha, and soon caught sight of the fisherman, and the crew could see he was well prepared,” he says.

“He had been fishing with a lifejacket on, and another fisherman had thrown an emergency life ring out to him.”

Meanwhile, Police Maritime Unit had called out Surf Life Saving NZ at Piha.

Acting Senior Sergeant Jamieson says Eagle kept watch from above while an IRB was heading to the location.

“Although he was struggling in the current, the devices were doing a good job at keeping him afloat while help was on the way.”

The man was soon uplifted and brought back to shore.

First responders are praising the event, as the fisherman walked away safe and well.

“Time and time again we have seen these stories end in a tragedy, and these rescue responses turn into recovery missions,” acting Senior Sergeant Jamieson says.

“This is a story where things were done correctly; the man was prepared and wearing a lifejacket and there were people equipped with a phone so that they could call for help.”

Acting Senior Sergeant Jamieson acknowledges the various resources involved.

“There was good collaboration between Northern Emergency Communication and Dispatch, Police Maritime Unit, the Police Eagle helicopter and Surf Life Saving NZ which brought about a prompt rescue.”

Surf Life Saving New Zealand GM – Northern Region, Zac Franich says the outcome highlights the importance of wearing the appropriate safety equipment when rock fishing, particularly a life jacket.

“This is a really positive outcome, and the fact the fisherman was wearing a lifejacket made a critical difference,” he says.

“When people are swept into the water while rock fishing, conditions can change very quickly. A lifejacket helps keep you afloat, conserves energy and buys crucial time for rescuers to reach you. Were it not for the lifejacket, we could very easily have been reporting on a fatal drowning.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

A video of the rescue has been posted to the North Shore, Rodney & West Auckland Police Facebook page.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/a-tragedy-avoided/

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Sales plummet for business near Moa Point sewage spill

Source: Radio New Zealand

Vicky Shen says she will have to reduce staff hours to stay afloat after a nearly 70 percent drop in her business. Bill Hickman / RNZ

Businesses on Wellington’s South Coast are doing it tough since the failure of the Moa Point wastewater plant forced the closure of some of the capital’s most popular beaches.

An association of local businesses, Destination KRL, said hospitality and other water-dependent employers had lost – on average – more than half their customers in the last two weeks.

They have called for support from Wellington City Council.

Worst timing possible

On a warm, still summer evening at Wellington’s Lyall Bay, the usually bustling beach is deserted.

Co-owner of nearby Botanist cafe Maria Boyle said the sunny weather – especially following a storm in the capital – would usually see her cafe packed with customers.

“With this weather everybody gets out, they’re excited, the weather’s nice. We would be completely full right now and we’ve got, maybe, a quarter of the amount of tables we’d normally have.”

Maria Boyle of the Botanist cafe her daytime customers have halved since the plant failed. Bill Hickman / RNZ

She said daytime customers had nearly halved since the plant failed.

Boyle said – for her business – the closure of the beaches could not have come at a worse time.

“We essentially rely on this busy summer trade to get us through winter. Last winter was the worst winter we’ve ever had. For this to happen – after the last two years of terrible hospitality – it’s a disaster.”

Further down the beach, local fish and chip shop Seaview Takeaways had been feeding beachgoers for nearly 34 years. Owner Vicky Shen said in the last two weeks they had lost nearly 70 percent of their business.

She had planned to cut staff hours to stay afloat.

“I have to deal with it. So I will cut down some hours of my labour. I will do it myself. So I will work longer myself – so that’s very difficult – but otherwise I can’t afford it.”

Surfboard maker Jack Candlish of Verdure Surf builds his boards within sight of the city’s most popular surf break – right next to Wellington Airport and Moa Point.

Surfboard builder Jack Candlish says he’s considering relocating if the closure of the beaches “drags on”. Bill Hickman / RNZ

He usually sold just over a third of his boards to locals, but said he had not received a single local inquiry since news of the contamination of the surf spot broke.

“If it drags on much longer we’ll probably look at relocating. It’s something that we’ve already thought about doing but this has been a bit of a kick to, kind of, fast-track that process.

“We might as well be in Palmerston North as far as I’m concerned, when the beach isn’t even accessible.”

Another massive mountain to climb

Steve Walters of Destination KRL said he had heard from about 30 businesses in the area reporting dramatic losses over the last fortnight.

