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Source: New Zealand Police

An alleged fuel thief and his partner have been arrested in the Waikato thanks to a working security camera and a quick tip-off.

Police were called to a commercial property at Horsham Downs about 8pm yesterday after a person noticed a suspicious character and vehicle on a CCTV feed. While they were on the phone they watched as the person started siphoning more than 200 litres of diesel from a tank at the property.

Waikato Western Area Commander Inspector Andrew Mortimore says timing was everything.

“The person watching all this unfold did everything right – they called 111 straight off the bat and provided really helpful information. That gave us a head start, and we got units rolling towards the property.

“By the time the suspect finished filling the drum and a container on his ute, units had closed in, and others waiting on nearby roads. The offender probably got a bit of surprise when he saw the patrol car coming up the road, because he took off in the ute at a rate of knots.

Inspector Mortimore says a pursuit was initiated and the ute’s front tyres were spiked as the driver headed north towards Ngaruawahia. As the vehicle drove along Waingaro Road, the ute, and its then-rubberless front wheels, lost control and stopped in a ditch.

The alleged driver took off on foot, but a Police dog sniffed him out and he was taken into custody and treated for a minor dog bite. An associate of the man remained in the ute and was arrested.

“This arrest is a great result. This isn’t the first time this property has been hit and it causes a heap of pain and inconvenience, not to mention expense.

“This really shows the value of having working security systems in place and contacting Police immediately when something doesn’t look right.”

Inquiries are ongoing to see if these two individuals are linked to other District wide offending.

A 32-year-old Chartwell man has been charged with burglary, driving while suspended, failing to stop, and dangerous driving. He is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court today, alongside a 28-year-old Chartwell woman who has been charged with burglary.

People can find out more prevention advice to prevent fuel thefts here: https://www.police.govt.nz/advice-services/personal-community-safety/fue…

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/16/police-collar-alleged-fuel-thief/

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and Certificate of Fitness A (CoF A) light vehicle inspection requirements will soon be significantly reformed, saving Kiwis time and money, Transport Ministers Chris Bishop and James Meager say.

“Compared to other countries, New Zealand has very frequent inspections for light vehicles. Modern light vehicles are significantly safer and more reliable, but our rules haven’t kept pace, imposing unnecessary costs on motorists. Other countries including Ireland, Germany, Japan, and Australia inspect every one to two years or at ownership change and achieve comparable or better safety outcomes,” Mr Bishop says.

“The Government’s changes mean that most light vehicles under 14 years old will move to two-yearly WoF inspections (up from yearly), and new vehicles will go four years before their second WoF. Older vehicles, motorcycles, and light rental vehicles will move from six-monthly to yearly inspections.

“These simple changes will deliver massive benefits for Kiwis. The cost-benefit analysis shows the changes are expected to deliver between $2.6 billion and $4.1 billion in net benefits over 30 years through reduced inspection fees, less time spent on compliance, and fewer unnecessary repairs.

“I know many people will welcome these changes, especially when many households are feeling pressure due to high petrol and diesel prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.

“Overall, the Government’s changes align inspection effort with actual safety risk, meaning fewer unnecessary inspections, lower costs for vehicle owners, and less time spent jumping through administrative hoops – while still ensuring the cars on our roads are safe to drive.

“The Government consulted on these changes last year, with 74 per cent of respondents in support of reducing inspections for lower-risk vehicles.”

Under the new settings, changes will come into effect in two stages. Implementation is subject to the completion of the Order in Council process.

From 1 November 2026:

• New light vehicles will require their second WoF after four years instead of three.
• Light vehicles over 14 years, and motorcycles registered before 1 January 2000, will move to annual WoF inspections (up from six‑monthly for some vehicles).
• Light rental vehicles will move from six monthly to yearly inspections.
• WoF and CoF A inspections will be expanded to include certain Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features.
• Light vehicles aged 4-14 years, and registered on or after 1 November 2019, will transition from annual to two yearly WoF inspections

From 1 November 2027:

• Light vehicles aged 4-14 years, and registered on or after 1 November 2013, will transition from annual to two yearly WoF inspections.

