Category: MIL-OSI

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Lifestyle – From Resolutions to Real Life: Building Habits That Last Beyond January – Exercise NZ

Source: Exercise NZ

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make a fresh start in January,”

“But all-or-nothing goals, extreme routines, and relying purely on motivation can set people up to struggle. Real change comes from consistency, support, and doing what’s realistic for your life.”

“If your goal improves your quality of life, not just your body, you’re far more likely to stick with it,”

As gyms fill and motivation peaks in the first weeks of January, Exercise New Zealand is encouraging Kiwis to rethink how they approach New Year’s resolutions, focusing less on short-term motivation and more on sustainable habits that last.

The issue isn’t goal-setting itself, but how goals are set.

While New Year’s resolutions are popular, many don’t stick. An international study cited by Scientific American suggests more than 80% of resolutions are abandoned by February, often because goals are too ambitious, too rigid, or unsupported.

It’s encouraging that most resolutions are centred on improving health and wellbeing (79%). However, many people (62%) report feeling external pressure to change rather than being guided by personal readiness or enjoyment. This presents an opportunity: when goals are self-driven, realistic, and supported, they are far more likely to lead to lasting, positive change.

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make a fresh start in January,” says ExerciseNZ Chief Executive Richard Beddie. “But all-or-nothing goals, extreme routines, and relying purely on motivation can set people up to struggle. Real change comes from consistency, support, and doing what’s realistic for your life.”

Motivation fades, habits last

Motivation is powerful at the start of the year, but it’s often temporary. When life gets busy, stress increases, or results don’t come quickly, motivation can drop, and so can resolutions.

That’s why focusing on small, repeatable actions rather than dramatic transformations is more effective. Real progress comes from habits that fit everyday life, ones that still feel achievable in February, sustainable in June, and part of the routine by next December.

In practice, goals are more likely to last when they are personally meaningful, clear but flexible, built gradually, focused on consistency rather than intensity, and supported by others.

“If your goal improves your quality of life, not just your body, you’re far more likely to stick with it,” says Beddie.

Three simple ways to make your New Year’s resolution stick

To get started, ExerciseNZ shares three simple, research-informed tips to help turn New Year’s intentions into lasting habits.

Do it with others: Exercising with a friend, group, or support network helps build accountability and makes movement more enjoyable.
Choose movement you enjoy: People are far more likely to stay active when they enjoy what they’re doing, rather than forcing routines they don’t like.
Start small and be specific: Breaking goals into clear actions, such as exercising twice a week. This makes habits easier to repeat and maintain.

As 2026 begins, ExerciseNZ encourages New Zealanders to prioritise regular physical activity to support physical health, mental wellbeing, and long-term quality of life. Moving beyond short-term resolutions, support from local gyms and registered exercise professionals can help people incorporate movement into daily life and sustain safe, effective participation over time.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/15/lifestyle-from-resolutions-to-real-life-building-habits-that-last-beyond-january-exercise-nz/

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Marine Environment – Historic Global Ocean Treaty enters into force – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