He said people in the beachside suburb paid some of the highest rates in the country, and if a solution could not be put in place quickly the council should step in to help.

“We’ve got government workers being reduced in this town and people being pretty tight with their money. Now on top of that a combination of entities have failed in providing a service which these businesses have paid for, so they’re feeling ‘we’ve just suddenly got another massive mountain to climb’ and they need support to get over that.”

A spokesperson for Wellington City Council said they had been in touch with business leaders in the area and were looking at how best to support affected businesses. But the council could not provide details of any plans at this stage.

“We appreciate the Moa Point plant failure will be having an impact on the South Coast, in particular some of the businesses in Lyall Bay,” a spokesperson said.

“We want to encourage Wellingtonians to get down to Lyall Bay, especially on a good day, and pay the cafes and other businesses a visit and spend some money.”

Wellington Water said it could be months before the plant was back in operation.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/sales-plummet-for-business-near-moa-point-sewage-spill/

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Banks Peninsula farmers and businesses counting the cost of floods

Source: Radio New Zealand

Banks Peninsula farmers and businesses are counting the cost of devastating flooding that swamped paddocks and swept through Little River.

The peninsula remained under a state of emergency although State Highway 75 from Christchurch to Akaroa reopened on Wednesday afternoon and telecommunications were restored after widespread outages.

About 120 properties remained without power and at least 15 local roads were closed because of slips and flooding.

Kinloch farmer Tom Power said the “mental” rain caused the worst flooding he had ever seen.

Kinloch Road farm in Little River was flooded. Nathan Mckinnon

“I’ve never seen anything like it. It was predicted to be 100 millimetres or so and we ended up tipping out 430 millimetres in this catchment. It was chaos,” he said.

“I’ve never seen anything through Little River like that before and even up Okuti Valley, properties up there. It’s so widespread, it’s unbelievable.”

Power was dealing with stock losses as paddocks remained under water, with troughs and fences swept away and debris strewn across the property.

“We moved a lot of stock away to traditionally high areas that we’ve never seen go under water. We spent hours doing that beforehand and we were prepared for a lot of it, it was just the severity,” he said.

Flood damage in Little River. Nathan Mckinnon

“We’re still trying to get our head around what the damage is, to be fair, until the water goes away you don’t really know.

“People’s livelihoods have been well and truly affected by this, which is a crying shame.”

In Little River, Déjà New Preloved Goods owner Lisa Ashfield had cleared mud and silt from her shop with the help of firefighters – the second time her business had flooded in 12 months.

Flood damage at Deja New in Little River. Nathan Mckinnon

“I imagine this is probably the end of the shop,” she said.

“All of my furniture, my bookshelves, my storage units, people’s home-made jewellery, toys, books, clothes, furniture. Everything is just a mudbath,” she said.

“I was flooded in May last year, about 300 millimetres, over the top of your gumboots kind of level. This flood, unfortunately, was thigh-deep. All the preparation we did on Monday, raising everything off the floor, just wasn’t high enough,” she said.

Déjà New Preloved Goods Little River owner Lisa Ashfield said she’d been flooded twice in 12 months. Nathan Mckinnon/RNZ

Ashfield was now sorting through stock to work out what to throw in a skip.

Little River Cafe & Store owner Cameron Gordon also spent the day shovelling mud and silt from the building after water gushed in on Tuesday.

He said food from the chiller had to be thrown away and fridges and freezers would need replacing but he hoped to open the store by the end of the day and the cafe by the weekend.

Little River Cafe and Store. Nathan Mckinnon

Gordon was heartened by the support of locals who were helping to clean up the mess.

“They’re pretty keen to get the shop back going and get us up and running again. We got a lot of calls, a lot of messages overnight with people offering help, a lot of tools brought down, water blasters, squeegees and brooms and random people I haven’t met before. It’s great,” he said.

Gordon said the cafe had flooded five times, most recently last May when a foot of water washed through some businesses, but he had never seen flooding so bad in his 20 years living in the settlement.

He said water in Little River drained away quickly once Lake Forsyth was opened to the sea on Tuesday afternoon.

Outside the shop on Wednesday. Nathan Mckinnon

“If it was opened before this I think we would have had a lot less damage and probably a lower level through the building,” he said.

“[The council] seem to have their rules and their guidelines about how they monitor all that but it doesn’t seem to work for us. It seems to be the same story every year, with the same excuses every year as well.”

