Category: KB

Source: New Zealand Police

The recovery operation at Mount Maunganui has resumed, several hours after being suspended this morning.

Detective Inspector Lew Warner says work restarted officially at 2pm, after the team received confirmation from experts that the area was safe to enter and resume operations.

“Following consultation with a number of experts on the ground, the recovery teams have been given the green light to continue with the recovery.

“While the suspension of work is frustrating for everybody involved, the correct measures must be taken to ensure the safety of everybody at the scene.

“I want to reiterate that it is absolutely necessary that we do everything in our power to keep the recovery team safe.

“These people have been working tirelessly in a range of testing conditions across the last week, to bring families their loved ones back.”

Work continues near the ablution block

The recovery team, involving Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s urban Search and Rescue, and contract drivers are continuing to focus on the area where the ablution block was.

“This is meticulous work which we have to conduct extremely carefully. Teams will continue to work delicately through the area of interest, and we expect this to take some time,” says Detective Inspector Warner.

Police are not yet in a position to comment on what has been located to date, however expect the recovery to continue in the coming days.

One week since the landslide

Today marks one week since the landslide. Police would again like to acknowledge the community for the outpouring of support.

“The Mount Maunganui community is an extremely tight-knit community, and ever since this devastating event, they have come together and offered any assistance they can for the families, the emergency workers and everybody impacted,” says Detective Inspector Warner.

“We would also like to acknowledge the many staff assisting with the recovery. Not just the recovery team, but our family liaison officers and other specialist staff across the board.”

Police continue to seek imagery of mountain prior to slip

Police are asking anyone with video footage and images of the slip at Mt Maunganui to upload it via this online portal.

We are particularly interested in any footage or images of the campsite and Mount Maunganui between Wednesday night right through to the time the slip happened and the immediate time after the slip.

We have already received more than 100 video clips and photos through the portal and we want to thank those who have taken the time to send this in.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/29/mount-maunganui-recovery-resumes/

Source: New Zealand Government

For the first time in almost 50 years, the Government is building new day specialist schools that will support children with high and complex needs to thrive through its commitment to learning support, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced today. 

“These two new schools represent a hugely significant and long-awaited milestone for specialist education in New Zealand, and for the students and their families who need them,” Ms Stanford says.

“The provision of more day specialist schools is long overdue in New Zealand. It has been a priority for me as Minister, and we know many parents of children with high and complex needs want the option of a specialist education setting.

“We’ve listened to families, communities and specialists around opportunities to help young New Zealanders with higher and complex needs. I am excited for the children who will be pupils and delighted that these options are becoming available for them.”

From Term 2 2027 and Term 1 2028, two day specialist schools are set to open in Palmerston North and South Auckland in response to the increasing demand for specialist education provision in these regions.

The new schools bring the number of specialist schools operating across New Zealand to 29, filling gaps in areas that were short on resources. The last day specialist school established was Hamilton North School in 1977. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says ensuring all Kiwi kids have the support they need to learn has been a priority in this Government’s budgets. 

“That’s why the Government provided an additional $746.9 million in last year’s Budget to ensure earlier identification of and better help for children with additional physical, learning and behavioural needs. 

“I am delighted that that these new schools are being established. They will benefit both kids and their parents.”

Ms Stanford says the Government believes that inclusion is choice and specialist schools do an incredible job for students with high and complex needs. 

“Since coming to office, we’ve funded 50 new specialist classrooms and the redevelopment of four specialist schools,” Ms Stanford says.

“Choices have been limited, due to distance and local specialist schools lacking capacity. These new schools will give families in these regions more choice and confidence that their children can learn in an environment that suits them.

“We are committed to supporting all students to unlock their potential, and I’m pleased that these new schools will give more young New Zealanders the learning and support that helps them to thrive.”