The Global Ocean Treaty, dubbed one of the most significant pieces of environmental legislation in decades, will officially enter into force this Saturday [January 17], paving the way for global ocean protection on the High Seas.
Less than one percent of international waters, which make up the majority of the world’s oceans, are currently highly protected. The new Treaty will provide the legal tool to make vast high seas sanctuaries around the globe possible, protected areas that will help mitigate the climate crisis, halt biodiversity collapse and safeguard food security for the billions who depend on the ocean.
Greenpeace Aotearoa campaigner Ellie Hooper says: “Today we are celebrating this historic moment, the result of decades of tireless campaigning to protect the high seas which are home to a vast array of ocean life from coral reefs to whales and seabirds.
“But now the essential work of creating protected areas on the high seas must begin. This includes in the Tasman Sea, between Aotearoa and Australia, where New Zealand remains the only country still carrying out destructive bottom trawling – degrading this hugely biodiverse ecosystem and standing in the way of ocean protection.
“We are calling on the New Zealand Government to back the creation of global ocean sanctuaries and stop destructive bottom trawling from where it does the most harm.
“Time and time again we’ve seen how industrial fishing interests seek to water down ocean protection, fighting to keep destroying the ocean ecosystems that we all rely on. To make the most of this historic win the Government must get on with real work of creating protection, not pandering to the fishing industry who prioritise profit over the health of our blue planet.”
The New Zealand public is already onside. Recent polling shows 79% of New Zealanders support the creation of a global ocean sanctuary in the South Pacific Tasman Sea and 78% want bottom trawling banned in this area.
“The time for action is now – NZ must not delay getting behind this historic Treaty that could revolutionise the way the oceans are managed,” says Hooper. New Zealand has not yet ratified the Global Oceans Treaty – also known as the High Seas Treaty- but was an early signer in 2023, signalling the intention to ratify.
The Treaty coming into force marks the beginning of a crucial countdown to protect 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030. Scientists have consistently said protecting a third of the world’s oceans by 2030 is critical to mitigating the dual climate and biodiversity crises.
Increasing High Seas protection from under 1% as it currently stands to 30% in the next four years will require governments to co-operate, be bold, and protect large areas of the ocean high in biodiversity values.
Greenpeace Aotearoa is urging the New Zealand Government to back the creation of a sanctuary in the Tasman Sea, which is earmarked as one of the first places in the world to be protected in a global ocean sanctuary. Seamounts rise from deep and warm and cool currents collide in the Tasman Sea creating a globally significant area that is exceptionally abundant, from ancient corals to migrating whales, rare sharks and high diversity of fish and concentration of seabirds.
“We’ve seen for ourselves the beauty and life that thrives in the Tasman Sea”, says Hooper who led a scientific expedition to explore seamounts in the region last year.
“We also saw the impacts of bottom trawling, observing vast amounts of destroyed coral rubble along known trawl tracks. To protect the ocean for the future, New Zealand must stop bottom trawling and back meaningful ocean protection.”

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/16/marine-environment-historic-global-ocean-treaty-enters-into-force-greenpeace/

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CPAG concerned over changes in how child poverty is measured

Source: Child Poverty Action Group

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) is concerned about today’s announcement from Stats NZ detailing significant changes to how material hardship will be measured in the Household Income and Living Survey, changes that could affect how child poverty is officially understood and reported in Aotearoa.
What has changed
Stats NZ confirmed that the current DEP-17 index will be replaced with a new MH-18 index.
While DEP-17 asks 17 questions and defines material hardship at a score of six or more, the MH-18 index will ask 18 questions with a new threshold of seven or more.
The new index introduces questions about digital inclusion and bedding quality, which CPAG considers important additions. However, it removes an item relating to visiting local places (such as shops), a change that may reduce understanding of in-person social participation.
“These timely updates reflect the changing reality of our society, but it is concerning that social participation in-person has withdrawn, especially without clear reasons for the new Material Hardship Questionnaire being capped at 18 questions,” says CPAG Research and Programme Officer Dr Yu (Harry) Shi.
Concerns about children’s voices
Dr Shi also says the updated methodology offers little clarity on how children were considered in the redesign.
During an embargoed briefing on Friday, Stats NZ officials confirmed that material hardship will be assessed through the Household Spending Module, answered by a “nominated ‘best’ person”, typically the bill-payer, rather than young people themselves.
This means that while individual spending modules will be completed by all household members aged 15 and over, those responses will not directly inform headline material hardship rates.
CPAG is concerned this approach risks overlooking variation in children’s experiences within households, with more detailed insights only available to researchers through the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI).
“While asking each person of the age 15 or older to report on their personal spending behaviour, the collation of all individiual responses under a single data point does not reflect the weight of young people’s experience of material hardship, nor does the design align with its lead, the Child Poverty Reduction Act,” says Dr Shi.
“The onus of proof should not be on interested researchers to dive into IDI to isolate young people’s experience of material hardship.”
Impact of Census cancellation? 
CPAG is particularly concerned that some aspects of the redesign may be linked to the scrapping of the Census, a move CPAG has previously raised concerns about .
“The re-design of how we measure material hardship seems prompted by the scrapping of the Census rather than responding to callings of on-the-ground realities from affected communities. The methodology update should signal a concern for democratic input of how and what data is being collected in Aotearoa to measure child poverty.”
Importance of good child poverty data
Measuring material hardship tells us how many children are missing out on essentials such as food, clothing, heating or stable housing. Under the Child Poverty Reduction Act, this data is used to track whether life is improving for our most vulnerable tamariki.
Good data is also a key accountability tool: it allows the public to see whether governments are meeting the targets they have set for reducing child poverty, including the goal of halving it by 2028.
The latest figures from Stats NZ (year ended June 2024) show more than 156,000 children living in material hardship, about 13.4% of all children. This is slightly higher than in 2018 (13.3%), when the Act was introduced, despite improvements recorded over the years in between.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/16/cpag-concerned-over-changes-in-how-child-poverty-is-measured/