Living Streams Community Nursery co-ordinator Nicky Steinmetz said raging floodwaters had left a layer of silt over the plants, leaving a months-long clean-up job.

“Most of our volunteers will be really upset about what they see. It’s the small seedlings that will be most impacted, rather than the bigger plants. We’ll be able to wash those down, but it’s going to take forever,” she said.

Flood damage at Little River nursery. Nathan Mckinnon

Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell and Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger visited Little River on Wednesday.

Mitchell told RNZ the flooding was worse than in May 2025.

“They’re in the middle of their summer season so we’ve got to do everything we can to support them and get them back on their feet as quickly as we can,” he said.

Boil water notices remained in place for Little River and Wainui.

Mauger said the water supply in Wainui was “absolute toast”.

The clean up inside the Little River Cafe and Store. Nathan Mckinnon

The council had sent Starlink WiFi devices to Akaroa and Wainui, although Chorus found and fixed a damaged fibre cable on a bridge that restored cell tower connections on Wednesday afternoon.

Students on two school trips who were stuck at Wainui and Ōnuku Marae had returned home.

Provisional figures from Earth Sciences New Zealand showed 243 millimetres of rain was recorded at its site in Akaroa in the 24 hours to 9am on Tuesday morning.

That was the highest 24-hour rainfall total for Akaroa in the month of February since records began in 1977, the organisation said.

Earth Sciences said Akaroa had received 316 millimetres of rain so far this month, making it the wettest February on record.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/banks-peninsula-farmers-and-businesses-counting-the-cost-of-floods/

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Southland Police continue search for missing man Kevin Belling

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant John Kean:

The search for missing 62-year-old Kevin Belling continues as Southland Police conduct searches in waterways in the Motu Rimu area.

Kevin was last seen at his Motu Rimu farm on Friday 9 January and was reported missing on 18 January.

Police Search and Rescue and Land Search and Rescue teams have conducted extensive searches, including at Kevin’s Caeser Road property in Kapuka.

Southland Police are now proceeding to examine effluent ponds and other waterways on the Motu Rimu farm owned by Kevin.

Unfortunately, Kevin has not been found, and Police continue to appeal for any information that could help us find him.

Police urge the community to be vigilant and check their rural properties for any signs of Kevin.

If you have information that can assist in the search to locate Kevin, please contact Police online at 105 or call 105.

Please use the reference number 260118/6964.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/southland-police-continue-search-for-missing-man-kevin-belling/

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University Research – Lab discovery offers hope for lymphoedema – UoA

Source: University of Auckland – UoA

A newly discovered molecule shows promise for treating painful lymphoedema.

Scientists have made a breakthrough that could lead to effective treatments for lymphoedema, a painful swelling condition for which there is currently no cure.

Lymphoedema can be congenital or caused by an injury, but it mostly occurs as an unintended consequence following breast-cancer treatment.

It occurs when the lymphatic system, which moves fluid throughout the body via specialised vessels, is damaged, leading to fluid accumulation in tissues.

“Our group of researchers has discovered a new molecule and pathway that together promote lymphatic vessel growth,” says Dr Jonathan Astin, a senior lecturer in molecular medicine and pathology in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. See Cell Reports.

“We initially made this discovery in zebrafish but have also shown that the factor works in human lymphatic cells.”

The scientists discovered the growth-promoting molecule, known as ‘insulin-like growth factor’, or IGF, accelerates the growth of lymphatic vessels in zebrafish, so has potential to repair damaged vessels.

They then worked with a University colleague, senior research fellow Dr Justin Rustenhoven, to grow human cells in the lab and found the IGF, could also ‘instruct’ human lymphatic vessels to grow.

“This work is of interest to the medical community as it provides an additional way to induce lymphatic vessel growth,” says Astin.

“This is especially important for people with lymphoedema. In Aotearoa New Zealand, approximately 20 percent of women who have lymph nodes removed as part of breast-cancer treatment will develop lymphoedema, and currently there is no cure.”

There is another molecule, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), that also promotes the growth of lymphatic vessels; the IGF molecule may work together with VEGF to promote the growth of lymphatic vessels, says Astin.

The work was conducted in Astin’s lab by then doctoral student Dr Wenxuan Chen and involved collaborations with Dr Kate Lee, Dr Justin Rustenhoven and Professor Stefan Bohlander, all in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, as well as a lab in the US.

