Emergency / Law Enforcement Foxton Shannon Road closed after fatal single-vehicle crash Police say one person died after a crash just before 4pm; the Serious Crash Unit is examining the scene and drivers are being told to avoid the area.
Emergency / Health Forty-three new EMTs graduate in Auckland as St John works to lift frontline capacity The Residential EMT programme, created during COVID-19, is now a core pipeline into ambulance care, with 43 new officers joining Auckland crews and nationwide vacancies still to fill.
Emergency / New Zealand Aviation code lowered to Yellow at Whakaari as steam-only activity continues; Alert Level stays at 2 Overflight confirms no ash emissions; lack of on-island sensors keeps the minimum Alert Level at 2 despite no current eruption.
Economics / Government Government loan clears way for Tukituki water project design work in Hawke’s Bay The Government has approved a loan of up to $18.13m to push the Tukituki water storage plan into detailed design, but any build will depend on the project stacking up.
New Zealand / Law Enforcement Amber Rose Young, 42, named as woman who died after e-scooter crash in Twizel Police have identified the Geraldine woman who died following a 28 February e-scooter crash; the case has been referred to the Coroner.
Law Enforcement / New Zealand Police seize 500g of meth and six firearms after central Christchurch stop A 58-year-old described by Police as a gang member has been remanded after officers found half a kilo of meth in his car and more drugs, cash and six guns at a home.
New Zealand / Law Enforcement Police renew appeal to find Rowena Walker, eight months after last confirmed sighting Detectives say the 39-year-old was last seen on 14 August on Bassett Street in Christchurch with an associate, with searches spanning Waikato, Tasman and Canterbury.
Law Enforcement / New Zealand Easter road toll revised to three, with two motorcyclists among the dead The updated total is lower than the previous two years, with fatal crashes in Tasman and Northland.
Health / Government Pharmac funds nivolumab–ipilimumab before melanoma surgery, aiming to cut treatment time and ease clinic pressure The new funding route opens from 1 May 2026 for resectable stage 3B–4 melanoma, with Pharmac expecting fewer post-op infusions and about 1,000 clinic hours saved each year.
Law Enforcement / New Zealand Four die on Easter roads; Police signal tougher enforcement ahead The holiday road toll stands at four, and Police say drivers should not expect warnings as they target speed, phones, impairment and seatbelts.
Emergency / Government FENZ to consult on station callout policy; union says change risks slower responses The Professional Firefighters Union says proposed limits on calling back off‑duty crews would thin cover when appliances are out, and is pushing for a wider inquiry into FENZ’s capability.
Law Enforcement / New Zealand Two Christchurch robberies minutes apart leave two workers in hospital; Police probe link Armed pair hit stores on Briggs Road and McBratneys Road about ten minutes apart, assaulting staff and fleeing in vehicles.
