Articles tagged with Police
Budget 2026 Invests $90M in Mandatory Training to Protect Children at Risk
2 weeks ago | 228 viewsBudget 2026 allocates $90 million to enhance child protection by funding mandatory training for 20,000 core children’s workers and boosting the capacity of Oranga Tamariki and Health NZ to respond to increased reports of harm. This investment supports the implementation of recommendations from Dame Karen Poutasi’s report, aiming to improve early risk identification, multi-agency collaboration, and system responsiveness. A phased rollout of training and capacity building will ensure manageable implementation and inform future resource decisions as the child protection system evolves.
Tags: Louise Upston Dame Karen Poutasi Oranga Tamariki Health NZ NZ Police Child Poverty Reduction Minister Royal Commission of Inquiry Whanaketia Budget 2026 Child Protection ProtocolNew Tauranga Mental Health Co-Response Team Enhances Crisis Support
3 weeks ago | 224 viewsTauranga has launched a new mental health co-response team combining Police and mental health workers to better support people in crisis, replacing the traditional criminal justice response to 111 calls. This initiative, part of a $28 million Budget 2025 investment, aims to reduce distress caused by Police-only responses and improve outcomes by providing specialized mental health support. The program builds on successful models like Wellington’s, addressing high regional demand and correcting previous funding cuts under the former government.
Tags: Matt Doocey Tauranga Mental Health Minister New Zealand Police Mental Health Act Bay of Plenty Wellington Labour Government National PartyBudget 2026 Allocates $44.9M to Modernize NZ Firearms System and Safety
3 weeks ago | 313 viewsAssociate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced a $44.9 million Budget 2026 allocation to implement the new Arms Act and establish Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand, an independent firearms regulator. This funding prevents a significant increase in firearms licence fees, promotes fair cost-sharing between licensed owners and taxpayers, and aims to improve public safety by maintaining a well-functioning licensing system. Additionally, the budget supports the creation of a Firearms Licensing Review Committee and modernizes firearms ICT systems to enhance efficiency and trust in the regulation process.
Tags: Nicole McKee Budget 2026 Arms Act Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand firearms regulator firearms licence fees firearms licensing system Firearms Licensing Review Committee Police ICT systemsBudget 2026: Targeted Support and Fuel Resilience Amid Global Crisis
3 weeks ago | 241 viewsThe Budget addresses the global fuel crisis with temporary, targeted support and provisions for further action if needed, including increased funding for frontline services, a $50 weekly boost to the In-Work Tax Credit, and $150 million for strategic fuel reserves. It also supports public transport, raises mileage rates for support workers, and sets aside a $450 million reserve for additional measures should conditions worsen. Emphasizing fiscal discipline, the Government aims to protect households and businesses while maintaining New Zealand’s financial resilience amid ongoing global uncertainties.
Tags: Nicola Willis Budget 2026 New Zealand fuel crisis Fire and Emergency Corrections Police Customs EducationNew Move-On Orders Give Police Power to Tackle Disorderly Public Behavior
1 month ago | 330 viewsLegislation granting Police the power to issue move-on orders to individuals displaying disorderly behaviour in public places has passed its first reading in Parliament, aiming to address disruptions in city centres. These orders target behaviours such as threatening conduct, obstructing business access, begging, and rough sleeping, requiring individuals to leave specified areas for up to 24 hours without criminalizing homelessness. The government emphasizes this measure is to restore safety and enjoyment in public spaces while maintaining support for those in need.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Police disorderly behaviour Parliament homelessness law and order public places city centres legislationWairoa Youth Receive $200K Funding to Boost Education and Employment Pathways
1 month ago | 234 viewsMore than 80 Wairoa youth will benefit from a $200,000 joint government and community-funded initiative led by the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust to support re-engagement with education and pathways to employment. The ‘Pathways 2 Potential’ programme offers tailored workshops on skills like financial literacy, employability, and social media awareness, alongside mentoring and community volunteering opportunities. This investment aims to improve school attendance, academic performance, and successful transitions between education levels, aligning with government priorities for youth development and education.
Tags: James Meager Katie Nimon Wairoa Young Achievers Trust Youth Minister New Zealand Police Eastern and Central Community Trust First Light Community Foundation Ministry of Youth Development Youth Development Partnership Youth Minister James MeagerCustoms Minister Casey Costello Visits Samoa and Fiji for Pacific Crime Summit
1 month ago | 285 viewsCustoms and Associate Police Minister Casey Costello is visiting Samoa and Fiji to fulfill her responsibilities and attend the Pacific Transnational Crime Summit Minister’s meeting. The summit, jointly hosted by Fiji and Australia, gathers over 15 Pacific Police Ministers to enhance regional cooperation against transnational crime. During her visit, Ms. Costello is meeting with Samoan officials and conducting operational visits to key security facilities in Samoa.
Tags: Casey Costello Masinalupe Leatuavao Makesi Pisi Samoa Fiji Pacific Transnational Crime Summit Customs Associate Police Minister Pacific Police Ministers New Zealand Apia PortNew Legislation Empowers Police with Move-On Orders to Tackle Disorderly Behaviour
1 month ago | 335 viewsThe Government has introduced legislation granting Police the power to issue move-on orders to address disorderly behaviour in public places, aiming to improve safety in central cities. These orders target disruptive actions such as threatening behaviour, obstructing access to businesses, begging, and rough sleeping, requiring individuals aged 14 or older to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours. The move-on orders are not criminal charges themselves, but breaching them can lead to prosecution, with the goal of reclaiming public spaces for residents, workers, and visitors.