“We use fish primarily because they’re very simple, but they’re still remarkably similar to us,” Astin says.

“The advantage of using fish is we can fluorescently label lymphatic vessels so that they glow and then image vessel growth in a whole larva or embryo and not impact its growth at all.

“We can just watch it grow, and things happen much quicker in a fish, because they develop much faster.”

The next step will be to test an IGF‑based therapy on mice with lymphoedema to see whether it helps.

Astin is cautious about promising too much but says this holds the potential to become a therapy for this painful, incurable condition in the future.

Read about ‘openness in the use of animals for research’: http://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/research/about-our-research/openness-in-animal-research.html

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/university-research-lab-discovery-offers-hope-for-lymphoedema-uoa/

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Annual food prices increase 4.6 percent – Selected price indexes: January 2026 – Stats NZ news story and information release

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/annual-food-prices-increase-4-6-percent-selected-price-indexes-january-2026-stats-nz-news-story-and-information-release/

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New research on 1080 bait impact on Rakiura deer

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  17 February 2026

The study found Rakiura white-tailed deer are more susceptible to eating a lethal dose of 1080 bait pellets than other deer populations in New Zealand, and the use of deer repellent slightly reduced the impact.

The study was done by the Bioeconomy Science Institute (formerly Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research) during an aerial predator control operation in August last year to protect pukunui/Southern New Zealand dotterel from extinction.

The operation successfully reduced feral cats, rats and possums to very low levels across approximately 40,000 hectares of Rakiura National Park. The operational area included 4 of the 35 bookable hunting blocks on Rakiura.

The study was commissioned by Predator Free Rakiura in consultation with stakeholders, including experienced local hunters and national hunting groups to help inform future operations targeting feral cats, rats and possums on the island. White-tailed deer are not a target species for the project, and, prior to this study, there was limited research on the Rakiura herd.

Bait pellets containing deer repellent were used in the hunting blocks, while standard 1080 bait pellets were used elsewhere in the operational area. A network of 242 movement-activated trail cameras monitored deer before, during and after the predator control operation.

The report found there was on average a 75 per cent reduction in deer detections by cameras in the deer repellent area in contrast with a 97 per cent reduction in the wider operational area where standard 1080 bait pellets were used.

These reductions in deer activity are higher than have been observed in some deer monitoring studies elsewhere in the country. The report outlines some likely causes, including low natural food availability, meaning the deer were hungry and more likely to eat the bait pellets, and the small size of white-tailed deer making them more susceptible to eating a lethal dose of 1080.

Another probable factor is a lack of herd exposure to 1080 bait pellets previously, meaning the Rakiura white-tailed deer were less cautious of the baits than in areas where there have been multiple 1080 predator control operations.

Department of Conservation Director Biodiversity National Programmes Ben Reddiex says this is valuable research that is being discussed with the Rakiura community and national stakeholders.

“It was expected that there would be some by-kill of white-tailed deer as they are known to sometimes eat 1080 bait pellets, but it was unclear what the extent would be.

“The impact was higher than anticipated, however the large majority of the Rakiura white-tailed deer population was unaffected, and deer will gradually re-enter and repopulate the operational area.

“There has been robust engagement with hunters, hunting groups and other stakeholders, and this will continue as we work towards implementing Predator Free Rakiura.”

The president of the Rakiura Whitetail Trust, Adam Fairmaid, says this research shows a big challenge for Predator Free Rakiura going forward.

“Unfortunately, the operation resulted in a high mortality rate of white-tailed deer in the study area. Our bottom line is that we need a viable whitetail population on Rakiura. The Department of Conservation has assured us that they will work with us to find a solution.”

It is estimated that white-tailed deer will be widespread throughout the operational area in low numbers within one year, and back to pre-operational levels in three-four years. This is based on other studies of population recovery for white-tailed deer and red deer.

Ben Reddiex says Rakiura still has a widely distributed population of white-tailed deer.
“This is shown by the consistent deer detections in the adjacent monitoring area where 1080 wasn’t used, and the deer detected by cameras at the edge of the operational boundary.”

DOC will monitor white-tailed deer as they move back into the operational area, using an existing network of trail cameras that is also monitoring feral cats.

Meanwhile, with feral cats, rats and possums reduced to very low levels in the operational area, pukunui have been able to have a successful breeding season on the Rakiura mountain tops.