The new schools will be manufactured offsite using a standard building design and layout. These will provide purpose-built teaching spaces and facilities to meet the broad range of needs their students may have. They will include accessible indoor and outdoor learning spaces, along with family space and therapy areas.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/29/first-specialist-schools-in-50-years-to-be-built/

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a crash this afternoon on State Highway 7/Mouse Point Road, Tekoa Range, Hurunui.

Police were notified of the crash, involving a motorcycle and a car, around 12pm.

Sadly, despite emergency services best efforts, the motorcyclist died at the scene.

The road remains closed, between Hammer Springs and Culverden, while the Serious Crash Unit carry out a scene examination.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/29/fatal-crash-tekoa-range-hurunui/

Source: New Zealand Government

Auckland’s rail network is one major step closer to a modern, more reliable metro system with the completion of the final large-scale pre-City Rail Link works, Rail Minister Winston Peters, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown say.

“The last few weeks of hard graft represent a major achievement for public transport and freight in Auckland,” Rail Minister Winston Peters says.

“After five years of sustained, weeks-long disruptions, rail work will increasingly be delivered in short, targeted closures timed for periods of lower demand that bring Auckland into line with how modern networks are maintained overseas.

“That sustained disruption has strengthened the network ahead of the City Rail Link to handle more frequent trains and builds on major completed upgrades such as extending electrification to Pukekohe and delivering a third main line through the busiest rail junction – work we started in 2020.

“We thank commuters for their patience with bus replacements, and the many workers across KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, City Rail Link Limited and subbies who put in the hard yards.”

Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the completion of the final large-scale pre-City Rail Link works marks the end of the most disruptive phase of rail upgrades in Auckland.

“With trains now back running fully following the four-week summer closure, the five-year programme to rebuild the busiest and most critical parts of the network is complete,” Mr Bishop says.

“This work has rebuilt Auckland’s rail network from the foundations up, so it is ready to support City Rail Link and deliver more trains, more often, with far greater reliability.

“Successive governments have invested more than $560 million – including $159 million in Budget 2024 – to carry out the work.

“We’d like to recognise the efforts of the 1,300+ people who worked across more than 300 sites during the 2025–26 summer rail upgrade. Over the course of the closure, teams replaced foundations and track, installed new drainage, renewed key rail components, removed two level crossings, and carried out the first full network-wide test of the City Rail Link timetable.

“That test saw 84 trains operating across the network at the same time, the largest number ever run simultaneously on Auckland’s metro rail system.

“The hardest and most disruptive work is now behind us. There really is light at the end of the tunnel.

“While there will still be a few more line closures prior to City Rail Link’s opening, these closures are expected to be much shorter and less disruptive.

“What Aucklanders should expect from here is a more reliable network, fewer long shutdowns, and a rail system ready to deliver the full benefits of City Rail Link.”

Mayor Wayne Brown says the milestone shows tangible progress for Aucklanders after years of disruption.

“It has been a long and frustrating time for Aucklanders, especially businesses who have had to put up with disruption for years, so I thank them for their patience as this project has been completed,” Mayor Brown says.

“It’s the most complex project undertaken in New Zealand but there is payoff coming for Auckland. One of my key policies is to Get Auckland Moving and City Rail Link will deliver a stronger, safer rail network that can support more frequent services, reduce congestion and better connect the city as it continues to grow.”

The summer works also delivered key improvements at major stations. On the Western Line, progress at Henderson Station means both tracks are now operating, restoring peak-time services to their usual 10-minute frequency. 

Major progress has also been made at Takanini, Glen Innes,and Te Mahia with piling largely complete and lift shafts now well underway for new pedestrian bridges that will permanently replace level crossings later this year. 

City Rail Link Ltd, Auckland Transport and KiwiRail are now focused on further testing and commissioning ahead of opening. Additional short closures are planned in the lead-up to City Rail Link opening, with disruption largely limited to weekends and public holidays wherever possible.