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Employment Disputes – Strike period incident details – NZPFU again declines request to agree community safety process

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand received calls for 11 incidents between 12pm and 1pm today, Friday 16 January, the nineth time the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) has taken strike action.
Of these,10 incidents were in areas impacted by the strike, six of which were fire alarms that did not result in a fire.
The remaining incidents related to a motor vehicle crash involving a quad bike, a call to report a dog locked in a car, and a car fire which turned out to be a false alarm, all of which we responded to.
One further incident was a medical emergency which we did not attend during the strike hour. Hato Hone St John responded as per our contingency plan for this industrial action.
Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler thanked New Zealanders for their extra care during the strike hour.
“I want to thank our 11,800 volunteers across the country, and their employers for supporting them to respond over today’s strike hour,” she says.
“I would also like to thank our Operational Commanders and Communication Centre Managers, who contributed to the response.”
Megan Stiffler says following the fire in Pakuranga last week, Fire and Emergency has again reached out to NZPFU officials to ask them to agree on a process for responding to emergency events.
“Our aim was to put arrangements in place to mitigate the risk to public safety during strikes, while preserving NZPFU members’ right to take industrial action,” Megan Stiffler says.
“This would cover potential loss of life, when fires are likely to spread, and the need for specialist equipment.
“A range of other organisations in New Zealand have specific requirements to mitigate risk to public safety when taking strike action and given the nature of the work we do I believe we have an obligation to work together to develop arrangements during industrial action. 
“Unfortunately, our request was rebuffed by the NZPFU. That is hugely disappointing and puts our communities in harm’s way.”
The NZPFU again plans to strike for an hour at midday on Friday 23 January and Friday 30 January.
“We have consistently called on NZPFU officials to call off these strikes while we’re actively engaged in independent facilitation to progress collective agreement negotiations. There is no point in putting public safety at risk when that process is ongoing,” Megan Stiffler says.
Fire and Emergency’s next scheduled facilitation with the NZPFU is on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 January.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/16/employment-disputes-strike-period-incident-details-nzpfu-again-declines-request-to-agree-community-safety-process/

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Property Market – Does property double in a decade? Not in the last cycle, new data from realestate.co.nz shows

Source: RealEstate.co.nz

  • National average asking price increased by 55.1% in past 10 years
  • Auckland’s average asking price increases only 23.5%
  • The regions take the cake for delivering the biggest returns with seven doubling in price since 2015
  • Gisborne reports 145% increase from $284,134 in 2015 to $697,527 in 2025.

Lore tells us that property prices double every 10 years, but the latest data from realestate.co.nz shows this wasn’t the case nationally in the last decade. Between 2015 and 2025 New Zealand’s national average asking price only increased by 55.1%, from $556,931 to $863,747.

While the highly sought-after doubling in value milestone may not have occurred nationally, seven of New Zealand’s 19 regions did achieve the coveted accolade.

Gisborne topped the chart with a 145.5% increase in its asking price from $284,134 in 2015 to $697,527 in 2025. Manawatu/Whanganui followed with a 121.5% increase from $274,032 in 2015 to $606,985 in 2025 and Central North Island recorded the third highest increase of 119.2% from $348,659 in 2015 to $764,316 in 2025.

Of the major centres, Auckland delivered the least value increase in the last decade with a 23.5% increase from $846,730 in 2015 to $1,045,328 in 2025. Waikato was the standout performer with a 95.9% increase in average asking price over the decade, from $405,770 in 2015 to $795,097 in 2025.

Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, says while it may be true for some, the last decade has debunked the notion as a general rule. “The idea that property always doubles in value every 10 years is a simplification that doesn’t reflect how the market really works,” says Williams. “Property moves in cycles – we have peaks, plateaus, and periods of correction, so doubling in value isn’t a guarantee and it will always depend on individual properties and locations as well.”

“Over the past decade, we’ve seen significant regional variation and, in many areas, growth has fallen well short of that aspirational ‘doubling in value’ benchmark. While prices generally rise over time, growth is rarely linear and depends heavily on when in the cycle you buy and sell.”