“We’ve counted 37 chicks and 80 eggs across 36 nests which is a huge result as the population was down to 105 birds last year, largely due to predation by feral cats.

“We won’t know the total pukunui population change until April when the team does the annual flock count, but all signs are pointing to a vital population boost for a species on the brink of extinction.”

There are no aerial 1080 predator control operations planned on Rakiura in 2026 following the successful predator control operation, and while Predator Free Rakiura considers the next steps for the project following a predator eradication trial last year.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/new-research-on-1080-bait-impact-on-rakiura-deer/

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Police chase down bike after shoplifting

Source: New Zealand Police

Foot power triumphed over pedal power, as one offender in a shoplifting failed to give Police the slip.

Three people are facing a list of charges after the violent shoplifting unfolded in Rānui yesterday afternoon.

Inspector Jason Edwards, Relieving Waitematā West Area Commander, says two men and a woman entered the supermarket on Swanson Road at around 3.30pm.

“This group has walked around the supermarket allegedly stealing items and putting them into a bag,” he says.

“In the process they have allegedly threatened staff with an umbrella.

“On exiting, the woman has violently shoved a staff member as the group left the store.”

Police were contacted and a unit was soon on scene, locating the trio nearby.

Inspector Edwards says the woman and a man were quickly taken into custody.

“A third offender has jumped on a bike and attempted a two-wheel getaway, knocking over a member of the public” he says.

“Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, another unit had arrived on scene and engaged in a foot pursuit with the bike.

“The 33-year-old didn’t get far and was also arrested.”

He faces charges including shoplifting, assault and resisting Police.

Meanwhile, a 32-year-old woman faces charges of shoplifting and aggravated assault; and a 39-year-old man faces charges of shoplifting and behaving threateningly.

All three will appear in the Waitākere District Court today.

“There is no tolerance for the violent behaviour that this group exhibited towards supermarket staff, and they will all now be held accountable,” Inspector Edwards says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/police-chase-down-bike-after-shoplifting/

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Dr Hinemoa Elder: We need more mental health care in NZ

Source: Radio New Zealand

As she comes towards the end of her career as a working psychiatrist, Dr Hinemoa Elder says there’s never been more need for mental health resources to help navigate, “extremely trying times”.

“You know, I’m 60 years old and this feels like the worst confluence of horrible and terrifying global and more local experiences that I’ve seen in my life.”

Indigenous resources, particularly Māori resources, have a valuable place in the spectrum of ways to help people struggling with mental health, she says.

This month, she’s appearing at HamLit in the Hamilton Arts Festival, alongside award-winning poet, Dr Marama Salsano, where the pair will discuss the intersection between culture, creativity and mental health.

“Here is something that may be absolutely new to many of the people who attend. And that’s always provides some different kind of juicy experiences, doesn’t it?

“Because it gets in behind some of our defences.

“We might have some ideas about what might work for us and what might be less helpful. Whereas when we’re presented with something that comes from a different worldview perhaps, or from a Māori worldview, that we haven’t previously been aware of, then it opens up some really new potential, new experiences and a freedom, a freedom to consider our lives differently.”

Prior to her career in psychiatry, Elder was a children’s television presenter, a “fortunate time”, she says.

“Live television is a thing of the past now unless it’s a sports event or some other major national event. Afternoon telly for kids is a thing of the past. So, it was a great moment in time.

“I had a lot of fun, made some great friends, learnt a lot of good skills. And I suppose, yeah, you could see even then, I love coming from a young person’s perspective and trying to engage young people in light-hearted activities that also have some kind of educational element to them as well.”

She carried that interest in young people into her psychiatry career.

“I really like kids. I really like teenagers. I really enjoy the playfulness and the challenge. I like to work hard to understand the tamariki’s perspective and the whānau perspective around them and to think about the people who are not in the room, but who are exerting an influence over their tamariki and their whānau’s experience of what it means to be a tamariki, which is changing rapidly in our world.”