Key facts and figures

• 1300+ people worked across the Auckland metro network over the summer works
• Five-year Rail Network Rebuild now complete ahead of City Rail Link opening
• 84 trains used in the first full network-wide test of the future CRL timetable
• Since RNR began more than 80 kms of track across the 182 km Auckland network has been replaced
• 1,600+ sleepers replaced and 20 crossover turnouts installed
• 6km of drainage and 6km of foundations replaced
• Two more level crossings removed and major station upgrades delivered

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/29/rail-rebuild-complete-as-crl-moves-to-final-phase/

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Sergeant Lee-Ann Grant: 

One youth has been arrested and charged following an aggravated robbery in Napier early Wednesday morning.

Around 1.15am on Wednesday 28 January, four males entered the Z Service Station on Tennyson and Station Street and threatened staff before taking the tills and fleeing in a vehicle.

Police issued an appeal to the public for sightings of the vehicle used in the robbery and for any witnesses to come forward.

Last night, Police located the vehicle of interest and have arrested and charged a youth in relation to the robbery.

He is due to appear in Hastings Youth Court today, charged with aggravated robbery.

Enquiries into the incident remain ongoing and Police are speaking with a second person in relation to the incident.

Police are not ruling out further arrests.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/29/arrest-made-following-aggravated-robbery-napier/

Source: New Zealand Government

Civil Defence payments will be available for people affected by the severe weather in specific areas of Northland, Bay of Plenty and East Coast to help cover some emergency costs, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston has announced.

“We want to make sure those communities that are doing it tough because of the latest severe weather event have as much support as possible,” Louise Upston says.

“By the end of today, if you’re based in Rawhiti, Ngaiotonga, Bland Bay (Whangaruru North), Punaruku, Ōakura (Whangaruru South), Mokau, Helena Bay, Mimiwhangata, Whananaki, Waioweka Gorge, Hicks Bay, Te Araroa and have been impacted by the recent severe weather event you may be able to get help to pay for food, bedding, clothing, accommodation or loss of livelihood.

“You don’t have to be on a benefit to qualify for a Civil Defence payment, and non-residents in these areas may be eligible.

“Anyone wanting to apply is encouraged to talk to someone from their local welfare team at a Civil Defence centre, or phone MSD’s general enquiries team on 0800 559 009. Work and Income service centres are open and continue to operate as normal.

“MSD regional teams continue to actively engage with Regional Public Service networks and Civil Defence Emergency Management as welfare assessments are undertaken and will continue to assess the need for Civil Defence payments in other impacted areas. 

“We’ll continue to support communities affected by this event,” Louise Upston says. 

Notes to Editors

• Further information about Civil Defence Payments is available on the Work and Income website: Civil Defence Payment – Work and Income
• ‘Northland, Bay of Plenty and East Coast’ refers to MSD’s regional offices, rather than local government authorities. 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/29/emergency-payments-following-north-island-severe-weather-event/

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/28/human-rights-commission-welcomes-cross-party-action-on-modern-slavery/

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 7/Mouse Point Road, Tekoa Range, Hurunui, is closed following a serious crash this afternoon.

Police were notified around 12pm of the two-vehicle crash, between Hammer Springs Road and Leslie Hills Road, which involved a motorcycle and a car.

Initial indicators are that there are serious injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit have been advised.

State Highway 7/Mouse Point Road is closed in both directions and diversions are in place.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.

ENDS

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/29/road-closed-sh-7-tekoa-range-hurunui/

Source: New Zealand Government

Urgent work is continuing to restore and strengthen transport links across the North Island following severe storms and flooding that caused widespread damage to state highways and local roads, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Transport infrastructure across the North Island was hit hard by intense rainfall and flooding which caused widespread damage, triggered slips and forced the temporary closure of key state highways,” Mr Bishop says.

“It’s been tough for people in the affected regions, but particularly those who became isolated after the closure of key roads cut off their community.