Tags: Police disorderly behaviour legislation Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith public places law and order prosecution begging rough sleeping$11.9M Reinvested to Combat Meth and Gang Harm in NZ Communities
1 month ago | 321 viewsNew Zealand's government will reinvest $11.9 million seized from criminals into the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) programme to combat methamphetamine and gang-related harm. ROCC collaborates with police and community groups across seven regions to prevent gang recruitment, support offenders, and aid communities affected by drug and gang activity through practical initiatives with measurable outcomes. This funding, sourced from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, underscores the government's commitment to reducing organized crime and its impact on vulnerable populations without relying solely on enforcement.
Tags: Nicole McKee Casey Costello ROCC Proceeds of Crime Fund New Zealand methamphetamine gangs organised crime Police WELLfedAll Young People Safely Descend from Korowai Manaaki Rooftop After Incident
2 months ago | 475 viewsAll young people who accessed the rooftop of the Korowai Manaaki residence have safely come down due to the dedicated efforts of on-site staff. Minister for Children Karen Chhour praised the multi-agency collaboration between Oranga Tamariki, Police, and Fire and Emergency for their professional and effective response. She expressed relief that public safety was maintained and commended the facility and responders for their excellent handling of the situation.
Tags: Korowai Manaaki Oranga Tamariki Police Fire and Emergency Karen Chhour Minister for Children young people rooftop incident public safetyNew Taupō Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre Boosts Road Safety on NZ Freight Routes
3 months ago | 706 viewsA new commercial vehicle safety centre has opened in Taupō to enhance road safety by monitoring heavy vehicles on busy freight routes using advanced technology like in-road scales and number plate recognition. This centre is part of a $200 million national network of 12 upgraded and new safety centres aimed at targeting high-risk operators, reducing serious crashes, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Once completed, these centres will cover 46% of the heavy vehicle network, allowing NZ Police and NZTA to efficiently address unsafe driving practices and improve overall road safety.
Tags: Chris Bishop NZ Transport Agency NZ Police Taupō Commercial Vehicle Safety Centres SH1 SH5 Bombay CVSC heavy vehicles road safetyGovernment Introduces Bill to Strengthen Police Powers on Surveillance and Area Closures
3 months ago | 503 viewsThe Government has introduced a Bill to amend the Policing Act 2008, reaffirming Police's ability to record images and sounds in public and some private places for lawful purposes, addressing constraints from a recent Supreme Court decision. The Bill also expands Police's temporary area closure powers to include parks, reserves, beaches, and carparks, allowing them to manage non-compliance more effectively. These changes aim to strengthen Police capabilities in crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and enforcing law and order, ultimately enhancing public safety.
Tags: Mark Mitchell Chris Bishop Policing Act 2008 Police Supreme Court Tamiefuna case Antisocial Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill Government Law and Order temporary road closure powersViolent Crime Drops by 49,000 in NZ with Increased Police Patrols and Reforms
3 months ago | 744 viewsSince the Government was elected, a tough on crime approach and nearly doubling police foot patrols have led to 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime in New Zealand by October 2025. Key reforms include tougher sentencing, enhanced police powers, and coordinated efforts to reduce youth reoffending, resulting in significant drops in serious youth offenses and ram raids. Despite this progress, the Government remains committed to further law and order improvements, including new legislation to address disorderly behavior and strengthen trespass laws.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Mark Mitchell Karen Chhour New Zealand violent crime Police Oranga Tamariki Crimes Amendment Bill Three Strikes youth offendingNew Zealand Government Empowers Police with Move-On Orders to Curb Public Disorder
4 months ago | 609 viewsThe New Zealand Government is amending the Summary Offences Act to grant police the power to issue move-on orders to individuals exhibiting disorderly or disruptive behavior, obstructing access to businesses, begging, or rough sleeping in public places. These orders will require individuals aged 14 or older to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours and move a reasonable distance away, aiming to enhance public safety and reduce disturbances in city centers. Police will assess each situation individually and collaborate with social and housing services to provide support where necessary.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Mark Mitchell New Zealand Government police powers Summary Offences Act public safety disorderly behaviour law and order police enforcementNew Police Move-On Powers Boost Safety in Auckland City Centre
4 months ago | 612 viewsThe Government has introduced new move-on powers for Police as part of its Auckland city centre action plan to address antisocial behaviour and enhance safety, making the CBD a welcoming place for residents, workers, and visitors. Progress includes housing 146 people through the Housing First initiative, a significant drop in crime victimisations, improved police presence, and infrastructure upgrades like better lighting and cameras. With major developments like the International Convention Centre and City Rail Link underway, the Government emphasizes a balanced approach of support and accountability to ensure Auckland’s city centre remains safe and vibrant.
Tags: Simeon Brown Auckland Police Housing First Auckland Council City Rail Link International Convention Centre Government CBD Tourism