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/dr-hinemoa-elder-we-need-more-mental-health-care-in-nz/

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Sewage spill stinks of double standards – Federated Farmers dairy chair

Source: Federated Farmers
By Karl Dean, Federated Farmers dairy chair
This month Wellington’s Moa Point wastewater treatment plant failed catastrophically, sending an estimated 70 million litres of untreated sewage straight into the ocean each day.
Mayor Andrew Little called it an environmental disaster and Wellingtonians have been told it could be months before the south coast waters are swimmable again.
This is a major stuff-up, but one question keeps coming back to me: will those responsible be held to the same standards we demand of Kiwi farmers?
As farmers, we’re no strangers to regulation. Our businesses must comply with strict environmental rules, and we know there are consequences for non-compliance.
Breaches can carry hefty fines, legal action, reputational damage – and in some cases, a criminal conviction against a farmer’s name for life.
We take this seriously, as we should, because farmers have a responsibility to protect waterways and communities.
But is what we’re seeing in Wellington a glaring example of a double standard in environmental accountability?
If a dairy farmer had pumped raw effluent into a local waterway, even by accident, there’d be no debate.
Resource consent conditions would have been breached, immediate investigations would follow, and criminal charges would likely be laid.
So, will we see the same scrutiny of large, publicly managed infrastructure?
Will the manager of the wastewater treatment plant be held personally responsible?
Will Wellington’s mayor, councillors or chief executive be held accountable for long-term underinvestment in critical water infrastructure?
Will there be enforcement action against the council or contractors involved?
It’s fair to assume the answer will probably be a resounding no – or at least, not in a timely or visible way.
I commend Nick Leggett for resigning as chair of Wellington Water following the sewage crisis. He’s done the right thing, but real accountability shouldn’t stop with one resignation when the failure runs far deeper.
Andrew Little has called for an independent inquiry, which is promising, but I highly doubt we’ll see any individuals held to account.
Much was made of The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai being the three waters regulator, which includes wastewater.
The Three Waters Review raised system-wide concerns about whether the regulatory regime was fit for purpose.
Taumata Arowai was presented as a key part of the fix, yet they’ve been strangely silent throughout this debacle, effectively saying: ‘It’s not our job’.
They say it’s Greater Wellington Regional Council’s (GWRC) role to be the primary regulator when it comes to wastewater overflows or breaches of wastewater consents.
That means it’s GWRC’s job to take enforcement action, but the council is a one-sixth shareholder in Wellington Water, the company responsible for the discharge.
That seems like self-regulation to me and doesn’t inspire a great deal of confidence.
Let me be clear: this isn’t about farmers versus councils. It’s about fairness and consistency.
If we’re going to demand one sector follows strict rules under threat of penalties, those standards must apply to everyone.
Anything less erodes trust in our environmental system.
There are plenty of cases where individual farm employers or managers have been prosecuted for breaches of resource consent or environmental regulations, when the consent is in the name of a company. That same logic should apply here.
If a publicly managed facility can discharge untreated sewage – millions of litres a day, for an extended period – without consequence, what message does that send? That the rules are good for some, but not for all?
It also raises serious questions about advocacy and media coverage.
Activist groups usually quick to criticise farmers for environmental missteps because it suits their political narrative have been notably quiet.
Greenpeace, for example, haven’t said a thing about the millions of litres of untreated human waste flowing into the ocean each day in Wellington.
Yet they somehow found time to vandalise a salmon statue in Rakaia this week while ranting and raving about the evils of the dairy sector.
Why the silence? Because this disaster doesn’t align with their preferred villains.
New Zealanders care about clean water, and so do farmers.
We work hard every day to meet our obligations, often under challenging conditions, knowing the consequences of failure are real and enforceable.
But accountability must be universal; environmental laws and consent conditions can’t be selectively enforced.
If we want the public to trust that environmental protections are fair and effective, we must apply the same standards to all operators – farm or council, private or public.
The Wellington sewage spill is a clear reminder that environmental stewardship is everyone’s responsibility.
Farmers are already doing our part – but we also expect the same of every other sector.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/sewage-spill-stinks-of-double-standards-federated-farmers-dairy-chair/

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Weather: Local farmers clear mudslide which trapped 20 vehicles

Source: Radio New Zealand

Trucks stopped in Taihape. Supplied

Cars stranded by a slip in rural Taihape are now free after a local farmer cleared a path through the slip with his tractor.

About 20 cars were stuck for several hours between a flood and a slip in the remote area of Turakina Valley Road with no cell coverage.

The Rangitikei Mayor Andy Watson says the cars were able to drive out and he believed they were now heading to Taihape.

Watson previously said he understood it was a local farmer who raised the alarm, calling emergency services to report what he could see.