Which regions fetched returns for homeowners?

Southland (111.3%), Hawke’s Bay (105.0%), Wairarapa (100.7%) and Coromandel (100.1%) were the four remaining regions that more than doubled their average asking price during the past decade.

Williams says despite an ever-changing landscape, the value of property continues to increase over the long term.

“Over the past 10 years, we’ve seen the New Zealand property market navigate some of the most dramatic economic shifts in recent history, from a pandemic-fuelled boom to a sharp market reset. In the same period, we’ve seen significant regulatory change, with the introduction of loan-to-value (LVR) restrictions, the bright-line test, and more recently, debt-to-income (DTI) ratios.

Through it all, property has remained a national conversation and a first-choice of investment for many Kiwis.”

The good news? Hold on for another five years and your price may double

There’s better news for homeowners who bought 15 years ago – the national average asking price has come close to doubling over this period, increasing by 91.9% since 2010, from $450,014 to $863,747 in 2025.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Central Otago/Lakes District recorded the greatest in average asking price over the 15-year period with prices rising 125.1% from $660,246 to $1,485,995.

About realestate.co.nz | New Zealand’s Best Small Workplace (2025)

Realestate.co.nz – your home for property search.

We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996. Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry. We are certified carbon neutral (2024 & 2025) and in 2025, realestate.co.nz was crowned Best Small/Micro Workplace in New Zealand by Great Place to Work.

Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.  

Whatever life you’re searching for, it all starts here.  

Want more property insights?

Market insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and trends over time.

 Glossary of terms:  

Average asking price (AAP) is neither a valuation nor the sale price. It is an indication of current market sentiment. Statistically, asking prices tend to correlate closely with the sales prices recorded in future months when those properties are sold. As it looks at different data, average asking prices may differ from recorded sales data released simultaneously.  

Price drop reflects the difference between a property’s original asking price when listed on realestate.co.nz and its price at the point of sale or withdrawal. While it doesn’t show the final sale price, it provides a strong signal of how much sellers are adjusting to meet buyer demand.  

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/18/property-market-does-property-double-in-a-decade-not-in-the-last-cycle-new-data-from-realestate-co-nz-shows/

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One person charged following overnight burglaries, Cambridge

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested and charged one person in relation to a spate of burglaries overnight in Cambridge.

This morning, Police received a number of reports of cars being broken into and items stolen from inside, at some point during the night.

Police, including a Dog Unit, attended and while at one of the scenes, a dog was able to pick up a scent and track it where they located a man and some of the items reported stolen.

An 18-year-old man was taken into custody and is due to appear in Hamilton District Court on Friday 30 January. He is facing charges of unlawfully interfering with motor vehicles and burglary, and Police are not ruling out further charges or arrests.

Police would like to remind the community to stay vigilant – always lock your vehicle and don’t leave valuables in your car in plain view, even if it is parked in your driveway.

If you are the victim of a burglary, or have any information on burglary offending in Cambridge, please call 111 if it is happening now, or you can make a report through 105, either online or over the phone.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/24/one-person-charged-following-overnight-burglaries-cambridge/

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Warkworth search: body recovered in search for missing man

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Inspector Simon Walker, Waitematā Police:

Police can confirm a body has been recovered from the Mahurangi River near Warkworth.

The body was located earlier this evening during ongoing search efforts. While formal identification is still underway, Police believe the body is that of the 47‑year‑old Kiribati man who was reported missing after being washed away during severe weather on Wednesday.

Police extend their sincere condolences to the man’s whānau at this very difficult time. Family members have been informed and are being supported by Police.

Police would like to acknowledge and thank the many people and teams involved in the search over recent days, including Land Search and Rescue, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, other supporting agencies, and the many community members who assisted in challenging conditions.

The man’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Jo Wilson/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/24/warkworth-search-body-recovered-in-search-for-missing-man/

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Mount Maunganui slip: Recovery operation under way

Source: New Zealand Police

The search for victims of Thursday’s landslide at Mount Maunganui is now moving into a recovery phase.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said the operation was formally handed over to Police by Fire and Emergency New Zealand at 11:20am today.

“Every single person involved in this operation has been focused solely on saving the lives of the people under the slip. Search teams have been working through the slip layer by layer, but tragically it is now apparent that we will not be able to bring them home alive.