“The changes mean that compulsory inspections will be focused where they make the biggest difference to safety – older and higher-risk vehicles. Data on safety risk shows an increase in crashes where vehicle factors were recorded for vehicles from about 15 years of age,” Mr Meager says.

“We’re confident that the changes will not come at the expense of road safety. Inspections are being expanded to include modern safety systems, and the Government will also strengthen penalties for non-compliance and increase public education.

“Modelling conservatively suggests there could be an estimated 0.6 to 1.3 per cent increase in defect-related crashes. However, New Zealand crash data shows defects identified during inspections contribute to a small proportion of death and serious injury crashes (3.5 per cent), far less than other factors like speed, alcohol and drugs (23 per cent and 34 per cent respectively).”

These changes deliver on commitments under the Government’s Land Transport Rules Reform programme, which is focused on modernising outdated rules, reducing red tape, and supporting a safer, more productive transport system.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/16/wof-and-cof-a-changes-to-save-kiwis-billions/

Source: New Zealand Government

A major resilience project on State Highway 73 (SH73) at Candys Bend between Christchurch and the West Coast is getting underway to repair a damaged retaining wall, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop.

“State Highway 73 (SH73) between Christchurch and the West Coast is relied upon for freight, tourism, business connections and the many communities that live along the highway,” Mr Bishop says.

“Because of this, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has put lots of effort into keeping the highway open and safe for road users. A big focus under this Government has also been building the longer-term resilience of important connections like SH73.

“Hunter Civil has been contracted to begin important repairs to a damaged retaining wall on SH73 at Candys Creek, between Arthur’s Pass Village and Otira. This concrete retaining wall was constructed in the 1950s and supports the highway and bridge above it but was significantly damaged by flooding in 2018.

“While the damage to the retaining wall does not present an immediate threat to road users, a significant flooding or seismic event in the future could cause the collapse of the retaining wall and the highway. If this happens, people will be at risk, and the South Island connection will be heavily impacted.  

“The retaining wall is still in a state where it can be repaired, but if it deteriorates further, it will likely have to be rebuilt completely at a much greater cost. It makes sense to invest now into this important piece of infrastructure.

“The repairs will include filling voids behind the retaining wall with mass concrete, the installation of drainage and fixes at the top and face of the wall where Candys Creek discharges.

“This work is funded through the Crown Resilience Programme, with $419 million invested by the Government over seven years. It has a budget of around $8 million.

“Work on the ground is due to start later this month and is expected to be completed early next year.” 

Notes to Editor: 

• The Candys Creek/Candys Bend area is recognised as a special area for native flora and fauna. NZTA will be working with local iwi and the Department of Conservation to ensure these are protected.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/16/sh73-candys-bend-resilience-project-getting-underway-2/

Source: New Zealand Police

Bay of Islands locals, please be advised a search and rescue training exercise will be taking place this weekend.

Northland Police Search and Rescue are running the exercise, which begins on Friday until Sunday.

The joint-agency training exercise will bring together a range of organisations that play a vital role in saving lives throughout the year.

Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, SAR Officer in charge, says the agencies taking part include Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard, AREC, Surf Life Saving, RedCross, and the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand.

“These exercises play a key role in ensuring our capabilities and enhancing how we work together as a cohesive team when it really counts,” he says.

“Having the opportunity to train together and hone our skills is essential to ensuring we work effectively and safely when responding to real emergencies.”

If you see Search and Rescue personnel operating in the area over the weekend, please don’t be alarmed — this is part of a planned training exercise.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/16/search-and-rescue-training-northland/

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  16 April 2026

At nearly 90 years old, heritage icon the Bridge to Nowhere owes its enduring stature to a regular beauty regime, with a recent ‘facelift’ the latest treatment.

Department of Conservation Project Lead Michael Christie says it’s ironic the bridge has become such a popular destination with visitors.

“It’s remote, a relic of past settlements, standing alone in otherwise dense bush – and the Bridge to Nowhere has become somewhere to see.