It had been very hard to get information, he said.

It appears the cars took a back route after State Highway 1 was closed.

“They’ve found flood water that was too deep to drive through then slip has come down behind them and effectively blocked their path,” he said.

Residents in the wider district have told RNZ there are trees blocking may roads, with people not able to get to work.

State Highway 1 has been closed around Taihape.

Watson said it some of the roads the cars took would normally only see “half a dozen” cars a day, he said.

Rangitikei District Council said contractors were working to clear debris, and it was working with Civil Defence on a response to the situation.

Police said they were notified at 12.30pm.

St John Ambulance said it had so far not been required.

Establishing communication the priority

Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence said its first priority was to establish communication with those who were trapped.

State Highway 1 was closed between Hunterville and Waiouru and people should not use Turakina Valley Road as a detour, it said.

Many other local roads were also closed.

People should avoid non-essential travel because the roads were treacherous from fallen trees and the possibility for landslides.

Winiata Marae opens to stranded travellers

About 80 people are sheltering at Winiata Marae, in Taihape, which has opened to stranded travellers.

The marae’s chairman Jordan Winiata said they were travellers who had become stranded, unable to reach their destinations.

“They’re stranded because of what’s happening on the highways, we’ve got some InterCity buses, just multiple travellers that would have been going from A to B that unfortunately have been caught in between the roads being open and closed.”

He said the marae was preparing to host those stranded overnight and had capacity for 300.

Winiata said the power was out at the marae, but they had a generator and running water and gas for cooking.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/weather-local-farmers-clear-mudslide-which-trapped-20-vehicles/

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First kākāpō of this year’s breeding season hatches on Valentine’s Day

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tīwhiri’s new, one-day-old chick. Lydia Uddstrom / DOC

Department of Conservation (DOC) staff are confident a kākāpō chick born on Valentine’s Day will be the first of many this breeding season.

Yasmine of Pukenui/Anchor Island hatched an egg on Saturday, bringing the total number of the critically endangered flightless parrot to 237.

While that is below the 2022 high of 252 individual kākāpō, DOC says with more breeding-age birds than ever before, hopes are high.

“The kākāpō population was once down to just 51 birds which created a genetic bottleneck we are still managing today,” DOC operations manager for kākāpō/takahē Deidre Vercoe said on Monday.

“Kākāpō are one of the most intensively managed species in the world and while numbers are still so low, the breeding season requires a lot of intervention.”

Kākāpō only breed every two to four years, and not every egg they lay is fertile. So far this season – the 13th of DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme since it began in 1995 – there have been 187 eggs, just 74 of them are fertile.

Not all the fertile eggs will hatch, and not all chicks will survive long enough to leave the nest.

Alison hatched in 2019 and is named after Kākāpō Files producer Alison Ballance. She only has sight in one eye. JAKE OSBORNE

The new chick’s biological mother is Tīwhiri, who has laid four fertile eggs this season, while Yasmine had none. Vercoe said kākāpō mums “typically have the best outcomes when raising a maximum of two chicks”, so Yasmine – an experienced foster mum to other birds’ babies – was given this one.

DOC prioritises “eggs and chicks that are less well-represented across the gene pool”, Vercoe said, and takes a “more hands-off approach” to others, hoping to “answer questions around what a natural breeding season might look like one day”.

Each of the 236 other kākāpō wore a small backpack radio transmitter to track where they went and how active they were.

In addition to Pukenui Anchor Island, there were breeding spots on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island near Rakiura and Te Kāhaku/Chalky Island.

The next kākāpō egg expected to hatch – in about a week – is currently being sat on by Rakiura on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island. DOC said it could be the first time viewers got to see a kākāpō born, via its live cam.

[embedded content]

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome the first kākāpō chick, beginning what we hope will be a bumper breeding season,” Meridian Energy CEO Mike Roan said. Meridian has supported the breeding programme since 2016.

“Every chick is a milestone for the species, and we’re excited to play a part in helping these incredible birds thrive for generations to come.”

Ngāi Tahu, which has worked with DOC on the programme since it began, hoped to one day bring the species back to Rakiura.