“This is heartbreaking news for the families and the dozens of people who have been working day and night, hoping for a positive outcome.

“We informed the families of this news this morning and we’re continuing to provide them with wrap around support. They are going through something very few people could understand, and we ask that they be given space to grieve.”

Names of those unaccounted for:

Police can now confirm the names of the six individuals that are unaccounted for. They are:

  • Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, from Morrinsville
  • Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, from Sweden
  • Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua
  • Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, from Ngongotaha
  • Sharon Maccanico, 15, from Auckland
  • Max Furse-Kee, 15, from Auckland

Search progresses in challenging terrain

Search teams have located human remains under the slip and formal identification is proceeding, Superintendent Anderson says.

“I urge people to remember that we are in the early stages of the investigation and, out of respect for the victims, the families, and the Coronial process, we will not be going into detail about what we have found or who we believe it could be.

“This afternoon, search teams, supported by contractors and machinery, are continuing to work through the debris, towards the amenities block. It’s taken two days to get to this point, but they’re getting closer.

“From what we have seen, the building suffered catastrophic damage and we are confronted with the reality that it is highly unlikely anyone would have been able to survive.

“The material that slipped from the mountain is sodden. It’s heavy and hit with massive force. The impact, movement and weight means this is an incredibly challenging scene to work through, and those involved are doing their jobs admirably and respectfully.

“The welfare of those on the search ground is of utmost importance and we’re offering them support if they need it.”

Coronial process

Responsibility for identifying the victims, along with other legal processes, now passes to the Coroners Court. An internationally approved process for disaster victim identification (DVI) is being followed.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the deaths during these weather events,” says Chief Coroner Judge Anna Tutton.

“I want to reassure families and friends that the people you love, who have died in this tragedy, will be cared for and treated with dignity and respect as we work through the necessary processes.

“Victims will be transported to the Hamilton mortuary, where any post mortem examinations required will be performed, and, with the assistance of Police and other specialists, coroners will determine the identity of the victims. In circumstances like this, identification can be a painstaking, complex process, especially when people are severely injured – and that process takes time.

“I can’t say how long the identification process will take – but I give my absolute assurance that we will work very carefully – and as quickly as we can – to reunite families.”

Information on the DVI process can be found here.

ENDS

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/24/mount-maunganui-slip-recovery-operation-under-way/

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Road blocked, Pages Road, Linwood

Source: New Zealand Police

Pages Road, Linwood, is blocked following a serious crash this afternoon.

Police were called to the two-vehicle crash, involving an E-Scooter and a car, around 1.10pm.

The person on the E-Scooter, has serious injuries and has been transported to hospital.

The Serious Crash Unit have been advised, and the road is expected to be blocked, between Nicholas Drive and Kearneys Road, for some time while emergency services work at the scene.

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

ENDS

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/24/road-blocked-pages-road-linwood/

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Media advisory: Media stand-up, Mount Maunganui

Source: New Zealand Police

A media stand-up regarding weather-related incidents in Western Bay of Plenty will be held in Mount Maunganui at 12:30pm.

This will be held outside the surf club, at the corner of Marine Parade and Adams Avenue.

Police, alongside Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Civil Defence will be present.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/24/media-advisory-media-stand-up-mount-maunganui/

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Road closed, State Highway 1, Oakleigh, Whangārei

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 1, Oakleigh, Whangārei, is closed following a serious crash this afternoon.

Police were notified of the three-vehicle crash, between Oakleigh Rise and Mangapai Road, around 2.20pm.

Initial indicators are that there are serious injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised, and the road is expected to be closed for some time while emergency services work at the scene.

Diversions are in place at the Maungakaramea Road and State Highway 1 intersection, and the Mangapai Road and State Highway 1 intersection.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/24/road-closed-state-highway-1-oakleigh-whangarei/

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Name release: Workplace incident, Rangitikei

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the person who died following a workplace incident on Taihape-Napier Road, Rangitikei, on Tuesday 13 January.

He was Keith Rupene Douglas Pokiha, 17, from Paeroa.

Our thoughts are with Keith’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/23/name-release-workplace-incident-rangitikei/

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Man unaccounted for after water-related incident, Opotiki

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Inspector Nicky Cooney, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander:

An operation is underway to locate a man who is unaccounted for following a water-related incident in Opotiki.

Police were called to the Waioeka River at around 5.30pm yesterday after a report that a man had fallen off his boat and was swept downstream.

