Category: politics_and_government
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Courtenay Precinct Undergoes Green Transformation
Wellington City Council is overseeing a green transformation in the Courtenay precinct, particularly where Courtenay Place meets Kent and Cambridge Terraces. A revamped centre island is central to this initiative, symbolizing a revival of green spaces in the area. The…
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New Zealand Police Announce Key Leadership Appointments
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has announced the provisional appointments of Jill Rogers as Deputy Commissioner and Cassandra Anderson as Chief of Staff for New Zealand Police. These appointments, along with the earlier appointment of statutory Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett in…
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Wellington's Begonia House Temporarily Closes for Refurbishment
Wellington's beloved Begonia House is set to temporarily close its doors as its significant refurbishment project moves into its next phase. The closure, effective next month, will allow construction work to commence on the historic facility. This milestone marks a…
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Canterbury Police Review Weekend Car Event Activity
Canterbury Police maintained a visible presence throughout the Muscle Car Madness weekend in North Canterbury, focusing on community safety. Over the event, police and court bailiffs seized or impounded 11 vehicles. Enforcement actions also included four excess breath alcohol (EBA)…
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Wellington City Council Issues Latest Resource Consents
Wellington City Council has announced the latest batch of resource consents issued and received for the period of January 12 to January 25, 2026. The council provides these updates to keep the public informed about development activities within the city.…
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Wellington's Lambton Quay Reopens After 'Item of Concern' Safely Resolved
Lambton Quay in Wellington has reopened following a police response to an "item of concern" near Brandon Street. Police were called to the area around 11:20 am. Cordons were put in place but have since been stood down. The item…
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Wellington City Council Renews E-Scooter and E-Bike Contracts
Wellington City Council has announced the providers for shared e-scooter and e-bike services in the city. Flamingo has been granted a renewed license, while Lime has secured a new license. These contracts will continue to offer shared micromobility options for…
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Canterbury Police Increase Patrols for Car Show Weekend
Canterbury Police will maintain a highly visible presence across the North Canterbury area this weekend as car enthusiasts gather for the Muscle Car Madness Car Show in Rangiora. Inspector Peter Cooper, Area Commander Canterbury Rural, stated that police expect a…
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Wellington Earns Top Climate Leadership Ranking for Fifth Consecutive Year
Wellington has been awarded an 'A' list ranking for its climate action leadership for the fifth year in a row. The city was recognized among global leaders for its efforts in 2025. This marks a continued commitment to environmental stewardship…
Politics and GovernmentEnvironmentClimate ChangeSocial IssuesAustralasia
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Media Monitor: Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports on political shifts, terror plot, and natural disasters
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is reporting on significant political and social developments. The outlet said the Liberal and National parties are moving in separate directions following the coalition's dissolution, leaving Opposition Leader Sussan Ley with a reshuffled cabinet and a…
Politics and GovernmentWorldMediaGeneral PoliticsFederal GovernmentOther PartiesDisastersLaw EnforcementSocial IssuesAgricultureEnergyLegalEducationGeneral Weather AustraliaPoliticsTerrorismNatural DisasterAustralia DayCoalitionABC News
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Media Monitor: People missing after landslide at Mount Maunganui campground
RNZ is reporting that several people are missing after a landslide hit a campground at the base of Mauao, Mount Maunganui. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed a young girl was among the missing, and RNZ understands other children may…
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Police to Maintain Visible Presence in Masterton for Gang Funeral
Police will maintain a highly visible presence in Masterton on Friday in response to a gang-related funeral scheduled to occur in the area. Inspector Simon De Wit, Acting Wairarapa Area Commander, stated that police anticipate an influx of gang members…
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ACT Party Launches 2026 Election Campaign, Citing Need for Stronger Voice
The ACT Party has officially launched its campaign for the upcoming November 7 election, with party leader David Seymour calling on supporters to help the party "aim higher." Seymour stated that the election presents New Zealanders with a choice: to…
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New Zealand Police Sees Record 100 Former Officers Return in 2025
New Zealand Police is celebrating a record-breaking year with 100 former officers rejoining in 2025, a significant increase from the previous record of 40 in 2023. Commissioner Richard Chambers expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m thrilled that we had 100 former…
Politics and GovernmentLaw Enforcement New Zealand PolicePolice RecruitmentFormer OfficersConstabularyDetectivesCommunity Safety
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State Highway 1 Reopens After Crash
State Highway 1, between Ōhau and Manakau, is now clear. Both lanes were blocked following a single vehicle crash. Motorists are thanked for their patience.