“While it is wonderful to see the manu thriving on this island due to its predator free status, we need to continue our collective efforts to create other safe havens for the chicks of the future,” representative Tāne Davis said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/first-kakapo-of-this-years-breeding-season-hatches-on-valentines-day/

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Northland News – Hapū-led biosecurity response framework sets new standard for community action

Source: Northland Regional Council

After tonnes of the invasive seaweed exotic caulerpa washed up on Bay of Islands beaches last year, one call on the ‘kumara vine’ was all it took for Te Taitokerau hapū to spring into action, with hundreds mobilising to help with the clean-up and prevent further spread.
That rapid response saw the birth of Te Tira Taiao o Te Taitokerau – a first-of-its-kind, hapū-led biosecurity response framework – marking a significant shift in how biosecurity risks are identified, communicated and responded to at a community level.
Te Ruarangi co-chair and Te Tira Taiao o Te Taitokerau lead Nyze Manuel says the framework draws on long-established hapū relationships, tikanga and local knowledge, first tested during Covid through the Te Taitokerau Border Control.
Manuel says Te Tira Taiao o Te Taitokerau is an extension of that mahi, bringing together hapū, Northland Regional Council (NRC) and the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) to respond quickly and effectively to emerging biosecurity threats.
“This network isn’t something new – it’s whakapapa, it’s whanaungatanga and it’s been stood up because of the condition of our taiao,” Manuel says.
“It’s a model based on hapū concern. We’ve been working in what people might call ‘underground’, but really we were just doing what our tūpuna have always done ki mai rānō (forever) – noticing changes in our taiao and discussing our concerns collectively.
“What’s different now is that this way of working is being formally recognised and supported by councils and other agencies.”
Education as the first line of defence
A key focus of the framework, Manuel says, is normalising conversations about biosecurity risks so people know what to look for, why it matters and what to do if they find something.
Te Tira Taiao o Te Taitokerau is also unique in its approach as it prioritises prevention, education and mobilisation, led by people who know their environment and communities best.
When the exotic caulerpa response pilot launched last year, Manuel says many people didn’t know what it was, what signs to look for, or how to report it.
In response, the group has rolled out locally tailored signage (funded by MPI), hapū-led engagement and clear reporting pathways across high-use areas in Northland, including boat ramps, marinas and coastal access points.
“That was the gap – people just didn’t know what it was,” Manuel says.
“Now our hapū are out there on the ground as kaitiaki, we’re normalising conversations around biosecurity, using caulerpa as our springboard.
“Each sign includes a local contact person, which then feeds into a centralised MPI database.
“People can’t report what they don’t understand, so education is our most powerful tool.”
Working alongside NRC and MPI
While leadership sits with hapū, the framework works in partnership with regional and central government agencies, including NRC and MPI, to ensure information flows quickly and appropriate action can be taken.
NRC Deputy Chair Jack Craw, who chairs the council’s Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party, says the framework significantly strengthens early detection by increasing the number of trusted ‘eyes on the water’, particularly in remote coastal areas.
“It reflects the reality that locals are often the first to notice change,” he says.
“People who’ve dived, fished or gathered kai in the same places their whole lives will notice something different straight away. That local knowledge has already been critical in identifying exotic caulerpa early in places like Aotea and the Bay of Islands.”
The framework also recognises that biosecurity threats are not just environmental or economic, but impact cultural practices, identity, wellbeing and intergenerational relationships with the whenua and moana.
For hapū and iwi, protecting coastal environments is about safeguarding whakapapa and ensuring future generations can continue practices such as gathering kai, fishing and caring for wāhi tapū.
Looking ahead
Manuel says while the framework offers lessons for other regions, it is not a one-size-fits-all model, with success dependent on long-term relationships, shared accountability and deep community connection.
Instead, it demonstrates what is possible when hapū leadership is resourced, respected and partnered with.
“People have tried to replicate the model and failed because they don’t have the relationships or trust of those leading the kaupapa,” Manuel says.
“This kaupapa holds the tikanga of old, whereby back in the day, each hapū or whānau held different portfolios- whether on the moana, whakapapa or elsewhere.
“We do the same today because there’s no ‘I’ in this mahi. We can’t do everything on our own and will always need each other.”
With biosecurity risks expected to increase, the framework provides a strong foundation for responses to both current and emerging threats.
By centring hapū leadership, collective action and preventative education, it positions communities as active protectors of their environments, working alongside councils and agencies.
The framework is supported through MPI funding, with NRC focused on enabling and resourcing community-led action. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/northland-news-hapu-led-biosecurity-response-framework-sets-new-standard-for-community-action/