Hon Matt Doocey, Associate Minister of Health · Original source
Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey has announced that Northland will get a Rural Training Hub to help grow the rural health workforce and improve access to healthcare in the region. It is the fourth hub to be rolled out nationally, following South Taranaki, Wairoa and the West Coast. The hub will support training across primary, community and hospital services, including clinical placements, training pathways and pastoral support for frontline health workers.
New Zealand Police · Original source
Police have seized assets valued at about $1.05 million, concluding a joint investigation with Immigration New Zealand into unlawful sex work by overseas nationals on temporary visas. Maristela De Souza and Michael James Sloan were sentenced in the High Court in 2024 for enabling Brazilian nationals to work as sex workers. The courts found they gained more than $1.2 million and ordered forfeiture of two residential properties, a boat, cash and vehicle sale proceeds.
Hon Shane Jones, Minister for Regional Development · Original source
The Waipaoa Flood Control Scheme has been completed, giving Gisborne City and 10,000 hectares of productive land greater protection from flooding, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Since 2019 about 64km of stopbanks along the Waipaoa River have been widened and raised to withstand a one-in-100-year flood. The $35.1 million project received $7.5 million in 2020 and $18.4 million in 2023 from the Crown, plus $9.2 million from Gisborne District Council.
Hon Shane Jones, Minister for Regional Development · Original source
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has announced a $20 million Regional Infrastructure Fund loan for Mātai Medical Research Institute in Gisborne. The $28.4 million project will build a three-storey Mātai Innovation Centre with primary healthcare research facilities, specialist clinics, a day procedure unit and education spaces. Construction is expected to create about 70 jobs and finish by April 2029, after which Mātai is expected to support more than 150 roles.
New Zealand Police · Original source
Rodney Fallowfield, also known as Rodney Smith, 58, has pleaded guilty in the High Court at Christchurch to two charges of murder and two wounding charges over a violent incident at an Olliviers Road address in Phillipstown on 10 October. Nigel Robinson, 51, and Glen Tukaki, 58, died in the attack and two other people were seriously injured. Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves says the pleas spare the families a lengthy trial. Fallowfield is due to be sentenced on 7 April 2027.