Emergency services carried out an initial search of the area and located the vessel nearby.

A rescue helicopter and private helicopters were also engaged in the search, as well as local jet boat operators.

Sadly, at this stage, the man remains outstanding.

Today, Police continue to search for the man in the Waioeka River, near the junction with Waiata Stream.

Police will be using land-based and water-based resources, alongside a Police drone to carry out aerial searches.

We continue to support the man’s family at this difficult time.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/24/man-unaccounted-for-after-water-related-incident-opotiki/

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Homicide investigation launched, Clutha

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Hayden Smale:

A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a woman in Crichton, Clutha last night.

Emergency services were called to Adams Flat Road at around 6:10pm.

A man remains in a critical condition in hospital following the incident.

A scene guard is in place at the address while Police staff conduct a scene examination.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident remain ongoing.

There is not believed to be any risk to public safety following this incident.

The Crichton community can expect to see an increased Police presence in the area while these enquiries are carried out.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/24/homicide-investigation-launched-clutha/

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$10m investment in new Ringatū Marae complex

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing just over $10 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to upgrade the National Ringatū Marae Complex in Bay of Plenty, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say.

The new complex will boost resilience in the infrastructure of the Wainui Marae near Ōhope, which has been the focal point of the Ringatū movement and the local community for more than 130 years.

The initiative follows similar investments in Waitangi National Marae, Parihaka and Rātana Pā.

“The complex will be a place to gather, learn, and strengthen the Ringatū community as a part of the broader Māori community in Bay of Plenty. It also represents valuable infrastructure work which strengthens the community value of marae in rural areas,” Mr Jones says.

The build is expected to create 71 jobs, including building apprenticeships, during its 19-month construction and provide ongoing employment opportunities, particularly for Māori youth, after completion. The grant will go to Ringatū Church Incorporated, a registered society. 

Mr Jones made the announcement today at Rātana, where a delegation of Ringatū members was present.

“Both Rātana and Ringatū are critical institutions in Te Ao Māori. They also are a part of our nation’s story,” Mr Potaka says.

“Both had visionary leaders, blended biblical teachings with traditional Māori beliefs and customs, and included political momentum seeking to address Māori progress.

“Te Kooti founded the Ringatū faith after his exile to the Chatham Islands in the late 1860s during a time of displacement and colonial conflict. His escape and the movement’s survival symbolised resilience against injustice, land loss, and cultural suppression,” Mr Potaka says.

The complex will feature a wharenui (meeting house), wharekai (dining hall), wharetāonga (treasure house), and wharepaku (toilets) and creates a modern, safe space for worship, cultural events, and learning. It will also serve as a civil defence hub for the eastern Bay of Plenty and generate income through venue use, education and cultural tourism.

“This investment will help preserve an important part of New Zealand’s heritage, support local employment, and provide a lasting asset for its community,” Mr Jones says. 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/23/10m-investment-in-new-ringatu-marae-complex/

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Road closed, Riccarton Avenue eastbound, Christchurch Central

Source: New Zealand Police

Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch Central, is closed eastbound following a serious crash this evening.

Police responded to the crash, where a pedestrian has been struck by a vehicle, around 6.50pm.

The pedestrian has been seriously injured.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised and the road will remain closed eastbound while emergency services work at the scene.

Entrance to the hospital’s emergency department will remain accessible.

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

ENDS

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/23/road-closed-riccarton-avenue-eastbound-christchurch-central/

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Serious incident, Clutha

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Hayden Smale:

One person has been found dead, and another is in critical condition, after a serious incident at a Crichton, Clutha, address this evening.

Police were called to the incident on Adams Flat Road around 6.10pm.

A scene guard remains in place at the address while a scene examination is carried out.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

Further updates will be provided when they become available.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/23/serious-incident-clutha/

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State highway crews to continue work across Bay of Plenty this long weekend

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Roading crews across the Bay of Plenty are working hard to clear slips and get vital transport links open fast, says Sandra King, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Bay of Plenty System Manager.

“This has been a devastating weather event that has caused a lot of damage to roads, properties and communities. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by this storm.

“Our focus over the last few days has been assessing the damage and restoring access to roads that have been heavily impacted.

“While the broader network has performed reasonably well, there remains significant damage across state highways.