“But with that comes the challenge of maintaining a structure in the middle of nowhere,” says Michael. “It’s a 1-hour jetboat trip from the nearest town, with a 40-minute walk into the bridge itself.”

“For this mahi, we’ve flown contractors in and set them up with a bit of a campsite while they’re working here. This isn’t a go home to a soft bed kind of job!”

Over time, moisture to seeps into concrete and causes rust in the supporting rebar. DOC has a regular maintenance schedule to keep the bridge in good condition.

Site Foreman Vincent Smith says the process is fairly straightforward, with a few additions to protect the heritage bridge and natural environment.

“We’re marking, breaking it out, sand blasting the steel and treating it with a rust barrier. Then we fill it back in with a repair mortar.

“Structurally, the bridge is still very sound, so we’re really doing this work to ensure it remains that way for many years to come.

“The main challenge for us hasn’t been the remoteness but managing the visitors who have been coming through the active worksite. They’ve been really interested in our work though, which is neat – it’s something a bit different for visitors.”

Vincent has had the pleasure of returning to the Bridge to Nowhere as foreman for these recovery works 20 years after first visiting as a labourer.

“It’s been cool to come full circle on this in my career,” says Vincent.

Michael says the refreshed Bridge to Nowhere is fully open to visitors in time for Conservation Week on 20 to 26 April.

“The bridge is remote, but not out of reach. Whether you catch a jetboat or cycle through, take a side trip from the Whanganui Journey or head out tramping, it’s a truly unique place for your naturing adventures.”

Background information

The Bridge to Nowhere is one of the heritage icon sites cared for by DOC, helping to bring New Zealand’s history to life: DOC icon sites

Contact

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/16/remote-bridge-to-nowhere-gets-a-facelift/

Source: New Zealand Government

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed completion of a new roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 2 (SH2) and Wainui Road near Ōpōtiki, making this key corridor significantly safer and more efficient for vehicles and freight.

“There were nine crashes at the intersection of SH2/Wainui Road between 2014 and 2023, three of them were injury crashes, one of which was serious. Delivering safe roading infrastructure is a priority for the Government, and I’m pleased the new roundabout is now completed,” Mr Bishop says.

“Carrying around 5,000 vehicles per day, with 15 per cent of that heavy vehicles, SH2 is a main route for locals, tourists and freight travelling between Tauranga and Gisborne. This new roundabout delivers a practical safety solution to a high-risk intersection that has seen too many preventable crashes.

“There is more work to do to improve safety on this important corridor. With the new roundabout at SH2/Wainui Road finished we are in the home stretch of completing the wider SH2 Wainui to Opotiki safety improvement project.

“In May 2025, around $10 million in funding was confirmed to deliver two new tear-drop roundabouts at high-risk intersections either side of Waiōtahe River Bridge. Construction started in January 2026 and and is expected to be completed in April 2027.   

“Once finished, these roundabouts will complete the overall safety improvement project at a cost of around $37.5 million. In addition to the roundabouts, safety upgrades included road widening, new side barriers, and improved line marking.

“I want to thank local communities and road users for their continued patience while these safety upgrades are being finished, and the strong advocacy of local MP Dana Kirkpatrick. The new roundabout at SH2/Wainui Road will provide a much safer connection and I look forward to the two remaining roundabouts either side of Waiotahe River Bridge being completed as soon as possible.”

Notes to editor: 

At a cost of around $10 million, construction of the SH2/Wainui Road roundabout began in April 2025, taking 12 months to complete. The work was carefully staged to keep traffic moving and maintain access for residents and businesses.
Previous statement on funding and delivery of new roundabout at SH2/Wainui Road is here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-state-highway-2-roundabout-improve-road-safety-eastern-bay-plenty
Previous statement on funding and delivery of two new tear-drop roundabouts either side of the Waiotahe River Bridge is here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/funding-approved-two-new-roundabouts-sh2-near-%C5%8Dp%C5%8Dtiki-improve-road-safety

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/16/sh2-roundabout-boosts-road-safety-in-eastern-bay-of-plenty/