“Our priority has been to restore those connections as quickly as possible. Crews have been working around the clock to assess damage, clear slips and debris, and repair roads so they can be reopened.”

“While there is still a lot to do, good progress has already been made across much of the network,” Mr Bishop says.

“In Northland and Waikato, all state highways are now open, with clean-up and traffic management continuing in some areas.

“The rail line that connects Hamilton to Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty (East Coast Main Trunk line) was initially closed due to slips and land underneath the tracks being washed away. KiwiRail’s teams worked quickly to reopen the line to Tauranga’s port within a day, so that rail freight could keep moving.

“The line south of Tauranga reopened this week following the rebuild of a 50-metre section of track that had been washed away, meaning the main trunk line is now fully open again.

“In Coromandel, five sections of state highway were closed at the height of the event. Four of those have since reopened, including SH25 between Coromandel town and Kūaotunu, SH2 through Karangahake Gorge, SH25 between Hikuai and Whangamatā and, as of this morning, SH25 between Kūaotunu and Kūaotunu West.
“SH25 between Whangamatā and Whiritoa will remain closed for longer due to the scale and complexity of the slip there. Reopening is currently expected in February.

“In the Bay of Plenty, work continues on SH2 through the Waioweka Gorge, where around 40 slips have occurred across the route.

“This is one of the most significant closures we’ve seen,” Mr Bishop says.

“Crews are dealing with a mix of large overslips and underslips, with an estimated thousand truckloads of material still to be removed. Teams are working from both ends of the gorge, seven days a week, with the priority being to reopen at least one lane as soon as it is safe to do so.

“On the East Coast, SH35 has been particularly hard hit, with an estimated 500,000 cubic metres of material coming down in slips and landslides across the route.

“Guided convoy access is currently operating between the Taurangakoau Bridge across the Mangaowira Stream and Te Araroa at set times each day, restoring limited access while work continues.

“However, the section between Te Araroa and Pōtaka remains closed due to a major slip involving nearly 250,000 cubic metres of material, some of which only came down in the past couple of days, making the conditions very dangerous for workers. This is the most severely damaged section of SH35 and is expected to take the longest to reopen.

“Given the scale of the damage, full recovery of SH35 will take time, and safety will continue to guide decisions on when and how further sections can reopen. People are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and drive with extreme care.

“I’d like to thank all the crews who are working around the clock to safely re-open our roads.”

Next steps in recovery

“Over the coming days and weeks, crews will continue clearing slips, repairing damaged road surfaces, stabilising hillsides and closely monitoring sites that remain at risk as the ground dries out,” Mr Bishop says.

“Even where roads have reopened, there are still many single-lane sections, lower speed limits and traffic management in place.

“NZTA is actively monitoring the network and will move quickly to respond if further damage occurs.”

Building resilience for the future

“The response to the latest storms highlights why ongoing investment in transport resilience is so important,” Mr Bishop says.

“NZTA continually assesses the state highway network to identify risks early and target resilience upgrades where they are most needed.”

“Recent recovery work on SH1 at Mangamuka Gorge and the Brynderwyn Hills in Northland performed well through this latest severe weather, which is a good sign our resilience approach is working.

“We’ve also seen some encouraging examples of resilience projects working as intended in other flood-affected areas.

“Among the safety and resilience improvements being delivered following Cyclone Gabrielle, work is progressing at Mangahauini Gorge on SH35, and a replacement for the Hikuwai Bridge between Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay, along with upgrades to Devil’s Elbow, Hakanui Straight and Rototahe.

“These projects, even those still under construction, have held up well through this weather event. They show that while we cannot prevent storms, we can build a transport system that recovers faster and keeps New Zealanders moving.

“We’ll continue to support communities affected by this event, while investing to ensure our transport network is more resilient for whatever comes next.”

Note to editors: 

Attached: Photographs and maps showing affected areas on SH2 and SH35.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/29/urgent-transport-recovery-work-continues-in-the-north-island/