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State Highway 1 Blocked by Single Vehicle Crash
State Highway 1 is blocked in both lanes between Ōhau and Manakau following a single vehicle crash. Police are in attendance at the scene. Emergency services were alerted to the incident around 1:40pm. Initial reports suggest there are no serious…
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SH2 Waiowai Gorge Closure Expected to Last Weeks, Postponing Devil's Elbow Works
The State Highway 2 (SH2) Waiowai Gorge closure, following severe weather and multiple large slips, is expected to last for weeks, not days. This disruption has led to the postponement of planned overnight closures on SH2 at Devil's Elbow in…
Politics and GovernmentWorldTransportationEnvironmentDisasters
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Police Launch Rescue Operation on State Highway 2
Police have commenced a rescue operation to assist members of the public stranded by landslips on State Highway 2 in the Waioeka Gorge, located between Ōpōtiki and Matawai. The operation is being conducted in collaboration with partner agencies. Inspector Nicky…
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementDisasters Rescue OperationState Highway 2LandslipsŌpōtikiMatawaiWaioeka GorgePoliceNew Zealand Police
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Auckland Harbour Bridge Protest Permit Declined
A planned protest across the Auckland Harbour Bridge has had its permit declined, and access to the bridge will not be facilitated by Police. The event was being organised by The Freedom and Rights Coalition for January 31, 2026. Several…
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Stats NZ Updates Child Poverty Material Hardship Measure
Stats NZ is updating its methodology for measuring material hardship in child poverty statistics. This change is being made to ensure continuity between the new Household Income and Living Survey (HILS), which replaced the Household Economic Survey (HES) in 2024,…
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State Highway 2 Closed Between Ōpōtiki and Matawai Due to Slip
State Highway 2 has been closed between Ōpōtiki and Matawai due to an earlier slip. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays while detours are in place.
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Man Faces Multiple Charges After Petrol Drive-Off Investigation Leads to Stolen Car Discovery
Police investigating a series of petrol drive-offs in east Auckland executed a search warrant at a Howick address, leading to an unexpected discovery. Upon arrival, officers observed a man attempting to flee the property, believed to be discarding evidence. The…
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Loaded Firearm Seized in Manukau Operation
Police in Manukau have taken a fully loaded firearm off the streets after observing a vehicle of interest yesterday afternoon. At approximately 5:40 PM, officers spotted the vehicle on Puhunui Road, and it subsequently fled but was not pursued. Using…
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Man Charged Over Whananaki Business Assault
Police have charged a man in connection with an assault on a business owner in Whananaki. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, January 11, shortly after 8pm, when the victim was allegedly assaulted by a patron. Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander, Inspector…
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Wellington City Council Issues New Resource Consents
Wellington City Council has announced the issuance and receipt of several resource consents. The period covered for these applications and issuances is from December 15, 2025, to January 11, 2026. The council provides links to PDF documents detailing the issued…
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New Zealand Dwelling and Household Estimates Released
National dwelling and household estimates for the December 2025 quarter have been released by Stats NZ. As of December 31, 2025, the estimated number of private dwellings stands at 2,141,200, with an estimated 2,057,500 households. These figures are vital for…
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Police Seek Information on Hutt Valley Aggravated Robberies
Police are appealing to the public for information following a spate of aggravated robberies in the Hutt Valley. The latest incident occurred around 1:30 am on Saturday, January 10, at a bar in King Street, Upper Hutt. Two individuals, brandishing…
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Police Respond to Serious Incident in Palmerston North
Police are responding to a serious incident in the Highbury suburb of Palmerston North, with a visible presence in the area. Officers were called to an address on Pioneer Highway at approximately 3:15 PM. Cordons have been put in place…
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Arrests Made Following Okaihau Aggravated Robbery
Police have arrested one person and are continuing inquiries following an aggravated robbery in Okaihau yesterday. The incident occurred around 2:30 PM when two individuals entered a superette on Settlers Way, took items, and presented a firearm at the store…
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New Zealand Labour Force Population Benchmarks Released
Stats NZ has released the household labour force survey estimated working-age population for the December 2025 quarter. These benchmarks are essential for producing upcoming labour market statistics. The data provides the foundation for understanding New Zealand's working-age population trends.