“As we head into the long weekend we strongly encourage people to follow the advice of Civil Defence and local councils, only travel if necessary and check NZTA’s Journey Planner before they get on the roads,” says Ms King.

The following sections of state highway in the Bay of Plenty are now open:

  • SH2 Whakamarama (Esdaile Road to Wainui Sth Road): opened mid-afternoon, under a temporary speed limit, with traffic management in place.

The following sections of state highway in the Bay of Plenty are still currently closed:  

  • SH2 Matatā to Edgecumbe: likely to open late on Saturday 24 January, under a temporary speed limit, with traffic management in place.
  • SH 2 Opotiki to Matawai (Waioweka Gorge)

Crews have worked around the clock across the whole network to get vital transport links open again.

SH2 Waioweka Gorge teams are working on large slip sites at both ends of the closure and will be working through the long weekend. An on-the-ground assessment up to 14km past the largest Goldsmith site will allow the team to plan ahead once digger access is possible.

SH2 south of Gisborne is the only detour route open. The State Highway 35 (SH35) detour route remains closed between Tikitiki north to Pōtaka, due to slips, flooding and debris.

“The immediate focus has been getting roads open again, but we may not be out of the woods yet. Over the coming days and weeks, the ground will be very sodden and the roads remain susceptible to movement, potholes, landsides, overslips, and underslips. We urge people to remain extremely careful.

“We’ll be actively monitoring the network to repair any further damage that we might see and will keep people informed if further work is required,” says Ms King.

For the latest information on closures and roadworks, go to journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link).

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/23/state-highway-crews-to-continue-work-across-bay-of-plenty-this-long-weekend/

Posted on

Road blocked, Cambridge Road, Cambridge

Source: New Zealand Police

Cambridge Road, Cambridge is currently blocked following a crash this evening.

Police were called to the single-vehicle crash, where a truck has rolled, around 5.30pm.

The sole-occupant of the truck appears to have sustained moderate injuries.

The road will be blocked for some time, as bitumen has leaked from the truck and requires clean up.

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

ENDS

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/23/road-blocked-cambridge-road-cambridge/

Posted on

Storm damage keeps some Coromandel Peninsula routes closed into long weekend

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Significant storm damage across the Coromandel Peninsula means several state highway closures and restrictions will remain in place heading into the long weekend, with some sections expected to take up to five days to clear.

Heavy rain has caused multiple slips, debris flows and pavement damage across the network. Crews have been clearing slips, removing fallen trees and assessing damage wherever it is safe to do so.

Andy Oakley, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) System Manager for Waikato, says the focus over the last few days has been assessing the damage and restoring access to roads that have been heavily impacted.

“The images of these slips speak for themselves, and some sections of state highway will remain closed through the long weekend.

“While some areas have been reopened relatively quickly, several significant slips are still moving and will take days to fully clear. Work can only continue when it is safe for crews to be onsite.

“SH2 through the Karangahake Gorge is now open with speed restrictions and our next immediate focus is on regaining safe access in and out of Whangamata via SH25 to Hikuai. This section is currently being monitored and is scheduled to open from 7pm tonight under lane and speed restrictions.”

Mr Oakley says teams are also managing dozens of smaller slips and two major unstable areas on SH25 at Kūaotunu and between Whiritoa and Whangamata.

“These two slips are large and unstable. Safety for road users and our crews is our priority, which means work will pause at times until assessments confirm the slopes have settled.

“As we head into the long weekend, we strongly encourage people to follow the advice of Civil Defence and local councils, only travel if necessary and check NZTA’s Journey Planner before they get on the roads,” says Mr Oakley.

If you must travel, slow down, drive to the conditions and allow extra time.

Current network status:

The following sections of State Highway are still CLOSED: 
SH 25 Kūaotunu to Kūaotunu West/Matarangi
SH 25 Whangamatā to Whiritoa 

OPEN with caution (traffic management in place)
SH25 Coromandel town to Matarangi /Kūaotunu West
SH 2 Paeroa to Waihi (Karangahake Gorge)

CLOSED but scheduled to OPEN from 7pm tonight: 
SH25 Hikuai to Whangamata  

While the highway is closed to through traffic, sections of SH25 between Kuaotunu and Tairua are available for emergency travel, with a single lane open and traffic management at numerous minor slips. 

Up to date road information is available at www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/23/storm-damage-keeps-some-coromandel-peninsula-routes-closed-into-long-weekend/